HYUNDAI IONIQ 3 PROTOTYPE SPIED UP-CLOSE AT A CHARGING STATION

With the new Nissan Leaf already on sale and the updated Chevy Bolt on its heels, Hyundai could use a fresh entry-level EV to combat them. Fortunately, it has the Ioniq 3 in the works, and our latest spy shots suggest it's basically ready for its official reveal. They show prototypes with extremely thin camouflage from oodles of angles, and it looks production-ready and similar to the concept that preceded it.

Surprisingly Small Wheels And Tires Will Be Available

These shots feature a few different Ioniq 3 prototypes during winter testing, and our photographer got detailed photos of one wheel/tire combo. In a world of cars frequently sporting 19- and 20-in. wheels, we were slightly shocked to see one of these prototypes sitting on wheels that were just 16 inches in diameter.

The tires were fairly narrow, just a 205, which is something we'd expect on a small car 10 years ago. One of the other cars definitely was sitting on larger wheels, but still seemed to have a decent amount of sidewall.

The smaller wheels and tires are likely good for range, though, and the sidewall is certainly good for the ride. Many EVs suffer reduced range when fitted with larger and heavier wheels with increased rolling resistance. Also, if those small wheels and tires are fitted to a particularly affordable, small-battery variant, every extra bit of range will be needed.

It Looks Like A Slab-Sided Version Of The Concept

In many ways, these Ioniq 3 prototypes are faithful to the concept. They have the same basic silhouette with a fastback roof, curvy nose, and short tail. In fact, both it and the concept have some strong Veloster cues, particularly with the up-swept rear window line. However, the prototypes lack the pumped-up fenders and narrow middle of the concept. The result is a car that looks boxier along the flanks.

It also lacks the extra vents and prominent spoiler. It also looks taller, with much of that height going to the upper half. The good news is that it should have better visibility than the concept would. It may also be more practical and attractive to crossover and SUV buyers.

Some of the up-close photos we have give us a better idea of the Ioniq 3's details. We can see the power grille slats at the front, which are even hinted at in the concept. These open and close based on cooling and aerodynamic needs. The daytime running lights will be a wide bar across the nose with square-shaped "pixel" elements much like those on the Ioniq 9. Main headlight elements seem to be located below that bar. The rear taillights are similar, and the reverse lights seem to be two small "pixels" in the middle of the hatchback.

We Will See It By The End Of The Year

As we've previously reported, the Ioniq 3 is supposed to go on sale in the third quarter of this year. So with that in mind, and the completeness of these prototypes, it seems like we should see an official review in the next few months. Hyundai hasn't announced whether it will come to the U.S., and the recent indefinite postponement of the Kia EV4 for the U.S. bodes poorly for this presumably affordable EV. It also doesn't help that it won't be built in the U.S. (it will be built in Turkey), so it will likely be subject to profit-eating tariffs.

2026-02-07T03:24:45Z