Here are the expected changes

South Korean business outlet ETNews has learned that the Hyundai Motor Company will launch an updated version of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 in May 2025. This will be the electric sedan’s first intervention since the vehicle’s debut in July 2022.

In this article, we’ll discuss the reported information, the planned updates, and our expectations from the refresh which could be launched in the U.S. for MY2026. I’ve reviewed the Ioniq 6 in both the dual-tone Long Range AWD and the top-end Limited grades, and my suggestions for areas of improvement are also mixed into the analysis.

Design

ETNews doesn’t offer specifics on the planned upgrades, but it says that the Ioniq 6 will feature improvements in both interior and exterior design, as well as an increased battery capacity.

Hyundai has referred to the Ioniq 6 as the “electrified streamliner” in their press releases, emphasizing its aerodynamic design and its connection to the classic streamliner look. This focus on aerodynamics is expected to remain unchanged with the facelift, as adding squared-off bumpers or boxier fenders would clash with the raked pillars and curvy roofline.

Our rendering maintains the sleek and aerodynamic shape of the Ioniq 6. Drawing inspiration from the facelifted Ioniq 5, we’ve added refined front bumpers and sportier wheels. We’ve deleted the ‘parametric pixels’ from the headlamps in favor of more traditional LED light guides that flow with the rest of the design. The headlamps have been reshaped into a teardrop form, complementing the car’s look.

I’m fairly certain that Hyundai won’t experiment with an off-road themed XRT model for the Ioniq 6, but an N-Line variant, with sporty interior and exterior flourishes, positioned between the SEL and Limited trims, is one that designers in Namyang should be proposing.

Interior

Going by the updates received by the Ioniq 5 facelift, we foresee the new Ioniq 6 having major improvements in the cabin.

The first noticeable change should be a new three-spoke steering wheel, replacing the two-spoke design. The HVAC panel is also on course to be revised, with a new single-panel design with a ‘Sync’ button, and individual physical controls for the front passengers.

I feel that the biggest change would come in the form of a revised digital display, with the Ioniq 6 upgrading to the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system with OTA capability. It is expected to offer about 30 inches of display area and run upgraded software, introducing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

I’m also expecting Hyundai to redesign the center console and include a visible USB-C port, as well as physical buttons for the seat and steering wheel heaters. During my time with the Ioniq 6, I felt that the wireless charger could be designed better to hold the phone in place more securely.

Where I don’t see changes is in the rear, at least not significant ones, as that would require Hyundai to redesign the roof or the floor. Looking ahead, one of the key areas for the next-gen Ioniq 6 is to improve rear seat comfort and space.

Specifications

The current Ioniq 6, with a 77.4 kWh battery, offers a driving range of 361 miles (EPA-est.) in the Long Range RWD version. As per ETNews, the new model is expected to feature an 84 kWh battery, which could potentially extend the range to more than 380 miles.

I don’t see many complaints about the range of the Ioniq 6, but would any buyer say no to a 5 percent improvement across the variants? The battery upgrade for the Ioniq 6 facelift, already introduced in the Ioniq 5 N and the refreshed Ioniq 5 in South Korea, offers increased energy density. This fourth-generation battery has an energy density of 670 Wh/L, representing an 8.4 percent improvement. This enhancement is achieved through new high-capacity materials and optimized battery cell design and process.

Hyundai has designed new shock absorbers for the Ioniq 5 facelift, incorporating reinforcements for stability and agility, increased stiffness, and additional sound insulation. While the exact same updates may not apply, the general direction of reducing NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) would be beneficial for the Ioniq 6 facelift as well.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

ETNews adds that Hyundai will also introduce its high-performance variant, the Ioniq 6 N, in September 2025. This model, with around 650 hp, is expected to surpass the performance of the Ioniq 5 N, and will serve as a flagship model, showcasing Hyundai’s advanced technology and performance capabilities. We’ve discussed the changes and our expectations from the Ioniq 6 N (having received a demo of the RN22e) in a separate article.

Production

The new Ioniq 6, for global sales, will continue being produced at Hyundai’s Asan plant in South Korea. The company has set an annual production target of 66,000 units, which includes 6,000 units of the high-performance Hyundai Ioniq 6 N, adds ETNews.

The South Korean publication has learned that Hyundai plans to start production of the first prototype of the new Ioniq 6 in June 2024. The development of the mass-production model is expected to be completed by February 2025, with production commencing in May 2025. The European-spec model will enter production in August 2025, followed by the North American-spec model in November 2025, outlines the report.

Since this report appeared, Hyundai’s COO has confirmed that the North American models, starting with the Ioniq 5, will be locally assembled at the Hyundai Motor Group Electric Vehicle New Plant (HMGMA) in Georgia, USA, to take full advantage of subsidies. Production of the electric crossover begins this fall, and it is likely that the company would also be exploring local production of the electric sedan.

Price & Release Date

Gleaning from the ETNews report, the refreshed model should be introduced in the U.S. as the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 and reach dealers in late 2025 or early 2026. Prices for the standard models will remain more or less at the same levels, ranging between USD 38,000 to USD 51,000. Local assembly would qualify the Ioniq 6 for federal credits of up to USD 7,500, which I’m fairly sure Hyundai’s local office is planning for, following the Ioniq 5.

As for the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N, I’m expecting it to be priced at around $68,000, positioned above the Ioniq 5 N, as Hyundai’s quickest car.

Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s illustration of the new Hyundai Ioniq 6.