Hyundai revealed the updated Ioniq 6 and showcased a new N Line variant at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show last month. While the core silhouette remains the same, the facelift brings several changes in design, cabin quality, and technology.
Hyundai hasn’t revealed all the details on the updated Ioniq 6, but based on the upgrades E-GMP models have received, it’s not hard to guess what will change under the skin. Having spent considerable time around the current Ioniq 6, here are the top 10 updates that have either been confirmed or are expected in the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6:
1. Sharper Design
The new Ioniq 6 features a more sculpted and consistent look. The hood line now begins higher and stretches forward in a shark-nose profile. A revised black lower garnish flows into the side doors, giving the body a slimmer, more unified appearance.
2. Refined Rear Styling
Hyundai has removed the large rear spoiler from the previous model. In its place is a sleeker, extended ducktail spoiler that helps maintain aerodynamic performance while creating a smoother tail-end.
3. New Lighting
The front adopts separate slim DRLs and main lamps for a cleaner, more high-tech look. The rear continues this theme with horizontal graphics and chrome bumper accents, contributing to a wider and more planted stance.
4. New Steering Wheel & HVAC Panel
The updated cabin retains the ‘Mindful Cocoon’ theme but now features parts familiar from the Ioniq 5 facelift. It gets redesigned three-spoke steering wheel, and a bigger climate control display for ease of use.
5. Revised Center Console
6. N Line Variant
The Ioniq 6 N Line brings a bolder and more aggressive design, drawing from the RN22e concept. Wing-style bumpers, dark rear accents, sharper side sills, and parametric pixel lamps deliver a sportier stance. This is the first time Hyundai has extended its N Line treatment to the Ioniq 6.
7. Larger 84 kWh Battery
The facelifted Ioniq 6 is expected to receive the new 84 kWh fourth-gen battery, already seen in the 2025 Ioniq 5. This battery offers an 8.4% improvement in energy density (670 Wh/L), made possible by new high-capacity materials and optimized cell design. As a result, customers can expect around a 5% increase in real-world range.
8. Improved Driving Range
The current Ioniq 6 Long Range RWD is EPA-rated at 342 miles. With the 84 kWh pack, this could rise to approximately 360 miles. While the existing range is already competitive, the upgrade would help the car’s range performance in winter.
9. Similar Fast Charging
Despite the higher capacity battery, expect only a minor increase in charging times. At a 350 kW DC charger, the Ioniq 6 should support 10-80% charging in about 20 minutes. AC Level 2 home charging should take roughly 7.5 hours.
10. Native NACS Port
The 2026 model year could bring a native NACS (North American Charging Standard) port. The 2025 Ioniq 5 became the first Hyundai late last year to sport this feature, enabling wider charging network compatibility. Using NACS, the 10-80% top-up could take around 30 minutes.
Featured image: Hyundai Kia PR Center
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
