Update: All sections revised, and new renders added.
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 should 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
Hyundai has referred to the Ioniq 6 as the “electrified streamliner” in its press releases, emphasizing its aerodynamic design and its connection to the classic streamliner look. This focus on aerodynamics is expected to remain mostly unchanged with the facelift, but it will take on a bold new look.
As seen in our renderings, which were constructed after studying recent spy photos, the hood is slightly more squared, differing from the current model’s design that contours around the one-piece headlight units.
This new lighting design sees the daytime running lights (DRLs) move below the hood line, with the main headlamps situated beneath, similar to the Kona EV. We’re also expecting the bumpers to be slightly more aggressive, similar to the Hyundai’s gas-powered sedans like the Sonata and Elantra. At the rear, we expect the LED taillights to be refreshed, and the bumper to feature minor changes to align with the rest of the car. Besides new wheel options, we don’t see other body changes.
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. Hyundai has added Head-Up Display to the MY2025 Ioniq 6 Limited, and this should carry forward to the facelift.
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 better designed 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
Battery & Range
The 2024 Ioniq 6, with its 77.4 kWh battery, offers a driving range of 342 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 EPA range to about 360 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 2025 Ioniq 5, 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.
Charging
As for charging, expect 10-80% (DC fast charging, 250 kW) to complete in 20 min. AC Level 2 charging (Wallbox at home) should take about 7.5 hours. The MY2026 Ioniq 6 is also expected to feature a native NACS port, which should be capable of charging the battery (10-80%) in 30 minutes.
NVH & Comfort
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 development of the mass-production model is expected to be completed by February 2025, with production commencing in May 2025. The European-spec new Ioniq 6 will enter production in August 2025, followed by the North American-spec model in November 2025, outlines the report.
Since this report appeared, Hyundai has confirmed that the North American models, starting with the 2025 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. Roll out of the electric crossover begins this fall, and it is likely that the company will also explore local production of the electric sedan in 2025.
Price & Release Date
The refreshed Ioniq 6 should be introduced in the U.S. as the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 and reach dealers in late 2025. Prices are expected to go up marginally, ranging between USD 39,000 and USD 53,000. As for the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N, I’m expecting it to be priced at around USD 68,000, positioned above the Ioniq 5 N, as Hyundai’s quickest car.
Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s illustration of the new Hyundai Ioniq 6.
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.
