Author: EVAI

The electric vehicle space is quickly moving out of the “expensive spaceship” paradigm as battery-powered cars become more common and more affordable. But the updated 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 proves that not every spaceship needs to be expensive—and this electric sedan certainly looks like one. 

The folks at the Korean automotive YouTube channel HealerTV caught one of the first videos of the new Ioniq 6 in the wild in its native country (along with some cameos from the Hyundai Ioniq 9.) The new electric sedan is definitely going to be a head-turner, perhaps in a way we haven’t seen since the Lucid Air first hit the streets. 

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While the video is fairly short, it shows three Ioniq 6s—black and white versions of the new car, plus the older model—out for a cruise. Here, you can really see the difference between the two models. The old double-deck spoiler, of which I was a fan, won’t be missed. But what’s most striking is the front end of the new Ioniq 6: it aggressively curves downward and has a pair of headlights and integrated turn signals so discreet you almost don’t even notice them when they’re off.

As we’ve reported before, the new Ioniq 6 made its public debut at the Seoul Mobility Show earlier this month. Right now, the design is about all we know; the other specs remain largely unknown. We expect that the Ioniq 6 could get the new, larger 63 kWh and 84 kWh batteries we’ve seen go into the latest generation of Hyundai Motor Group EVs. That could take it from being a 342-mile EV in current form to perhaps even closer to 400 miles, in single-motor form with the largest battery. 

At the same time, the Ioniq 6 wasn’t an especially strong seller in the U.S., despite critical acclaim. SUVs reign supreme here and as a four-door sedan, it couldn’t put up numbers like the Ioniq 5 and the rest can. But if the price stays reasonable and the new one adds these updates and all this visual drama, perhaps it could do much better.

Are you excited for the new Ioniq 6? Let us know in the comments.

Contact the author: patrick.george@insideevs.com

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I have always really liked the Hyundai Ioniq 6. But I also completely understand why it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. After all, we live in a world where bland-looking crossover SUVs—usually in white, black or gray—rule the day, and the Ioniq 6 is a sedan that leans into the avant-garde. 

That’s why I’m thrilled that Hyundai didn’t tone down the looks of the Ioniq 6 for a 2026 model year update. In fact, it’s as out-there with its styling as it’s ever been. But now the approach to its design is more cohesive than before, more in line with Hyundai’s other designs and somehow even more striking. 

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The good folks at TLFEV made it over to the Seoul Mobility Show for a video first look at the new 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 (I’m jealous, I love Seoul and highly recommend a visit if you ever get the chance). I liked it when I saw it in still photos, but I’m even more sold on it now. 

The front end is now less awkward than before, more raked and wider overall. I love those ultra-thin LED headlamps upfront, while the angular grille manages to be quite subtle too. And let’s be real: the biggest improvement is the deletion of that double-deck wing on the back for a far more low-key duckbill spoiler. It now gives classic Porsche 911 vibes, and who’s going to argue with that? 

This is a Korean-market model and mostly a design refresh, host Tommy Mica tells us. The automaker has not yet announced any powertrain changes. We anticipate that it could get the new, larger 63 kWh and 84 kWh batteries that have been going into several updated Hyundai and Kia EV models as of late.

Right now the Ioniq 6 gets either a 53.0 kWh battery or a 77.4 kWh battery, and it’s good for up to 361 miles of EPA-rated range in SE Long Range RWD form. That already makes it one of the longest-driving EVs in our market, period, and especially at its price range. So if the Ioniq 6 gets an 84 kWh battery and aerodynamic improvements from its new body, it could be a 400-mile EV, or close to that. Sounds great to me. 

Even spicier on the 2026 Ioniq 6 is the new N-Line model, the designation Hyundai gives to its more sporting cars (that slot below the full-bore N models like the Ioniq 5 N.) But this sedan clearly copies that high-performance SUV’s homework, including with a steering wheel that features aggressive paddles. I bet those do more than just adjust regenerative braking—perhaps the Ioniq 6 will get simulated gear shifts too? We’ll soon see.

Again, I liked the Ioniq 6 before, and if I could find a decent deal on one I’d add it to my garage even now. But this all represents a big improvement to one of the best modern EVs around—albeit one that hasn’t really found a wider audience in America, unfortunately. It’s unclear if this model will make it to our shores with these upgrades, as it’s built in Korea and now subject to import tariffs, but I hope it does. Maybe they can find room at the Metaplant. 

What do you think of the updated Ioniq 6? Let us know in the comments. 

Contact the author: patrick.george@insideevs.com

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