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Hyundai's Tesla Model 3 rival has been reworked with its mid-life update following mixed reception to the original's styling, accompanied by new N Line and N models.
Hyundai has addressed criticism of the styling of its Ioniq 6 electric sedan with a comprehensive mid-life 'facelift' due in Australia in the second half of this year.
In the meantime, Hyundai has recently offered discounts on the current Ioniq 6 of up to $20,000 to help clear stock dating back to 2023, after a 40 per cent sales decline last year.
The 2026 Ioniq 6 leaves its body structure unchanged – referred to as a 'streamliner', intended to minimise drag and boost driving range – but adds restyled front and rear ends for a "more refined" look.
Interior technology has been updated with Hyundai's latest infotainment software, while there is an N Line variant on offer for the first time.
Due to be revealed this July – and likely for Australia next year – is the flagship Ioniq 6 N, expected to push performance beyond that of the current 478kW dual-motor Ioniq 5 N.
Prices for Australia are due to be announced closer to launch, but it's expected single- and dual-motor models will remain.
Styling changes for the facelifted Ioniq 6 focus on the front fascia, with a higher bonnet, more angular bumper, and LED headlights that are now split, the daytime-running lights set high and the main beams placed lower down.
The black finish on the side skirts has been extended up onto the doors, while at the rear – of which no clear photos have been released – the upper 'whale tail' spoiler has been deleted, and the lower 'ducktail' lip has been made larger to compensate.
There's also a new rear bumper with chrome accents, and restyled wheel designs.
Unique to the N Line are sportier front and rear bumpers inspired by 2022's RN22e concept, 'single-line' sports side skirts, a different wheel design, black highlights at the rear, and a "two-dimensional Parametric Pixel lamp design".
Inside, changes include a new steering wheel with four LED lights in its hub, a larger climate-control touch display, and a "refined" centre console with physical buttons for heated seats and a repositioned wireless phone charger.
There are also "enhanced door trim materials for a more premium feel", according to Hyundai.
Among the key changes is the addition of Hyundai's more recent ccNC infotainment software – running on carry-over dual 12.3-inch screens – expected to unlock wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Yet to be detailed by Hyundai are any mechanical changes, but it is likely the Ioniq 6 will inherit the larger 84kWh Extended Range battery of the recently-facelifted Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, up from 77.4kWh.
Given it helped boost the Ioniq 5's driving range by up to 12 per cent with rear-wheel drive – from 507km to 570km – it could push the most energy-efficient Ioniq 6 from 614km to 690km in European WLTP testing.
It's unclear if the Ioniq 6 will gain the Ioniq 5's 63kWh Standard Range battery, given the outgoing sedan's entry-level 53kWh pack was smaller than its equivalent in the pre-facelift Ioniq 5 (58kWh).
Electric motor outputs are expected to remain unchanged, if the Ioniq 5 is a guide.
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is due in Australian showrooms in the second half of this year, pending any delays.
Hyundai has confirmed plans for a high-performance Ioniq 6 N (below, in the background) – following much speculation and spy photos of prototypes overseas – which is expected to reach Australia next year.
VFACTS industry data reports 374 Ioniq 6 sedans as sold last year, down 40 per cent on the 623 listed in its first year of deliveries, 2023.
About 18 months ago, Hyundai Australia set a target of 2000 deliveries of Ioniq-badged electric vehicles in 2023, doubling to 4000 in 2024, and 8000 in 2025.
However, it only recorded 1570 deliveries in 2023, and 1307 in 2024 – in a market that saw sales of non-Tesla electric cars grow by 29 per cent last year.
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
