Hyundai is gearing up to make a splash in the electric vehicle market with the upcoming debut of a new electric crossover SUV, likely to be named the Hyundai IONIQ 2. Positioned below the Kona Electric, this new addition to Hyundai’s entry-level EV lineup is set to shake things up in the industry.
The President and CEO of Hyundai Europe, Xavier Martinet, has confirmed that the new electric vehicle will be unveiled in the next few months and is slated to hit the market in mid-2026. Built in Europe, this electric crossover is expected to share the same E-GMP platform as other IONIQ and Kia EV models, such as the EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, and EV9.
Similar to the Kia EV2, the Hyundai IONIQ 2 is likely to offer two battery pack options – a 58.3 kWh and an 81.4 kWh variant. The smaller battery pack is estimated to provide a WLTP range of 267 miles, while the larger one can achieve up to 372 miles. All trims are powered by a single electric motor at the front, delivering 201 hp and 209 lb-ft of torque.
Despite sharing the same foundation as the EV2, Hyundai’s new entry-level EV will feature an advanced software and infotainment system. Reports suggest that the interior will introduce a significant improvement in usability and features, with ambient lighting and adaptive sounds based on the drive mode.
The new electric crossover is expected to showcase Hyundai’s innovative Pleos software and infotainment system. As a comprehensive software platform, Pleos connects various components like the infotainment system, Vehicle Operating System, and the cloud. Pleos is set to power Hyundai’s upcoming software-defined vehicles, offering features like autonomous driving and real-time data analysis.
With an expected starting price of around €30,000 ($35,400), the Hyundai IONIQ 2 will fill the gap between the Inster and Kona Electric in Hyundai’s lineup. The company has hinted at launching the first EV with its next-gen infotainment system in Q2 2026, with a possible reveal at IAA Mobility in September. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in the world of electric vehicles.
