The Hyundai brand has committed to providing buyers with different sizes of fast-charging EVs that are well equipped, interestingly styled and — most importantly — affordable.
Hyundai also is focused on “eco-friendly” options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants that will bridge the market’s transition to full electrification while lowering emissions across the lineup. Having a wider menu of options lets consumers dabble in alternative fuel and gives them a chance to save money amid gasoline price uncertainties.
Hyundai launched its first dedicated EV this year, the Ioniq 5, a compact crossover built on its E-GMP platform that enables ultrafast charging capability and reliable range. Along with other product offerings, such as the recently freshened three-row Palisade, the Tucson compact crossover and the Elantra midsize sedan, the Ioniq 5 has helped boost Hyundai’s market share this year.
Next up for Hyundai EVs is the Ioniq 6, a fast-back midsize sedan targeted at young, tech-savvy professionals. The Ioniq 7 three-row crossover is also in the queue, which will address the challenge for large families wanting an EV big enough to fit kids and all their things.
To sharpen the focus on the Ioniq sub-brand and its crossovers, Hyundai made some notable cuts to its portfolio. The original Ioniq hybrid and plug-in hybrid are out, as are the Accent subcompact sedan and the Veloster N.
The brand’s measured approach and investment in multi-energy platforms could pay off later in this decade when it becomes clear what American consumers will and will not adopt.
Ioniq 7: The automaker has said the Ioniq 7 will come to market in 2024, but the timeline could stretch to mid-2025. Hyundai’s third dedicated EV will be based on the Seven concept it previewed at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show. The three-row crossover will offer a Palisade-esque package to buyers that want an EV with space to cart kids and cargo.
It’s likely that the Ioniq 7 will ditch the usual boxy SUV silhouette in favor of a streamlined roofline and more aerodynamic hood. The crossover will be built on the E-GMP platform and offer ultrafast charging. Hyundai says it will have more than 300 miles of range, a lounge-like interior and innovative safety and convenience technology.
Ioniq 5: The first dedicated electric offering from Hyundai went on sale in the spring as a 2022 model. The compact crossover replaced the now discontinued Ioniq EV in the lineup. Availability is limited to 39 states where dealerships are equipped to sell the EV, but Hyundai says the list is growing. The model is built on the E-GMP platform and offers ultrafast 800-volt charging as well as vehicle-to-load capability.
Its four trims — SE Standard Range, SE, SEL and Limited — all come configured in rear-wheel drive. The base SE Standard uses a 58-kilowatt-hour battery and delivers 168 hp and 220 miles of range. For 2023, the range of awd models increases from 256 to 266 miles and the tow rating for SE, SEL and Premium increases to 2,300 pounds from 1,650.
Expect a freshen in 2025 and a redesign in 2027.
Ioniq 3: Hyundai’s fourth dedicated electric vehicle, the Ioniq 3 subcompact crossover, is expected in mid-2026, and could replace the Venue as the brand’s gateway vehicle.
Ioniq 6: The Ioniq 6 electric sedan will be Hyundai’s second dedicated EV when it debuts as a 2024 model. It’s built on the E-GMP architecture and has sleek “streamliner” styling that’s both upscale and aerodynamic.
Hyundai will announce U.S. specs for the Ioniq 6 in November, but it has already revealed that in Korea and certain European markets it will be a standard rear-wheel-drive-only vehicle with a 53-kilowatt-hour battery, as well as a longer-range 77.4-kWh battery that can also be configured with all-wheel drive. It’s ultrafast 800-volt charging will be able to recoup 80 percent of the battery’s capacity in 18 minutes.
Production for North America will begin in January with sales starting in the first quarter of 2023. Though it’s being built in Korea, it would likely be one of the six EVs planned for assembly at Hyundai’s forthcoming factory near Savannah, Ga.
Nexo: The hydrogen fuel cell electric compact crossover debuted as a 2019 model and is still in its first generation. It carries over to 2023 unchanged. While it is a global vehicle, in the U.S. it’s sold only in California where there is a small hydrogen infrastructure. The Nexo Blue trim offers 380 miles of range.
Hyundai will likely continue its investment in the Nexo with a new generation in late 2024. A freshen is expected in 2027.
Santa Cruz: The front-wheel-drive, unibody compact pickup debuted for the 2022 model year and is based on the Tucson compact crossover. Its base model is powered by a 191-hp four-cylinder engine, while the SEL Premium and Limited versions get a 281-hp turbocharged version of the same engine. All-wheel drive is optional.
The Santa Cruz carries over mostly unchanged for 2023. All trims get expanded safety features and a new Night trim joins the lineup. Details and pricing for the Night model are forthcoming.
A freshen is expected in mid-2024.
Palisade: The three-row kid hauler debuted for the 2020 model year, replacing the Santa Fe XL in the lineup. It shares the Kia Telluride’s 3.8-liter V-6 and offers 291 hp and 262 pound-feet of torque.
For 2023, the Palisade gets a freshen that includes an exterior face-lift with a sportier grille, headlights and wheel designs, reconfigured interior with higher-quality materials and tech enhancements as well as expanded safety features and a new more aggressively styled XRT trim. All-wheel-drive models now get a Tow function alongside the Normal, Sport and Smart modes.
The 2023 Palisade went on sale in July. A redesign is expected in the first half of 2025, likely designated as a 2026 model. A hybrid powertrain or a turbo four-cylinder option could be offered.
Santa Fe: The fourth generation of the midsize crossover debuted for the 2019 model year, and a freshen for 2021 added a hybrid and plug-in hybrid model to the lineup as well as a top-shelf Calligraphy trim. For 2022, Hyundai slotted the XRT trim into the middle of the lineup (gasoline variants only), which offers more rugged styling elements such as a black grille, skid plates, side steps and 18-inch dark alloy wheels.
For 2023, the fourth generation of the midsize Santa Fe crossover carries over but for a few safety and convenience tech upgrades on lower trims. A redesign is expected in 2024.
Tucson: The fourth generation of Hyundai’s top-selling compact crossover was redesigned for the 2022 model with sportier looks, larger dimensions, a hybrid and plug-in hybrid option, an N Line appearance package and a rugged XRT to match the Santa Fe. Overall styling changes lean sportier on the new model.
For 2023, the new Tucson carries over with some shifting of equipment on some trim levels. A freshen is expected in 2024.
Venue: The Venue is Hyundai’s smallest crossover and will replace the Accent as Hyundai’s entry vehicle when sales of that subcompact sedan end next year. The Venue debuted in 2020 and carries over unchanged for the 2023 model. A freshen is expected in early 2023. But the future is uncertain for the Venue beyond 2026 because its place in the lineup could go to the Ioniq 3 electric subcompact crossover. The Venue’s fate hinges on whether EVs are adopted in mass volume by U.S. consumers.
Kona: Hyundai’s other pint-size crossover, which offers three gasoline variations and an electric model, is on tap for a redesign for its second generation in the second half of 2023. That follows the significant freshen it received for the 2022 model, which sharpened its looks and added a performance-oriented N variant powered by a 276-hp turbo 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder. It’s likely the Kona Electric will continue into the model’s second generation.
Sonata: The eighth-generation midsize sedan, which offers a gasoline and hybrid variant, launched in the 2020 model year with significant styling changes. For 2023, all versions of the Sonata carry over. The car is expected to get a freshen in 2025, but it’s possible that the current generation will be its last.
Elantra: The compact sedan was redesigned for the 2021 model year with a longer wheelbase, wider stance and lower roofline, as well as a hybrid powertrain and a 201-hp N Line model. A track-ready, 286-hp N variant joined for 2022. For 2023, the Elantra carries over primarily unchanged, but for a few tweaks, including the discontinuation of the manual transmission option on the N Line. A redesign for Elantra is expected in the second half of 2025.