Hyundai is preparing to make a big change. In the upcoming months, a new electric crossover SUV is anticipated to make its debut, most likely the Hyundai IONIQ 2. As Hyundai grows its selection of entry-level EVs, it will be positioned beneath the Kona Electric.
Hyundai is getting set to offer a new entry-level EV in Europe after launching the Inster late last year.
The new EV will be unveiled “in the next few months”, according to Hyundai Europe President and CEO Xavier Martinet. It is expected to be on sale in the middle of 2026 after being constructed in Europe.
The Kia EV2, which is anticipated to debut just ahead of Hyundai’s new electric crossover next year, is predicted to be a twin of the Hyundai model.
The same E-GMP platform that powers all IONIQ and Kia EV cars (EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, and EV9) will serve as its foundation.
It will probably come with a choice between a 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh battery pack, just like the Kia EV3. While the latter has a rated range of up to 372 miles, the former has a WLTP range of 267 miles. A single front-mounted electric motor that generates 201 horsepower and 209 lb-ft of torque powers all trim levels.
Despite possibly having similar foundations to the EV2, Hyundai’s next entry-level EV will have a sophisticated entertainment system and fresh software.
According to reports, the inside will be a “step change” in terms of features and usefulness. New features like ambient lighting and drive-mode-dependent noises are made possible by the new system.
It is anticipated to highlight Hyundai’s potent new infotainment system and Pleos software. Pleos is an end-to-end software platform that integrates the vehicle operating system (OS), the cloud, and the infotainment system (Pleos Connect).
Hyundai’s next software-defined vehicles (SDVs), which will have new capabilities including autonomous driving and real-time data analysis, will be powered by Pleos.
Pleos Connect, an Android-based system, has a “smartphone-like UI” with new capabilities like an AI voice assistant and multi-window viewing.
The anticipated starting price of the new electric crossover is approximately €30,000 ($35,400), which is marginally cheaper than the price of the Kia EV3, which starts at €35,990 ($42,500). In Hyundai’s range, it will be positioned in between the Ioniq and Kona Electric.
Hyundai stated that in Q2 2026, it would introduce the first electric vehicle equipped with its next-generation infotainment system. Is the IONIQ 2 going to be it? In September, Hyundai is anticipated to present the new entry-level EV at IAA Mobility. Watch this space for additional details. We’ll keep you informed of any new developments.
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