Hyundai Motor’s upcoming Ioniq 2 electric vehicle has been spotted testing near the automaker’s technology center, offering the first public look at the compact model ahead of its expected unveiling next month at the Munich Motor Show.
The Ioniq 2 will slot between Hyundai’s budget-friendly Inster EV and the Kona Electric, competing in Europe’s growing small SUV segment. Hyundai plans to start sales in mid-2026, with a starting price of about €30,000 ($35,400), undercutting the Kia EV3’s €35,990 ($42,500) price. Industry watchers expect the model to be unavailable in the US, as Hyundai prioritizes SUV production at its Georgia EV plant, including the three-row Ioniq 9 and the refreshed 2025 Ioniq 5.
Built on the company’s E-GMP platform, the Ioniq 2 is likely to be offered with multiple battery options similar to Kia’s EV3, which comes with 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh packs, offering WLTP ranges of 267 miles and 372 miles respectively.
A new video from CarSpyMedia shows the prototype in camouflage with an SUV-like stance, redesigned LED headlights, and updated styling cues. The interior is expected to feature an upgraded infotainment system, new software, and additional features, which Autocar describes as a “step change” from current models.
Hyundai’s push for affordable EVs follows the Inster EV’s strong performance in Germany, where it led sales in the small EV category in the first half of the year. The automaker sees the Ioniq 2 as a strategic addition to capture cost-conscious European buyers amid intensifying competition from rivals in both the traditional auto industry and the growing number of Chinese EV brands.
