Hyundai is scaling back its electric sedan lineup by discontinuing the most affordable versions of the Ioniq 6, just three years after the model first arrived on the market.
Introduced in 2022 and launched as a 2023 model, the Ioniq 6 quickly drew praise from critics for its futuristic design, competitive range, and relatively accessible pricing. However, weakening sales and rising import costs are prompting the South Korean automaker to streamline the lineup.
While the nameplate itself isn’t disappearing entirely, Hyundai will continue offering only the high-performance Ioniq 6 N variant going forward.
Declining Sales and Tariff Pressures
According to industry reports, Hyundai’s decision is driven largely by slowing demand and tariff considerations.
The company sold 10,478 units of the Ioniq 6 in 2025, representing a 15% decline from the 12,264 units delivered in 2024, based on company sales data. At the same time, the model faces higher import tariffs since most units are produced in South Korea and shipped to the U.S.
Combined with changing policy environments and broader market shifts in the EV sector, Hyundai’s move reflects a growing trend among automakers to adjust their electric vehicle strategies.
Affordable Ioniq 6 Versions Disappear
Before the changes, the entry-level Ioniq 6 SE Standard Range started at about $37,850 before taxes and fees, making it one of the more accessible electric sedans in the U.S.
The lineup also included additional trims:
– SE: starting around $42,800
– SEL: starting around $45,600
– Limited: starting around $51,100
With these versions being phased out, consumers looking for a reasonably priced electric sedan lose one of the few alternatives to the Tesla Model 3, which continues to dominate the segment.
The Ioniq 6 N Remains
Although the mainstream trims are being dropped, Hyundai is keeping the performance-focused 2026 Ioniq 6 N in production.
Unlike the more affordable variants, the N model is aimed squarely at enthusiasts seeking sports-car-level performance in an electric sedan.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N specifications:
• Starting price: around $70,000
• Maximum output: up to 641 horsepower
• Estimated range: about 303 miles
• 0–60 mph: approximately 3.2 seconds
These figures make the Ioniq 6 N one of the most powerful EVs in its class, though its higher price and performance focus mean it’s not designed for mainstream buyers.
