The wait is finally over. Fresh, undisguised interior photos of the upcoming Hyundai IONIQ 3 have surfaced thabks to our colleagues at SH Proshots, giving us our best look yet at Hyundai’s all-new Pleos Connect infotainment system. The compact electric SUV’s cabin reveals a bold shift in Hyundai’s digital strategy—one that blends minimalist design, cutting-edge tech, and everyday functionality.
Inside the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 3: A Tech-Forward Evolution
For the first time, the IONIQ 3’s interior is shown completely uncovered. At the center of attention is a massive Tesla-like central touchscreen, part of Hyundai’s new Pleos Connect system, which aims to unify vehicle, cloud, and smart device integration. The screen dominates the dashboard, seamlessly floating above a minimalist layout that emphasizes space and clarity.
Unlike Tesla’s single-screen setup, Hyundai keeps a dedicated digital driver cluster in front of the steering wheel—smaller, yet crucial for quick access to essential driving data. This thoughtful combination ensures both futuristic aesthetics and intuitive usability.
Adding a touch of analog control, the steering wheel features physical multifunction buttons, echoing Tesla’s recent return to tactile inputs after customer feedback. The result is a cockpit that feels both ultra-modern and reassuringly practical.
Design Language: The “Art of Steel” Philosophy in Motion
The IONIQ 3 continues Hyundai’s design evolution under the “Art of Steel” aesthetic, where structural strength becomes a canvas for beauty and efficiency. Exterior spy shots confirm smooth body panels, clean character lines, and aerodynamic proportions—all hallmarks of the IONIQ family.
Inside, the cabin adopts a warm minimalism, using soft-touch materials and sustainable elements such as recycled ocean fabrics and lightweight aluminum foam. Hyundai’s Bring Your Own Lifestyle (BYOL) concept will let owners personalize widgets, ambient lighting themes, and modular accessories to match their lifestyle.
Lighting Innovation: Pixel Precision Meets Practicality
Recent exterior spy shots captured by Healer TV confirm that the IONIQ 3 retains the brand’s parametric pixel lighting signature, a key design link across the IONIQ lineup. Both headlights and taillights display a rhythmic pixel gradient that enhances visibility and identity, day or night.
Strategic Role in Hyundai’s EV Expansion
Positioned below the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, the IONIQ 3 will serve as Hyundai’s compact, volume-selling EV. Its target market? Urban drivers in Europe and Asia looking for a stylish, efficient, and affordable entry point into zero-emission mobility.
At IAA Mobility 2025, Hyundai confirmed that compact EVs like the IONIQ 3 are central to its European electrification plan. The brand aims to compete head-to-head with the Tesla Model 2, Volkswagen ID.2, Kia EV3, and BYD Dolphin.
What to Expect: Performance and Range
While technical details remain under wraps, insiders expect the IONIQ 3 to ride on a modified E-GMP Lite platform, featuring front-wheel drive and an estimated range of 250–300 miles (400–480 km). Fast charging capabilities, over-the-air software updates, and advanced driver assistance features are all expected to come standard.
Conclusion: Hyundai’s Smartest Compact EV Yet
With its Pleos Connect system, minimalist interior, and sustainable materials, the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 3 looks ready to redefine the compact electric SUV segment. Blending Tesla-inspired design cues with Hyundai’s user-friendly philosophy, the IONIQ 3 isn’t just a smaller IONIQ 5—it’s a bold step toward a connected, intelligent, and accessible electric future.
