I have some sad news for people who enjoy weird cars that are also nice to drive: Hyundai is dropping the Ioniq 6 from its lineup for 2026. The South Korean automaker confirmed the news to multiple outlets yesterday afternoon, saying it plans to sell only the high-performance, high-dollar N model in the U.S. going forward, albeit in limited numbers.
First launched in 2022, the Ioniq 6 is a sleek sedan with a catfish-style face that played counterpart to the all-electric Ioniq 5 SUV (big hatchback?) in Hyundai’s lineup. While it never sold as well as that car, the Ioniq 6, in my mind, was always the better choice, due in part to its fascinating styling and superior range.
Now that it’s dead, I feel like the Ioniq 6 is about to become the ultimate affordable commuter sedan for buyers shopping used, not only because of its range, but because it’s one of the strangest, most interesting-looking things on the road right now.
The Ioniq 6’s Death In America Was Sort Of Expected
While Hyundai hasn’t issued an official reason for discontinuing the Ioniq 6 Stateside, anyone who understands simple math could see the writing was on the wall. The more popular Ioniq 5 is built in Hyundai’s Ellabell, Georgia assembly plant, while the 6 is assembled all the way in Korea. That means it’s subject to a hefty 25% import tariff, which wasn’t part of the tariffs recently struck down by the Supreme Court, according to Car and Driver.
There’s also the elimination of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which knocked down the sales of electric cars across the board in the fourth quarter of last year. The Ioniq 5 was among those cars that took a sales hit, but according to sales data released by Hyundai, it actually sold more units of that car in the first two months of 2026 than it did that same period last year, when the tax credit was still around. Slashing prices by up to $9,800 probably had a lot to do with that increase.
The Ioniq 6, meanwhile, saw no such jump in sales. In fact, sales of the Ioniq 6 in the first two months of 2026 cratered by 70%, from 1,883 units to just 573 cars. Even before all of this tax credit drama went down, the 6 was a niche car. Now it’s even more niche, to the point where Hyundai can’t justify keeping it on showroom floors.
The ultimate Ioniq 6 die-hards need not worry, though, because the high-performance Ioniq 6 N will still be offered in America for 2026. That car is mechanically similar to the lovely Ioniq 5 N, with two electric motors delivering a combined 641 horsepower and all-wheel drive. There’s also a widened track and real aero, which includes a swan-neck rear wing that Hyundai claims can generate 220 pounds of downforce at 155 mph. It should also be the priciest Ioniq 6 offered in America, with an estimated MSRP of around $70,000.
The Thinking Person’s Used EV
While the Ioniq 5 remains one of the best EVs you can buy new or used, I think there’s a lot of potential for the Ioniq 6 to become the thinking person’s choice in the lightly used segment.
On the looks front, the Ioniq 6 outshines virtually anything else in its price range, at least to me. Its sloping roofline borrows much of its design from the original Prophecy concept shown back in 2020. Though the proportions aren’t as dramatic, I still think it’s incredibly cool that such a shape made it past the bean counters. Every time I see one on the street, I have to stop and look.
From head-on, the Ioniq 6 isn’t what I’d describe as stunning—note my catfish comment earlier—but it’s certainly not boring. In a world where most car designs look like they were bred from the same grey, unassuming crossover, being interesting is a huge win. And the Ioniq 6 has that in droves. Don’t get me wrong, the Ioniq 5 is a looker, too. But this car regularly turns heads and starts conversations in a way the 5 doesn’t.
The Ioniq 6 is pretty impressive on the range front, too. Go for an early model with the large battery and rear-wheel drive, and it’ll deliver 361 miles of range per charge, according to EPA estimates. While that figure isn’t as mindblowing as it would’ve been five years ago, it’s more than enough for the average buyer to commute for an entire week before having to juice up.
And it’s not like you’re really sacrificing on space much if you choose an Ioniq 6 over an equivalent crossover. One thing about the 6 is that it is far bigger in person than it looks in pictures. I first got one to drive for a review, and I was amazed by the roominess of the interior, especially in the back seat, where it felt like there was as much legroom as in my long-wheelbase Audi A8. The cabin is also stuffed with real, actual, physical buttons, which means it’s not infuriating to use (though I’d recommend getting a dark-themed interior, as I’m not sure how well the light-themed cabins will age).
If a used EV sounds like a bad idea, you have some time. There are still 419 brand-new Ioniq 6s sitting on dealer lots right now waiting to be sold, according to Cars.com. Personally, though, I think certified pre-owned is the way to go. You can get a low-mileage Ioniq 6 for half of what they go for new, and still have a warranty to back you up in case things go south. As someone with taste, that’s what I’d do.
Top graphic image: Hyundai; DepositPhotos.com
Taste? Like for hideous vehicles?
It’s very easy on the wind, but not so much on the eyes.
I met a designer for Hyundai when we were both working in South Korea about 15 years ago. (I was not in the auto industry). Recently, he was made a manager for exterior design at Hyundai. We didn’t discuss auto design while in Korea, but my impression is that he’s good and will have a positive influence. I suspect it may take years before his influence will have physical consequences.
I had a 2 year lease of the RWD version with 360 miles of range. Such a good freaking car.
I’ll absolutely be looking for one of these in the used market in a few years. Tempted by the AWD version too, which sacrifices some range for performance. Anyway, these cars are so good (styling is an acquired take…I get it).
I’ve seen 3 in my area show up with temp plates in the last month or so. So looks like a good enough deal at this point for some. I don’t particularly like the looks. I’ve seen worse, though.
I’ve always quite liked these. If I was able to afford/had a use case for an EV it would be on my very short list. It’s a shame we’re gonna get so many less here but glad we’re gonna get at least a few N’s.
The Hyundai Prophecy definitely looks like a GTA car.
While I appreciate all of the explanations as to why this didn’t sell well, I think that we need to invoke Occam’s Razor… it’s that droopy ass melted Milky Way rear end. Sure, some like it, but the average consumer really doesn’t. Bonus? The trunk is smaller for the sake of… “style”.
Yes. The Ioniq 6 is simply an ugly car – so it didn’t sell.
I think you meant for the sake of aerodynamics 😉 The ioniq 6 has great range in large part because it is very efficient, both mechanically and aerodynamically. So, the shape is great for the function over form crowd (I like it), but yeah, not great for the mainstream.
You missed a chance to say “great for the slipstream, not for the mainstream”!
BOOM!
Very sad to see it go away, least the N / RN22-E is spared.
Spoiler alert: The two spoilers rear end will never work for me.
Rest of the car seems nice though, and you can also get a real bargain on an unused one here (DK).
Didn’t like these when first came out but they’ve really grown on me. I really love the duck tail now. If I had a 3rd garage spot (which I sadly don’t) I’d snag one of these to use on the side.
Ah, the 2026 Mercury Sable. I approve. I just wish it came in a wagon with a backwards facing third row.
I think these look interesting in pictures, but when I see them on the road I chuckle at how desperate they look. Overall I’d say Hyundai currently has the most tryhard styling in the industry.
I do like the tail lights on the Santa Fe, though; most people say they look like dog bones, but I say they look like the Satellite of Love from MST3K.
The article surely was written with your tongue planted firmly in your cheek as the Ionic 6 was the ugliest thing on the road.
Beauty surely IS in the eye of the beholder.
This author is the kind of bad takes, so it’s hard to tell.
These and the other eGMP cars will be at the top of “don’t buy” lists as used vehicles unless Hyundai fixes the ICCU problem and issues a massive recall for all units on the road.
Else in a few years when an ample number are out of warranty, only so many suckers will knowingly purchase them and get swept under by randomly occurring failures of the same part with subsequent unpredictable wait times and four figure repair bills until word gets out and otherwise decent examples begin fill up junkyards.
I looked hard at the H/K egmp vehicles. The Ioniq 6 SE version with the 18″ wheels especially bc it has 336 (ot more) miles of range
Finding said SE especially lightly used anywhere within 500 miles was very difficult.
If it wasn’t for the (no real solution yet) iccu failures probably would have bought one.
We bought a 26′ Equinox ev instead and 6 months later my wife seems to really like it (I bought it to be her car)
The I6 is the ultimate EV antidote. People look at it and think that they’ll never own an EV.
Hyundai did the ionic 6 a disservice putting it under Hyundai it should have been a Genesis. The thing is basically the car Porsche should have built. It’s weird but it’s fine. They have been going for $20k used for a while. I think $16k is where they need to be to really make people think. For a mostly decent car with some strange issues people will probably pay that. Until they start hearing if you spill your drink in a kpmg platform car you will basically total it and Hyundai probably won’t do anything for you. You really don’t see too many of them. The ionic 5 is everywhere though.
I mean, people who don’t know the difference think our i6 is a Porsche all the time. Lol
I can definitely tell a difference when we’re side-by-side at a charger though. It’s no wonder the Taycan can’t go as far with those rubber bands tires on a wheel that big though. The disc rotor size on those is wild!
Taste as in medicinal taste. aka “im going to do this because it is good for me, but it’s gross”
There is a great car under some pretty awful styling. I desperately wanted this car to be awesome because it had so many things going for it (it’s a sedan! it’s electric! it’s not a luxury brand! it’s not a Tesla!), but it’s just so ugly. I was hoping it would survive long enough to have a Panamera-esque styling redemption arc: super gross at first, but a few tweaks in key places turned it into something very handsome
Head On is ok at best but you just stopped without even mentioning any other angle. I wonder why? Maybe because, IMO, it is FUGLY AF.
But, I have no ‘taste’ nor do I ‘think’.
Dear Brian,
SSSSSHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Sincerely,
The guy waiting for just the right SE Standard Range in transmission blue.
I think you are safe. Most people find it to look ugly.
Personally I like it. It kinda reminds me of the old infinity J30 in the back especially.
I totally understand people that think it is ugly too.
Huh, I didn’t realize I really liked a car that so many people find repulsive. I guess maybe I understand how those who like the 190E from earlier feel?
I really like the Ioniq 6, particularly the pre-facelift version. More than the Ioniq 5, and more than any other EV on the market. If I absolutely had to replace my commuter today it would be high on my list.
I don’t love the trunk instead of hatch or liftback, but I could live with it since we have two cars.
The hate helps the price for those who want one, I guess.
This is absolutely going to become a classic that was hated on when it came out
I agree. the faux XR4ti double wing version will be the one wanted in a few years. If this gets to 16k used I will give up my ionic5 dreams
Work on the cringey headlines.
“With taste” doesn’t necessarily mean said taste is good.
It’s fine that you like this car. Don’t suggest we would be wrong if we don’t share your enthusiasm. It doesn’t add anything to the article. Pointing out good deals to be had due to EV depreciation is enough, thanks.
I love the concept. I wanted to like the Ioniq 6. I _really_ don’t.
Same. The concept looked incredible. The production looked.. Not.
It’s really insane to take offense to this lmao
Yeah…it’s just a headline. A group of words to foster discussion…make people think. Nothing about that headline is “cringey!”
It is part of a growing trend of click-bait headlines here at The Autopian.
Yeah, I usually start discussions (on an automotive forum) by informing you that your preferences should align with mine or you have poor taste.
Sorry, that’s cringe as fuck.
This isn’t a forum, it’s a news blog with comments. You’re not the draw here. It’s not a serious accusation, it’s tongue in cheek, and like I said to the other dork, it’s insane to take this personally.
You’ve already put more effort into it than either commenter and the author.
If you think my comment took effort then maybe that’s a good place to start to work out whatever is wrong with you
yeah ok.
What taste? That thing is fugly.