Hyundai has confirmed that the standard Ioniq 6 electric sedan will not be sold in the United States for the 2026 model year. The decision comes after a refresh of the vehicle last year failed to gain traction amid trade tariffs and declining sales following the elimination of federal EV tax credits.
Trade Barriers and Sales Decline
The Ioniq 6’s production in South Korea, unlike the US-made Ioniq 5, exposed it to a 25% tariff on imported vehicles imposed by the Trump administration. This tariff significantly increased the vehicle’s price, making it less competitive in the market. The removal of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit further impacted sales, as consumers lost a key financial incentive.
Sales figures reflect this downturn: Hyundai sold 10,478 Ioniq 6s in 2025, a 15% decrease from the previous year. Sales have plummeted further in 2026, with only 573 units sold in the first two months—a 70% drop compared to the same period last year.
The Ioniq 6 N Survives
Despite the standard model’s fate, Hyundai will continue to sell the high-performance Ioniq 6 N in limited quantities later this year. The Ioniq 6 N boasts a powerful 641-horsepower engine and features the updated bodywork previously intended for the standard model. This suggests that Hyundai is prioritizing the higher-margin, enthusiast-focused version of the vehicle.
Key Differences Between Models
The standard Ioniq 6 offered rear-wheel-drive (149hp or 225hp) or dual-motor all-wheel-drive (320hp) options. In contrast, the Ioniq 6 N delivers a much more aggressive driving experience with its 641-horsepower powertrain, extreme suspension, and high-performance tires. It’s expected to carry a price tag around $70,000.
Remaining Inventory
Hyundai dealerships will continue to sell remaining 2025 Ioniq 6 models while supplies last. Expect potential discounts as dealers attempt to clear out the slow-selling inventory.
The discontinuation of the standard Ioniq 6 highlights the challenges faced by imported EVs in the US market due to trade policies and shifting consumer incentives. The company’s focus on the high-performance N model suggests a strategic shift toward catering to niche markets where profitability is higher despite lower sales volumes.
