Disappointing sales of the unconventional sedan
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has been controversial since its debut due to its unconventional design. It has always stood out sharply, but in the USA this never translated into high sales. The company is now preparing to remove this model from its American lineup. Soon, the only available version will be the high-performance Ioniq 6 N.
Confirmation from the manufacturer
Rumors about the discontinuation of the standard model emerged at the beginning of the week and were quickly confirmed by Hyundai. The company stated that the “hot” N version will represent the Ioniq 6 family in the future, although it did not specify the exact reason for discontinuing sales of the regular model.
“Moving forward, our award-winning IONIQ 6 lineup will consist of the all-new IONIQ 6 N. This high-performance electric sports sedan delivers truly exhilarating, track-ready dynamics combined with everyday practicality. Meanwhile, 2025 model year IONIQ 6 sedans continue to be available at dealers alongside our award-winning and U.S.-assembled IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 SUVs.”
A facelift America won’t see
Interestingly, Hyundai unveiled the updated Ioniq 6 at the beginning of last year. It looks much more attractive than the original model, having received new slim headlights and a revised rear end. Unfortunately, Americans will not be able to purchase it, as after the sell-off of 2025 model year stock, the standard model will also disappear.
Sharp drop in demand
Demand for the Ioniq 6 has fallen sharply over the past year. Hyundai sold 10,478 units in the USA in 2025, which is 15 percent less than the 12,264 units sold the year before. During the same period, the closely related Ioniq 5 found 47,039 buyers, despite sharing a platform and powertrains with the Model 6. February 2026 was particularly bleak: only 229 sedans were sold, representing a sharp drop of 77 percent.
The future belongs to the powerful N version
The flagship Hyundai Ioniq 6 N promises to be very interesting. Pricing details have not yet been announced, but its starting price is likely to be between $65,000 and $70,000 when it goes on sale in America later this year. It uses two electric motors with a combined output of 641 hp, features an 800-volt electrical architecture, and is equipped with an 84 kWh battery pack.
Hyundai’s decision to focus on a niche, high-performance version instead of a mass-market model may indicate a shift in strategy for the US market. The company is likely betting that enthusiasts willing to pay a premium will form stable, albeit smaller, demand, while the battle for volume in the electric sedan segment has proven too difficult. The success of this approach could influence further decisions by other manufacturers regarding their electric vehicles.