The Hyundai Ioniq 3 is shaping up to be a compelling small electric vehicle in Europe, with UK pricing showing a substantial gap versus the Nissan Leaf. Depending on battery size, the Ioniq 3 costs about $9,000 less than comparable Leaf versions when UK prices are converted to U.S. dollars.
Ioniq 3 Costs Thousands Less Than the Leaf
Hyundai offers the Ioniq 3 in Europe with two battery options, while Nissan also sells the Leaf with two battery sizes. Comparing the similarly positioned versions shows a significant price advantage for Hyundai.
The comparison uses UK “on-the-road” prices converted to U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. These figures include various taxes and fees and are not intended to represent what the Ioniq 3 would cost if it were sold in America.
The base Ioniq 3, equipped with a 42-kWh battery pack, starts at $30,352. The 52-kWh Nissan Leaf starts at $39,362, creating a difference of almost exactly $9,000.
The gap is similar with the larger battery versions. The 61-kWh Hyundai Ioniq 3 is priced at $35,127, while the 75-kWh Nissan Leaf, which is the version sold in the U.S., starts at $44,001.
That makes the long-range Hyundai about 20% cheaper than the Nissan based on the UK pricing comparison. Applying that difference to the Leaf’s $31,535 U.S. base price, including destination charge, would put a long-range Ioniq 3 at roughly $25,000.
However, that figure is only an illustration of the price difference between the vehicles. Factors such as tariffs could potentially reduce any price advantage the Ioniq 3 might have if it were exported to America.
The Ioniq 3 Is Smaller and Less Powerful
Despite the price comparison, the Ioniq 3 is not a direct equivalent to the Leaf. Hyundai’s EV is significantly smaller, measuring nearly 8 inches shorter than the Leaf and nearly 6 inches shorter than a Chevy Bolt.
The Ioniq 3 also produces less power. The version with the smaller battery makes 145 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, while the larger-battery version makes 133 horsepower.
By comparison, the small-battery Leaf produces 174 horsepower, while the large-battery version makes 215 horsepower.
Hyundai Ioniq 3 Range Is Also Lower
The Ioniq 3 trails the Leaf in range as well. Based on the WLTP figures provided, the small-battery Hyundai can travel 213 miles, which is 67 miles fewer than the closest Leaf.
The larger-battery Ioniq 3 has a stated range of 308 miles, 79 miles fewer than the long-range Leaf.
Those figures would also be lower under the American EPA testing system. As a result, the short-range Ioniq 3 would probably have less than 200 miles of range, while the long-range version would have less than 300 miles.
Ioniq 3 Targets Smaller European EVs
In practice, the Ioniq 3 is positioned more directly against subcompact EVs sold in Europe. Those include Nissan’s Micra, which is a rebranded Renault 5, along with the Peugeot e-208 and other models.
These vehicles, including the Micra, are similar to the Ioniq 3 in size, power and range. None of these models have appeared in the U.S., suggesting the Ioniq 3 probably will not either.
Still, the Ioniq 3 highlights the potential for Hyundai to offer an entry-level EV that is smaller, more affordable and more value-packed than the base Ioniq 5.
