Hyundai IONIQ 6 N

The first-ever Hyundai IONIQ 6 N is here. Starting at 79,900,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the all-electric high-performance super saloon you've been waiting for from the start is coming at you. Ready to find out what makes the IONIQ 6 N the EV super saloon you want to drive? You're in luck.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 N

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 N interior

Based on the recently updated IONIQ 6 electric saloon, the IONIQ 6 N features a similar semi-racing appearance inspired by the RN22e Concept, which was derived from the pre-facelifted IONIQ 6. It's been three long years since the RN22e Concept shocked the world, and now, one of Hyundai N's rolling lab experiments has become reality.

The interior of the IONIQ 6 N retains the same functionality and feel as the standard IONIQ 6, but it features several distinctive additions. These enhancements consist of sports seats, an N steering wheel, and exclusive elements not found in the IONIQ 6 N Line. Notably, it features the N Active Sound + system, which adds a dynamic audio experience to driving, and the N Ambient Shift Light, a unique interior lighting feature that visually indicates precise shift points for optimal performance.

Compatible with the Hyundai N App, you can check how well your IONIQ 6 N performs on tracks like Everland, Inje, and Korea International Circuit.

Armed with an 84kWh Li-ion battery pack and two electric motors powering the front and rear wheels, the IONIQ 6 N produces up to 650PS of power and 770Nm of torque courtesy of the 10-second N Grin Boost. With N Launch Control set, it sprints from 0-100kph in 3.2 seconds and flat out in 257kph, 3kph slower than the IONIQ 5 N but faster than a high-performance European saloon. As for the driving range, it's good for 366km on one full charge.

Although aerodynamics play a crucial role in this car, its trump card is the new stroke-sensing ECS (Electronically Controlled Suspension) dampers, allowing this car to adapt to various road conditions, even on track days. Coupled with the N Torque Distribution and N Drift Optimizer, the result is a highly addictive driving experience you can't get enough of. Not bad for a grippy heavyweight Korean EV super saloon.

Although controversial, the IONIQ 6 N features numerous gimmicks such as the N e-shift system, where a virtual 8-speed DCT comes out for the play, and with the manual mode set, it shifts like you were in a video game.

Like the normal IONIQ 6, the N features a host of safety features such as Remote Smart Parking Assist, Surround View Monitor, and Hyundai SmartSense, among many others.

The IONIQ 6 N is a highly anticipated Korean electric super saloon that enthusiasts have been eager to see since the RN22e Concept. This car promises impressive performance, leaving us with a strong desire to drive it one day. It's high time to put this car under Red Notice.

Available Colors: Performance Blue Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Nocturne Grey Metallic, Abyss Black Pearl, and Nocturne Grey Matte.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai IONIQ 6 (2026MY Minor Change)

Launched three years ago, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 proved that electrification is addictive and worth exploring due to the wondrous features it possesses. For a Korean-made electric saloon, this is pretty impressive, and it could be the Sonata of the new age, which is outlandish to say. With the introduction of its 2026MY Minor Change, the new IONIQ 6 continues to redefine the electric saloon category with new ways and means.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6

With the starting price of 48,560,000 Yen plus additional costs, there's never a good time to reintroduce the Hyundai IONIQ 6 to the world with this latest minor change, and things couldn't get even more promising than before.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6

Beginning with the exterior, the front headlights have been shortened and feature a new front bumper design to improve their aerodynamic properties. At the back, the rear bumper looks more subtle than before, and the rear spoiler is now a ducktail, in the name of streamlining. For the first time ever, the IONIQ 6 N Line was added to the lineup, featuring a sporty exterior design and a blackened trunk to match its credentials. Either way, it's still the IONIQ 6 the world knows.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 interior

The interior's slightly revised for this minor change. It now features a revamped center console, a larger air conditioning touch panel, USB-C ports, improved door panels, and improved software with the new AI assistant that responds to your voice, among others. The N Line, meanwhile, features a unique N round steering wheel with a red drive mode button and metal pedals.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 N Line

Onto the IONIQ 6 N's electric powertrain. The rear-wheel-drive Standard model runs on a 63kWh Lithium-Ion battery to produce 170PS of power and 350 N · m of torque with a driving range of 437km. The Long Range model, meanwhile, runs on the 84kWh Lithium-Ion battery to produce up to 325PS of power and up to 533km of driving range for AWD variants. Both models come with the all-new adaptive regenerative braking system, which now uses navigation data to adjust regeneration strength, such as speed camera locations, speed bumps, and roundabouts.

The driving experience has been improved thanks to its revised frequency-selective dampers, low-rolling-resistance tires, increased sound insulation, reduced high-frequency noise, and the new Smooth Mode that reduces the throttle and brake pedal sensitivity.

Like before, it features Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of active safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, rear-side collision avoidance assist, lane departure prevention assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, high beam assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assistant 2.

With its latest improvements compared to the pre-facelift model, there's never a better time to get familiarized with the award-winning Hyundai IONIQ 6 with this updated version.

Available Colors: Ultimate Red Metallic (N Line only), Serenity White Pearl, Aero Silver Metallic (N Line only), Nocturne Grey Metallic, Bio Philic Black Pearl, Gravity Gold Matte, Transmission Blue Matte, and Nocturne Grey Matte.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

My GT7 Log: AGENT H VS. AGENT H

Come weekdays, both the Honda Civic Type R and the Hyundai Avante N showcase their "everyday hero" potential, but come race weekends, their true colors as TCR competitors will shine. Here in Gran Turismo 7, I got to sample the two Asian turbocharged everyday heroes that became staples for their TCR alter egos.

How do these two Asian turbocharged everyday heroes differ from each other? Let's begin with the Korean super saloon first, before the Japanese super hot hatch.

Launched in 2021, the Hyundai Avante N is the first N saloon based on the Hyundai Avante/Elantra CN7. Powering the Avante N is the same 2.0L Turbo GDI engine from the Veloster N, producing 280PS of power while mated to either a 6-speed MT or an 8-speed wet-type Dual Clutch Transmission. With N Grin Shift, the car gets a 10PS boost, sprinting from 0-100kph in 5.3 seconds and an electronically-governed top speed of 250kph.

By calling the Avante N the road-legal version of its TCR machine, it has been festooned with numerous dynamic upgrades underneath, such as the N Corner Carving Differential, integrated drive axle, electronically controlled suspension, R-MPDS, rear stiff bar, and large capacity high-performance brakes.

In 2023, the Avante N received a minor change, featuring the same sharp looks as the normal Avante CN7 while maintaining the familiar specs from the pre-facelift model. A year later, a special TCR Edition of the Avante N was unveiled, complete with the same rear spoiler from its TCR equivalent.

Now, let's talk more about Honda's Super Hot Hatch, the FL5 Civic Type R. 

Based on the 11th-generation Honda Civic hatchback, the FL5 Civic Type R eschews the obvious styling from its predecessor in favor of a more subtle approach while retaining the triple exhaust setup from the FK8. For the first time since the FD2, the FL5 Civic Type R is back to being a Japan-made hot hatchback.

It runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the previous FK8, but it's been boosted to produce 330PS of power and 420Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed MT.

With the improved suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, improved braking performance, and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires built exclusively for this car, it smashed the Suzuka Circuit's FF lap record in 2:23.120 and recently, the Nurburgring Nordschleife's FF lap record in 7:44.881.

The FL5 Civic Type R became the 2022-2023 Japan Performance Car of the Year winner.

Recently, in 2025, a special Racing Black Package was offered for the FL5 Civic Type R, featuring a black interior.

To see which H-logoed car is the best, I went to Watkins Glen to have these two H-logoed turbocharged cars settle the score. Will it be the one with the H in the square or the other one with the H in the circle? It's Japan vs South Korea again. Let's roll the tape.

And here are the results...

FL5 Type R - 2m13.481s

Elantra N - 2m17.417s

Looks like the Japanese Agent H beats the Korean Agent H in the end. The Civic Type R has beaten its arch-rival, the Hyundai Avante N, by a huge margin. Looks like the Koreans aren't pleased about getting their behinds karate-chopped by the Japanese.

Both the Honda Civic Type R and the Hyundai Avante N worked well as everyday heroes. On weekdays, they are too busy to drive to work. On weekends, however, they became TCR superheroes ripping through the world's challenging racetracks.

TCR or not, both of these Asian turbocharged everyday heroes never fail to impress their followers, but in the end, it's the Civic that grabs more than the Avante.

Case closed.

My GT7 Log: IONIQ 5 N

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the biggest break in the history of electric cars, and here in Gran Turismo 7, I got the chance to sample the first-ever all-electric N car from the rapidly growing South Korean motoring titan.

First and foremost, what is the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N?

Unveiled in 2023, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is the high-performance version of the award-winning IONIQ 5 all-electric crossover and the first all-electric N car ever made.

The IONIQ 5 N features an 84 kWh lithium-ion battery and dual electric motors, delivering 609 PS and 740 Nm of torque. With the N Grin Boost, it can reach up to 650 PS for ten seconds. It boasts a 0-100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h. Recognized with the 2024 World Performance Car award and Top Gear's 2023 Car of the Year, the IONIQ 5 N also set a new record at Pikes Peak with a time of 9 minutes and 30.852 seconds in its class, showcasing its impressive performance and design.

In Gran Turismo 7, use the IONIQ 5 N's N Grin Boost by pressing and holding the right analog stick, great for overtaking. While the boost enhances acceleration, the handling can be challenging, especially on Sports Hard tires, with tense and fierce braking. I’ve experienced it myself.

I visited Fuji Speedway to demonstrate the IONIQ 5 N's capabilities, reminiscent of when IONIQ 5 N cars raced against other electrics at this track. Let's roll the tape.

As I said, the handling is challenging indeed, and the braking is fierce and tense, but I managed to lap around the track in 1m57.216s. In my standards, that breaches GR Supra territory. All thanks to the IONIQ 5 N's N Grin Boost feature that surely comes in handy in the straights. A real 10-second car with a ten-second overboost to hit.

The IONIQ 5 N proved to the world that even electric cars can break common sense in the pursuit of happiness behind the wheel. A real everyday racer for the everyday driver. Well done, Hyundai.

NEVER JUST DRIVE.

My FM Log: Heroes

The Toyota GR Yaris and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N are prize cars in Forza Motorsport's Daily Racers update. Having got my hands on these two everyday heroes on the road and track, let's get to know them two.

I acquired the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N by completing the Open Class Tour update or finishing 10 races in the Open Class Featured Multiplayer until the March 12, 2025, deadline. 

The IONIQ 5 N is the high-performance variant of the IONIQ 5 crossover and signifies that Hyundai N is embracing electrification.

Equipped with an 84 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors that power both the front and rear wheels, the IONIQ 5 N delivers a default output of 609 PS and 740 Nm of torque. When the N Grin Boost feature is activated for ten seconds, the power increases to 650 PS. Additionally, with N Launch Control engaged, it can achieve a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h.

Hyundai has truly excelled with the IONIQ 5 N, which has won the 2024 World Performance Car award as well as Top Gear's 2023 Car of the Year. This high-performance electric crossover not only boasts an impressive design but also the power and speed to match. Its recent achievement of setting a new record at Pikes Peak with a time of 9 minutes and 30.852 seconds in the Modified and Production SUV/Crossover classes further underscores its performance capabilities.

Moving to the Toyota GR Yaris that I acquired by completing the Daily Racers Tour or finishing 10 races in the Daily Racers featured multiplayer until the March 26, 2025 deadline.

Known as the second JDM sports car of the Reiwa era, the GR Yaris served as the template for Toyota's next rally car. Take the fourth-generation Yaris, strip the two extra doors off, make it wider, jam it with the G16E-GTS 1.6L 3-cylinder intercooler turbo engine, and lodge it with the GR-FOUR four-wheel-drive system. The result is a road-legal rally car akin to the legendary Toyota Celica GT-FOUR.

In addition to the 1.6L turbocharged variant, there is a cheaper and much slower RS variant with the 1.5L M15A-FKS engine mated to a CVT.

Having acquired these two high-performance Asian superheroes, let's drive these two around Brands Hatch to prove just how "super" these everyday superheroes are.

They both know how to use their superpowers effectively. As the saying goes, "with great power comes great responsibility." That's why I admire them both.

Anyway, enjoy your new rides.

Hyundai IONIQ 9

The first-ever Hyundai IONIQ 9 SUV completes the IONIQ trilogy of electric cars and it's the flagship EV SUV of the Hyundai lineup. Let's get to know more about the top of Hyundai's electric food chain.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9

With prices starting at 67,150,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the first-ever Hyundai IONIQ 9 can be rudely called the Palisade of Hyundai EVs. While identically sized to the Palisade, the IONIQ 9 is a zero-emission business class on all four wheels that takes a different approach to "touring."

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9

Like its IONIQ siblings, which draw inspiration from their respective concept vehicles—the IONIQ 5 from the 45 Concept and the IONIQ 6 from the Prophecy Concept—the IONIQ 9 takes cues from the Seven Concept. While the design, inspired by the concept, is a standout feature of the IONIQ 9, the rear view is somewhat puzzling, as it may evoke memories of various Volvo wagons from the past.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 interior

Inside, the IONIQ 9 is everything you expect for a flagship EV SUV. From the driver's side, you'll be greeted by the braille-written steering wheel that became a signature for today's Hyundai models, a panoramic curved display that features a 12.3-inch instrumental display, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment purposes, buttons and knobs for the aircon and radio, ambient lighting, and a glove compartment underneath the center console, among others. 

On the passenger side, the IONIQ 9 offers a choice between a 6-seater and a 7-seater. The cargo space accommodates from 620L (with rear seats up) to 2,462L (with all passenger seats folded down), while the frunk provides from 52L (for 4WD models) to 88L (for 2WD models). Notably, the six-seater variant features a unique asset that no luxury people mover possesses, not even today's Toyota Alphard: swiveling second-row seats.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9

Armed with the E-GMP platform and a 110kWh li-ion battery, rear-wheel-drive variants of the IONIQ 9 have 160kW of power and 532km of driving range while the range-topping variant with H-TRAC all-wheel-drive system has 315kW of power and 501km of driving range.

Despite being somewhat bulky, the IONIQ 9 offers a luxurious experience comparable to any premium SUV you can think of. It serves as a well-organized cruiser, perfect for touring South Korea's upscale destinations, including the stunning location dubbed "Paradise" by Singles' Inferno. Equipped with H-TRAC, it features an Auto Terrain Mode that automatically adjusts its capabilities for various surfaces, whether tarmac, gravel, or snow. While it may not match the quality of a Range Rover, it is still quite impressive.

In terms of safety, the IONIQ 9 comes loaded with the latest Hyundai SmartSense technologies. These include high beam assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist 2, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, among others.

The arrival of the first-ever IONIQ 9 completes the IONIQ trilogy of electric cars. With its SUV ruggedness, luxury sedan-riding comfort, award-winning EV powertrain, and premium features that can upset European imports, this is Hyundai's opulent expression of zero-emission touring. This is common-sense business class the Hyundai way. Any questions?

Available Colors: Ionosphere Green, Sunset Brown, Nocturne Grey Metallic, Celadon Grey Metallic, Bio Phillic Blue Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Nocturne Grey Matte, Celadon Grey Matte, and Gravity Gold Matte.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

My FH5 Log: The Moment We Meet...

The Toyota GR 86 and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N were featured cars in the advertisement for the Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival, which aired in October 2024. In the ad, we witnessed these two sports cars racing head-on and performing drifts. It’s a long story, but in Forza Horizon 5, the experience is quite different.

The poster cars from October 2024's Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival are here to settle the scores again just as how the rivalry between Hyundai and Toyota in the WRC became the talk of the town. But first, let's get to know these two.

Let's start with the Toyota GR86, the second generation of Toyota's affordable rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. The GR86 builds upon the legacy of its predecessor while maintaining the accessible driving dynamics that enthusiasts around the world appreciate. It features an improved version of the platform used by the previous model. Although the new model is similar in size to the old one, the sport-tuned suspension and updated chassis enhance the driving experience.

Under the hood, the flat-four boxer engine has been upgraded from the previous model's 2.0L to a 2.4L displacement. This change results in increased power output of 235 PS and 250 Nm of torque, with the option of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Now, let's get to know about the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, the high-performance version of Hyundai's award-winning all-electric compact crossover SUV.

The IONIQ 5 N features an 84 kWh lithium-ion battery pack equipped with two electric motors that power both the front and rear wheels. It delivers a standard output of 609 PS and 740 Nm of torque, making it more powerful than the Kia EV6 GT. With the N Grin Boost activated for ten seconds, the power increases to 650 PS. Furthermore, with N Launch Control, it can achieve a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 260 km/h.

Hyundai has truly excelled with the IONIQ 5 N, which won the 2024 World Performance Car award and was named Top Gear's 2023 Car of the Year. This high-performance electric crossover has impressive aesthetics and boasts remarkable power and speed. It set a new record at Pikes Peak, completing the course in 9 minutes and 30.852 seconds in the Modified and Production SUV/Crossover classes. This car will undoubtedly continue to attract attention and make a significant impact in the automotive industry.

Let's find out how good these two cars are around the main festival grounds. Roll the tape!

And now, the results...

GR86 - 1m25.836s

IONIQ 5 N - 1m18.662s

It's a bit misguided to compare a powerful electric SUV with an affordable rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. However, both vehicles have effectively served as promotional ambassadors for the Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival. Well done, GR86 and IONIQ 5 N. You both deserve a round of applause!

"We race as competitors.

The moment we meet,

a new thrill begins."

EPILOGUE

Having grown respect for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N for being the antithesis of the ever-growing all-electric crossover SUV market, I think it's time for this K-popper to have its own live performance but first...

A witty move. Shiki-chan would be impressed with this one.

As the Korean EV SUV hero donning the role of Liella's wittiest and most clever member, we are tackling through an EventLab creation inspired by a racetrack in Taiwan. I don't know what that is but we're going to find out. Let's rock and roll.

Smart move. I won't regret it.

In Forza Horizon 5, we are united by our passion for racing, much like Hyundai N and Toyota Gazoo Racing. While competition is a part of the game, it's not our primary focus. We come together to have fun and share our love of racing.

Hyundai Palisade LX3

Hyundai's flagship SUV, the Palisade, has entered its second generation, and it's officially the most luxurious in its class. It promises luxury SUV things without the luxury SUV pricing. It looks like the Korean carmaker's going premium with this one, although the timing's bad due to...well, you know what happened.

2025 Hyundai Palisade

The all-new Hyundai Palisade aims to deliver world-class luxury at an affordable price. With a starting price of 43,830,000 Korean Won, this SUV is a bargain for its class.

2025 Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai has truly excelled in the design of the Palisade LX3. While it might resemble a modern Range Rover at first glance, it features distinctive boot-shaped front lamps and taillights for added flair, along with a striking grille that has an illuminated top. When parked next to a Range Rover, the similarities are hard to ignore, but on the bright side, the all-new Palisade serves as an affordable alternative to a Range Rover.

2025 Hyundai Palisade interior

2025 Hyundai Palisade interior

Now, let's get to know the new interior. On the driver's side, it dons the familiar steering wheel with braille symbols in the middle just like today's Hyundai models as well as the gear lever positioned behind the steering wheel, paddle shifters, a Panoramic Curved Display with AI assistant, ambient lighting, fingerprint authentication system, BOSE Premium Sound System, and for user-friendliness, buttons and knobs for the radio and climate control. The front passenger seat, meanwhile, sports a legrest reminiscent of the Nissan Teana from a distant past.

Although the Palisade LX3 is offered in a seven- or nine-seater variant, the seven-seater variant is credited with the Palisade LX3's premium luxury status thanks to the second-row seats that come with the available massagers. You won't find that in the Chevrolet Traverse.

Regarding boot space, with all seats present, it can carry up to 317 liters of goodies. With the third-row seats slid forward, it's now 348 liters. Fold the passenger seats down, and you can expect roughly four times the boot space for more.

2025 Hyundai Palisade

Unlike the previous model, the Palisade LX3 is now powered only by the Smartstream G2.5T engine, which produces 281PS of power and 43kgf-m of torque. Mated only with an 8-speed AT, the front-wheel-drive variants' fuel economy is around 9.7km/L. The Palisade Hybrid uses the same engine, but with the added 54kW electric motor and 6-speed automatic.

The Palisade is a sizable yet refined crossover that offers a luxurious driving experience for daily use. With the optional H-TRAC all-wheel drive system featuring an off-road driving mode, it comes close to the Range Rover in terms of aesthetics. Additionally, the all-new Palisade is equipped with a preview electronically-controlled suspension, allowing it to adapt seamlessly to various driving conditions, whether on tarmac, gravel, or snow.

The Palisade LX3 features a host of safety features, ranging from the hallmark Hyundai SmartSense, the Digital Center Mirror, the Built-In Cam 2 Plus, the Surround View Distance Display, the second-row safe exit indicator, seat belt pre-tensioner, 10 airbags, and so on.

The all-new Palisade has it all: looks that mimic today's Range Rover, lights that kick, a luxurious interior, numerous high-tech features, and a turbocharged 2.5L petrol and hybrid to match its status. It really is a world-class luxury SUV without the luxury price tag, making it the bargain of the season. It doesn't stick to the status quo; it just rewrites it fair and square.

Available Colors: Robust Emerald Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, Shimmering Silver Metallic, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, Classy Blue Pearl, Cast Iron Brown Pearl, Galaxy Maroon Pearl, and Abyss Black Pearl.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

My GT7 Log: Beyond Competition

Japan and South Korea are known as “frenemies.” They have a checkered past since Japan split Korea into two. This past did not stop the two countries from jointly hosting the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was a true display of frenemies. The same goes for present-day WRC when Toyota Gazoo Racing and Hyundai N clash for dirt supremacy.

In honor of the recent Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival, we celebrate the rivalry between the two Far East motoring superpowers by comparing the two Vision Gran Turismo concepts from Hyundai and Toyota.

The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo is a concept car that paved the way for Hyundai’s high-performance division. This hybrid race car has a hydrogen fuel cell system that delivers 871 horsepower through four independent motors. This fuel cell and motor combination allows the Hyundai N 2025 to have a phenomenal driving experience.

The FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo is what happens when the FT-1 Concept, which served as the blueprint for the Supra revival project, transformed into a race car. It's a futuristic version of the Toyota Supra used in the JGTC (Super GT) races in the past, but it's not a JGTC car. While it's just a concept, the FT-1 VGT proves Toyota has a lot of potential and passion for motorsports.

After a quick introduction of the cars from Toyota and Hyundai, let's pit these Far East rivals around Suzuka Circuit, which is considered the sacred ground of Japanese motorsports. Let's roll the tape.

Here are the results...

FT-1 VGT - 2m05.872s

N 2025 VGT - 1m46.484s

It's a huge shocker of a result, judging by the fact that Hyundai's investing heavily in the world of electrification while Toyota's lagging behind and sticking to its old-school principles. Either way, while Hyundai has the upper hand against the Japanese motoring giant, the results don't really matter because this comparison is a demonstration of how capable these two Far East motoring giants are.

Hyundai and Toyota are known for shaking things up. They are both creating fun-to-drive cars as hinted by their high-performance divisions; Hyundai N and Toyota Gazoo Racing. While the N cars stick to the "never just drive" mantra, the TGR cars are all about "pushing the limits for better."

They've raced as competitors. But when they meet, a new thrill begins.

Beyond competition, united by passion.

Kia EV3 vs Hyundai Casper Electric

The first-ever Kia EV3 all-electric crossover slots in as the most affordable model in Kia’s lineup of electric crossovers, with prices starting at 39.95 million won (around $33,000). While it is the most affordable of Kia’s electric crossovers, it’s still not cheap. After factoring in additional costs like taxes and registration, the price of an EV3 will likely be closer to $40,000. That’s still a solid value for an all-electric crossover from a reputable automaker.

2025 Kia EV3

A concept turned reality, the EV3 takes over the void left by the Soul when it was gutted off from the lineup three years ago, moments after the new Kia logo's unveiling.

2025 Kia EV3

The EV3 is a concept car turned reality. It fills the gap left by the Soul crossover, which was discontinued three years ago. The EV3 has nearly identical styling to the concept car it was inspired by, and it's sized like the defunct Soul. This compact size makes it easy to live with, though it's obviously also a "mini-me" EV9. The cubic-styled wheel designs add a nice touch and give the vehicle a distinctive and futuristic look. It looks like something straight out of Tetris.

2025 Kia EV3 interior

The Kia EV3 also features a minimalist interior. The materials used to construct the cabin are also recycled. It’s a great look that makes sense for an electric vehicle. Plus, you’ll feel good about reducing waste every time you get behind the wheel. 

While drivers are greeted by its 30-inch screen on the driver's side with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a five-inch air-conditioning touch panel, there's one annoying feature that will ruin someone from his or her sweet spot; the Kia EV-first AI assistant that works just like the Amazon Alexa nonsense.

Of course, being a five-seater crossover, the EV3's rear seats can be folded down for added space. It even comes with a rear hidden compartment to store some more. Having a compact crossover with a 25-litre frunk and a 460-litre boot really means business, especially if it's a Kia.

2025 Kia EV3

Built on the Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP, the EV3's electric powertrain runs on a 400V architecture and an 81.4-kWh NMC battery for the Long Range variant while Standard Range variants run on a 58.3-kWh NMC battery. Both variants run on a front-mounted electric motor that produces 204PS of power and 283Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h. Fair enough.

The Long Range variant is good for up to 501km of driving range in one full charge and it will take around 30 minutes to reach from 10% to 80% while charging at a public charging station.

Being front-wheel-drive only, the EV3 features eDTVC for better traction for moderate reasons. It even comes with the new i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking with one-pedal operation just like the Nissan Leaf. As for safety, the EV3 is prepped with notable features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist, among others. 

The Kia EV3 crossover is the baby of the Kia EV lineup. There's also the recently facelifted EV6 and the king-sized EV9. The EV3 looks like the concept car it was inspired by, and it's sized like the discontinued Soul crossover. It's a compact size that's easy to handle in the city. I'm not sure how I feel about the AI assistant. It's kind of annoying and might be hard for people to fall asleep in the back seat.

However, if you find the Kia EV3 too expensive or too annoying because of the AI assistant injected inside, there is a cheaper and simpler alternative: the Hyundai Casper Electric.

2025 Hyundai Casper Electric

2025 Hyundai Casper Electric interior

Priced at 31,493,670 Korean Won plus additional costs, the simple-looking Casper Electric brings everything Koreans loved about the Casper, now with the all-electric powertrain to back it up.

Although it looks and feels just like its petrol-powered equivalent, the Casper Electric features specifically-made front lamps, tail lights, and a new interior featuring a new digital instrumental cluster and touchscreen that are longer than the one from the normal Casper. Asked about the boot space, it's good for up to 351 liters with the rear seats folded down. It's offered only in one variant with five seats.

Bolted to a front-mounted electric motor and a 49 kWh battery, the Casper Electric produces 115PS of power and 147Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 10.7 seconds and a top speed of 150kph. As for driving range, it's good for up to 315km on one full charge.

The Casper Electric features a wide array of safety techs such as lane keeping assist, lane following assist, blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist 1.5, and parking collision avoidance assist rear. It even comes with rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, safety exit warning, smart cruise control with stop-and-go, highway driving assist 1.5 (HDA 1.5), intelligent speed limit assist, driver attention warning, high beam assist, leading vehicle departure alert, and rear occupant alert.

To sum things up, the Kia EV3 is the more expensive and feature-rich of the two, and it's also a larger car. The Hyundai Casper Electric, on the other hand, is more affordable and simpler. Both are fun to drive, but I would recommend the Casper Electric to people who are on a budget or who don't need all the bells and whistles.

The more you know...

Photo: Kia, Hyundai