Hyundai testing smaller electric SUV, possibly IONIQ 4 or IONIQ 1

A disguised Hyundai SUV has been spotted out testing, giving us an early look at what’s thought to be the IONIQ 4, or possibly the IONIQ 1.

Is Hyundai launching the IONIQ 1?

After opening orders for the IONIQ 3 in the UK and Europe, Hyundai appears to be testing another compact electric vehicle.

The IONIQ 3 is Hyundai’s first compact EV under the IONIQ brand, designed and produced for Europe.

While the IONIQ 3 brings a new “Aero Hatch” design to the brand, the camouflaged vehicle spotted driving in South Korea has a more upright design, closer to a traditional SUV.

During its CEO Investor Day in August, Hyundai Motor revealed plans to launch 100 new or refreshed vehicles between now and 2030, including 58 in North America, 49 in South Korea, 41 in Europe, and 26 in India.

Alongside the recently launched IONIQ 3 and new Tucson, Hyundai will introduce a new electric A-SUV for India, a global B-SUV, and another B-SUV for Europe.

Hyundai has yet to confirm it, but the new B-segment SUV is expected to arrive as the IONIQ 4. A disguised prototype was spotted driving in South Korea that’s thought to be either the IONIQ 4 or possibly the IONIQ 1.

The video from ShortsCar offers an early look at Hyundai’s electric SUV. Unlike the IONIQ 3, the vehicle has a boxy, SUV-like design.

It’s hard to determine an exact size from the video, but the SUV looks nearly identical to the prototype caught testing in March.

Chinese media outlet Autohome released a few spy images (via Team-BHP.com) in March, claiming it was “very likely” a Hyundai IONIQ 1 prototype.

The vehicle carried an “HE1” test tag, suggesting it’s the IONIQ 1. Hyundai’s previous electric test vehicles, like the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9, were labeled “ME” and “NE,” with the “E” at the end indicating they are based on the E-GMP platform.

We got a brief look at the vehicle’s interior earlier this year, which appeared to feature Hyundai’s new Pleos Connect infotainment system.

The Hyundai IONIQ 4 or IONIQ 1 is expected to be very similar to the Kia EV3 with a traditional boxy SUV design. It will likely be available with similar battery packs. The Kia EV3 is offered with 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh battery packs, providing WLTP ranges of up to 214 miles (344 km) and 308 miles (497 km).

In the US, the Kia EV3 is available with the same battery packs, providing an EPA-estimated range of up to 221 miles with the 58.2 kWh battery and 321 miles with the 81.4 kWh battery.

We will have to wait to learn official details, but with prototypes out for testing, we should learn more soon. Check back for updates.