Hyundai recently revealed its entry-level born-electric model, the Ioniq 3, due to be launched in international markets in the coming months. While the Ioniq 3’s India launch is unlikely, it is very similar to the Hyundai Creta Electric in terms of specifications and powertrains. So how does the entry-level Ioniq 3 stack up against Hyundai’s most affordable EV in India, the Creta Electric? We find out.
Hyundai Creta Electric vs Ioniq 3: Dimensions
The Creta Electric is longer and taller, but the Ioniq 3 has a larger wheelbase
While the Creta Electric is 170mm and 185mm longer than the Ioniq 3’s standard and N Line variants, respectively, the Ioniq 3 has a 70mm longer wheelbase. The Creta Electric is also 150mm taller, though both EVs have similar width and boot space. All Creta Electric variants run 17-inch alloy wheels, whereas the Ioniq 3 offers larger 19-inch rims on the N Line.
Hyundai Creta Electric vs Ioniq 3: Powertrains
The Creta Electric is slightly more powerful, but the Ioniq 3 could offer a better range
The Hyundai Creta Electric and Ioniq 3 are offered with two battery pack options and a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup, with very similar lower-spec battery and motor specifications. That said, the Ioniq 3’s higher-capacity 61kWh battery is 9.6kWh larger than the Creta Electric’s. However, the Creta Electric’s larger battery version produces 23hp more than the Ioniq 3, giving it a 1.7-second faster 0-100kph time.
The claimed range figures of both EVs cannot be directly compared due to different testing cycles (ARAI for the Creta Electric and WLTP for the Ioniq 3). Generally, the ARAI-rated range is around 100km more than the WLTP range. For example, the Maruti e Vitara with a 49kWh battery has a WLTP-claimed range of 344km, while the ARAI-rated figure is 440km (96km more). Similarly, the e Vitara’s larger 61kWh battery variants with FWD motor have a WLTP-rated range of 426km, which is 117km less than its ARAI-rated 543km range.
So, if we were to convert the Ioniq 3’s 42.2kWh battery’s WLTP-rated range to ARAI, it would roughly be 444km, which is 24km more than the Creta Electric. For its bigger 61kWh battery version, the figure would likely be around 600km.
Should Hyundai consider bringing the Ioniq 3 to India?
Indian buyers’ liking for different-looking EVs makes a strong case for the Ioniq 3
The Hyundai Ioniq 3 is expected to be priced from around GBP 25,000 in the UK, which amounts to around Rs 31 lakh before taxes and duties. In comparison, the Creta Electric ranges from Rs 18.02 lakh to Rs 23.67 lakh (ex-showroom) as it is made in India. If Hyundai were to make the Ioniq 3 locally, its prices would likely be comparable to those of the Creta Electric.
The Hyundai Creta Electric has been on sale in India since January 2025. Despite wearing the popular Creta nametag, the electric version has been unable to replicate the ICE-powered model’s success in the country. As per data from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), Hyundai sold only 476 EVs in March 2026. Compared to this, born-electric models such as the Mahindra XEV 9e and BE 6 registered sales of 1,759 and 1,495 units, respectively, in the same month.
It has been observed that Indian buyers prefer bold designs in EVs, as seen in the success of the MG Windsor EV, Mahindra’s XEV 9e and BE 6, Kia EV6 and Hyundai’s own Ioniq 5. On the other hand, the Creta Electric does not look very different from the ICE-powered Creta, and the Ioniq 3 has a much bolder design that would likely grab more eyeballs here.
This raises the question of whether Hyundai should consider launching the Ioniq 3 in India, especially since its specifications are comparable to those of the Creta Electric. On paper, its pros definitely make a strong case.
Prices are ex-showroom, India.
Uday Singh
Glenn Noronha
Aditya Panicker
