The Hyundai Elexio Elite delivers up to 562 km of WLTP range and a 5-Star ANCAP 2026 safety rating, prices starting at $57,990 drive-away.
The cabin packs a 27-inch panoramic display, dual wireless charging pads, heated and ventilated seats, and a 3.6 kW interior vehicle-to-load outlet.
The Elexio sits below the FBT-exempt threshold, making it a strong candidate for a novated lease with potential tax savings.
Australia's EV market is moving fast. Battery-electric vehicle sales are on the rise in 2026 compared to 2025, and the mid-size SUV segment is leading the charge. Right in the middle of all that momentum sits the Hyundai Elexio, a brand-new electric SUV that landed in Australian showrooms in early 2026.
This Hyundai Elexio review covers everything you need to know: how it drives, what's inside, how it compares, and why the timing for buying one has rarely been better.
Hyundai Elexio SUV: At a Glance
The Elexio SUV sits on Hyundai-Kia's E-GMP 400-V platform, the same architecture underpinning the Kia EV5. Currently, two variants are available in Australia: the Elexio Base FWD, priced at $57,990 drive-away, and the Elexio Elite FWD, priced at $59,990 drive-away through participating authorised Hyundai dealers.
Elexio Elite Power & Performance: 160 kW, 88.1 kWh FWD
The 160 kW 88.1 kWh FWD setup produces 310 Nm of torque from a single front motor. It's not a performance car, but 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds is more than adequate for everyday driving.
What stands out more is the ride calibration. Hyundai Australia specifically tuned the suspension and steering for local conditions, with testing completed on the Great Ocean Road. Around town on the 20-inch aero alloy wheels it's firm, but it settles well at highway speeds.
The regenerative braking system offers three levels plus an i-Pedal mode, giving drivers good control over energy recovery.
Charging & Range: Enhanced EV Performance on and off the Highway
The 88.1 kWh LFP battery (supplied by BYD's Blade battery technology) delivers a WLTP range of 546 km for the Elite, which is 23% more than the Kona Electric Standard Range. Real-world testing by Chasing Cars returned around 424 km, which is still very usable for most Australian drivers, including those in regional WA and Queensland.
DC fast charging takes the battery from 10-80% in approximately 38 minutes on a 150 kW charger. That's roughly a coffee stop every four to five hours on a highway run. The 11 kW AC onboard charger handles overnight top-ups at home comfortably.
One practical advantage of LFP chemistry: you can charge to 100% regularly without degrading the battery, which suits long-distance driving.
Inside the Cabin: Dual Wireless Charging Pads, 27-Inch Infotainment & More
Step inside and the Elexio's interior makes a strong impression. The centrepiece is a 27-inch 4K "Connect-C" panoramic display paired with a heads-up display that presents essential driver data without cluttering the view.
Other highlights include:
Dual wireless charging pads for compatible mobile devices
Heated and ventilated leather-appointed seats front and rear
Leather-appointed steering wheel
Hyundai Digital Key 2 with NFC (the car's wireless NFC charger doubles as the key pad)
Auto-flush door handles
Ambient lighting throughout
The infotainment has drawn some criticism for usability, and it's a fair point. The sheer size of the screen can make some functions feel buried. That said, connected car services work well once you're set up, and the physical smart key is included as a backup.
Practicality: Boot Space and Interior Vehicle-to-Load
At 4,615 mm long with a 2,750 mm wheelbase, the Elexio is a proper family SUV. Boot space comes in at 506 litres with seats up and 1,540 litres with them flat. That puts it ahead of the Tesla Model Y (480 L) and BYD Sealion 7 (475 L).
There's no frunk, which is worth noting if you were expecting extra storage up front.
The interior vehicle-to-load (V2L) outlet delivers 3.6 kW, letting you power appliances, devices, or even charge another EV from inside the car. It's a genuinely useful feature for camping trips or job sites.
Comprehensive Safety Features and Connected Car Services
The Elexio earned a 5-Star ANCAP 2026 rating before going on sale, which is a meaningful tick of approval for fleet and rental buyers and family purchasers alike. Hyundai achieved this rating ahead of the Australian launch.
The Hyundai SmartSense suite covers a full dozen safety features, including:
Forward Collision Avoidance 2.0
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance
Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance
Safe Exit Assist
Driver Attention Warning
Surround View Monitor with 3D view
It's worth noting that safety feature limitations apply in certain conditions, as they do across all vehicles in this class.
Connected car services are accessible through the Hyundai app, covering remote climate control, charging scheduling, and vehicle location.
How the Elexio Stacks Up
The Elexio's main rivals are the Tesla Model Y RWD, BYD Sealion 7, Skoda Enyaq 85, VW ID.4 Pro, and Toyota bZ4X FWD.
Feature | Hyundai Elexio Elite | Tesla Model Y RWD | BYD Sealion 7 |
WLTP Range | 546 km | ~533 km | ~502 km |
Boot (seats up) | 506 L | 480 L | 475 L |
ANCAP Rating | 5-Star 2026 | 5-Star 2023 | 5-Star 2024 |
DC Charging Speed | 150 kW | 250 kW | 150 kW |
The Elexio's slower DC charging compared to Tesla is a genuine drawback on long trips. But for most daily use, the range and charging speed are more than workable.
Why 2026 Is the Right Time to Go Electric
The federal government's FBT exemption on eligible EVs under the luxury car tax fuel-efficient threshold remains in place at its current setup until 31 March 2027, per the ATO's Electric Car Exemption. The Elexio's $59,990 price sits well below that threshold, meaning it qualifies in full.
With the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard arriving in July 2026 and fuel prices remaining unpredictable, the case for switching to a battery electric vehicle has rarely been stronger.
The Elexio Is Here - Your Tax Savings Could Be Too
The Hyundai Elexio Australia launch has arrived at exactly the right moment. Strong range, a well-equipped cabin, proper safety credentials, and a price point that plays nicely with Australia's current EV tax rules. It's not perfect, the infotainment takes some getting used to and there's no AWD option yet, but as a family-friendly EV SUV under $60k, it's a compelling package.
If you're weighing up your next vehicle, this vehicle from the Hyundai Motor Company is one worth looking at seriously. And if you're considering your vehicle funding options, a novated lease through Easi may could provide attractive tax and budgeting benefits.
Easi's Take: Helping Australians Into EVs Since Before EVs Were Cool
At Easi, we've been helping Australians get into vehicles through novated leasing since 1992. Over the years, we've seen the market shift from internal combustion engines to hybrids, and now to full EVs like the Elexio. That experience matters, especially when it comes to understanding how to structure a lease around an EV's running costs, charging needs, and warranty conditions.
Through a novated lease, eligible vehicle costs may be paid using pre-tax salary, which may reduce your taxable income depending on your circumstances.. Because the Elexio currently falls within the relevant FBT exemption criteria, eligible employees can access additional tax benefits, and your lease payments, rego, insurance, and even home charging costs can all be bundled in, pre-tax.
To explore how a novated lease may compare under your circumstances, use our online novated lease calculator or give our team a call on 1300 266 828.
