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Misty Jain

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  • Published: Jan 08 2026 05:00 PM
  • Last Updated: Jan 08 2026 05:00 PM

Hyundai Elexio electric SUV takes on Tesla Model Y with 546 km range and a AU$59,990 price, but its China vs Australia pricing is raising questions.



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Hyundai has been quietly working on something new, and now it’s finally out in the open. It’s not flashy like a concept car, and it’s not trying to be ultra-luxury either. Instead, this new electric SUV looks like it wants to win buyers the simple way — with space, range, and price. People are already comparing it with some big EV names, and that’s where things get interesting.

Hyundai’s New EV Enters a Fight With the Biggest Names

Hyundai’s New EV, called the Hyundai Elexio, is entering one of the toughest EV segments right now. This is the same space where the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV5, and BYD Sealion 7 are fighting for attention. For Hyundai, this move feels very calculated. The New Elexio SUV sits between the Kona Electric and the Ioniq 5, which means it’s meant for families who want more space but don’t want to pay premium EV money.

Hyundai is offering the Elexio in Australia with a single Elite variant, keeping things simple for buyers. There’s no confusing trim list, no long upgrade menu. That approach may actually help regular buyers who just want a good electric SUV without stress. It also shows Hyundai wants volume, not niche appeal, and that’s a smart play in today’s EV market.

Hyundai Elexio electric SUV

Hyundai Elexio Exterior Feels Familiar but Purposeful

The Hyundai Elexio exterior is not trying to shock anyone, and honestly, that might be a good thing. The design is clean, modern, and very SUV-like. You can see hints of Hyundai’s newer EV design language, but it’s toned down compared to the Ioniq 5. This makes it easier for first-time EV buyers to accept.

It sits on large wheels and has a wide stance, which helps it look stable and confident on the road. The closed-off grille, slim LED lights, and smooth body lines all help with efficiency too. Hyundai clearly focused on aerodynamics here, not just looks. It’s the kind of design that may not go viral online, but it will age well over time, which matters for family buyers.

Hyundai Elexio electric SUV

Why Sitting Inside the Hyundai Elexio Feels So Relaxing

Step inside the Hyundai Elexio interior, and the first thing you notice is space. There’s plenty of room for passengers, especially in the back, which is important for families. Hyundai has kept the layout simple, with a large central screen, digital driver display, and minimal buttons. It feels modern but not confusing.

Standard features are surprisingly generous for the price. The cabin is anchored by Hyundai’s latest Connect-C infotainment system, spread across a wide 27-inch panoramic display that combines the driver screen and infotainment into one clean layout. A head-up display also comes standard, which is not something you always see at this price point.

Materials are practical rather than fancy, but everything feels well put together. Storage spaces are smartly placed, and the flat floor helps make the cabin feel open. Hyundai seems to understand that EV buyers in this price range care more about comfort and usability than luxury badges. Small details like wide seats, good visibility, and quiet driving make the cabin a nice place to spend time in.

Hyundai Elexio electric SUV

How the Hyundai Elexio Actually Feels on Real Roads

When it comes to Hyundai Elexio Performance, this SUV is not trying to be sporty. Instead, it focuses on smooth and predictable driving. The Elexio uses a front-mounted electric motor producing around 160 kW, which is enough for daily city use and highway driving.

Acceleration is decent, not thrilling, but that’s expected in this segment. Hyundai has also made a market-specific change here. Although the Australian version is almost identical to the Chinese model, the suspension has been specially tuned for Australian road conditions. This should help with ride comfort on rough surfaces and longer highway drives.

Steering is light and easy, making it friendly for new EV drivers. This is not a performance SUV, but for families and commuters, it does exactly what it needs to do without feeling slow or boring.

Hyundai Elexio electric SUV

Can the Hyundai Elexio Go the Distance? Let’s Talk Range

One of the biggest talking points is the Hyundai Elexio range. The SUV comes with a large 88 kWh LFP battery, which gives a claimed range of about 546 km on the WLTP cycle. That’s a strong number and puts it right in competition with rivals like the Model Y.

An important "truth" for buyers to note is the charging technology underneath. While the premium Ioniq 5 uses an ultra-fast 800V architecture, the Elexio is built on a 400V architecture. This is a key reason for the lower price point, but it does affect charging speeds; the Elexio takes approximately 38 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent on a DC fast charger, whereas the Ioniq 5 can do the same in just 18 minutes. LFP batteries are known for durability and long life, which should help with ownership confidence. For daily use, most owners will probably charge at home and only fast-charge on long trips, making the Elexio quite stress-free for the average family.

Hyundai Elexio electric SUV

Hyundai Elexioe Price Might Be Its Biggest Advantage

The Hyundai Elexio Price is where things really get interesting. In Australia, it starts at AU$59,990 drive-away, which undercuts the Ioniq 5 by nearly AU$12,000. That’s a big gap, and it makes the Elexio look like a strong value option.

However, buyers should note that this AU$59,990 figure is part of an "Introductory Launch Offer." This special drive-away price is currently valid for vehicles purchased and delivered by March 31, 2026. After this date, pricing could shift closer to its rivals, so the current window is the best time for those looking to maximize their savings.

What’s surprising is that the same model costs much less in China, where EV competition is extremely intense. This price difference has sparked debate online, but even with the higher Australian pricing, the Elexio still looks competitive. Hyundai is clearly trying to balance global pricing while staying attractive in key markets.

Hyundai Elexio electric SUV

Hyundai Elexio Specifications

Below is a quick look at the Hyundai Elexio Specifications to make things clear for buyers.

Specification

Details

Battery

88 kWh LFP

Drive

Front-wheel drive

Motor Output

160 kW / 310 Nm

0–100 km/h

Approx. 7.8 seconds

Claimed Range

546 km (WLTP)

Charging

DC fast charging (10–80% ~38 min)

Wheels

20-inch alloy (standard)

Infotainment

Connect-C with 27-inch panoramic display

Suspension

Tuned for Australian roads

Variant

Single Elite trim

Price (Australia)

AU$59,990 drive-away

Why the Elexio Could Be the EV Many Buyers Were Waiting For

The New Elexio SUV shows Hyundai is serious about offering practical EVs, not just headline-grabbing ones. It fills an important gap in the lineup and gives buyers another solid option outside Tesla and Chinese brands. For people who want a trusted brand, good range, and fair pricing, the Elexio makes a lot of sense.

It may not be the most exciting EV, but it feels honest and well thought out. Sometimes, that’s exactly what buyers are looking for.

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Source(Image / Thumbnail): topgir.com.ua

FAQ

Yes, the Hyundai Elexio is a new electric SUV that sits between the Kona Electric and Ioniq 5. It’s designed for families who want space, range, and value.

The Hyundai Elexio range is rated at 546 km (WLTP), thanks to its large 88 kWh LFP battery, which is competitive in this segment.

The Hyundai Elexio supports DC fast charging and can charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 38 minutes using a fast charger.

The Hyundai Elexio price starts at AU$59,990 drive-away in Australia as part of an introductory launch offer valid until March 31, 2026.

Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Hyundai Elexio focuses more on value and comfort, offering similar range at a lower price but with slower charging speeds.

The Hyundai Elexio interior includes a 27-inch panoramic Connect-C display, head-up display, roomy seating, and smart storage for daily family use.

Yes, the Hyundai Elexio performance is tuned for comfort, and the Australian version has suspension adjusted specifically for local road conditions.

No, Hyundai is offering the Elexio in a single Elite variant, keeping choices simple for buyers who want an easy buying experience.

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