Hyundai Motor Company Australia has confirmed the local launch of the all-new ELEXIO electric medium SUV for the first quarter of 2026.

The vehicle will arrive in a single "Elite" trim grade, priced at an introductory $59,990 drive-away for both private and fleet customers.

Positioned between the Kona Electric and the IONIQ 5, the ELEXIO is the first Hyundai electric vehicle produced in China to be sold in the Australian market.

It shares its underlying structural architecture and 2,750mm wheelbase with the Kia EV5, though the two models utilise different equipment and thermal management strategies.

The ELEXIO Elite features a front-mounted 160kW/310Nm electric motor paired with an 88.1kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery.

This configuration provides a tested driving range of 546km on the WLTP cycle and supports 10-to-80 per cent charging in 38 minutes via a 350kW DC fast charger.

A key technical distinction between the two related models is the standard inclusion of a battery heating system and heat pump in the Hyundai ELEXIO.

Reports regarding the Kia EV5 have noted significant range loss when operating the heater in cold conditions, a result of that model lacking a heat pump.

The ELEXIO’s integrated heat pump is designed to scavenge waste heat to warm the cabin, preserving driving range during winter operation.

From a value perspective, the $59,990 drive-away price for the ELEXIO Elite places it as a direct competitor to the Kia EV5 Air variants.

The entry-level Kia EV5 Air Standard Range starts lower at $56,770 drive-away but utilises a smaller 64.2kWh battery and offers a shorter 400km range.

When compared to the Kia EV5 Air Long Range, which shares the 88.1kWh battery and costs $63,990 drive-away, the ELEXIO offers a $4,000 price advantage.

The Hyundai also includes a standard 27-inch 4K integrated display and a non-film Horizon-type Head-Up Display, whereas the Kia utilises a dual 12.3-inch screen configuration.

Both vehicles benefit from bespoke Australian suspension and steering tunes developed specifically for local road conditions.

Standard equipment for the ELEXIO Elite includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a nine-airbag safety system, and leather-appointed upholstery.

The interior features heated and ventilated front seats, dual wireless phone chargers, and the new Connect-C infotainment system based on Android Automotive.

Safety technology is comprised of a full "SmartSense" suite, including Highway Driving Assist 2, a 360-degree surround-view monitor, and Remote Smart Park Assist 3.

The cargo area provides 506 litres of space, which can be expanded to 1,540 litres by folding the 60:40 split rear seats.

Hyundai will provide final local specifications and any additional trim details closer to the official Q1 2026 release date.

2026 Hyundai ELEXIO Specifications

• 160kW / 310Nm Single Motor (Front-Wheel Drive)
• 88.1kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery
• 546km electric driving range (WLTP)
• 18.2 kWh/100km combined efficiency
• 38-minute charging (10 to 80%) via 350kW DC charger
• Battery heating system and heat pump
• Bespoke Australian suspension and steering tunes
• 27-inch ultra-thin 4K panoramic integrated display
• Android Automotive (Connect-C) infotainment system
• Head-Up Display (HUD) non-film Horizon type
• Over-The-Air (OTA) software update capability
• Bluelink Connected Car Services
• Digital Key 2.0 (NFC type)
• 14-way power adjustable driver seat with memory
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Dual wireless charging pads
• 506-litre cargo area (expands to 1,540 litres)
• 9 Airbags (including front-centre side)
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2.0
• Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2)
• Remote Smart Park Assist 3 (RSPA 3)
• Surround View Monitor (SVM)
• Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)
• 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/45 tyres
• LED 4-cube projection headlamps
• Smart power tailgate