Hyundai’s sub $60K Elexio electric SUV confirmed to take on Tesla Model Y with a single feature-rich grade

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Hyundai has confirmed its Elexio medium SUV will arrive in Australia in early 2026 with an introductory price of $59,990 driveaway.

The price applies to the sole Elite grade offered at launch, powered by a 160kW/310Nm electric motor on the front axle, drawing power from an 88kWh LFP battery to supply an official range figure of 546km, according to WLTP testing standards.

Sitting on a 400-volt version of the E-GMP platform, the battery can be topped up from 10 to 80 percent in 38 minutes when using a 350kW DC charger. 

Entering into Australia’s fiercely competitive fully electric midsize SUV space, the sub-$60K Elixio undercuts the equivalent Kia EV5 Earth ($69K D/A in NSW) and the Tesla Model Y RWD ($64K D/A in NSW), though the BYD Sealion 7 Premium asks for less ($59K D/A in NSW).

Importantly, the Exelio offers Australians a more friendly entry price than the Korean-built Ioniq 5 by more than $20K – though the gap has currently been reduced to $12K under a temporary deal.

What does the Hyundai Exelio Elite include?

For now, the only option for Exelio is the mid-spec Elite grade in FWD guise, with no confirmed plans to expand the range, though it’s expected that more affordable and expensive options – along with AWD – will arrive at a later date.

Standard features include a 27-inch 4K display, leather-accented trim on the seats and the heated steering wheel, along with 14-way adjustability for the driver and four-way adjustment for the front passenger, with both front seats featuring heating and ventilation.

Other highlight interior features include dual wireless phone chargers, a heads-up display, six-speaker stereo, USB-C charging points throughout, dual-zone climate control and vehicle-to-load capability.

Outside, the Elexio is dressed in 20-inch wheels, LED headlights/tail-lights and roof rails, with other notable features including acoustic film on the windscreen, a heat pump for the battery and a power tailgate – which opens to reveal a 506-litre boot capacity. 

Australian-tuned suspension

Perhaps seeking to head off issues that have plagued the rival EV5 from sibling brand Kia, Hyundai says it has invested significant time and energy into developing the ride and handling of the Elexio specifically for Aussie roads.

Hyundai says it evaluated a range of suspension components including springs, dampers and anti-roll bars to find the best fit for our market to find a mix to “best suit our broad spectrum of uniquely challenging road conditions”.

Working with an overseas team that travelled to Sydney to work with Hyundai’s local ride and handling experts, the brand says the Exexio offers an “optimal blend of comfort, stability, refinement and handling.”

Chasing Cars will provide our official impression of these claims in an upcoming review.