Hyundai Elexio 2026: Midsize twin to Kia EV5 launches in sole front-drive, large-battery guise from $59,990 drive-away

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Hyundai Australia has today launched its Chinese-assembled Elexio medium electric SUV – a twin-under-the-skin to Kia’s EV5 – as a cost-friendly alternative to the Ioniq 5. 

The Hyundai Elexio launches in a sole model grade — Elexio Elite — priced from $61,990 before on-road costs, but presently on launch offer for $59,990 drive-away (through to 30th March).

In the beginning of Q2, the Elexio Elite will be joined by the base-grade ‘Elexio’, which will start from $58,990 before on-road costs with no prospective discount. Both variants will share a 160kW/310Nm front electric motor and 88.1kWh LFP battery to return claimed driving ranges of 546km (WLTP) for Elexio Elite and 562km for Elexio.

Hyundai says both grades of Elexio medium EV can be charged from 10-80 percent in 38 minutes, peaking at 150kW DC, with ‘N3 eK’ architecture – shared with Kia EV5 – supporting 400-volt charging infrastructure.

Both cars measure 4615mm long, 1875mm wide, and 1673mm tall, driving on a 2750mm wheelbase. The Elexio shares identical length, width, and wheelbase sizes to the 42mm taller Kia EV5.

Almost two years ago, sister brand Kia launched its Elexio twin-under-the-skin, EV5, with a similar launch discount to that of its Hyundai sibling. It debuted with a smaller 64.2kWh battery, shorter 400km driving range, and a limited-time starting price of $56,770 drive-away, which is currently still active.

Matching the Elexio’s 88.1kWh battery in EV5 incurs a starting price of $63,990 driveaway, with Elexio filling what little price gaps remain across Hyundai-Kia’s electric offerings. Presently these include Hyundai Inster, Kona Electric, Ioniq 5, 6, and 9, and Kia EV3, EV5, EV6 and EV9.

Moving outside South Korea, competitors to the Elexio include Australian favourites Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7, from $58,900 and $54,990 respectively, as well as the recently revised $55,990 Toyota bZ4X. All prices are before on-road costs.

Outside, Elexio features a suite of LED brightwork wrapped in squircular styling. Elexio does not appear to have strong ties with Hyundai’s ‘Art of Steel’ design language, using a more flowing, rounded aesthetic to that of its stablemates.

Inside, Elexio features a huge 27-inch display which blends both the infotainment touchscreen and driver instrument cluster into one large panel. Cloth or leather seating in a two-row, five-seat configuration among LED interior lights rounds off the family SUV’s practical look. 

What is missing at present from Elexio’s model range is a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant to match the offerings of both rivals and its EV5 twin. Expect an Elexio N-Line in the works for Australia, likely with the same dual-motor, 230kW/480Nm configuration to the EV5 GT-Line. 

Coming in Q2, the base model Elexio will offer the following stand-out features:

• 18-inch Alloy Wheels
• Rain sensing windshield wipers
• LED taillights, DRLs, projector beams and side repeaters
• 27-inch combination infotainment and instrument cluster display
• Heads-up display
• Cloth seats
• Leather appointed steering wheel, centre console arm rest, door armrests and centre trims
• Driver’s six-way power adjustable seat
• Single wireless device charger
• Dual zone climate control

But for now, the sole trim grade Elite additionally features the following over Elexio: 

• 20-inch alloy wheels 
• Leather appointed seats 
• Four-way power adjustable passenger’s seat
• Dual wireless device chargers
• 14-way power adjustable driver seat
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Powered bootlid

Hyundai Elexio 2026: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs unless stated otherwise.

• Elexio FWD: $58,990
• Elexio Elite FWD: $59,990 drive-away (usually $61,990)