Hyundai ELEXIO vs smart #3
Two electric cars go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai ELEXIO starts from $59,990 before on-road costs, while the smart #3 opens at $57,900. That makes the smart #3 the more affordable entry point by $2,090.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $65,989 and $63,690 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai ELEXIO and smart #3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Hyundai ELEXIO and 90% for the smart #3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #3 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Hyundai ELEXIO.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai ELEXIO features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the smart #3 gets a 12.8-inch display and 9.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #3 counters with panoramic roof, Beats audio and ambient lighting that the Hyundai ELEXIO does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai ELEXIO uses a Electric Motor producing 160kW and 290Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds.
The smart #3 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The smart #3 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #3 is 3.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 88kWh (Hyundai ELEXIO) vs 66kWh (smart #3), giving WLTP ranges of 700km and 435km. DC fast charging peaks at 180kW (Hyundai ELEXIO) vs 130kW (smart #3).
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai ELEXIO measures 4,615mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 215mm longer than the smart #3 at 4,400mm (2,785mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 466L in the Hyundai ELEXIO and 260L in the smart #3, giving the Hyundai ELEXIO a 206L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.5m to 11.7m
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai ELEXIO) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai ELEXIO if: You need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai ELEXIO takes 5 of 8 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Hyundai ELEXIO has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai ELEXIO and smart #3?
The smart #3 is the cheapest at $57,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai ELEXIO by $2,090.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Hyundai ELEXIO has the most range at 700km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Hyundai ELEXIO accepts the highest DC charging at up to 180kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai ELEXIO and smart #3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai ELEXIO has the largest boot at 466L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #3 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #3 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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