Skoda Elroq vs smart #1
Two electric SUVs 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Skoda Elroq starts from $54,990 before on-road costs, while the smart #1 opens at $54,900. That makes the smart #1 the more affordable entry point by $90.
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 $60,489 and $60,390 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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
77kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 135kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 135kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
62kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Skoda Elroq features a 13-inch touchscreen paired with a 5-inch digital dash, while the smart #1 gets a 12.8-inch display and 9.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #1 counters with Beats audio and ambient lighting that the Skoda Elroq does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Skoda Elroq gets cloth upholstery while the smart #1 offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Skoda Elroq uses a Electric Motor producing 210kW and 545Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds.
The smart #1 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The Skoda Elroq has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 200kW. In the real-world sprint, the Skoda Elroq is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 82kWh (Skoda Elroq) vs 66kWh (smart #1), giving WLTP ranges of 570km and 420km. DC fast charging peaks at 135kW (Skoda Elroq) vs 150kW (smart #1).
Space & Comfort
The Skoda Elroq measures 4,488mm long on a 2,765mm wheelbase, 218mm longer than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Skoda Elroq generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 470L in the Skoda Elroq and 323L in the smart #1, giving the Skoda Elroq a 147L advantage.
For towing, the smart #1 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m to 11.1m
Based on 9.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Elroq) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). The Skoda Elroq has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Skoda Elroq if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #1 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Elroq takes 7 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Skoda Elroq has a clear edge. The Skoda Elroq adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Skoda Elroq and smart #1?
The smart #1 is the cheapest at $54,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Elroq by $90.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Skoda Elroq has the most range at 529km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The smart #1 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — smart #1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Elroq has the largest boot at 470L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Elroq has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Skoda Elroq makes the most power at 210kW. The Skoda Elroq is quickest to 100km/h in 6.6s.
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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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