smart #1 vs Skoda Elroq
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.
Price Breakdown
The smart #1 starts from $54,900 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Elroq opens at $54,990. 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 $60,390 and $60,489 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.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #1 stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Skoda Elroq. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The smart #1 uses a Electric producing 200kW and 343Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.
The Skoda Elroq responds with a Electric Motor making 210kW and 545Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.6 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: 66kWh (smart #1) vs 82kWh (Skoda Elroq), giving WLTP ranges of 420km and 570km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (smart #1) vs 175kW (Skoda Elroq).
Space & Comfort
The smart #1 measures 4,270mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 218mm shorter than the Skoda Elroq at 4,488mm (2,765mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Skoda Elroq generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 203L in the smart #1 and 470L in the Skoda Elroq, giving the Skoda Elroq a 267L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m diameter
Average
Based on 11.1m 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 / 150,000km (smart #1) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Skoda Elroq). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #1 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Elroq if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Elroq takes 7 of 8 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Skoda Elroq has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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