smart #1 vs Hyundai ELEXIO
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 Hyundai ELEXIO opens at $59,990. That makes the smart #1 the more affordable entry point by $5,090.
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 $60,390 and $65,989 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 Hyundai ELEXIO. 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 Hyundai ELEXIO responds with a Electric Motor making 160kW and 290Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds.
The smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 66kWh (smart #1) vs 88kWh (Hyundai ELEXIO), giving WLTP ranges of 420km and 700km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (smart #1) vs 180kW (Hyundai ELEXIO).
Space & Comfort
The smart #1 measures 4,270mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 345mm shorter than the Hyundai ELEXIO at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 203L in the smart #1 and 466L in the Hyundai ELEXIO, giving the Hyundai ELEXIO a 263L 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 (Hyundai ELEXIO). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #1 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai ELEXIO if: You need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai'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, smart #1 and Hyundai ELEXIO?
The smart #1 is the cheapest at $54,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai ELEXIO by $5,090.
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 — 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 Hyundai ELEXIO has the largest boot at 466L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #1 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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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