Hyundai Elexio coming to NZ?
Words Kyle G Cassidy
Hyundai Australia has confirmed it will be adding the electric ELEXIO SUV to its line up in the first quarter of 2026. And what is good for the Aussies, is surely good for us Kiwis too, right?
According to a Hyundai NZ spokesperson, “ELEXIO is under consideration for New Zealand and we are currently assessing its suitability for our market.” So stay tuned then.
Positioned as a medium-sized electric SUV, ELEXIO will sit between the Kona Electric and Ioniq 5 in Hyundai’s Australian range. The newcomer will launch in Australia in Elite grade only, priced at $A59,990 drive-away. So pricing here would likely be $70k plus.
Power comes from a front-mounted electric motor producing 160kW and 310Nm, paired with an 88kWh battery. Hyundai claims a driving range of up to 546km on the WLTP cycle, while energy consumption is rated at 18.2kWh/100km. Built on Hyundai’s 400-volt E-GMP platform, ELEXIO supports fast charging, with a 10 to 80 per cent recharge taking as little as 38 minutes using a DC fast charger.
Hyundai Australia chief operating officer Gavin Donaldson said the new model would play a key role in broadening the brand’s electric SUV appeal. “ELEXIO will offer an ideal blend of size, space, efficiency and value-for-money when it arrives early next year,” he said, adding it would help welcome more customers into Hyundai’s growing SUV family while reinforcing the company’s commitment to electrification.
Styling is described as futuristic and minimalist, with a smooth, aerodynamic silhouette and horizontally layered design elements at the front and rear to give the SUV a wide, planted stance.
Measuring 4615mm long, 1875mm wide and 1673mm tall, with a 2750mm wheelbase, ELEXIO rides on 20-inch wheels.
Inside, the Elite variant features a leather-appointed interior along with heated and ventilated front seats and dual wireless smartphone charging pads. Hyundai’s Bluelink connected services, over-the-air software update capability and Digital Key 2 smartphone entry and start are also standard.
Cargo space measures 506 litres with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1540 litres when the seatbacks are folded.
To suit Australian conditions, ELEXIO is said to have undergone a local chassis tuning program. Hyundai engineers from the global team worked alongside the Australian ride and handling team in Sydney, evaluating springs, dampers, anti-roll bars and steering calibration.
