2026 Skoda Elroq 60 Select Review

The affordable EV SUV space in Australia has never been more crowded. Chinese manufacturers like BYD, Leapmotor, and GAC have flooded the market with aggressively priced electric SUVs, undercutting established European brands on price while piling on technology and features. 

For traditional carmakers, the question is uncomfortable: how do you compete when the other side is offering more car for less money?

Skoda thinks the Elroq 60 Select is the answer. At $49,990 drive-away, it is the cheapest way into the Elroq range and one of the most affordable European-built EV SUVs on sale in Australia. 

You get a 63 kWh battery, 165 kW DC fast charging, a rear-wheel-drive layout with a properly tuned European chassis, and Skoda's signature quirky practicality - all backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. 

Built on the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform and sitting below the larger Enyaq in the lineup, the Elroq is also the first Skoda to debut the brand's new "Modern Solid" design language, and from the outside, it genuinely looks like a more expensive car than it is.

But there are caveats. Real-world range falls meaningfully short of claims - I recorded around 19 kWh/100 km during testing, delivering roughly 315 km versus the 395 km WLTP figure. 

There is no 360-degree camera, no electric seat adjustment, no frunk, and the interior materials feel noticeably budget despite their recycled credentials. These are all areas where the Chinese competition offers more for less.

So the question is whether the European engineering underneath - the chassis tuning, the driving dynamics, the build quality - is worth the trade-offs. That is what this review sets out to answer.

How much does the Skoda Elroq cost?

At $47,990 before on-road costs - or $49,990 drive-away - the Elroq 60 Select is the most affordable way into Skoda's new electric SUV. That positions it directly against the Kia EV3 entry grade and above the $44,990 BYD Atto 3 Premium. 

It is not the cheapest EV SUV you can buy. The GAC Aion UT, for instance, undercuts it significantly at $30,990 drive-away (for a limited time), though it is a smaller, less practical vehicle.

For what you get - a European-built medium SUV with a seven-year warranty, solid standard equipment, and genuine driving quality - the pricing is competitive. It does not feel like a budget car in the way its price tag might suggest. 

Multiple people who saw the Elroq during my test period assumed it cost far more than it actually does, which speaks well of the perceived value. Where value starts to slip is in the technology department: the absence of a 360-degree camera, electric seat adjustment, and a frunk are all areas where similarly priced Chinese competitors offer more.

Optional extras include 20-inch Vega wheels for $1,000 and the Signature Pack for $6,000. The Signature Pack adds matrix LED headlights, scrolling rear indicators, an augmented-reality head-up display, a 12-speaker Canton premium sound system, 360-degree camera, power-adjustable driver's seat with memory and massage functions, an electric tailgate, and retractable rear-side sunblinds. 

Many of those items feel like they should be standard given what the competition is offering, but at least Skoda gives you the option to add them.

2026 Skoda Elroq Pricing

• 60 Select - $47,990
• 85 Select - $54,990
• 130 Years Edition - $64,990 (outgoing - to be replaced by Sportline later in 2026)
• Sportline - Price TBC (incoming, expected $65,000–$70,000 drive-away)
• RS - Price TBC (incoming Q3 2026)

Note: Prices exclude on-road costs unless otherwise stated. The 130 Years Edition is being phased out and will be replaced by the Elroq Sportline, which is expected to feature the same 210 kW/545 Nm powertrain with sportier styling and handling tweaks including a lowered stance and progressive steering. A hotter Elroq RS with dual-motor all-wheel drive is also due in Q3 2026.

A genuinely handsome EV that punches above its price

The Elroq is the first Skoda to wear the brand's "Modern Solid" design language, and honestly? It looks really, really good. The Tech-Deck Face at the front - a closed-off panel where a traditional grille would sit, framed by slim LED headlights - gives the car a purposeful, premium look. As weird as it sounds to praise something called a "Tech-Deck Face," it works. 

The front end is busy with a lot going on, yet it somehow comes together harmoniously. The Skoda name spelled out across the bonnet in place of a traditional badge suits the angular, modern aesthetic.

From every angle, the Elroq looks like a more expensive car than it is. During my time with it, the reaction from passers-by was consistently positive, with most people surprised when told the price. That is a rare quality in this segment. 

The sides and rear share much of their design with the larger Enyaq, though the Elroq is a little shorter with slightly different front and rear panels. The C-shaped tail-lights with dynamic indicators are a nice touch and add to the premium feel.

The 19-inch alloy wheels on the 60 Select do look a little budget-spec, it has to be said. They are not offensive, but they lack the visual punch of the larger wheels available on higher trims. 

The silver lining here is that the smaller wheels are wrapped in thick rubber - Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 EV tyres, specifically - which contributes to a noticeably better ride quality compared to the firmer 85 kWh variants on larger wheels. It is a worthwhile trade-off, even if the aesthetics take a minor hit.

There is no frunk under the bonnet, which is disappointing but not unusual for a car built on the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform. Roof rails are standard, privacy glass is heavily tinted, and the overall proportions are well-judged for a medium SUV. It is a handsome thing.

Functional and comfortable, but undeniably basic

Step inside the Elroq 60 Select and the first thing you notice is how refreshingly straightforward the cabin is. In a market where Chinese rivals are cramming screens and features into every available surface, Skoda has taken the opposite approach. 

There is a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen in the centre, a small digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, and physical controls where they matter. For a lot of buyers, this simplicity will be a major positive.

The seats are very comfortable and clearly designed with European body types in mind - my larger frame fits into them perfectly, with plenty of bolstering and support. They are manually adjustable for both driver and passenger, which is a cost-saving measure that is noticeable at this price point. 

You can slam the driver's seat low enough for a sporty seating position, and there is plenty of adjustment range overall. They are trimmed in a recycled faux-denim material that wraps around the interior. It is an environmentally conscious choice, but the texture does feel a bit unusual - not unpleasant, exactly, but if you are someone who is particular about textures, it might take some getting used to.

The 13-inch display runs Skoda's latest infotainment software with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, both of which work well. Dual-zone climate control is standard, as are heated front seats and a heated steering wheel - a welcome inclusion for winter driving. 

There is a wireless phone charger, though its charging speed is unremarkable. A couple of cupholders, a big open storage area in the centre console, and a ratcheting centre armrest round out the practical touches up front.

The steering wheel is a particular highlight. It has that Goldilocks quality - not too big, not too thin - with a tactile, leather-wrapped rim and buttons for controlling the digital display and other functions. It is one of those details that just feels right the moment you grab it.

Where the interior falls down is in perceived quality. The upper portions of the dashboard use hard, scratchy plastics, and while the recycled materials are commendable from a sustainability perspective, they do not feel premium. 

The cabin does not pretend to be something it is not, but when Chinese competitors are offering softer-touch materials and more elaborate fit-outs at the same money, the difference is hard to ignore. 

The volume slider also appears to lack backlighting, which could make it fiddly to locate and use at night. The overall ambiance is more "sensible European hatchback" than "desirable new-era EV."

Genuinely spacious for a medium SUV, though material quality drops further

Rear-seat passengers are well catered for in the Elroq 60 Select. At 5 foot 11, I had enough leg room, good toe room, and decent head room - a combination that is not always easy to achieve in EVs, where the floor-mounted battery can push the seat base uncomfortably high and leave you feeling like you are sitting on a bar stool. In the Elroq, the seating angle feels natural and comfortable, which bodes well for longer journeys.

There are a couple of air vents for the second row and USB-C ports for charging devices, which are practical additions. However, the material quality takes another step down back here, with scratchy hard plastics dominating the upper door trims and surrounding surfaces. It does not feel particularly inviting, though it is durable and will likely withstand the punishment of family life.

The 60/40 split-fold rear seats fold relatively flat for cargo expansion, and the overall sense of space is impressive for a car of this footprint. It is not a limousine, but adults can travel comfortably in the back without feeling cramped.

Skoda's secret weapon - the clever stuff nobody else thinks of

Practicality has always been Skoda's trump card, and the Elroq 60 Select's boot does not disappoint. You get 470 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to a very handy 1,580 litres with them folded down. 

Those are competitive numbers for the segment, and the boot itself is a well-shaped, usable space - not one of those awkwardly shallow EV boots where you are playing Tetris with the groceries.

But it is the details that set the Elroq apart - the stuff that makes you go "oh, that's clever." Open the boot and you will find a 12-volt socket, storage hooks, reversible cargo mounts, and a generous selection of cubby holes. 

There is even an umbrella tucked into the driver's door - a signature Skoda quirk that never gets old. Literally everything you could want from a practical standpoint is here, and then some.

On the downside, there is no spare wheel - not unusual for an EV, but worth factoring in if you regularly travel long distances on rural roads. Investing in a space-saver spare would be a sensible addition. 

And as mentioned, the absence of a frunk means there is no secondary storage area under the bonnet, which is a missed opportunity that several competitors exploit to good effect.

The numbers behind the 60 Select

The Elroq 60 Select uses a single rear-mounted AC permanent magnet synchronous electric motor producing 150 kW and 310 Nm of torque, driving the rear wheels only. The battery is a 63 kWh gross (59 kWh usable) NMC unit. 

Skoda claims a 0-100 km/h time of 8.0 seconds, a top speed of 160 km/h, and a kerb weight that is lighter than the 85 kWh variants thanks to the smaller battery pack.

It is worth noting that the 60 Select uses a different, less efficient motor than the 85 kWh variants higher in the Elroq range, which produce 210 kW and 545 Nm from a more powerful unit. 

The 85 kWh models are not only more powerful - they are also more efficient on a kilowatt-hour-per-kilometre basis, which likely explains the higher-than-expected energy consumption I recorded during testing.

For the higher trim models, the 85 Select offers the same 210 kW/545 Nm motor with the larger 82 kWh battery, claiming 529 km of WLTP range. The outgoing 130 Years Edition shares this powertrain, as will the incoming Sportline replacement. An even hotter Elroq RS with dual-motor all-wheel drive is also due in Q3 2026.

The Elroq's biggest weakness - and it is a big one

This is where the Elroq 60 Select stumbles, and it is not a small stumble. The 63 kWh gross (59 kWh usable) NMC battery is rated at 395 km on the WLTP combined cycle, with Skoda claiming up to 504 km on the urban-only cycle. Those are reasonable numbers on paper.

In practice? I averaged 19 kWh/100 km across my overall test period, which translates to a real-world range of approximately 315 km. That is roughly a 20 per cent shortfall from the WLTP combined claim. However, the picture is more nuanced than that headline number suggests. 

Around town, the Elroq was actually quite efficient - as you would expect from an EV. Tracking a city trip segment, I was averaging about 13 kWh/100 km, which is perfectly respectable and would put real-world urban range comfortably north of 400 km. 

It was highway driving with some elevation changes where efficiency really fell off a cliff. That is where the bulk of the consumption penalty comes from, and if your daily driving is mostly urban, the range story is a lot less concerning than my overall average suggests.

Still, for anyone regularly doing highway runs or longer trips out of the city, the 19 kWh/100 km combined figure is enough of a turn-off that it would give me pause. The gap between promise and reality on mixed driving is wider than it should be.

For context, a 315 km real-world range is workable for daily commuting and around-town errands, but it starts to feel limiting on longer trips - particularly when you factor in the need to find charging stations and the time spent topping up. If range anxiety is a concern for you, the 85 kWh variants with their 529 km WLTP claim will be a safer bet, though they come at a meaningful price premium.

On the charging front, the Elroq 60 Select supports 165 kW DC fast charging, which Skoda claims can take the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in around 24 minutes. That is a competitive charging speed for this price bracket. AC charging is handled at 11 kW, which will fully replenish the battery overnight on a home wallbox. The charging infrastructure itself is not an issue - it is the amount of range you are starting with that falls short.

Where the European engineering earns its keep

This is where the Elroq 60 Select genuinely distinguishes itself from its Chinese competitors, and it is arguably the strongest reason to buy one. The driving experience is composed, confident, and - somewhat unexpectedly for a budget-friendly family EV - actually fun.

Starting with the powertrain feel: 150 kW and 310 Nm does not sound like a lot on paper, but in practice, the car has genuine punch. It feels about as quick as the claimed 8.0-second 0-100 km/h time suggests, with solid get-up off the line and a sense that you have always got power on tap no matter what speed you are doing. 

At no point does it feel slow. The rear-wheel-drive layout helps here too - it gives the Elroq a more engaging, natural driving feel compared to front-wheel-drive EVs, and combined with all that instant torque, overtaking on highways and merging into traffic are handled with real confidence.

The suspension is tuned with a firm European bias, but because the 60 Select carries a lighter battery than the 85 kWh variants, the ride quality is noticeably better. It still has a firm edge, but it is never uncomfortable. 

The smaller 19-inch wheels with their thicker tyre sidewalls help absorb imperfections, and the overall sensation is one of planted solidity. You feel connected to the road in a way that most EVs at this price simply do not deliver.

Throw it into a set of bends and the Elroq responds with a surprising amount of composure. The steering is direct and well-weighted, the chassis stays flat, and there is a sense that this car was engineered by people who actually enjoy driving. 

You can have a weird amount of fun in your cheap Skoda family EV SUV - purely because it is just well-engineered. That is something you cannot say about many Chinese EVs, which are typically tuned for comfort and tend to fall apart on any sort of Aussie back road.

On the highway, the Elroq is refined and quiet. Wind and road noise are well-managed, and the car tracks straight and true at speed. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance work well for long-distance cruising, taking much of the fatigue out of motorway driving.

The one caveat is the 85 kWh variants of the Elroq (and the related Enyaq), which I have found ride noticeably firmer due to the additional battery weight and larger wheels. If you are considering stepping up in the range, be aware that the ride quality trade-off is real. The 60 Select offers what I consider to be the best balance in the Elroq lineup.

Well equipped, though rear side airbags are reserved for the flagship

The Skoda Elroq has not yet been tested by ANCAP in Australia, but it carries a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Standard active safety on the 60 Select is comprehensive - you get AEB with car, pedestrian, and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, Emergency Assist, traffic sign recognition, driver fatigue detection, and front and rear parking sensors with a rear-view camera. Multi-collision braking and Crew Protect Assist are also included.

Passive safety includes seven airbags on the Select grades. The outgoing 130 Years Edition adds two rear side airbags for a total of nine - it remains to be seen whether the incoming Sportline will carry the same count. It is a bit disappointing that rear side airbags are not standard across the range given that families are the target buyer here.

Safety equipment by grade

• 60 Select - Seven airbags (front, front side, front centre, side curtain), full active safety suite, rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors
• 85 Select - Same as 60 Select
• 130 Years Edition (outgoing) - Adds two rear side airbags (nine total)
• Sportline (incoming, TBC) - Safety specification not yet confirmed
• RS (incoming Q3 2026, TBC) - Safety specification not yet confirmed

Optional Signature Pack ($6,000) - Adds 360-degree camera (available on 60 Select and 85 Select)

Competitive warranty, reasonable servicing

Skoda covers the Elroq with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty - one of the more generous in the segment - and the high-voltage battery gets a separate eight-year, 160,000 km warranty. Roadside assistance is included for 12 months, which could be longer.

Servicing is required every 30,000 km or two years, with Skoda quoting $502 per visit. Prepaid service packages covering up to 10 years are also available if you want to lock in costs upfront. 

Being an EV, there are no oil changes, no transmission servicing, and no exhaust to worry about, so day-to-day running costs will be substantially lower than a petrol equivalent regardless of how you charge.

What do you get with the Skoda Elroq?

60 Select ($47,990 RRP)

• 150 kW / 310 Nm single rear-mounted electric motor, rear-wheel drive
• 63 kWh NMC battery (59 kWh usable), 395 km WLTP combined range
• 165 kW DC fast charging, 11 kW AC charging
• 0-100 km/h in 8.0 seconds
• 19-inch alloy wheels with Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 EV tyres
• LED headlights and tail-lights, dusk-sensing automatic headlights
• 13-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Digital instrument cluster, drive mode selection
• 8-speaker sound system, DAB digital radio
• Wireless phone charger with cooling, four USB-C ports (two front, two rear)
• Dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated leather-trimmed steering wheel
• Fabric and leather-look upholstery (recycled faux-denim Design Selection)
• LED ambient interior lighting
• Keyless entry and start
• Front and rear parking sensors, rear-view camera
• AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist
• Lane-keeping assistance with Adaptive Lane Guidance, blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert, Emergency Assist, traffic sign recognition
• Driver fatigue detection, multi-collision braking, Crew Protect Assist
• Seven airbags (front, front side, front centre, side curtain)
• Skoda Simply Clever features: umbrella in driver's door, mobile phone pockets on front seatbacks
• Electric folding door mirrors with puddle light

Optional: 20-inch Vega alloy wheels ($1,000), Signature Pack ($6,000)

85 Select ($54,990 RRP)

Upgrades over 60 Select:

• 210 kW / 545 Nm rear-mounted electric motor
• 82 kWh battery, 529 km WLTP combined range
• 175 kW DC fast charging
• 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds

130 Years Edition ($64,990 RRP) - Outgoing

The 130 Years Edition is being phased out later in 2026 and replaced by the Elroq Sportline. Stock may be limited.

Adds over 85 Select:

• 21-inch alloy wheels
• Matrix LED headlights, scrolling rear indicators
• Augmented-reality head-up display
• 12-speaker Canton premium sound system
• 360-degree camera
• Power-adjustable heated front seats with memory and massage
• Heated rear outboard seats
• Three-zone climate control
• Electric tailgate
• Retractable rear-side sunblinds
• Two additional rear side airbags (nine total)

Sportline (Price TBC) - Incoming

Due later in 2026, replacing the 130 Years Edition. Full Australian pricing and specifications have not yet been confirmed.

Expected to feature over 85 Select:

• 210 kW / 545 Nm rear-mounted electric motor, 82 kWh battery, 529 km WLTP range
• Gloss black exterior treatment (side mirrors, window trims, roof rails, front spoiler, rear diffuser, bonnet and tailgate lettering)
• Black Suedia and leatherette upholstery
• Sportier front seats, three-spoke steering wheel, aluminium pedal covers
• Lowered stance with progressive steering
• Full pricing and remaining specifications to be confirmed

RS (Price TBC) - Incoming

Due in Q3 2026 (July to September). The Elroq RS will follow the larger Enyaq RS, which arrives in Q2 2026 priced at $75,490 before on-road costs. Full Australian pricing and specifications for the Elroq RS have not yet been confirmed.

Based on the Enyaq RS, the Elroq RS is expected to feature:

• Dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain (250 kW / 545 Nm in the Enyaq RS)
• Larger battery (84 kWh in the Enyaq RS, with 185 kW DC fast charging)
• Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive suspension
• Sportier exterior and interior styling
• Full pricing and specifications to be confirmed closer to launch

Signature Pack ($6,000 - available on 60 Select and 85 Select):

• Matrix LED headlights, scrolling rear indicators
• Augmented-reality head-up display
• 12-speaker Canton premium sound system
• 360-degree camera
• Power-adjustable driver's seat with memory and massage
• Electric tailgate
• Retractable rear-side sunblinds

Final thoughts on the Skoda Elroq 60 Select

The Skoda Elroq 60 Select is a car that gets a lot right. It looks smart and premium, it drives with a composure and solidity that its Chinese competitors simply cannot match, and it is packed with the kind of thoughtful, practical touches that make daily life easier. 

At $49,990 drive-away, it is a genuinely well-priced proposition for a European-built EV SUV, and the seven-year warranty provides real peace of mind.

But it is not without its shortcomings. The real-world range of around 315 km is a meaningful disappointment - seeing that kind of gap between the claimed figures and what you actually get is not a great feeling. 

The interior, while functional and comfortable, uses materials that feel cheap - even if the recycled content is environmentally admirable. And in terms of sheer technology and features, it trails behind what Chinese brands are offering at the same price or less.

So should you buy one? Honestly, at $49,990 drive-away, I think it is actually well priced. If you are looking for something that looks smart, feels premium, drives well, and is efficient enough around town, the Elroq 60 Select should be on your shopping list. It is a pretty decent performer all around - inoffensive, well-built, and for a lot of people, that is exactly what they want in an EV.

My one wish for Skoda? Make this thing more efficient. If they could close the gap between claimed and real-world range, the Elroq 60 Select would be a really, really easy recommendation. As it stands, it is a good car - a very good car in some respects - but not yet a great one.