European automakers have spent the last few years under pressure as the market for affordable electric SUVs surged. Many of the continent’s legacy brands were slow to enter the fray, eventually rushing to develop competitively priced electric vehicles capable of rivaling new Chinese manufacturers and established South Korean and Japanese players.
The Skoda Elroq is the Volkswagen Group’s strategic response to this shift. While it isn’t destined for the North American market, it is a critical player in Europe and Australia. We recently put the entry-level Elroq 60 through its paces to see how it stacks up against a formidable list of competitors, including the Kia EV3, Nissan Ariya, Tesla Model Y, and Geely EX5. In such a crowded field, simply being “good” is no longer enough.
Positioned in the lineup between the larger Enyaq and the upcoming sub-compact Epiq, the Elroq may not immediately grab headlines with radical specs. However, after substantial seat time, it proves to be a well-balanced and highly practical choice for the modern EV buyer.
Core Specifications and Performance Data
| Vehicle Model: | 2026 Skoda Elroq 60 |
| Starting Price: | AU$49,990 (approx. $36,300 USD) drive-away |
| Dimensions: | 4,488 mm L x 1,884 mm W x 1,625 mm H |
| Wheelbase: | 2,765 mm |
| Curb Weight: | 1,934 kg (4,263 lbs) |
| Powertrain Configuration: | Rear-mounted electric motor / 59 kWh battery |
| Performance Output: | 150 kW (201 hp) / 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h): | Approximately 8 seconds |
| Energy Consumption: | 16 kWh/100 km (as observed) |
| Availability: | Currently on sale |
In the Australian market, the Elroq range is divided into three distinct tiers. The Select 60 serves as the entry point at AU$49,990. Stepping up, the Select 85 starts at AU$59,990, while the flagship 130 Years Edition tops the range at AU$69,990.
Underneath the chassis lies a 59 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack. This power source feeds a single rear-mounted electric motor. This rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration is a notable advantage over front-wheel-drive rivals like the Kia EV3 or Geely EX5, as it typically provides superior traction under acceleration and a more balanced steering feel by eliminating torque steer.
While the Elroq 60’s pricing is competitive, it faces stiff opposition. The Geely EX5 Inspire and the Kia EV3 Air (Standard and Long Range) hover around similar price points, often offering different equipment levels. Nevertheless, Skoda has succeeded in bringing a European-engineered EV to market that doesn’t demand a massive premium over its Asian counterparts.
Cabin Experience and Interior Innovation
The first impression upon entering the Elroq is one of surprising airiness. The fit and finish are commendable, maintaining the high standards expected from the Czech brand. While many electric vehicle interiors are beginning to look identical, Skoda has integrated unique textures and materials that give the cabin its own personality.
The standout feature in the base Select 60 is the extensive use of sustainable fabric upholstery. This material covers the dashboard, armrests, and center console, providing a tactile, denim-like finish that is soft to the touch. It is a refreshing departure from the sea of hard plastics or synthetic leathers often found in this price bracket. The two-spoke steering wheel further emphasizes the modern, minimalist aesthetic.
Technological needs are met by a 13-inch central infotainment system supporting wireless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is complemented by a compact 5.0-inch digital instrument cluster. Though small, this secondary display provides essential data directly in the driver’s line of sight, a feature some competitors have controversially omitted.
The infotainment system handles most vehicle functions, including climate control. While the bottom of the screen features permanent shortcuts for temperature, users might find the lack of a dedicated physical fan speed control slightly cumbersome. However, Skoda has retained a row of physical buttons below the vents for critical functions like window demisters and drive mode shortcuts.
Despite the high build quality, the base model’s reliance on manual seat adjustments and the lack of adjustable lumbar support is a missed opportunity, especially when compared to feature-rich Chinese alternatives. On the plus side, Skoda’s “Simply Clever” philosophy remains intact, evidenced by the signature umbrella tucked into the driver’s door.
Passenger space is a highlight. By opting for a more traditional SUV roofline rather than a sloping “coupe” style, Skoda has ensured that the rear seat offers generous headroom and legroom, making it perfectly suitable for adult passengers or growing families.
Driving Dynamics, Efficiency, and Charging Capabilities
The Elroq 60 is engineered to satisfy the needs of the everyday commuter rather than the performance enthusiast. In this role, it excels. Efficiency is one of its strongest suits; while the official rating is 15.9 kWh/100 km, our real-world testing across varied environments resulted in an impressive 16.0 kWh/100 km.
With a theoretical range of roughly 395 km (245 miles), the Elroq 60 may seem modest compared to long-range models hitting the 800 km mark. However, for the vast majority of urban and suburban users, this range is more than sufficient for several days of typical driving without needing a charge.
Charging performance is respectable for the segment. The Elroq 60 supports DC fast charging at rates up to 165 kW, allowing for a 10-80% charge in approximately 24 minutes. This outperforms the Kia EV3’s charging time for a similar battery size. For home charging, an 11 kW AC connection can fully replenish the battery in roughly 6.5 hours.
On the road, the rear-wheel-drive setup ensures power delivery is smooth and predictable. While a 0-100 km/h time of 8 seconds isn’t “fast” by EV standards, it feels perfectly adequate for merging into traffic. The suspension tuning is a high point, managing to suppress body roll while maintaining a comfortable ride over degraded road surfaces. The inclusion of Hankook tires provides ample grip, allowing the chassis to feel composed even when pushed through corners.
One area for potential refinement is the regenerative braking system. In standard “Drive,” the car coasts freely with no energy recuperation. Switching to “B” mode introduces significant regeneration, but the car lacks a true “one-pedal” driving setting that can bring the vehicle to a complete stop without the brake pedal. Furthermore, there are limited options for fine-tuning the levels of deceleration.
Safety is comprehensive, with the Elroq 60 featuring a suite of standard driver-assistance technologies. These include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centering assist. During highway testing, these systems proved to be non-intrusive and reliable, with easy-to-use steering wheel toggles for those who prefer manual control.
Final Thoughts: A Practical and Polished Electric SUV
The 2026 Skoda Elroq 60 demonstrates that traditional European manufacturers can produce value-oriented electric vehicles that compete effectively with the global market. It avoids unnecessary gimmicks, focusing instead on build quality, ride comfort, and real-world efficiency.
While it may lack some of the high-tech cabin luxuries found in its Chinese rivals—such as power-adjustable seats in the base trim—it compensates with superior driving dynamics and a more premium interior feel. For buyers looking for a dependable, well-engineered, and spacious electric SUV that fits seamlessly into a family lifestyle, the Elroq 60 is a highly capable contender that proves Skoda understands the needs of the modern driver.
