- MG launches second facelift for Hector SUV in Indian market.
- Updates include new grille, rear bumper, and 18-inch wheels.
- Interior gains gesture control for media and climate systems.
MG first brought the Hector to Indian roads in 2019, adapting it from the Baojun 530 and its international siblings, the Chevrolet Captiva and Wuling Almaz. Designed to cater specifically to local tastes, it received significant mid-cycle refresh arrived in 2022, featuring a larger grille and a 14-inch infotainment screen.
Now, for 2026, both the Hector and its extended three-row sibling, the Hector Plus, get a second, more restrained update aimed at keeping the design current without overhauling the formula.
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The most noticeable change this time is the redesigned grille, now featuring a new mesh pattern. It’s paired with a subtly reshaped lower bumper and a slightly more aggressive rear end. That aside, the overall look remains familiar. Key elements like the split LED headlight arrangement and the full-width LED tail strip carry over without changes.
The SUV rides on a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels, while the color palette gains the Celadon Blue and Pearl White shades.
What’s New Inside?
Inside, the 14-inch touchscreen looks the same, but gains the “I-Swipe” touch gesture control feature. This lets users control the climate, music, and volume with specific hand movements across the screen, using two or three fingers.
MG pitches this as a distraction-free alternative to physical buttons, though whether it’s actually more intuitive in practice is debatable, especially while driving.
Standard or available equipment includes a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, ventilated seats, customizable ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, and Level 2 advanced driver assistance features. The two-row Hector continues with an Ice Grey interior finish, while the three-row Hector Plus is offered with a new Urban Tan theme.
Under the hood lies the same turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 141 hp (105 kW / 143 PS) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. Power is transmitted to the front axle via a six-speed manual or a CVT. The Stellantis-sourced 2.0-liter turbodiesel with 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) will also join the lineup in the coming months.
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The updated MG Hector is already available to order in India. Prices begin at Rs 11.99 lakh (equal to $13,200 at current exchange rates) for the base Hector Style MT, going up to Rs 19.49 lakh ($21,400) for the top-spec Hector Plus Savvy Pro CVT.
Competitors in the segment include the Tata Harrier and Safari, Jeep Compass and Meridian, Hyundai Creta and Alcazar, and Mahindra’s Scorpio-N and XUV 7XO.
