- The facelifted Hyundai Exter debuts with sharper styling.
- It gains fresh interior trim and more standard safety.
- The updated Exter starts from Rs 5.80 lakh ($6,200) in India.
The Hyundai Exter might still feel fresh having been introduced in 2023, but that didn’t stop the automaker from launching a facelifted version in India. The small SUV gains subtle visual updates and new trim inside the cabin, while retaining its budget-friendly nature.
Mild Styling Tweaks
At the front, the Exter retains its split LED headlights with H-shaped graphics, but gets a redesigned bumper. Changes include a larger grille, a new aluminum-style insert, and the relocation of the Exter lettering higher on the nose.
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The profile gains thicker plastic cladding around the wheel arches resembling bolt-on fenders, and a new design for the 15-inch alloy wheels that still look small compared to the size of the vehicle.
The tail features a new roof spoiler with double wings, a simpler pattern for the trim between the taillights, and a revised rear bumper. Finally, the color palette has been expanded with the addition of the Golden Bronze and Titanium Black Matte options.
Measuring 3,995 mm (157.3 inches) long, the Hyundai Exter is the smallest SUV in the automaker’s Indian lineup, although it is 400 mm (15.7 inches) longer than the Korean-spec Casper.
More Colorful Interior
Moving inside, the 8-inch infotainment is carried over but is now compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The upholstery is available in a new combination of Navy Blue and Grey, while the dashboard gains a new carbon-style pattern.
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Furthermore, the SUV gains a dashcam, a flat-bottom steering wheel, metal garnish for the pedals, a new central armrest, and Type-C USB ports.
The simple luxury of being able to adjust the height of the driver’s seat is now standard across the Exter lineup, as with six airbags, ESC, and Hill-Start Assist Control.
Carry Over Powertrains
The powertrain lineup remains unchanged, as with the FWD-only nature of the Exter. The naturally-aspirated 1.2-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine produces 82 hp (61 kW / 83 PS) and 114 Nm (84 lb-ft) of torque. Then there is the bi-fuel variant that delivers 68 hp (51 kW / 69 PS) and 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) when running on CNG.
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The gasoline model has 391 liters (13.8 cubic feet) of boot space, while the bi-fuel version can hold 225 liters (7.9 cubic feet) of cargo due to the CNG tanks.
Budget Pricing
Prices for the 2026 Hyundai Exter start at Rs 5.80 lakh ($6,200) for the base HX 2 and climb to Rs 9.42 lakh ($10,000) for the flagship HX 10.
These figures represent a slight increase over the pre-facelift model, which was priced from Rs 5.64 lakh ($6,000) but remain much cheaper than the Venue that starts at Rs 7.80 lakh ($8,300). Rivals in India include the recently-facelifted Tata Punch, as well as the Suzuki Ignis, Citroen C3, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite.
