2026 Hyundai Exter : Ever since it hit Indian roads back in 2023, the Hyundai Exter has been turning heads in the crowded sub-compact SUV segment.
Now, with whispers of a facelift buzzing louder than ever, this little powerhouse is set to evolve just when you thought it couldn’t get better.
I’ve been following its journey closely, from those initial test drives on pothole-riddled city streets to the long hauls on highways, and let me tell you, the updates promise to make it even more irresistible for folks like us navigating India’s chaotic traffic.
Spy Shots Spill the Beans on Design Tweaks
Those camouflaged mules spotted tearing up test tracks have given us our first real peek at what’s coming. Expect a sharper front grille that screams modern Hyundai flair, paired with reworked bumpers that add a touch of aggression without going overboard.
The iconic H-shaped DRLs in the headlights stay, carrying that familiar family resemblance, while new alloy wheels—probably 15-inchers—hint at a sportier stance.
The rear won’t be left out either; rectangular taillights and a fresh bumper could make it stand apart from the current model.
It’s not a full redesign, more like a polished glow-up that keeps the Exter’s boxy, tall-boy charm intact. Ground clearance remains a healthy 185mm, perfect for those monsoon floods and speed breakers we all dread.
I remember parking my test unit next to a Tata Punch, and the Exter’s upright profile just felt more commanding. These tweaks should widen that edge, especially for urban warriors who want presence without the premium price tag.
Tech Leap: Screens and Software That Wow
Inside, this is where the facelift truly shines—or should I say, glows with those massive screens. Hyundai’s pulling out the big guns: a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 9.9-inch digital driver’s display, both running on the latest Android Automotive OS (AAOS).
That’s a game-changer, folks—the first mass-market car in India to ditch the old setup for Google’s ecosystem, complete with OTA map updates and third-party apps.
Picture this: wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on steroids, no more fumbling with cables in bumper-to-bumper jams.
Sunroof, auto AC with rear vents, wireless charging, and dash cams carry over, but expect plusher upholstery and maybe even Level 2 ADAS tricks like adaptive cruise.
It’s like Hyundai read our minds after hearing complaints about the current 8-inch screen feeling a tad dated.
From my drives, the existing setup was snappy enough, but this upgrade? It’ll feel like jumping from a feature phone to a flagship smartphone behind the wheel.
Powertrains Stay Reliable, Efficiency Rules
No sweeping changes under the hood, which is music to reliability lovers’ ears. The trusty 1.2-litre petrol churns out 83hp and 114Nm, mated to a 5-speed manual or AMT.
CNG fans rejoice— the 69hp dual-cylinder option sticks around with a claimed 27.1km/kg mileage, and real-world tests back it up at around 18-19kmpl on highways for petrol variants.
That smooth AMT is a city savior, shifting without the jerkiness you get in some rivals. Sure, it won’t win drag races, but for daily commutes and occasional getaways, it’s peppy enough.
Post-GST tweaks dropped prices last year, and with 2 lakh units sold already, Hyundai’s got the formula dialed in.
Owners I’ve chatted with swear by the low running costs—think Rs 5-6 per km mixed usage—making it a no-brainer over pricier turbo options.
Safety First: Building on a Solid Foundation
Hyundai didn’t skimp here from day one, and the facelift builds on it. Six airbags standard across the board, ESP, hill-hold, and TPMS are givens, with expectations of a 4- or even 5-star NCAP nod thanks to high-strength steel.
It’s already outshining some peers in crash rhetoric, and users rave about the composed ride soaking up bumps.
That 185mm clearance shines on rough roads, and the suspension tuning feels just right—not too bouncy, not too stiff. In a segment where safety was once an afterthought, the Exter feels like the sensible pick for families.
Rivals in the Ring: Punch, C3, and More
Stack it against the Tata Punch, and the Exter wins on refinement and features—smoother engine, better city manners, though Punch edges in boot space with CNG.
Citroen C3X is cheaper but lacks the bells; Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite offer space but falter on service nets.
Sales charts show Exter closing the gap, especially post-price cuts. The facelift could tip the scales with that AAOS magic.
Pricing and When to Expect It
Current models start at Rs 5.64 lakh going to 9.38 lakh ex-showroom, with CNG from 6.87 lakh. Facelift? Brace for a Rs 20,000-40,000 bump, landing around Rs 6-10 lakh, still undercutting loaded rivals. Launch eyed for Q2 2026, maybe March, so start saving those Diwali bonuses.
On-road in Delhi, you’re looking at 6.3-10.7 lakh now—facelift won’t stray far.
2026 Hyundai Exter : Why the Exter Facelift Deserves Your Garage Spot
This isn’t just a refresh; it’s Hyundai doubling down on what made the Exter a hit—value, vibe, and versatility.
For young families, first-time buyers, or anyone tired of hatchbacks craving SUV swagger, it’s tailor-made. I’ve seen it conquer Mumbai monsoons and Delhi highways alike, and with these upgrades, it’ll own 2026.
The compact footprint parks anywhere, the cabin’s surprisingly roomy for four (three in rear’s cozy), and that mileage keeps wallet worries at bay.
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Minor niggles like narrow rear or highway punch persist, but at this price? Perfection’s overrated—practicality rules.
If you’re eyeing a sub-10 lakh SUV, wait for this. Hyundai’s not just building cars; they’re crafting daily drivers that stick.