The compact SUV segment in India continues to grow rapidly, and Hyundai has made a strong statement with the introduction of the Hyundai Exter. Positioned below the Venue in Hyundai’s SUV lineup, the Exter blends youthful design, modern tech, and practicality in a compact footprint. It’s clearly aimed at urban drivers who seek a stylish yet rugged vehicle that’s equally at home on city streets and occasional weekend getaways.
Bold and Distinctive Design
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Hyundai Exter is its bold styling. The SUV draws inspiration from Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design philosophy, featuring a boxy silhouette and upright stance. The front fascia is highlighted by an H-shaped LED DRL setup, a wide grille, and muscular bumper design. Black body cladding, faux skid plates, roof rails, and 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels further enhance its SUV appeal.
From the rear, the Exter continues its unique look with an H-shaped taillight signature, roof-mounted spoiler, and a high ground clearance stance that gives it a rugged personality. Despite its compact size, the SUV carries a big presence on the road.
Practical and Comfortable Cabin
Step inside, and the Hyundai Exter offers a surprisingly spacious and functional cabin. The interior design is modern and minimalistic with a dual-tone theme that adds a touch of sophistication. The use of textured plastics, ambient lighting in higher variants, and smart storage spaces make the cabin feel well-thought-out and user-friendly.
The SUV can comfortably seat five passengers, with ample headroom and decent legroom in both rows. The boot space of around 391 liters is generous for a compact SUV and can easily accommodate weekend luggage or grocery runs. Hyundai has also included rear seatback recline, a rare feature in this segment, enhancing rear-seat comfort on long journeys.
Packed with Technology
In terms of features, the Hyundai Exter punches above its weight. It comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a fully digital instrument cluster, voice-activated controls, connected car tech (Hyundai Bluelink), a sunroof, wireless charging, cruise control, and automatic climate control in the top variants.
Safety features are equally impressive. The Exter offers six airbags as standard (a segment first), ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability management (VSM), hill-start assist, and a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines. With a focus on urban safety and road awareness, it ensures peace of mind for both the driver and passengers.
Efficient and Reliable Performance
Under the hood, the Hyundai Exter is powered by a 1.2-liter Kappa petrol engine, which produces 83 PS of power and 114 Nm of torque. This engine is refined and responsive, especially for city driving. Hyundai also offers this engine with both a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT gearbox, giving customers flexibility in their choice of transmission.
For eco-conscious buyers, Hyundai offers a CNG variant of the Exter, which further adds to the SUV’s value proposition with lower running costs and reduced emissions. The petrol variant delivers a mileage of around 19.4 km/l, while the CNG variant claims up to 27.1 km/kg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient offerings in its class.
Pricing and Variants
Hyundai has priced the Exter competitively, with the base variant starting at around ₹6 lakh (ex-showroom) and going up to ₹10 lakh for the top-spec models. It is available in multiple trims, offering a range of features to suit different budgets and requirements. With its affordability and feature-rich packages, the Exter competes directly with the Tata Punch, Citroen C3, and Maruti Suzuki Fronx.
Final Thoughts
The Hyundai Exter is more than just a compact SUV — it’s a bold new take on urban mobility. With its eye-catching design, feature-packed cabin, strong safety suite, and efficient engines, the Exter is tailor-made for the modern Indian consumer. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer or upgrading from a hatchback, the Exter promises a compelling mix of style, practicality, and value.
