Hyundai Exter has quickly made its mark in the Indian automotive scene as a compact SUV that blends stylish looks, modern features, and excellent practicality. It is designed for buyers who want the boldness of an SUV in a compact, city-friendly size. With its feature-loaded cabin, efficient engine options, and rugged personality, the Hyundai Exter has become one of the most talked-about cars in its segment.
In this detailed review, we’ll explore the design, interiors, performance, safety, and overall value of the Hyundai Exter to help you decide if this compact SUV is the right choice for you.
Bold and Boxy Design
The first thing you notice about the Hyundai Exter is its bold, boxy design. Unlike many compact SUVs that look more like tall hatchbacks, the Exter embraces a tough SUV personality. Its upright stance, squared wheel arches, and muscular front grille give it a road presence that feels much larger than its actual size.
LED daytime running lamps shaped like “H” add a futuristic touch to the front, while projector headlamps and skid plates add to its rugged character. The dual-tone roof, roof rails, and stylish alloy wheels bring out its adventurous spirit. Whether in the city or on a weekend road trip, the Hyundai Exter stands out as a youthful, energetic SUV.
Spacious and Comfortable Cabin
Step inside the Hyundai Exter, and you’ll be surprised at how spacious it feels for a compact SUV. The tall design ensures ample headroom, while smart packaging provides comfortable legroom for both front and rear passengers.
The dashboard looks modern, with a digital instrument cluster and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Soft-touch materials, premium upholstery, and thoughtful storage spaces create a cabin that feels welcoming. Rear passengers enjoy good shoulder space, and the seats are well-cushioned for long journeys.
Despite being compact, the Exter doesn’t compromise on practicality. The boot space is generous enough for weekend luggage, and the split-folding rear seats allow flexibility when carrying larger items.
Tech and Connectivity Features
Hyundai is known for equipping its cars with plenty of features, and the Exter doesn’t disappoint. It comes with a large touchscreen infotainment system that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (wireless in some variants). Voice commands make it easier to control essential functions without taking your eyes off the road.
The Exter also offers connected car technology, allowing owners to check vehicle status, track location, and even control certain functions remotely through a smartphone app. Other highlights include:
- Automatic climate control
- Cruise control
- Wireless phone charging
- Digital driver’s display
- Premium audio system
For a car in this segment, the feature list is impressive, making the Exter feel more premium than its rivals.
Performance and Driving Experience
Under the hood, the Hyundai Exter comes with a refined 1.2L petrol engine that delivers smooth and efficient performance. Buyers can choose between a manual gearbox and an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), making it suitable for both driving enthusiasts and city commuters.
The petrol-CNG option is another big advantage, offering excellent fuel efficiency while keeping running costs low. For daily city drives, the Exter feels light and easy to maneuver, thanks to its responsive steering and compact size. On highways, it remains stable and confident, offering a comfortable cruising experience.
Suspension tuning is well-balanced—absorbing bumps with ease while keeping the ride composed. For Indian road conditions, this setup feels just right.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Safety is an area where Hyundai has taken a big step forward with the Exter. It comes equipped with six airbags as standard across all variants, which is a rare feature in this segment. ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and rear parking sensors add another layer of safety.
A rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines makes parking in tight city spots easy. For families, ISOFIX child seat anchors ensure better protection for young passengers. With this safety package, the Exter gives buyers peace of mind whether they’re driving in the city or on longer journeys.
Hyundai Exter Variants and Value
The Exter is available in multiple variants, giving buyers flexibility to choose based on their budget and feature preferences. Even the base models are decently equipped, while the higher trims bring premium features like a sunroof, larger infotainment screen, and connected car technology.
Considering its price bracket, the Exter delivers excellent value for money. It’s positioned as an affordable compact SUV but offers a feature list and safety package that rivals more expensive models.
Who Should Buy the Hyundai Exter?
The Hyundai Exter is aimed at a wide audience:
- First-time buyers looking for a stylish, feature-rich car.
- Young professionals who want a compact yet premium SUV for city use.
- Families who need a safe, spacious, and reliable car.
- Budget-conscious buyers who want great mileage with the CNG variant.
Its versatility makes it a strong contender for anyone considering a compact SUV in today’s market.
Why the Hyundai Exter Stands Out
There are many compact SUVs in the market, but the Exter manages to stand out for several reasons:
- Rugged SUV-inspired design that feels unique.
- Segment-leading safety with six airbags as standard.
- Tech-packed cabin with premium features.
- Flexible powertrain options including CNG.
- Strong value for money compared to rivals.
It’s this balance of style, safety, and practicality that makes the Exter a winning choice for many buyers.
Final Thoughts
The Hyundai Exter has proven that compact SUVs don’t have to compromise on style, safety, or features. With its bold design, spacious cabin, tech-loaded interior, and efficient performance, it brings together everything today’s car buyers demand.
For those who want a car that’s city-friendly yet ready for weekend adventures, the Exter is an excellent choice. It’s practical enough for families, stylish enough for young buyers, and affordable enough to appeal to budget-conscious customers.
In short, the Hyundai Exter is not just another compact SUV—it’s a complete package that offers big surprises in a compact form.
