The Indian car market has always had a strong demand for compact SUVs, and Hyundai has entered this competitive segment with the Hyundai Exter. Positioned below the Venue, the Exter is designed to attract young buyers who want the rugged appeal of an SUV combined with affordability, style, and modern features.
Launched in 2023, the Exter has quickly gained popularity thanks to its striking design, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features. In this detailed review, we will explore the Hyundai Exter’s design, performance, interiors, mileage, variants, safety, and value for money.
Exterior Design and Build Quality
Bold SUV Styling
The Hyundai Exter follows the brand’s modern SUV design language with its H-shaped LED DRLs, projector headlamps, and a bold front grille. The squared-off stance and cladding around the body give it a rugged look, making it appear larger than its size.
Compact Yet Spacious
Despite being a sub-4-meter SUV, the Exter has a commanding road presence. Its boxy design ensures maximum cabin space, while the stylish alloy wheels and roof rails add to its sporty appeal.
Interior and Comfort
Premium Cabin Feel
Inside, the Hyundai Exter offers a modern and premium cabin with dual-tone interiors. The layout is simple yet functional, with high-quality plastics and soft-touch materials at key points.
Seating and Space
The Exter provides comfortable seating for five passengers with good legroom and headroom. Rear AC vents and adjustable headrests ensure comfort for longer journeys.
Key Comfort Features
- Automatic climate control
- Large digital instrument cluster
- Cooled glovebox
- Adjustable steering wheel
- Rear seat armrest (higher variants)
Engine and Performance
Petrol Engine
The Exter is powered by a 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine, producing around 83 PS and 114 Nm of torque. It comes with a 5-speed manual and an AMT (automatic) option, making it suitable for both city and highway driving.
CNG Option
For buyers looking for lower running costs, Hyundai also offers a CNG variant of the Exter, which provides better fuel efficiency without compromising on performance.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Petrol Variant
The petrol manual delivers a mileage of around 19.4 kmpl, while the AMT variant offers close to 19.2 kmpl.
CNG Variant
The CNG version of the Exter delivers an impressive 27 km/kg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs in the country.
Transmission and Driving Experience
Smooth Gearbox
Both manual and AMT gearboxes provide smooth performance. The AMT makes it more convenient for urban traffic, while the manual transmission caters to driving enthusiasts.
Ride and Handling
The suspension is tuned for Indian roads, ensuring a balance of comfort and stability. The compact dimensions make it easy to drive in city traffic and park in tight spaces.
Safety Features
Standard Safety Package
Hyundai has equipped the Exter with a segment-first 6 airbags as standard across all variants, ensuring maximum safety.
Additional Safety Features
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill-Start Assist Control
- Rear parking sensors and camera
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
This makes the Hyundai Exter one of the safest compact SUVs in its segment.
Technology and Infotainment
Touchscreen Display
The Exter comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Connected Car Features
Hyundai offers Bluelink connected car technology, enabling remote functions like vehicle tracking, climate control, and emergency assistance.
Other Tech Features
- Digital instrument cluster
- Wireless phone charging
- Voice-enabled smart features
- Cruise control (higher trims)
Variants and Price
Available Variants
The Hyundai Exter is offered in five main trims:
- EX
- S
- SX
- SX (O)
- SX (O) Connect
Price in India
The Exter is priced between ₹6.13 lakh and ₹10.28 lakh (ex-showroom, India), making it a strong competitor in the compact SUV segment.
Pros and Cons of Hyundai Exter
Pros
- Attractive SUV-like design
- Spacious and practical cabin
- Fuel-efficient petrol and CNG options
- 6 airbags standard across all trims
- Advanced infotainment and connected car tech
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- No diesel engine option
- Rear seat best suited for two adults
- High demand may lead to long waiting periods
Hyundai Exter vs Competitors
The Hyundai Exter competes with:
- Tata Punch – similar size and SUV appeal but fewer tech features
- Maruti Suzuki Fronx – more powerful but higher priced
- Citroen C3 – unique design but lacks safety features like 6 airbags
With its safety, mileage, and features, the Exter positions itself as a value-for-money offering in the compact SUV space.
Who Should Buy the Hyundai Exter?
The Exter is ideal for:
- First-time SUV buyers who want style and practicality
- Families looking for a safe and fuel-efficient car
- Urban drivers who need a compact SUV for city and occasional highway drives
- Budget-conscious buyers who want a CNG option for low running costs
Conclusion
The Hyundai Exter is a smartly packaged compact SUV that combines rugged looks, advanced safety, premium interiors, and strong fuel efficiency. By offering 6 airbags as standard, along with modern tech features and CNG options, Hyundai has created a strong competitor in the sub-4m SUV market.
If you are looking for an affordable yet feature-rich SUV under ₹10 lakh, the Hyundai Exter is one of the best choices available in 2025.