Hyundai Creta Full Review: Price in India, Variants, Engine Options, Mileage, Features, Interior, Safety, Performance & Full Specifications

The Hyundai Creta is more than just a compact SUV; it is a phenomenon that has consistently defined the segment in India since its launch.¹ The latest generation, with its mid-life refresh (often referred to as the 2024/2025 model), has not just maintained its dominance but has aggressively raised the bar, blending aggressive new styling with segment-best technology and, crucially, a comprehensive safety package.

Price in India and Variant Breakdown

The Hyundai Creta’s pricing strategy is a key reason for its success, offering a model for almost every budget within the mid-size SUV segment. The sheer number of combinations across the three engines and four transmission types ensures highly granular choice.²

Ex-Showroom Price Range (India, December 2025)

The Hyundai Creta is priced aggressively, starting from an accessible point and scaling up into the premium territory for its fully-loaded variants:

Variant Category	Starting Ex-Showroom Price (Approx.)	Top-End Ex-Showroom Price (Approx.)
Overall Range	₹10.73 Lakh (E Petrol MT)	₹20.20 Lakh (SX(O) Diesel AT Knight DT)
Naturally Aspirated Petrol	₹10.73 Lakh	₹18.96 Lakh
Turbo Petrol (DCT)	₹19.49 Lakh	₹20.05 Lakh
Diesel (CRDi)	₹12.25 Lakh	₹20.20 Lakh

Value for Money (VFM) Recommendation

With numerous trims like E, EX, EX(O), S, S(O), SX, SX Tech, SX Premium, and SX(O), identifying the perfect variant is essential:³

• Best Value: Creta S(O): This variant is highly recommended for buyers prioritizing features like the Panoramic Sunroof, Dual-Zone AC, and Push Button Start/Stop without stretching to the top-end.⁴ It offers a perfect balance of premium features and price point.
• Feature-Loaded VFM: Creta SX Tech: This is the top recommendation for those seeking maximum tech and convenience, including the integrated Dual 10.25-inch Screens, 17-inch Alloy Wheels, and the full suite of connectivity features, while still offering significant savings over the SX(O).

Design, Exterior, and Road Presence

The 2024/2025 Creta refresh introduced a polarizing yet undeniably aggressive design language, shedding its softer curves for a bolder, more muscular stance.⁵

New Design Philosophy

The front fascia is dominated by the Black Chrome Parametric Radiator Grille, flanked by the distinct Horizon LED Positioning Lamps and DRLs.⁶ These DRLs run across the width of the bonnet, giving the Creta an instantly recognizable signature, particularly at night. The main headlamps are positioned lower in a quad-beam LED setup.⁷

The rear profile also sees a significant overhaul, featuring sleek, connecting LED Tail Lamps that emphasize the vehicle’s width and premium appeal.⁸ The overall dimensions—⁹$4330\text{mm}$ Length, ¹⁰$1790\text{mm}$ Width, and a robust ¹¹$190\text{mm}$ Ground Clearance—lend the Creta a strong, authentic SUV road presence that is crucial in this segment.¹² The addition of R18 Diamond Cut Alloys on the top-end trims further enhances its imposing silhouette.¹³

Engine Options and Powertrain Deep Dive

The Hyundai Creta offers a segment-leading trio of engines and four distinct transmission choices, catering to every driving preference from fuel efficiency to spirited performance.¹⁴

1. 1.5L MPi Naturally Aspirated Petrol

• Specs: ¹⁵$1497 \text{cc}$, 4-cylinder, ¹⁶$115\text{ PS}$ Power, ¹⁷$144\text{ Nm}$ Torque.¹⁸
• Transmissions: 6-speed Manual (MT) or IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission/CVT).¹⁹
• Character: This is the most popular, commuter-friendly engine. It is refined, quiet, and perfectly adequate for city driving and relaxed highway cruising. The IVT (CVT) is particularly smooth for stop-and-go traffic, prioritizing linear power delivery over aggressive acceleration.

2. 1.5L U2 CRDi Diesel

• Specs: ²⁰$1493 \text{cc}$, 4-cylinder Turbo-Diesel, ²¹$116\text{ PS}$ Power, ²²$250\text{ Nm}$ Torque.²³
• Transmissions: 6-speed Manual (MT) or 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic (AT).²⁴
• Character: The diesel is the Creta’s standout. It is exceptionally refined and offers best-in-class low-end torque (²⁵$250\text{ Nm}$ available early), making overtaking maneuvers on the highway effortless.²⁶ The 6-speed AT is a brilliant combination, providing a smooth, reliable shift experience that makes the car an ideal high-mileage highway cruiser.

3. 1.5L Turbo GDi Petrol

• Specs: ²⁷$1482 \text{cc}$, 4-cylinder Turbo-Petrol, ²⁸$160\text{ PS}$ Power, ²⁹$253\text{ Nm}$ Torque.³⁰
• Transmissions: 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) only.³¹
• Character: The performance king. This engine is aimed at enthusiasts. The ³²$160\text{ PS}$ power output is segment-leading, and paired with the quick-shifting 7-speed DCT, it delivers punchy, immediate acceleration.³³ This variant transforms the Creta into a spirited driver’s machine, though it is only available in the higher trims.

Mileage and Ownership Economics

The Creta is known for its relatively low cost of ownership, supported by Hyundai’s extensive service network and competitive mileage figures.

ARAI Claimed Mileage (kmpl)

Engine Type	Transmission	ARAI Mileage (kmpl)	Real-World City Mileage (Approx.)
1.5L Diesel	Manual (MT)	21.8 kmpl	$17-19 \text{ kmpl}$
1.5L Diesel	Automatic (AT)	$19.1 \text{ kmpl}$	$15-17 \text{ kmpl}$
1.5L NA Petrol	Manual (MT)	$17.4 \text{ kmpl}$	$10-11 \text{ kmpl}$
1.5L Turbo Petrol	DCT (Auto)	$18.2 \text{ kmpl}$	$11-13 \text{ kmpl}$

The $1.5\text{L}$ Diesel Manual is the clear choice for extreme fuel efficiency, making the Creta a highly economical long-distance runner. Service costs are competitive, with the initial three services (up to ³⁴$30,000 \text{ km}$ or 3 years) often free, keeping initial maintenance low.³⁵

Interior and Segment-Defining Features

The cabin of the Creta is where it truly outshines much of its competition, positioning itself as a premium offering in the compact SUV space with a host of segment-first features.

The Dual-Screen Cockpit

The dashboard’s centerpiece is the seamless integration of two ³⁶$10.25\text{-inch}$ screens: one for the touchscreen infotainment system and a completely digital unit for the driver’s instrument cluster.³⁷ This layout provides a high-tech, modern feel, similar to much more expensive vehicles.

The infotainment system is slick, highly responsive, and supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (on higher variants).³⁸

Comfort and Convenience Highlights

Hyundai has loaded the Creta with features aimed at maximizing passenger comfort:³⁹

• Front Ventilated Seats: A massive boon in India’s climate, offering cooling to the front occupants (SX Premium variant onwards).⁴⁰
• Panoramic Sunroof: A sought-after feature that makes the cabin feel airy and spacious, available from the S(O) variant.⁴¹
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control: Allows the driver and front passenger to set separate temperatures.⁴²
• Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold: Simplifies driving in heavy city traffic, available on top-end automatic variants.
• Bose Premium Sound System (8 speakers):⁴³ Delivers excellent audio quality, a must-have for music lovers.
• Practicality: The ⁴⁴$433\text{ Litres}$ of boot space is ample, and the ⁴⁵$60:40$ split rear seat with a two-step recline function significantly boosts rear passenger comfort and luggage flexibility.⁴⁶

Read more : Honda N-Box Camper

Safety: 6 Airbags Standard and Level 2 ADAS

Safety has been a primary focus of the latest Creta model, addressing previous concerns head-on by standardizing key safety features and integrating advanced driver assistance technology.⁴⁷

Standard Safety Revolution

In a commendable move, Hyundai has made 6 Airbags standard across all variants of the Creta, ensuring maximum protection for all occupants from the base model (E) upwards.⁴⁸

Furthermore, a comprehensive standard safety package includes:

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)⁴⁹
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)⁵⁰
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)⁵¹
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (Highline)⁵²
• All-Wheel Disc Brakes (Standard)⁵³

Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)

The top SX(O) variants introduce Hyundai’s SmartSense Level 2 ADAS suite, placing the Creta among the most technologically advanced SUVs in its class.⁵⁴

Key ADAS functionalities include:

• Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go: Works flawlessly on highways, maintaining a set distance from the car ahead and operating even in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
• Lane Following Assist (LFA) & Lane Keep Assist (LKA): Actively assists in keeping the car centered in the lane.⁵⁵
• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA): Can apply brakes automatically if a collision risk (with a vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist) is detected.
• Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) & Surround View Monitor (SVM): These systems provide a ⁵⁶$360\text{-degree}$ bird’s eye view and display the blind spot in the cluster when the turn signal is activated, making parking and city maneuvering significantly easier.⁵⁷

Performance and Driving Dynamics Review

The driving experience of the Hyundai Creta is best described as refined, easy, and customizable, depending heavily on the chosen powertrain.

Driving the Three Powertrains

1. NA Petrol (MT/IVT): Excellent for calm, measured driving. The gear shifts on the manual are smooth and light, and the IVT is perfect for avoiding fatigue in city traffic. It is a relaxed performer, suitable for the majority of family buyers.
2. Diesel (MT/AT): The diesel is the workhorse. Its high torque output makes driving through inclines and hauling a full load simple and stress-free. The AT unit is responsive enough for quick bursts of speed, making it an excellent highway companion with commendable efficiency.
3. Turbo Petrol (DCT): This is the segment’s rocket. The $160\text{ PS}$ is addictive, offering quick acceleration and a sporty feel. The DCT shifts instantly, delivering a genuinely spirited drive.

Ride Quality and Handling

The Creta’s suspension is tuned for comfort and urban use.

• Ride Quality: At low speeds, the ride is plush and absorbent, easily tackling potholes and undulations.
• Handling: While the comfort tuning leads to some noticeable body roll when cornering aggressively, the handling is safe and predictable.⁵⁸ It is not an SUV for enthusiastic canyon carving, but its light steering makes U-turns and parking effortless, which is far more important for its target audience. Highway stability is good, though the vertical movement can be slightly pronounced over uneven stretches at high speeds.⁵⁹

Full Specifications at a Glance

Specification	Detail
Dimensions (L x W x H)	$4330\text{mm} \text{ x } 1790\text{mm} \text{ x } 1635\text{mm}$
Wheelbase	$2610\text{ mm}$
Ground Clearance	$190\text{ mm}$
Boot Space	$433\text{ Litres}$
Fuel Tank Capacity	$50\text{ Litres}$
Brakes	Disc Brakes on all four wheels (Standard)
Safety	6 Airbags Standard, ESC, VSM, HAC, TPMS, Level 2 ADAS (Top Variants)

Real Review Verdict and Final Call

The Hyundai Creta’s latest iteration is a masterclass in market dominance. It successfully marries Hyundai’s reputation for providing feature-rich, comfortable cars with the segment’s necessary safety and performance upgrades. Its greatest strength lies in its complete, no-compromise package: unmatched engine and transmission choice, a feature list that rivals luxury cars, and a commitment to safety with 6 airbags as standard.⁶⁰

Why Buy the Creta?

• Unrivaled Powertrain Choice: Three distinct engines and four transmissions.⁶¹
• Feature King: Ventilated seats, Panoramic Sunroof, Dual ⁶²$10.25\text{-inch}$ Screens, and Bose audio.⁶³
• Safety Priority: 6 Airbags standard and Level 2 ADAS availability.⁶⁴
• Refined Diesel Engine: Best choice for high-mileage users.

What Could Be Better?

• Handling: Tuned for comfort, leading to soft handling and body roll at speed.⁶⁵
• Initial Design Shock: The bold new styling might not appeal to everyone.

Final Conclusion: The Hyundai Creta is the benchmark. Whether you seek performance (Turbo DCT), efficiency (Diesel MT), or city comfort (NA Petrol IVT), the Creta offers a well-defined, premium, and safe option. It is the reigning king of the compact SUV segment for a reason.