Hyundai Exter Review 2025 – The Best Affordable Micro SUV for Indian Buyers

The Hyundai Exter is Hyundai’s latest micro SUV for India. It sits below the Hyundai Venue and offers SUV-inspired styling in a compact package. With its tall stance, modern features, fuel-efficient engine options, and attractive pricing, the Hyundai Exter has quickly become a popular choice for first-time buyers and small families. This Hyundai Exter review 2025 covers everything — design, features, interior, performance, mileage, safety, ownership, and pricing — to help you decide if this micro SUV is right for you.


Hyundai Exter 2025 Specifications

SpecificationDetails
Engine1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol
Power83 PS
Torque114 Nm
Transmission5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT
CNG OptionYes (manual only)
Mileage (ARAI)Petrol: 19.2–19.4 km/l, CNG: 27 km/kg
Boot Space~391 litres
Ground Clearance205 mm
SafetyUp to 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, hill-start assist
Price (Ex-showroom)₹6.0 – ₹10.5 lakh (approx.)

Why the Hyundai Exter is a Game-Changer

The Indian car market loves SUVs. Buyers want the bold SUV look, but many prefer small, fuel-efficient cars that are easy to drive in cities. The Hyundai Exter fits perfectly in this demand. It looks like an SUV, comes with many modern features, and is priced affordably compared to larger SUVs. It also competes directly with the Tata Punch, Maruti Fronx, and Citroen C3.


Hyundai Exter Price and Variants in India 2025

The Hyundai Exter is available in several trims and variants. Prices start at around ₹6 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base model and go up to nearly ₹10.5 lakh for the top-end variant. Buyers can choose between petrol manual, petrol AMT, and petrol-CNG options. This flexibility makes the Hyundai Exter suitable for both budget-conscious customers and those looking for feature-packed premium small SUVs.


Exterior Design – SUV Looks in a Compact Car

The Hyundai Exter has a bold design that instantly stands out. It features split headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a modern grille, and squared-off wheel arches. The body cladding, roof rails, and 205 mm ground clearance give it a proper SUV character, despite its compact footprint. Compared to rivals like the Tata Punch, the Hyundai Exter looks futuristic and sportier.


Interior Comfort and Cabin Space

Inside the Hyundai Exter, the cabin is practical and user-friendly. The dashboard is simple but well laid out. Top trims offer a digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The front seats are comfortable and provide a commanding view of the road. Rear space is adequate for two adults, though three passengers at the back may feel tight on long drives. Boot space is generous for this segment, making it suitable for small family trips and shopping.

Also Read Renault Kwid Review 2025 – Budget-Friendly Hatchback with SUV Style


Features and Technology

Hyundai has equipped the Exter with segment-leading features. Depending on the variant, buyers get:

  • 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • Digital instrument cluster
  • Automatic climate control
  • Keyless entry and push-button start
  • Rear parking camera and sensors
  • Dashcam with dual cameras in select variants
  • Wireless charging and USB-C ports

These features make the Exter a high-value proposition in the micro SUV segment.


Engine Options, Transmission and Performance

The Hyundai Exter is powered by a 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine producing 83 PS and 114 Nm of torque. It is available with a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT gearbox. The engine is smooth, refined, and tuned for daily driving. The AMT makes traffic driving stress-free, while the manual offers slightly better mileage. Hyundai also offers a factory-fitted CNG version that delivers excellent fuel savings for city commuters.


Ride Quality and Handling

The Exter is tuned for Indian roads. The suspension absorbs potholes and rough patches well, making the ride comfortable. Light steering makes it easy to maneuver in tight city spaces, while the higher ground clearance ensures speed breakers are no problem. At highway speeds, the Exter feels stable, though there is some road and wind noise, which is common in this price segment.


Hyundai Exter Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy is one of the key strengths of the Hyundai Exter.

  • Petrol manual: Around 19.4 km/l (ARAI)
  • Petrol AMT: Around 19.2 km/l (ARAI)
  • CNG: Around 27 km/kg

In real-world conditions, city mileage usually ranges between 15–17 km/l for petrol models, while highway mileage can cross 18 km/l. The CNG variant is the best choice for buyers who drive long distances daily.


Safety Features in the Hyundai Exter

Safety has become a big priority for Indian car buyers, and Hyundai has equipped the Exter well. Depending on the variant, safety features include:

  • Six airbags (top trims)
  • ABS with EBD
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Hill-start assist
  • ISOFIX child seat mounts
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system
  • Rear parking sensors and camera

While official crash test ratings are still awaited in some cases, the Exter’s safety kit makes it a strong option in its class.


Practicality and Daily Usability

The Hyundai Exter is made for urban Indian buyers. Its compact size makes it easy to park, while the high ground clearance ensures confidence on broken roads. The boot is spacious for a micro SUV, and Hyundai has added several storage compartments inside the cabin. Features like rear AC vents and charging ports in higher trims make it family-friendly.


Ownership, Warranty and Service

Hyundai is known for its strong service network in India, and the Exter benefits from this. The company offers standard warranty packages along with extended warranty options. Service costs are competitive for this segment, and Hyundai’s wide network ensures easy access to spares and service even in smaller towns.


Strengths and Weaknesses of Hyundai Exter

Strengths

  • Attractive SUV-inspired design
  • Fuel-efficient petrol and CNG options
  • Wide range of features including digital cluster and dashcam
  • High ground clearance (205 mm)
  • Strong Hyundai service network

Weaknesses

  • Cabin plastics feel basic compared to bigger SUVs
  • AMT is not as smooth as a CVT or torque converter
  • Rear seat best for two adults on long drives

FAQs on Hyundai Exter

Q. What is the price of Hyundai Exter in India?

Prices start at around ₹6 lakh and go up to ₹10.5 lakh depending on the variant.

Q. Does the Hyundai Exter have an automatic option?

Yes, a 5-speed AMT gearbox is available in petrol variants.

Q. What is the mileage of Hyundai Exter?

The petrol versions deliver around 19 km/l, while the CNG variant gives about 27 km/kg.

Q. How safe is the Hyundai Exter?

The Exter offers up to six airbags, ABS, ESC, and other safety features. Official crash test results are awaited, but the equipment list is strong.

Q. Who are the main rivals of the Hyundai Exter?

The Hyundai Exter competes with Tata Punch, Maruti Fronx, Citroen C3, and Maruti Ignis.


Conclusion – Should You Buy the Hyundai Exter in 2025?

The Hyundai Exter is one of the best small SUVs for India right now. It offers SUV looks, a spacious boot, modern features, and excellent fuel efficiency at an affordable price. For city buyers, the AMT petrol is convenient, while for high-mileage users, the CNG variant is the most economical choice.

If you want a stylish, feature-rich, and fuel-efficient micro SUV with Hyundai’s reliability and service support, the Exter is a great buy in 2025. However, if you want a car with proven high crash safety ratings or more powerful performance for highways, you may also consider the Tata Punch or Maruti Fronx.

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