Hyundai is slated to launch the Bayon midsize SUV on October 26, 2026. It will be one of two new nameplate additions for Hyundai India in FY2027, competing in the popular midsize SUV space but positioned completely differently from the Creta. The Korean carmaker has unveiled the SUV ahead of its launch and commenced pre-bookings at Rs 11,000. The model has also begun arriving at dealerships. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Why launch the Bayon if the Creta already exists?
The Bayon will not be a Creta alternative and will be positioned below it in Hyundai’s India portfolio, filling the gap between the Venue and Creta while competing with sub-4-metre SUVs. Hyundai’s strategy is to offer two models in the midsize SUV space, similar to what Maruti has with the Victoris and Grand Vitara.
The carmaker doesn’t want to dilute the Creta’s premium positioning by offering it with CNG, which is why the Bayon is likely to offer this fuel option. Meanwhile, the higher-positioned Creta will be available with a wider choice of engines, including a hybrid version in its next generation due in 2027.
What about Hyundai Bayon’s engine options?
At launch, the Hyundai Bayon will get the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol powertrain as the Creta, as we reported exclusively. This mill produces 115hp and 144Nm and is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. In our experience, this unit is smooth and efficient, especially when paired with the CVT, potentially making the Bayon a great daily commuter.
CVT versions additionally come with paddleshifters and drive modes, including Eco, Normal and Sport. Hyundai has even introduced a new ‘Dash Boost Mode’ and ‘Sporty Drive Tech’ exclusively on CVT variants. The brand says the former delivers an ‘instant power boost and enhanced responsiveness for overtaking’, while the latter aims to provide a sportier, more engaging experience behind the wheel.
Later, Hyundai is likely to introduce the option of a factory-fitted CNG kit paired with this engine, marking the brand’s first CNG-powered model above 4 metres. CNG variants of the Bayon are expected to come with a Maruti Victoris-like underbody-mounted tank that spares boot space. Meanwhile, the Creta’s turbo-petrol and diesel engines are unlikely to make it to the Bayon. This is because Hyundai wants to prioritise value and especially cater to buyers looking for a smooth and efficient urban driving experience with low running costs.
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What will the Hyundai Bayon exterior look like?
The Bayon is underpinned by Hyundai's Global K Enhanced platform. In line with models from Hyundai’s global line-up, the Bayon gets the brand’s ‘Art of Steel’ design language. It has a crossover-esque silhouette in contrast to rivals with boxy SUV proportions. You get a split headlamp design, with LED daytime running lamps (DRLs) that resemble Hyundai’s ‘H’ motif and are connected by a black strip. The main LED headlamps are positioned lower, and there’s thick black and silver cladding for the bumper. A radar unit on the air intake suggests the presence of an ADAS suite, while ridges on the bonnet give it a muscular appearance.
Moving on to the profile, the windowline has an upward kink, and the blacked-out pillars and quarter glass give the Bayon a ‘floating roof’ effect. It also features flared wheel arches, sharp character lines, and continuous black cladding on the wheel arches and lower side of the doors. The alloy wheels get a dual-tone design and are 17 inches in size. A roof-mounted spoiler with a high-mounted stop lamp, LED tail lamps with an ‘H’ motif similar to the one at the front, Bayon branding on the tailgate, and chunky black-and-silver cladding define the rear. Moreover, the outside rear-view mirrors (ORVMs) feature a dual-tone finish, and the roof gets black rails and a shark-fin antenna.
As for colours, the Bayon is available in 10 options. Monotone shades include Titanium Black, Classy Blue, Atlas White, Fiery Red, Golden Bronze and Ecotronic Grey. A dual-tone scheme with a black roof is offered with Atlas White and Fiery Red, whereas Titanium Black and Classy Blue are available with a matte finish.
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What will the Hyundai Bayon’s interior look like, and what features will it get?
Inside, the Bayon looks very similar to the Brazil-spec i20. The cabin gets a black-and-white theme, a three-spoke steering wheel that’s similar to the one in the Venue, leatherette seat upholstery, and vertical air vents. There are plenty of physical buttons, including shortcut keys below the infotainment system, steering-mounted buttons, and haptic switches for HVAC controls.
Hyundai has shared interior images of the Bayon, and in typical Hyundai fashion, it comes loaded with features. There's a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a powered driver seat, dual 12.3-inch displays for the digital instrument panel and infotainment screen, drive modes, a generative AI assistant (a first for a Hyundai model in India), Bose sound system, auto-dimming IRVM, on-board navigation, OTA updates, connected car tech, a wireless phone charger and a rear centre armrest.
What safety features will the Hyundai Bayon get?
Hyundai says the Bayon comes with over 35 safety features as standard and is being engineered for a 5-star BNCAP crash safety rating. Standard safety features include six airbags, rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ESC, hill start assist, roll-over sensor, emergency stop signal, ISOFIX mounts, 3-point seatbelts for all occupants with reminder and central locking.
Top-spec versions of the Bayon come with Hyundai’s Smart Sense Level 2 Pro ADAS suite, comprising three radars and 12 parking sensors (front, side and rear). This ‘Pro’ ADAS package has more functions than the Creta’s Level 2 offering. The new features here include navigation-based smart cruise control and highway driving assist. Additionally, the Bayon gets a 360-degree camera, dashcam, blind-spot detection and all-wheel disc brakes.
What is the expected price of the Hyundai Bayon?
Since the Bayon will be positioned below the Creta, it will be priced more affordably and is expected to range between Rs 9 lakh and Rs 14 lakh, ex-showroom.
Which cars will the Hyundai Bayon rival?
With the Bayon, Hyundai is targeting a slice of the CNG space, as this more economical fuel option becomes an increasingly popular choice among cost-sensitive consumers. Other rivals offering a CNG option are the Toyota Hyryder, Maruti Victoris and Grand Vitara. Apart from these SUVs, it will additionally take on the likes of the MG Astor, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq in pure-petrol guise.
It appears to be a tactical move from Hyundai in the midsize SUV space, where there aren’t many cars offering a CNG option. This also comes at a time when the preference for alternative-fuel cars is growing rapidly, with these cars collectively outselling petrol-powered cars in August 2026, led by CNG.
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