The Hyundai Alcazar is the Korean carmaker’s contender in the three-row SUV segment, competing with Mahindra's Scorpio N and XUV700, MG Hector Plus and Tata Safari. Hyundai launched the Alcazar facelift just last year, introducing an updated set of engines, more equipment, and a revised interior and exterior. If you’re considering buying an Alcazar, here are three reasons why it’s the right choice and two reasons why you should think twice.
Capable set of powertrains
Petrol and diesel motors on offer
Alcazar buyers can opt for 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. The former develops 160hp and 253Nm, while the latter engine makes 116hp and 250Nm. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard fitment for both powerplants, with the petrol additionally offering a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and the diesel a 6-speed torque converter.
Both Alcazar engines are refined and fairly smooth to drive, and as far as fuel efficiency goes, the turbo-petrol delivers a claimed 17.5kpl for the DCT and 18kpl for the manual. The Alcazar diesel, meanwhile, claims a mileage of 18.1kpl for the torque converter and an impressive 20.4kpl for the manual. We even tested the real-world fuel efficiency of the Alcazar diesel and came away with a 14.4kpl average across city and highway conditions.
Comfortable, feature packed interior
Ventilated front and rear seats, panoramic sunroof, and more
A well-built and comfortable cabin is a Hyundai hallmark, and the Alcazar doesn’t disappoint on this front. Depending on the variant, the Alcazar can be had either as a 6-seater or 7-seater, and you get creature comforts like a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, an 8-speaker Bose sound system with subwoofer, a cooled glove box, a digital key, a wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, powered and ventilated front seats, Level 2 ADAS, ventilated captain chairs, and more.
Top end variants priced attractively
Up to Rs 5.51 lakh more affordable than rivals
| Hyundai Alcazar top variant price comparison with rivals | |
|---|---|
| Price (Rs, lakh) | |
| Alcazar | 21.74 |
| Scorpio N | 25.42 |
| XUV700 | 25.89 |
| Hector Plus | 22.30 |
| Safari | 27.25 |
The Alcazar’s prices start at Rs 14.99 lakh, and while this Hyundai SUV isn’t the cheapest compared to rivals like the XUV700 (Rs 14.49 lakh) and Scorpio N (Rs 13.99 lakh), its higher-spec trims are much more affordable. Prices for the second-from-top Alcazar Platinum trim start at Rs 19.60 lakh, while the range-topping Signature trim starts at Rs 21.39 lakh and extends up to Rs 21.74 lakh. This pricing well undercuts that of rivals.
With the Alcazar’s strengths now covered, let’s delve into some of the three-row SUV’s weaknesses.
Clunky DCT gearbox
Not very smooth at low speeds
In our review of the turbo-petrol Alcazar, we found that the 7-speed DCT gearbox isn’t as quick as you might expect. At city speeds, there’s a fair bit of hesitation and lag as the DCT tries to shuffle between 2nd and 3rd gears in the default ‘Drive’ mode. The only way to rectify this clunkiness is to take manual control via the Alcazar’s gear selector lever or steering-mounted paddle shifters.
Third row is cramped
Unsuitable for passengers over 5’10”
Third-row access has been improved in the Alcazar facelift, but space in the back continues to be one of the biggest gripes associated with the SUV. There’s barely any headroom or kneeroom for taller passengers, leaving the Alcazar’s third row suitable for children or short adults.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
