autocar-logo
Delhi

What to expect from the 2026 MG Hector

The 2026 Hector should reach showrooms this January with a marginal price hike and minor updates.
3 min read11 Dec '25
Suraj ViswanathanSuraj Viswanathan
2026 MG Hector side profile

MG Motor India’s online campaign for the upcoming Hector is well underway, with the first teaser confirming the refreshed Hector’s unveiling to happen on December 15. The automaker has now dropped a second teaser, revealing some of the 2026 Hector’s exterior design aspects in greater detail. Piecing together everything we know so far, here is what the updated Hector is likely to offer.

1. What will be new on the 2026 MG Hector’s exterior?

The styling revisions are to be more noticeable at the front.

2026 MG Hector front closeup

One of the most obvious changes on the exterior of the 2026 MG Hector will be in the form of a new front grille. While there appears to be no major alteration to its overall size, the updated grille features more fashionable hexagonal patterns and a chrome-garnished MG logo.

2026 MG Hector side closeup

Another change visible in the teaser (and online renders) is a revised front bumper, which now sports a different skid plate design. While the headlights and taillight appear familiar, their LED daytime-running elements appear to have been revised. The second teaser, meanwhile, does confirm an all-new blue colour for the exterior.

2. What will the 2026 MG Hector’s interior be like?

No major changes expected on the inside, save for a few feature updates.

2025 MG Hector interior

The 2026 Hector’s interior is not expected to receive any significant overhaul. Considering the last major interior update in 2023 was pretty comprehensive, the lack of an entirely new interior design is hardly surprising. Similarly, the 5-, 6- and 7-seat configurations of the current Hector and Hector Plus will also be carried forward.

However, MG could tack on additional features to the infotainment system. The system currently features a 14-inch touchscreen along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Another minor addition could come in the form of a new upholstery – the rest of the equipment list would likely remain unchanged over the current model. This means buyers will get a panoramic sunroof, LED ambient lighting, powered and ventilated front seats, and connected-car tech on the range-topping variants. 

3. What engines will the 2026 MG Hector get?

Existing petrol and diesel powertrains to do duty in the new model.

The updated MG Hector and Hector Plus will soldier on with the same engine and gearbox options as their outgoing counterparts. The petrol variants of the Hector come with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 143hp and 250Nm of torque and is mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The Hector’s diesel variants are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder mill that develops 170hp and 350Nm, but they are only offered with the manual gearbox.

4. What is the expected price of the 2026 MG Hector?

Incremental price hike expected over the 2025 model.

2026 MG Hector taillights

If the updates are as limited as they appear to be, the 2026 MG Hector prices are unlikely to go up by a huge margin. For reference, the entry-level MG Hector and top-end MG Hector Plus have an ex-showroom price of Rs 14.00 lakh and Rs 21.34 lakh, respectively. Prospective buyers of the 2026 Hector and Hector Plus can expect a price hike of around Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000, depending on the variant.

5. Which are the 2026 MG Hector’s rivals?

The 2026 MG Hector will compete with the likes of the Tata Harrier and Jeep Compass, whilst the 2026 MG Hector Plus will rival the upcoming Mahindra XUV 7XOHyundai Alcazar, and the Tata Safari. There is no official word from MG Motor India regarding the updated Hector's actual launch date, but we expect it to go on sale in January 2026. Interestingly, the Hector's Mahindra XUV 7XO rival is set to make its debut in January as well. 

New Kia Seltos vs rivals: Specifications compared

The new Seltos is underpinned by a new base and has grown in every dimension, except height.
3 min read11 Dec '25
Uday SinghUday Singh
Kia Seltos vs rivals

Kia Seltos new vs old: Differences and similarities explained

The second-gen Kia Seltos is built on a new K3 platform but gets the same powertrain options as before.
3 min read11 Dec '25
Dipan SurDipan Sur
Kia Seltos new vs old: Differences and similarities explained

New Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta: Whose top variant gets more features?

Two midsize SUVs from related Korean marques compared solely based on their feature set.
4 min read11 Dec '25
Suraj ViswanathanSuraj Viswanathan
New Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta comparison

Maruti Victoris AWD real world mileage tested, explained

We find out if the Victoris mild-hybrid petrol-automatic that sends drive to all four wheels, is as frugal as its claimed 19.07kpl ARAI figure.
2 min read11 Dec '25
Rivan RS Rivan RS
Maruti Victoris real world mileage test

New Kia Seltos vs Maruti Victoris: Whose top trim offers more features?

Both SUVs go toe-to-toe on features and come with multiple powertrain options to choose from.
3 min read10 Dec '25
Glenn NoronhaGlenn Noronha
 New Kia Seltos vs Maruti Victoris: Which top trim offers more features?
What to expect from the 2026 MG Hector - Introduction | Autocar India