Hyundai Creta facelift review: Even more wholesome now

2015’s Hyundai Creta was not the first midsized SUV to go on sale (that honour goes to the Renault Duster), but it quickly became the model of choice in the segment. In the years since, the segment has exploded in sales, rivals have come and gone, but the Creta remains undeterred at the very top, with cumulative sales upwards of 9,00,000 units. Thankfully, Hyundai hasn’t gone for a ‘why fix what ain’t broke?’ approach for the 2024 model year update. Rather, the changes are comprehensive with a new look, redone interior, more features and ADAS too. Read on to know how it all comes together.

2024 Hyundai Creta design and styling

When 2020’s second-gen Creta broke cover, there was shock and awe. Styling was radical and a bit too out there for buyers with conservative tastes. This 2024 update finds a great middle ground by being both new-age and agreeable in look.

 

Up front, there’s a larger grille with parametric details (as Hyundai calls it) that’s complemented by an altogether new lighting arrangement. The split setup comprises LED Daytime Running Lights, sequential turn indicators and a light bar atop the grille, with the main quad LED headlamps positioned lowered down on the bumper. New scuff plates also do their bit for the look, and in all, the updated Creta’s more squared-out front works.

Where the Creta looks no different is at the sides where new alloy wheels are your only giveaway of this being the 2024 model. Hyundai’s designers have redone the tail to good effect though. The 2024 Creta sports a more angular look at the back, and gets full LED tail-lamps and a full-width LED light bar that lend it a new lighting signature. You sure won’t confuse Cretas old and new at the rear, but you also wouldn’t be alone to find some similarities to the Grand Vitara’s derriere. A new rear bumper completes the Creta’s makeover.

 

There are six paint options to choose from and we’d suggest you give the new Robust Emerald Pearl serious consideration. It looks really rich and stands out on bright days.

2024 Hyundai Creta interior and comfort

Hyundai has gone the distance to give the Creta a new dashboard with this update. The dash wraps around a 10.25-inch touchscreen that flows into the new 10.25-inch digital driver's display from the Alcazar. The arrangement is in keeping with latest trends and the bezel-less look for the screens lends the cabin an airy look. However, taller occupants might find the screens a touch low for comfort. Outside visibility is good and the front seats are also comfy enough, if not particularly generous in shoulder support.  

 

All variants of the Creta sport dual-tone grey interiors with the seat upholstery (fabric or leatherette) being the real big differentiator between variants. The light materials look nice and the textures are pleasing, but there are no soft-touch materials on the dash, and fit-finish isn’t Hyundai’s best. For instance, the gloss finish to the redone centre console looks wavy.

The only change to speak of at the rear section of the Creta’s cabin is the inclusion of two USB Type-C charging ports. Space remains a highlight with good legroom and adequate width for three adults to sit in comfort. A sore point is the continued absence of a headrest for the middle passenger. As before, the rear backrest gets a two-step adjust, there are comfy pillows with the headrests and sun shades for the rear windows are included too.

 

There’s no change to luggage space. Boot volume is a competitive 433 litres, but in practice, useable luggage room is down on some rivals. The rear seat does offer the added flexibility of 60:40 split-fold for times you need to haul even more cargo.

2024 Hyundai Creta features

When it comes to features, the Creta continues to wow. Comfort and convenience features include a powered driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, new dual-zone climate control, onboard air purifier, electric parking brake and a panoramic sunroof. The upgraded tech suite is just as impressive. The 10.25-inch digital display with its customisable modes is crisp and easy to refer to, the touchscreen is slick (gets 12 regional languages for its UI), the new 360-degree camera is a boon and the Bose sound system is impressive in its own right. Also part of the package is connected tech that brings with it multiple features such as a new Jio Saavn music streaming app, along with an eSIM-based setup that let you remotely keep an eye on your car.

 

If anything, it’s the absence of wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on versions with the 10.25-inch touchscreen that’s a miss.

2024 Hyundai Creta engines and performance

The Hyundai Creta is on offer with three engine options. There’s a 115hp, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol; a 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel and a new 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol that replaces the older 1.4-litre turbo-petrol.

We’ve experienced the new turbo-petrol unit on a host of Hyundai and Kia products already, and found it well suited to the Creta too. While not as punchy as the Volkswagen Group’s 1.5 TSI engine, Hyundai’s direct-injection engine is strong through the rev range and makes the Creta deceivingly quick. Good refinement and ready power also make the engine suited to the everyday grind. The 7-speed dual-clutch auto the engine comes paired with is nice too, but it does tend to trip at low speeds, occasionally fumbling through the lower gears. Over spirited driving, you’ll like how the DCT shifts gears in auto mode and how it responds to commands at the paddleshifters and gear level in manual mode.

 

As before, the Creta also packs in drive modes. Most drivers won’t really bother with the settings but the powertrain does feels more energetic and there’s also slightly more weight at the steering in Sport mode. There are terrain modes too but there’s only so far the front-wheel drive Creta can take you in the rough.

Of the other engines, the 115hp, 1.5-litre petrol unit feels likeable as ever with pleasant performance for urban duties. In fact, the 1.5 petrol with the CVT (iVT as Hyundai brands it) is the combo we’d recommend for most buyers. Buyers with lots of running who aren't spooked by the government’s anti-diesel sentiment will find a great match in the Creta 1.5 diesel. The engine is smooth and quiet by diesel standards; there’s enough poke for highway duties and fuel economy is a highlight with an official figure of 21.8kpl for the manual gearbox version. Were it down to us, we’d trade some economy (a still impressive 19.1kpl) for the convenience of the torque converter automatic transmission-equipped diesel.

 

2024 Hyundai Creta ride and handling

The Creta remains an easy going and user-friendly SUV. The large glasshouse gives great all around visibility, the steering is light and the 4.3m size feels manageable even on chaotic Indian roads. Ride comfort is pleasant with just a hint of firmness at low speeds, and Hyundai has wisely not upsized to larger 18 inchers that would have had an adverse impact on bump absorption.

The Creta drives confidently at higher speeds too; it’s not quite an SUV keen drivers will lust for but there’s enough of a connect with the front wheels and handling is predictable. Braking performance is also good (front and rear discs are standard) though more feel at the pedal would be nice.

 

2024 Hyundai Creta safety

As part of the update, Hyundai has reinforced the body shell at critical points for enhanced crash protection. The 2024 Creta complies with India’s latest crash test norms and will be rated by Bharat NCAP in the coming months.

The list of standard safety features on the Creta is long: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, front and rear disc brakes, tyre pressure monitor and ISOFIX child seat mounts. Top-spec variants further see the all-important addition of advanced driver assistance systems or ADAS. The camera and radar-based suite enables Level 2 ADAS and includes functions like lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking and more. The systems worked well on our test route on the empty roads around Osian in Rajasthan, and the smart cruise control with stop and go (it brings the vehicle to a halt and automatically accelerates when the leading vehicle moves) also did its job well in Jodhpur city.

 

Another function that proved exceedingly handy is the blind view monitor that relays footage from the wing mirrors on the digital display when the indicator is activated.

2024 Hyundai Creta price and verdict     

The 2024 Hyundai Creta range starts at Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom) for the entry petrol-manual and goes all the way up to Rs 20 lakh for the fully loaded turbo-petrol and diesel-automatics. All engines, gearboxes and trims accounted for, there are 19 variants of the Creta on sale; so there’s a Creta for every midsize SUV budget.

As a package, the Creta gets most things really right. It’s spacious, well equipped, and in its latest avatar, easier on the eye as well. The driving experience is satisfactory across the five engine-gearbox variants and there’s the promise of enhanced crash safety too. To really go into the specifics, a middle seat headrest and grander plastics at places are the only blanks that the Creta needs to fill.

 

In its latest avatar, the Creta has become even easier to recommend. Be set to see a whole lot of them on our roads.

Also see:

2024 Hyundai Creta facelift video review

2024 Hyundai Creta facelift walkaround video

Hyundai Creta

₹ 12.71 lakh * on road price (New Delhi)

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