In Hyundai’s portfolio, the Alcazar has often flown under the radar, overshadowed by its best-selling siblings like the Creta and Tucson. However, if you take a closer look, the Alcazar offers exceptional value, especially for those in the market for a 6- or 7-seater SUV. Positioned at a more affordable price point compared to its competition, it has consistently provided a practical option for families who need more space without breaking the bank. While it may not have the same level of buzz as some other models, the Alcazar has quietly proven itself to be a strong contender in its segment.
With the latest facelift, this SUV has received a significant update, addressing several aspects that were previously lacking. It now comes packed with new features, a refreshed design, and modern tech upgrades that elevate the driving experience. They have clearly listened to customer feedback and refined the Alcazar into a more well-rounded SUV. Having spent considerable time with the previous generation, I can attest to its capabilities. From the bustling Waghah-Attari border in the north to the serene hills of Leh, and from Kodaikanal to the southernmost tip of India, the Alcazar has proven itself to be a dependable companion on long, adventurous journeys.
However, every time I hear the name ‘Alcazar,’ I can’t help but think of General Alcazar from Tintin, but for Hyundai the Alcazar refers not to a person but to a fortress, and it certainly lives up to its name. Hyundai’s latest generation of cars shows that the brand is listening to its customers, incorporating feedback and introducing new features to enhance the driving experience. To see if this SUV has evolved significantly, and to truly experience these updates, we headed to Udaipur—Hyundai’s go-to spot for media drives. For some reason, Rajasthan, especially the Aravalli Hills, is a favourite among manufacturers for these events, and it’s easy to see why. The region offers some of India’s finest hotels and top-notch hospitality, making it an ideal backdrop for a first drive as there are seom true hidden gems in terms of great driving roads.
As we arrived on a beautifully overcast day, a sense of excitement built up. Hyundai handed us the keys to the new Emerald Green car, waiting in the lobby of our hotel. The first thing I did was peek inside the car, and I was immediately struck by the premium feel of the interior. It’s a noticeable step up from the previous generation, with refined materials and a sophisticated design that elevate the cabin’s overall ambience. The attention to detail in the Alcazar’s interior shows Hyundai’s commitment to providing a luxurious experience, making it clear that this SUV isn’t just about space—it’s about quality too.
The new car sports a fresh design that aligns with the brand’s latest aesthetic, particularly with its bold H-shaped LED headlights. The front gets a more rugged, American-inspired SUV look, with a large vertical grille featuring chrome slots that run across, giving it a muscular presence. While the front and rear styling, including a redesigned tailgate and sleek LED light bar, add a robust appeal, the side profile feels a bit underwhelming. Hyundai could have introduced more bold creases or character lines on the side profile to enhance the design.
Built on the long-wheelbase version of the Creta, the Alcazar facelift retains its imposing stance with 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and skid plates on both ends. Available in four trims—Platinum, Signature, Prestige, and Executive—the SUV offers nine exterior colours, including standout shades like Robust Emerald, Starry Night, and Atlas White with a black roof. The facelift brings notable updates while maintaining the Alcazar’s practical SUV appeal.
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The cabin of the new car exudes a premium feel, with all the touchpoints crafted to provide a high-quality experience. The new tan and black dual-tone interior complements the overall design, enhancing the luxurious ambience. The dual 10.25-inch displays—one for the driver’s digital instrument cluster and the other for the central infotainment system—are carried over from the Creta and add a modern, upscale touch to the cabin. A unique detail is the magnetic strip near the driver’s instrument cluster, which serves as a small, thoughtful addition where you can stick personal items like photos or small magnetic pendants, giving the space a homely, personalised vibe.
A feature in the Hyundai Alcazar facelift is the new mobile key functionality, which offers a modern twist on convenience. This feature allows you to unlock and lock the vehicle using your smartphone, thanks to Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. What’s impressive is that this mobile key operates independently of cellular coverage or network connectivity, ensuring you can access your car even in remote areas with no signal. Additionally, you can integrate this mobile key into your digital wallet, making it even easier to manage access without fumbling for traditional keys. This tech-savvy addition not only enhances security but also aligns with the growing trend of digital convenience in automotive design.
This SUV comes packed with new features, including a Bose eight-speaker sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, wireless smartphone chargers in both the first and second rows, and a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with light, further enhancing its premium feel.
Hyundai deserves credit for sticking with physical buttons in the car, especially as many manufacturers have shifted to relying solely on large central touchscreens for all functions. These physical touchpoints make it much easier to access essential controls, which is a blessing, particularly when driving and you need quick adjustments.
One of the standout improvements in this car is the seat comfort. The seats have been dramatically enhanced, offering excellent lumbar and thigh support. The cushioning and upholstery feature an impressive design pattern, and the ventilated seats are a great feature to have on the hot day we were driving in Rajasthan. Not only are the front seats ventilated, but Hyundai has also extended this cooling feature to the second row, specifically in the six-seater version with captain seats. Conveniently, the cooling seat controls for the second row are located on the door panel, making them easily accessible, unlike some other cars that hide them in awkward spots.
In the rear, Hyundai has gone the extra mile by incorporating headrests that provide additional comfort, reminiscent of those found on aeroplane seats. These headrests feature side supports that protrude to cradle your head, offering enhanced comfort, especially on longer journeys. This thoughtful touch ensures a more relaxed and fatigue-free ride for passengers in the back.
Practicality and space are where the car truly excels. Accessing all three rows is impressively easy, with getting in and out of the car is a breeze. One of the standout features is how effortlessly the third-row seats fold down. With just a pull of a string, you can collapse the third row and transform the cargo area. It offers 180 litres of boot space with all three rows up. However, fold down the third row, and the space expands to a generous 579 litres—plenty of room for all your luggage. This versatility is one of the Alcazar’s key strengths. If you’re not ferrying extra passengers, you can make the most of that space to carry all the luggage you need for a weekend road trip. It’s this adaptability that sets the Alcazar apart, offering a perfect balance of practicality and comfort.
The Alcazar facelift is available with two engine options: a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a diesel variant. The turbo-petrol engine, which we drove, produces 158 bhp and 25.79 kgm of torque and is paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. Our experience with the DCT variant proved it to be a smooth powertrain, offering plenty of power for both city and highway driving. While you do get a hint of engine noise when pushed hard, overall, the engine is refined and delivers power seamlessly. The turbo badge on the tailgate isn’t just for show—this engine combines performance with efficiency, giving us close to 17.5 kpl, even with spirited driving.
In terms of refinement and ease of driving, the Alcazar impresses with its smooth power delivery and well-calibrated throttle response. The turbo engine spools up quickly, ensuring overtakes are easy and acceleration is responsive. The DCT shifts seamlessly, making city driving less stressful. Hyundai has clearly focused on creating a comfortable driving experience, with minimal vibrations and road noise filtering into the cabin. This makes it an excellent choice for long-distance journeys or daily commutes, where refinement and ease of use are crucial.
Ride and handling have always been strong points for Hyundai, and the Alcazar continues to impress. What stands out most is the refinement that Hyundai consistently delivers. We drove the turbo-petrol version, and while the engine’s subtle growl is a welcome note for petrolheads, it doesn’t intrude into the cabin, allowing you to fully enjoy the Bose sound system. Despite its size, the Alcazar feels surprisingly nimble. The light steering makes city driving a breeze, and even on the twisty roads of the Aravali Hills, it handled well with only minimal body roll, keeping the ride stable and composed.
On the highways, the Alcazar truly shines. Its monocoque construction delivers excellent stability, making long stretches at triple-digit speeds effortless. The Alcazar is built for comfortable long-distance cruising, easily munching miles at a time.
The top-tier model is loaded with features, including a panoramic sunroof, wireless chargers, dual-zone climate control, a Level 2 ADAS suite, and a 360-degree camera with a blind spot monitor which should keep you covered for all the basic safety features.
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The Hyundai Alcazar continues to offer exceptional value, making it one of the most compelling choices in the seven-seater SUV segment. Priced attractively at ₹14.99 lakh, Hyundai has managed to deliver a package that is hard to beat. With its combination of a premium interior, feature-rich cabin, and refined powertrains, the SUV brings a lot to the table without breaking the bank. What truly sets it apart is its practicality—whether it’s the ease of access to all three rows or the impressive boot space when the third row is folded, the Alcazar is designed for families and long road trips alike.
Packed with safety and tech features, from ADAS to a 360-degree camera, and backed by Hyundai’s reliability, the Alcazar stands out even among stiff competition from models like the Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus. It’s really hard to find faults with this SUV, especially when you consider the savings and practicality it offers. In a market full of expensive, larger SUVs, the Alcazar delivers everything you need without the premium price tag.
