Hyundai Exter

The Hyundai Exter is one of the well-rounded micro SUVs in India, known for its compact footprint, feature-rich cabin, and affordable pricing. Hyundai has launched its facelifted version with subtle design updates, new colour options, and a revised variant lineup to keep the Exter fresh in an increasingly competitive segment.

The updated Exter continues to cater to buyers looking for a micro SUV that is easy to drive in the city, while offering modern features, practicality and multiple powertrain options, including CNG.

The styling of the 2026 Exter facelift remains largely familiar and similar to the pre-facelift model (old vs new compared here), but gets a few cosmetic tweaks to enhance its appeal.

At the front, you get a tweaked grille, with the ‘Exter’ lettering now placed on a gloss black panel connecting the LED DRLs. The signature H-shaped LED DRLs and the stacked headlamp setup have been retained, maintaining the SUV’s distinctive look.

The bumper has also been updated with a redesigned silver skid plate, giving it a slightly more rugged appearance.

From the sides, the Exter continues with its boxy stance and tall-boy proportions. The wheel arches have been slightly beefed up to add more visual muscle, while elements like roof rails, black body cladding and turn indicators on the ORVMs remain unchanged. The facelift introduces newly designed 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.

At the rear, the LED tail lamps remain the same, but the spoiler now gets a sportier wing-type design. The bumper has also been updated with a slim silver insert for a refreshed look.

The facelift introduces two new shades: Titanium Black Matte and Golden Bronze. It continues to offer the Starry Night, Atlas White, Titan Grey, Titanium Black and Ranger Khaki hues. Notably, Ranger Khaki is the only colour available with a dual-tone black roof option. Check which variants get which colours here.

Overall, while the changes are subtle, they help keep the Exter visually fresh without altering the overall design. 

Inside, the Exter facelift gets a few noticeable updates to improve the cabin experience.

The biggest change is the new Navy Blue and Grey cabin theme, which replaces the earlier, darker layout and makes the interior feel more vibrant. The dashboard and door pads now feature blue inserts, adding a sense of freshness.

Features

The feature list of the facelifted Hyundai Exter remains unchanged, but it continues to be quite comprehensive for its segment. It offers features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a semi-digital instrument cluster. Convenience features such as automatic climate control, a single-pane sunroof, cruise control and a wireless phone charger add to the overall appeal. The Exter also gets auto headlamps and an auto-dimming IRVM, while a height-adjustable driver’s seat ensures a comfortable driving position.

Overall, these features make the Exter a well-rounded and competitive option for daily use and even long drives. 

The steering wheel has been changed, featuring a new blue finish, but continues with the traditional Hyundai logo instead of the newer Morse code design seen on models like the Hyundai Verna and Creta Electric.

The dashboard layout remains upright and practical, featuring a dual-screen setup, sleek AC vents and a clean design. A new addition is the driver’s seat armrest, which enhances comfort during long drives.

The rear seats continue to offer good space for a car of this size, with semi-fabric upholstery. Hyundai has also added Type-C charging ports for rear passengers, improving the convenience factor. 

The Exter facelift continues with a strong safety package, making it one of the safer offerings in the micro-SUV segment. It comes with six airbags as standard, along with essential systems like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS with EBD and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

Additional safety features include a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), rear view camera with reverse parking sensors and ISOFIX child seat mounts. Hyundai also offers a factory-fitted dashcam, which adds an extra layer of security. 

Hyundai claims that the Exter offers a 391-litre boot, which is quite practical for a micro SUV. The space is well-shaped and can easily accommodate a couple of cabin suitcases along with soft bags for weekend trips.

The CNG variants feature a dual-cylinder layout that preserves usable luggage room (around 225 litres), ensuring you don’t sacrifice everyday practicality despite the added efficiency.

The 2026 Exter continues with the same engine options as before:

AMT - Automated-manual Transmission

Read more about which variant gets which powertrain option in this detailed report. 

The petrol engine is tuned for smooth and efficient city driving, while the AMT option adds convenience for urban commutes. 

The CNG variant is ideal for buyers with higher running costs, offering better fuel economy while maintaining decent usability.

The facelifted Hyundai Exter is available in 7 variants: HX 2, HX 3, HX 4, HX 4 Plus, HX 6, HX 8 and HX 10, with multiple powertrain options including petrol, AMT and CNG across the range. Read more about what each variant gets in terms of features here.

Exter HX 2 

• Features the 1.2-litre petrol manual and CNG options.

• Gets basic exterior elements like halogen headlamps, black cladding, and 14-inch steel wheels.

• The cabin gets a digital instrument cluster with colour MID, fabric upholstery, and a simple black interior theme.

• Features include manual AC, front power windows, and central locking.

• Safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESC, ABS with EBD, hill start assist and rear parking sensors.

• Fancy taking a closer look? This article will give you details about the Exter HX 2.

Exter HX 3

• Available with petrol MT, AMT and CNG options.

• Adds a micro pole antenna over the HX2 variant.

• Interior gets semi-fabric seats, dual-tone navy and grey theme, and charging ports. 

• Adds an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and steering-mounted controls

• Also gets a reverse parking camera and IRVM.

• More details about the Hyundai Exter HX 3 here.

Exter HX 4

• Offered with petrol MT and CNG options. Misses out on the AMT. 

• Exterior upgrades LED DRLs and 15-inch stylised wheels (check it out in images here).

• Adds rear AC vents, rear power windows and electrically adjustable ORVMs. 

• Also gets rear charging ports and a parcel tray. 

• Gets a TPMS over the HX3 variant. 

Exter HX 4 Plus

• Available only with the AMT gearbox.

• Builds on the HX 4 with LED turn-indicators on ORVM and wheel arch cladding. 

• Adds premium features like a sunroof and auto-fold ORVMs. 

• There are no additions to the safety department. 

• Find out more about the Hyundai Exter HX 4 Plus here. 

Exter HX 6

• Comes with a 1.2-litre petrol paired to manual, AMT and CNG options.

• Exterior remains similar but adds more functional elements, such as projector headlamps, like roof rails, roof-mounted spoiler, and even a shark fin antenna. 

• Inside, you get paddle shifters, push-button start/ stop, cruise control, automatic climate control and a foldable driver armrest. 

• Adds a dashcam for improved safety.

• Read more about the Hyundai Exter HX 6 here.

Exter HX 8

• Available with petrol MT, AMT and CNG options.

• Gets alloy wheels for a more upmarket look.

• Interior feels footwell lighting, a leather finish for the gear knob and steering wheel and a wireless phone charger. 

• It also adds a cooled glovebox and a rear wiper with a washer. 

• Safety additions include automatic headlamps. 

• More details about the HX 8 variant of the Exter here.

Exter HX 10

• Offered only with the AMT gearbox.

• The exterior remains the same, but the interior gets metal pedals for a sportier look. 

• Features the top-spec infotainment, connected car tech, Alexa connectivity, and OTA updates. 

• For safety, it adds telematic switches, including SOS, RSA & Bluelink. 

• Explore more about the Hyundai Exter HX 10 here.

CarDekho Recommends

• Pick the HX 3 if you’re on a tight budget but still want essential modern features. It adds an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a reverse camera and a better interior over the base variant, making it the most sensible entry point in the Hyundai Exter lineup.

• Go for the HX 6 for the best overall package. It strikes a great balance by offering key features like cruise control, automatic climate control, push-button start, paddle shifters (AMT) and a dashcam, along with all powertrain options, including CNG.

• Consider the HX 8 if you want a more premium experience without going all the way to the top spec. It adds convenience features like a wireless charger, cooled glovebox and alloy wheels, making it a well-rounded upgrade.

The 2026 Hyundai Exter doesn’t reinvent the formula, but smartly refines what already worked, retaining its easy-to-drive nature, practical cabin and strong value proposition while adding just enough freshness in design, tech and comfort to stay relevant. With segment highlights like a 4-cylinder petrol engine, a factory-fitted dashcam, dual-cylinder CNG setup with usable boot space, and over 45 safety features including 6 airbags as standard, it continues to be one of the most well-rounded micro SUVs in India. If you want to know how the Hyundai Exter compares with its rivals and similarly-priced rivals, tap on the links below:

• Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch
• Hyundai Exter vs Maruti Swift
• Hyundai Exter vs Hyundai Grand i10 Nios