Hyundai Verna

The Hyundai Verna is a long standing nameplate for the carmaker in India ever since it replaced the Accent sedan in 2006. Multiple facelifts and generational updates have come and gone, but Hyundai has pushed the segment boundaries with this latest, thanks to an extensive feature list and the most powerful turbo-petrol engine option in the segment. Yet, this generation of the Verna isn’t nearly as popular as its predecessors were. So is this Hyundai Verna just misunderstood, did Hyundai lose the plot with polarising styling or have SUVs spoilt the party for every sedan? Let’s find out:

The Hyundai Verna immediately stands out in its segment, not because it has a design that has you smitten at first glance, but because it looks quirky and a little unconventional at the same time. The amount of cuts and creases in the design is an antithesis of what its rivals offer, and that’s what gives the car a lot of presence. 

The front has a very loud Robo-Cop vibe with the sleek LED strip which is part pilot lamp, part DRL. The LED headlights sit below, flanking the mesh-like grille design in the bumper. The turbo-petrol variant gets an additional air intake on top of the grille.

In profile, the Verna looks like it was carved by an artisan with strong cuts and creases defining the body contours. The extended wheelbase (compared to the previous Verna) does make the car look bigger, and even has a hint of the Sonata sedan (a model that is sold abroad and was once sold in India too).

It sits on 16-inch alloy wheels, which get a silver finish in the NA petrol variants and have a subtle vibe to them, while the blacked out alloy wheels and red front brake calipers of the turbo-petrol variants look outright sporty. Lower variants of the Verna get 15-inch alloy wheels or steel wheels with covers.

The rear is arguably the most striking angle of the 2025 Hyundai Verna. All the body panel-carving is more apparent in brighter colour options like red, silver or white. The light cluster includes a body-wide LED strip, a different strip of light pins for the brakes and a separate set of strips underneath the tail lamp for the indicators and reverse lamps. The crushed glass effect of the tail lights looks undoubtedly cool when viewed up close.

The ‘Verna’ badging runs in the middle of the connected tail lights, while you get the variant wordmark on the bottom right of the tailgate. The turbo variants also get a '1.5 Turbo' badge at the rear as well.

For the colour options, there are 6 monotone shades to choose from: Titan Grey, Abyss Black, Starry Night, Amazon Grey, Fiery Red, and Atlas White. The Atlas White shade is also available with a dual tone black roof.

My pick amongst all combinations of the seven colours is the Starry Night Turbo as it gets a hint of blue in the paint and the red callipers really pop from behind the black wheels.

Overall, the Hyundai Verna offers a distinctively modern design that stands out with its polarising lighting elements, and sculpted body in a segment where rivals play it safe with their conventional styling approach.

The Hyundai Verna’s cabin is available in two themes: beige-black dual tone theme for the standard non-turbo variants, and an all-black theme contrasted by red inserts for the turbo variants.

The lighter shades of the non-turbo variants look classy, while the turbo variants impart a sporty feel, especially with the thoughtful integration of the red ambient lighting and inserts that runs across the dashboard into the door trims and also on the seat stitching.

The design itself looks the most futuristic in the entire segment with a clean dashboard, switchable AC panel (more on this later) and a two spoke steering wheel. The quality of the cabin feels premium with generous use of soft-touch/leatherette materials all around. Even the switches have a tactile feel, the AC vents have a damped action, and the plastics have a smooth finish – all of which come together to help elevate the cabin experience. The overall feel is undoubtedly better than the VW Virtus and Skoda Slavia, while it is comparable with how premium the Honda City is to touch and feel.

Front Seats

Getting in and out of the Hyundai Verna does take more effort than it would in a regular SUV, but it is something that you have to deal with in a sedan. Once inside, the seats offer a super comfortable experience in terms of cushioning and support. And with a wide range of adjustment on offer with tilt and telescopic steering adjustment and height adjustable driver’s seat, getting into a comfortable driving position is simple. 

There are no issues in terms of visibility and the sliding front armrest helps improve comfort on long journeys.

Rear Seats

With this generational update, the Hyundai Verna went from offering one of the least impressive rear seat experiences in the segment to one of the best. There is no shortage of space and even passengers who are over six feet tall have good seat comfort, knee room and headroom. Under thigh support is ample and the relaxed backrest is a boon to have on long journeys, Those who have a hefty build will like the seat contouring as well. 

Room for three full sized adults at the back is still tight, and there’s no middle headrest either. But as far as a chauffeur driven car is concerned, the Verna is a really good option. What helps its case are the amenities on offer, as the Verna packs two type-C charging ports, rear AC vents, central armrest with cupholders and a manual rear sunshade.

Storage & Practicality

The impressive in-car experience of the Verna is also down to the number of storage spaces on offer. The large door pockets have space for multiple bottles and the rubber padding on the wireless charger storage is thick and won't let the keys or the phone rattle. There are two cupholders in the central tunnel, behind which you get a small cubby inside the sliding armrest.

The glovebox size is large and it also gets cooling. Do note, the turbo-DCT variants get a single cup holder to accommodate the electronic parking brake, which is too big to keep a cup secured. 

Rear passengers get a slot in the AC vents to store their phone, which can alternatively be stored in the seat back pockets. There are also two cupholders in the central armrest.

Charging Options

The 2025 Hyundai Verna offers a total of three type-C charging ports, one at the front and two at the back. There is also a 12V power outlet at the front along with a USB port.

Features 

The Hyundai Verna is the most feature loaded car in its segment. All the basics are well covered, but it also offers a few features that we are not used to seeing in mass market cars. 

The 10.25-inch infotainment system is impressive to use. It has bright and crisp resolution, the response times are lightning fast, and the user interface is relatively easy to use. The only issue is that it doesn’t get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, unlike the smaller 8-inch touchscreen system which is found in the lower variants.

The Verna packs a BOSE 8-speaker music system, which has impressive sound quality. The central speaker on the dash along with the subwoofer at the rear helps the system offer a good experience for both, front and rear occupants. 

For the driver, there’s a TFT MID in between two digital displays. The drive modes change the theme around the cluster but it isn’t as interactive or doesn’t look as premium as the Virtus’ or Slavia’s digital display. However, there are no issues in terms of actual functionality.

Not only does the Verna get seat ventilation, but it also gets heated seats. The features work well and do so quietly. Hyundai has equipped the higher variants of the Verna with powered seats, but it only electrically adjusts the seat base’s fore-aft movement and backrest angle. Seat height adjustment is still manual.

I like the integration of the 64-colour ambient lighting, which looks cool at night with its wide range of colours.

The auto AC gets three levels of intensity and the panel on which it is integrated is switchable with media controls. While some found this feature to be unnecessary, I think it is better than integrating those functionalities in the infotainment system. For example, the temperature and blower speed knobs will switch to the tuner and volume control knobs.

To sum up the feature experience of the Hyundai Verna, it is simply the best in the segment. Not only does it offer segment-first features, but the execution of all the equipment is also appreciable.

The Hyundai Verna offers a great safety package, with most of the equipment being offered as standard fitments. Moving up the variants further add features like height adjustable front seats, tyre pressure monitoring system, front parking sensors, 360-degree camera, and auto inside rear view mirror. Features like rear disc brakes and electronic parking brake are exclusive to the turbo-DCT variants.

It also packs Level-2 autonomous driving assistance features (ADAS) like blind spot detection, lane keep assist, and forward and rear cross traffic collision avoidance. Adaptive cruise control and leading vehicle departure alert are only available with the top-spec turbo-DCT variant. The Verna’s ADAS suite is a camera + radar based system, and has been tuned for the chaotic driving conditions that we have in India. 

In terms of safety rating, the Hyundai Verna has a five star score from the Global NCAP, and was actually the first Hyundai vehicle sold in India to get a full 5-star crash test rating.

With a claimed 528-litres of on-paper space, the Hyundai Verna offers a generous boot space in the real world. The opening is wide, so you can even store large suitcases with ease, and it can accommodate a full suitcase set, including a large, medium and small suitcase, and still have space for small bags.

This space is plenty for airport runs/weekend family trips.

The Hyundai Verna is offered with two 1.5-litre petrol engines: one is a turbo unit and one is a naturally aspirated (NA) engine. Both engines are available with a manual and an automatic transmission option.

Both the engines are four cylinder units, and there is no diesel engine on offer. There are three drive modes available with both the engines: Exo, Normal, and Sport.

1.5-litre NA petrol

This is one of the most refined engine options in the segment with a smooth and liner power delivery.

City Performance

This engine offers a seamless and easy-going experience in the city. The power delivery is progressive and you don’t feel the need for more poke even for overtakes. The manual transmission feels easy to use for regular commutes, but it is the CVT automatic gearbox that better complements the smooth nature of this engine. If you are going to be spending most of your time inside the city, the CVT is the best combination for you as there is no shift lag or delay. It also gets paddle shifters if you want manual control.

You can expect a fuel efficiency of around 11kmpl in the city with the Verna’s NA petrol engine.

Highway Performance

Cruising with this petrol engine at speeds of 100-120kmph feels like an easy task. However, overtakes at those speeds don’t feel refined, as you need to really push the engine in order to get that overtake done, and it also gets vocal during overtakes. This can be felt even more so if you’ve got load in the vehicle, and you will need to plan your overtakes in those instances.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the NA petrol engine will return a figure of around 17kmpl on the highway.

1.5-litre turbo-petrol

Just like the NA petrol engine, this turbo petrol engine also offers good refinement levels, but with performance that is punchy.

City Performance

The Verna’s turbo petrol engine is easy to use in the city. There is some initial lag in the turbo boost, but it doesn’t feel sluggish at low speeds nor does it feel jerky for daily drives. Both the six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic feel commuter-friendly, but if your usage involves heavy traffic areas, or you want a quick shifting automatic, the DCT is the one to have. 

Not only is the transmission tuned well for regular usage, it is also super responsive. Upshifts feel smooth, while the downshifts feel snappy. And with such good responsiveness, using the paddle shifters for a quick downshift becomes more fun and engaging when you need a quick overtake.

The fuel efficiency isn’t all that different compared to the NA petrol, as you can expect a figure of around 10-12kmpl in the city.

Highway Performance

Open roads is where this engine comes alive. Once you get past the initial lag up until 1800rpm, the performance is strong and the acceleration is promising. It packs the most powerful engine in its segment, and it shows in its performance. Triple digit speeds come up quickly, and it keeps accelerating with purpose beyond those speeds as well. Even in the mid-range, the performance is punchy and effortless, which makes filtering through highway traffic an easier affair. 

Sports mode helps make the throttle response a little sharper, and the DCT gearbox tends to hold onto higher RPMs for a longer time for maximum performance, but the acceleration still remains predictable.

While using the paddle shifters feels engaging for manual control over the shifts, there is no audio drama from the engine or the exhaust, which would’ve made the experience exciting.

On the highway, you can expect a fuel efficiency of around 16-17kmpl with the turbo petrol engine.

Overall, the NA petrol engine of the Hyundai Verna seems like the perfect fit for someone who appreciates a smooth and relaxed drive experience, with most of their usage being limited to city borders. Alternatively, if you want a car with zestful performance, the turbo-petrol engine proves to be a great highway mile muncher.

Ride Quality

The Hyundai Verna offers a good ride quality in the city, where it keeps you cushioned over regular speed brakes and broken roads at slow speeds. It works silently too, and it is only at higher speeds where you would feel the need for better damping, as you do start to feel the bumps a little. Even still, the movement is controlled and it doesn’t feel bouncy on recovery. It is best to take sharp bumps at slower speeds, as the suspension tends to run out its range of motion pretty quickly, which translates to a loud thud noise inside the cabin.

The ride quality is good over the never-ending expansion joints or undulations on the highway. The car feels stable and planted, but some vertical movement can be felt at the rear if the surface isn’t smooth.

Handling

The steering is light and effortless in the city, making the Verna easy to park into a tight space or just make that tight U-turn a little easier. If you like slightly heavier steering feedback, then toggling between the drive modes helps add weight to the steering wheel, but it isn’t a night and day difference. 

New drivers will appreciate the large glass area, but the enthusiasts will adore its handling traits because despite its balanced ride comfort, the Verna handles a fast corner really impressively. The electronic aids help you hold your desired line, even if you went in a little faster than you should’ve. This makes the handling predictable and you will be able to enjoy the Verna in hilly areas.

Overall, the Verna offers a good balance of ride comfort and handling dynamics. As long as you take bumps and imperfections at sensible speeds, the car won’t really give you a reason to complain about.

• Hyundai offers the 2025 Verna in four broad variants: EX, S, SX/SX+, SX(O).

• The turbo-petrol variants are an extension of the standard variants: S(O) Turbo, SX Turbo and SX(O) Turbo.

Verna EX

• Base variant keeps things simple with projector halogen headlights. Body coloured door mirror and handles, and 15-inch steel wheels with covers.

• Interior finished in dual tone black and beige colours with metal finish for the door handles and handbrake. Gets cloth seat upholstery only.

• Covers all functional features like height-adjustable driver’s seat, front adjustable headrests, rear central armrest, power windows, tilt steering-adjust, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, manual AC, and multiple type-C charging ports.

• Packs no infotainment system and sound system.

• Standard safety features include six airbags, hill-start assist, electronic stability program (ESC), rear parking sensors, manual inside mirror, automatic headlights, rear defogger, ISOFIX mounts, and vehicle stability management (VSM).

Verna S

• Improved styling with LED DRLs, turn indicators on the outside mirrors, 15-inch alloys, connected LED tail lights, rear spoiler, and shark fin antenna.

• Better comfort with sliding front central armrest, rear AC vents, auto AC, and telescopic steering adjustment.

• Adds feel good features like electric sunroof, glovebox cooling, cruise control and steering mounted controls.

• Offers an 8-inch infotainment system, digital MID cluster for the driver, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, four speakers and voice commands.

• Paddle shifters and drive mode select are exclusive to the IVT (CVT automatic) variants.

• Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is the only addition in the safety kit.

Verna SX/SX+

• Top-spec styling with LED headlights, cornering lamps, satin chrome outside door mirrors, and 16-inch dual tone alloy wheels,

• More premium interior feel with ambient lighting, leatherette on the gear knob and steering wheel. SX+ gets leatherette seat upholstery as well.

• Better feature package with six speakers, Smart Trunk, push button start/stop, wireless phone charger, and automatic folding outside mirrors.

• Front ventilated and heated seats and 8-speaker BOSE sound system is available with the SX+ only.

• Improved safety kit with front parking sensors, rear parking camera with dynamic guidelines, auto inside rearview mirror, height-adjustable front seat belts, and keyless entry.

Verna SX(O)

• Ditto exterior styling as the SX/SX+ variants, but interior gets soft touch materials for a better feel.

• Gets 10.25-inch infotainment system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and connected car technology.

• Better feature package voice assisted sunroof, powered driver seat, air purifier, and a rear sun shade.

• Packs Level-2 ADAS features like front collision avoidance assistance, blind spot monitor, lane keep assist, high beam assist and driver attention warning. 

Verna S(O) Turbo

• Entry level turbo-petrol variant.

• Gets projector headlights, LED DRLs, connected LED tail lights, rear spoiler, shark fin antenna, body coloured mirrors and door handles, 16-inch black alloy wheels and red front brake calipers.

• Interior features black theme with red accents, soft touch inserts and metal finished door handles.

• Gets all functional adjustments as the SX(O) variant.

• Feature highlights include electric sunroof, push-button start/stop, auto AC, rear AC vents, cruise control, wireless phone charger, and auto-folding outside mirrors.

• Infotainment package includes an 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, four speaker sound system, and digital MID driver’s display.

• Safety kit highlights include six airbags, hill-start assist, electronic stability control (ESC), auto headlights, rear defogger, ISOFIX mounts, keyless entry, and tyre pressure monitoring system.

Verna SX Turbo

• Same exterior package as SX/SX+, save for black alloys and red front brake calipers.

• Interior gets a leatherette-wrapped gear knob and steering wheel.

• Upgraded infotainment package with 10.25-inch touchscreen system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and six speaker sound system.

• Top feature additions include air-purifier, ambient lighting, voice-assisted sunroof, and Smart Trunk.

• Safety kit adds height adjustable front seat belts and front parking sensors to the list.

Verna SX (O) Turbo

• Same exterior and interior package.

• Top feature additions include an 8-speaker BOSE sound system, ventilated and heated front seats, powered driver seat, and rear sun shades.

• Safety kit gets electronic parking brake, rear disc brakes and full suite of level-2 ADAS features including adaptive cruise control and leading vehicle departure alert.

CarDekho Recommends:

• The one-above-base S variant offers good value on a budget with a balance of functional and creature comforts.

• If you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise on performance, then the S(O) turbo variant will be a good option.

The polarising looks aside, the Hyundai Verna, with its premium cabin, ample space and practicality, segment-best features and a proven safety kit with India-specific autonomous assistance, simply sets the benchmark for the segment. That balance between ride comfort and dynamic handling manners further make it the best all-rounder in the segment.

Other Cars To Consider Instead Of The Hyundai Verna

Honda City

Reasons to consider

• More palatable styling

• Slightly better ride comfort

• Option of a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain

Reasons to ignore

• No turbo petrol engines

• Misses out on many features

Skoda Slavia/VW Virtus

Reasons to consider

• Sophisticated European styling

• Smaller 1-litre turbo-petrol engine offers better performance than Verna’s naturally aspirated engine

Reasons to ignore

• Cabin misses that premium feel

• Misses out on feel-good features

• No ADAS