1. The Undisputed Segment Leader Gets an Overhaul: Is This a New Era for Creta?
It’s a name that has dominated the Indian SUV landscape for years: Creta. Whenever you talk about a mid-size SUV, the conversation inevitably begins and ends with this Hyundai powerhouse. It’s not just a car; it’s a phenomenon. But with rivals like Kia Seltos and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara snapping at its heels, Hyundai couldn’t afford to rest on its laurels. Enter the 2025 Hyundai Creta facelift—and trust me, this is no ordinary nip-and-tuck job.
This is a major mid-life refresh that gives the Creta a completely new identity, packs in a segment-first Level 2 ADAS suite, and reintroduces the punchy 1.5L Turbo Petrol engine.
So, the big question remains: After all these significant upgrades, is the King of the segment still the best choice for the Indian family? And more importantly, is it worth the hefty price tag?
The new 2025 Creta starts at a highly competitive ₹10.72 Lakh (Ex-Showroom, Delhi) for the base 1.5L Petrol E Manual variant, climbing up to the fully-loaded ₹20.19 Lakh for the 1.5L Diesel SX(O) Automatic Knight Dual Tone.
Let’s dive deep into this comprehensive review.
2. Quick Facts: 2025 Hyundai Creta Key Specifications
The Creta continues to offer three diverse engine choices, catering to performance enthusiasts, mileage seekers, and city commuters alike. The reintroduction of the powerful turbo-petrol is a big plus.
| Specification | 1.5L MPi Petrol (NA) | 1.5L U2 CRDi Diesel | 1.5L Turbo GDi Petrol |
| Engine Displacement | 1497 cc | 1493 cc | 1482 cc |
| Max Power | $115$ PS at $6300$ rpm | $116$ PS at $4000$ rpm | $160$ PS at $5500$ rpm |
| Max Torque | $144$ Nm at $4500$ rpm | $250$ Nm at $1500-2750$ rpm | $253$ Nm at $1500-3500$ rpm |
| Transmission Options | 6MT, IVT (CVT) | 6MT, 6AT (Torque Converter) | 7-Speed DCT |
| Boot Space | 433 Litres | 433 Litres | 433 Litres |
| Ground Clearance | 190 mm (Unladen) | 190 mm (Unladen) | 190 mm (Unladen) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 Litres | 50 Litres | 50 Litres |
3. Exterior Design & Road Presence: The Stance is Finally ‘SUV’
The first-generation Creta was curvy, the second was a bit polarizing, but the 2025 model finally gets the robust, butch, and upright SUV stance that Indian buyers truly desire. This is a massive improvement.
- The Front: It’s dominated by the new Black Chrome Parametric Radiator Grille, which integrates seamlessly with the full-width Horizon LED Positioning Lamps & DRLs. The primary Quad Beam LED headlamps are now vertically stacked, giving it a much more aggressive and modern face. It certainly looks bigger and more premium than before.
- The Side: The profile remains largely the same, but the new R18 Diamond Cut Alloys (on top variants) look sharp and fill the wheel arches perfectly, enhancing the muscular look. The 190mm ground clearance is noticeable and ensures you glide over most large speed breakers without a second thought.
- The Rear: The rear is perhaps the most impressive change, now featuring connected LED Tail Lamps—a signature feature seen on many premium global SUVs. The sculpted tailgate and revised skid plate tie the whole look together.
Does it turn heads on the road? Absolutely. Especially in metropolitan cities, the new Creta commands a much stronger road presence than its predecessor and definitely stands its ground against the Seltos facelift.
4. Interior, Comfort & Features: A True Step Up in Premiumness
If the exterior is an evolution, the interior is a revolution. Hyundai has listened to feedback and brought a cabin that is not just loaded with features but feels genuinely premium.
H3: Dashboard & Material Quality
The biggest highlight is the Seamlessly Integrated Infotainment and Cluster Screen. You get dual 10.25-inch screens—one for the infotainment and the other for the fully digital instrument cluster. The layout is clean and driver-focused. While the use of soft-touch materials is limited, the general fit and finish, along with the leatherette upholstery on the top trims, is excellent.
- Touchscreen: The 10.25-inch unit is crisp, lag-free, and houses the new Bluelink connected car tech.
- Steering: The new four-spoke steering wheel looks chunky and modern.
H3: Space and Practicality
The Creta was always known for its comfortable cabin, and the 2025 model continues this tradition.
- Legroom/Headroom: Both are generous for four passengers. The $2610 \text{ mm}$ wheelbase ensures the rear legroom is ample, even for a six-footer sitting behind another six-footer.
- Rear Comfort: Yes, 3 average-sized people can sit at the back, but it will be a squeeze for longer journeys due to the central tunnel and the width being just enough. The inclusion of 60:40 split rear seats with 2-step recline is a fantastic feature for highway comfort. Rear AC vents are standard on most variants.
H3: The Feature List: A Technological Blitzkrieg
This is where the Creta truly raises the bar, justifying its ‘premium’ tag.
| Highlight Feature | Availability | Comment |
| Level 2 ADAS | Top Variants (SX(O)) | Segment-first, 19 features including Smart Cruise Control & Forward Collision Assist. |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Mid-to-Top Variants | Now has a Voice-enabled Smart Function. |
| Ventilated Front Seats | Top Variants (SX(O)) | A godsend for Indian summers. |
| Powered Driver Seat | Top Variants (SX(O)) | Power adjustability with memory function. |
| 360-degree Camera | Top Variants | Highly useful for parking in tight city spaces. |
| Bose Premium Sound System | Top Variants | 8-speaker setup delivers excellent audio quality. |
| Electronic Parking Brake | Automatic Variants | Includes Auto-Hold function—a massive convenience in city traffic. |
| Missing Feature: | N/A | Still no heads-up display (HUD), which a key rival offers. |
5. Engine Performance & Driving Dynamics: Diesel is the Star, Turbo is the Punch
With three engine options, the Creta offers a choice for everyone. I spent significant time testing the 1.5L Turbo Petrol DCT and the 1.5L Diesel Automatic (TC).
H3: City Drive Experience
- 1.5L Petrol (NA) with IVT: This is the most relaxed combination. The clutch on the manual is light, and the IVT (Hyundai’s CVT) is smooth and linear. It’s perfect for the daily city grind where you want fuss-free driving.
- 1.5L Diesel with 6AT (TC): The torque converter automatic is highly refined. The $250 \text{ Nm}$ of torque is available right from $1500$ rpm, meaning there’s virtually no turbo-lag. It’s excellent for quick overtakes in traffic, and the gearbox is surprisingly responsive for a torque converter. It’s very easy to park, thanks to the light electric steering and the 360-degree camera.
H3: Highway Performance & Stability
This is where the new 1.5L Turbo Petrol with the 7-speed DCT shines.
- Performance: With $160$ PS and $253 \text{ Nm}$ of torque, this engine feels genuinely sporty and punchy. It makes quick work of highway overtakes. The 7-speed DCT is lightning fast and keeps the engine in its power band. Cruising at $100 \text{ kmph}$ is effortless and relaxed.
- Stability and Body Roll: The stability has improved slightly over the pre-facelift model, feeling planted even at high triple-digit speeds ($120 \text{ kmph}$ and above). There is a noticeable amount of body roll if you push it hard into corners—it’s still tuned for comfort, not outright aggression.
H3: Suspension: The Pothole Test
The suspension setup (MacPherson Strut at the front, Couple Torsion Beam Axle at the rear) is undoubtedly tuned for comfort.
- Indian Potholes: The suspension setup absorbs potholes and broken patches of Indian roads easily. It cushions the occupants well, and the ride quality, particularly at lower speeds, is plush and absorbent. This comfortable, soft tune is a primary reason for its popularity among families. At high speeds, however, it can feel a little bouncy over undulations.
6. Safety: ADAS is the Game Changer, But NCAP Score is Pending
Safety has become a major talking point in the Indian market, and Hyundai has finally addressed the feature gap with its rivals.
- Airbags: The 2025 Creta now gets 6 Airbags as standard across all variants, which is a commendable move and a huge boost to base-variant buyer safety.
- Build Quality: The previous generation Creta had a somewhat disappointing Global NCAP rating. While Hyundai states they have enhanced the body structure, we must wait for a formal Global NCAP Rating for the 2025 model to give a definitive answer on its structural integrity.
- Advanced Safety (ADAS): The Level 2 ADAS is the star feature, offering 19 functions. I found the following most useful in the Indian context:
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go: A life-saver in stop-go expressway traffic.
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Provides a crucial second of warning and even brakes if the driver doesn’t react quickly enough to a sudden obstacle.
- Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM): A superb feature that shows a camera feed of the blind spot on the digital cluster when you indicate—highly effective in lane changes.
In terms of active and passive safety features, the Creta is now a segment leader.
7. Real World Mileage: The Truth About Fuel Efficiency
The ARAI figures look tempting, but how does the Creta perform in the rough and tumble of actual Indian city and highway conditions? We ran the tests, and here is the truth.
| Engine & Transmission | ARAI Claimed Mileage | Real World City Mileage | Real World Highway Mileage |
| 1.5L Petrol MT | $17.4 \text{ kmpl}$ | $11.5 – 13.0 \text{ kmpl}$ | $15.0 – 16.5 \text{ kmpl}$ |
| 1.5L Petrol IVT | $17.7 \text{ kmpl}$ | $10.5 – 12.0 \text{ kmpl}$ | $14.5 – 15.5 \text{ kmpl}$ |
| 1.5L Diesel MT | $21.8 \text{ kmpl}$ | $15.0 – 17.5 \text{ kmpl}$ | $18.5 – 21.0 \text{ kmpl}$ |
| 1.5L Diesel 6AT | $19.1 \text{ kmpl}$ | $13.5 – 15.0 \text{ kmpl}$ | $16.5 – 18.0 \text{ kmpl}$ |
| 1.5L Turbo Petrol DCT | $18.4 \text{ kmpl}$ | $10.0 – 11.5 \text{ kmpl}$ | $14.0 – 15.0 \text{ kmpl}$ |
The Verdict on Mileage:
If your priority is high mileage, the 1.5L Diesel Manual is the clear winner, easily delivering over $18 \text{ kmpl}$ on the highway. The 1.5L Turbo Petrol sacrifices fuel efficiency for performance, giving just above $10 \text{ kmpl}$ in city traffic.
8. The Competition: 2025 Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos vs Maruti Grand Vitara
The Creta belongs to the fiercely contested mid-size SUV segment. Its strongest rivals, who constantly push the Creta out of its comfort zone, are the Kia Seltos and the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Read More : GMC Yukon 2025
H3: Creta vs Seltos vs Grand Vitara Comparison
| Feature | 2025 Hyundai Creta | Kia Seltos Facelift | Maruti Grand Vitara |
| USP | Feature King, ADAS Level 2, Engine Choices | Stylish Design, Premium Feel, Panoramic Sunroof | Hybrid Mileage, AWD Option, Low Service Cost |
| Top Engine Power | $160$ PS (1.5L Turbo Petrol) | $160$ PS (1.5L Turbo Petrol) | $116$ PS (1.5L Hybrid) |
| ADAS | Level 2 (19 features) | Level 2 (17 features) | None |
| Diesel Option | Yes (1.5L CRDi) | Yes (1.5L CRDi) | No |
| Ventilated Seats | Yes | Yes | No |
| Real City Mileage (Diesel) | $\sim 15.5 \text{ kmpl}$ | $\sim 15.0 \text{ kmpl}$ | N/A |
| Ex-Showroom Price | ₹10.72 – ₹20.19 Lakh | ₹10.90 – ₹20.35 Lakh | ₹10.70 – ₹19.99 Lakh |
H3: The VFM Winner
All three are brilliant products, but they cater to slightly different buyers:
- Buy the Maruti Grand Vitara if: Your absolute priority is fuel economy, specifically with the Strong Hybrid engine ($27+ \text{ kmpl}$ ARAI). It also offers a fantastic All-Wheel Drive (AWD) option.
- Buy the Kia Seltos if: You prioritize a slightly sportier look, a firmer suspension setup, and a cabin that arguably feels a shade more driver-focused than the Creta.
- Buy the 2025 Hyundai Creta if: You want the most feature-loaded, safety-tech-rich (ADAS Level 2), and comfortable SUV in the segment. The availability of the brilliant 1.5L Diesel engine is its trump card. The Creta offers the most complete package for the average Indian family.
9. Final Verdict: The King is Back, Stronger Than Ever
The 2025 Hyundai Creta is more than just a facelift. It is a calculated, aggressive move by Hyundai to cement its market leadership. By addressing the previous model’s only real shortcomings—a slightly polarizing design and the lack of ADAS—Hyundai has created an SUV that is difficult to fault. It’s spacious, incredibly feature-packed, offers the best diesel engine in the segment, and now has a strong road presence.
Is it worth the price tag? For the sheer number of premium features, the convenience of the powertrains, and the new safety technology on offer, yes, the Creta justifies its premium pricing, especially on the top-end SX(O) variants.
H3: Buy it if:
- You want Level 2 ADAS (Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision Assist) and 6 Airbags standard.
- You are looking for the most comfortable and plush ride quality in the segment for city use.
- You want the refined, reliable, and highly fuel-efficient 1.5L Diesel engine option.
H3: Skip it if:
- You prioritize maximum structural safety (waiting for the Global NCAP result is advisable).
- You want a fun-to-drive SUV with minimal body roll and a firm, sporty suspension setup (The Seltos or an alternative might suit you better).
- You are strictly on a budget and don’t care for luxury features like the panoramic sunroof or ventilated seats.
H3: Overall Score
9.1/10
10. FAQs (People Also Ask)
What is the estimated On-Road Price of the 2025 Hyundai Creta SX (O) Turbo Petrol DCT?
The ex-showroom price is around ₹19.63 Lakh (Delhi). The estimated on-road price (including RTO, Insurance, and TCS) for the top-end 1.5L Turbo Petrol DCT SX(O) Dual Tone variant would fall in the range of ₹22.5 Lakh to ₹23.5 Lakh, depending on the state and insurance package chosen.
What is the current Waiting Period for the new Creta?
Being a new, hot product, the waiting period can vary significantly by city and variant. For the most popular 1.5L Diesel Automatic and 1.5L Turbo Petrol DCT variants, expect a waiting period of 3 to 6 months initially. Manual and base petrol variants might have a slightly shorter wait time of 6 to 10 weeks.
Does the 2025 Hyundai Creta offer a CNG option?
No, Hyundai does not offer a factory-fitted CNG option for the Creta, and given its premium positioning in the market, it is highly unlikely to introduce one in the future. For CNG SUVs, you would need to look at alternatives like the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara or the Tata Nexon/Punch CNG models.
