The Hyundai Creta, a nameplate as ubiquitous as a cup of chai at an Indian railway station. A car that practically defines the mid-size SUV segment in India. But now, Hyundai has decided to give it the electric treatment. Yes, the marque’s bread-and-butter, the Creta, an SUV seen in every corner of the country, has been electrified. So, is this electrified version of an icon the next big thing? Or is it just an attempt to squeeze extra juice from a well-loved formula? Let’s find out.
Verdict:
The Creta EV enters a growing field of contenders. There’s the Tata Curvv, with its focus, which has an edge with its in-car entertainment, and the Mahindra BE.06, which gets a better range, radical design and a slew of game-changing features. Then there’s the MG ZS EV, which offers a more premium cabin, and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki EV Vitara, which is set to debut soon.
What sets the Creta EV apart is its balance. It doesn’t try to be overly futuristic or aggressively sporty. Instead, it’s a practical, well-rounded family SUV that happens to be electric. Hyundai’s extensive service network and reputation for reliability are additional aces up its sleeve.
Pricing will be critical. Expected to range between Rs 17-24 lakh (ex-showroom), the Creta EV aims to undercut many of its rivals while offering comparable features. If Hyundai nails the pricing strategy, this could be the EV that brings electric motoring into the mainstream for many Indian families.
The Hyundai Creta EV is not a game-changer, it doesn’t break any moulds or introduce revolutionary ideas. But what it does is take a proven formula and give it an electric heart. And that, in many ways, is its greatest strength.
For those looking to make the switch to electric without abandoning the comfort, practicality, and familiarity of a traditional SUV, the Creta EV is an excellent choice. It’s not perfect; the raised floor and a few design quirks could have been addressed, but it’s an honest, well-executed effort that stays true to what the Creta has always been about: being the SUV for everyone.
The Creta EV comes with two battery options: a 42 kWh pack with a claimed range of 390 km and a larger 51.4 kWh unit that stretches to 473 km. Realistically, these figures translate to 330-350 km and 420 km, respectively, under normal driving conditions. Not groundbreaking, but respectable.
Electric cars are inherently smooth, and the Creta EV is no exception. The single electric motor produces 169 bhp, enough to propel the car from 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. It’s not neck-snappingly fast, but it’s plenty quick for a mid-size SUV. More importantly, the power delivery is seamless and eerily silent, save for the faint whirr of the motor.
Regenerative braking is a highlight, with four levels to choose from, including an i-Pedal mode for one-pedal driving. It’s intuitive and makes city driving a breeze. Hyundai’s integration of i-Pedal with adaptive cruise control is particularly clever. The car monitors the vehicle ahead and uses regen to slow down when needed. It’s a level of sophistication that’s impressive for this segment.
Out on the road, the Creta EV feels composed. The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up potholes and rough patches without breaking a sweat. It’s light and nimble in the city yet stable enough on the highway. Sport mode adds a bit of zest, making overtaking effortless, though it’s not exactly a track-day machine.
Step inside, and the changes continue. The overall layout is familiar, but the theme has shifted. Navy blue and grey dominates the cabin, giving it a subtle EV vibe. The floating centre console, inspired by the IONIQ5, is a highlight. It offers additional storage underneath and enhances the sense of space. However, the absence of a central drive selector means the control stalk is now mounted near the steering wheel – an ergonomic decision that, for those over six feet tall, might lead to accidental nudges when entering the vehicle. A bit awkward.
The seats are comfortable, with both front chairs featuring electric adjustability and ventilation, a thoughtful touch in India’s climate. But here’s where things get interesting: the raised floor, courtesy of the battery placement. It’s particularly noticeable in the rear, where under-thigh support is compromised. Hyundai has tried to offset this with thoughtful additions like sunshades, Type-C charging ports, and rear AC vents. There’s even a boss mode, allowing rear passengers to adjust the front seats for maximum legroom.
Yet, the inclusion of a foldable work tray and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality feels like a corporate manager’s fever dream. Imagine being asked to plug in your laptop and churn out spreadsheets while the car’s three-pin plug powers your office on wheels. But jokes aside, it’s a clever feature that most people would enjoy.
While the Creta EV isn’t based on a dedicated electric platform, Hyundai has managed to carve out a 22-litre frunk. It’s not massive, but it’s perfectly suited for stashing your charging cables and other small essentials. The main boot offers 433 litres of storage, enough for a family weekend getaway. Practicality remains a strong suit.
At first glance, you might think this is just another Creta. And you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. Hyundai’s designers have opted for evolution rather than revolution here. From a distance, it looks very much like its internal combustion engine siblings. But come closer, and the differences begin to reveal themselves.
The most notable change is at the front. Gone is the traditional grille, replaced by a blank panel that adheres to Hyundai’s “pixelated” EV design language. It’s clean, modern, and slightly futuristic. There’s even a cutout in the centre that hides the charging flap, a neat touch, though it does resemble a curious little nose. Beneath this sits active aero vents that open and close based on how much cooling the battery requires. Functional and clever, though it might go unnoticed by most.
Move to the side and spot new 17-inch alloy wheels designed for aerodynamic efficiency. The driver’s side door gets a request sensor that eliminates the need for a physical button, making keyless entry even more seamless. You can even use your phone as a digital key and share access with three others. Quite handy, as we have seen on Hyundai’s Alcazar as well.
The rear of the Creta EV has even fewer changes, a new bumper with the pixelated motif and some electric badging to distinguish it from the ICE version. It’s tasteful and reserved, but one might wish Hyundai had been a bit bolder, perhaps taking inspiration from how Hyundai differentiated the standard Creta from the Creta N Line.
Specs and Price Summary from the Review
Battery Options:
42 kWh battery with a claimed range of 390 km (real-world estimate: 330-350 km).
51.4 kWh battery with a claimed range of 473 km (real-world estimate: ~420 km).
Performance:
Power: 169 bhp (single electric motor).
0-100 km/h: 7.9 seconds.
Price Range: Expected to be between ₹17-24 lakh (ex-showroom).
