In Hyundai India’s lineup, the Alcazar has often stayed in the shadow of its best-selling sibling, the Creta. However, it has become a compelling choice for buyers seeking a practical and feature-rich 6- or 7-seater SUV over the past three years since its launch. Initially introduced as an extended version of the Creta, the Alcazar has now been refined for 2024 with its design, interior, and technology updates, positioning it as a more premium offering within Hyundai's range. While it has always been a strong contender in its segment, the latest facelift ensures that the Alcazar remains competitive—if not even more appealing—in the three-row SUV segment.
Hyundai has consistently ensured that its models, from the Verna to the Venue and now the Alcazar, stay fresh and competitive through timely updates. For 2024, the Alcazar has received the same attention with a comprehensive refresh that enhances its design and functionality. While its roots from the Creta are still evident, the latest iteration of the Alcazar stands apart as more than just an extended version of its sibling—it has evolved into a more refined, matured, and tech-rich SUV in its own right.
Powertrain: Refined Yet Familiar
The Alcazar facelift retains its tried-and-tested powertrain options: a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 158bhp and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. We tested the turbo-petrol version paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and while the engine offers smooth performance at moderate speeds, the DCT does exhibit some hesitation in low-speed, stop-and-go traffic. The gearbox quickly shifts when the vehicle is cruising, but there is a noticeable lag in city conditions, especially when shifting between the second and third gears. That said, the Alcazar's powertrain on the open highway comes into its own, offering refined, effortless performance at higher speeds.
The Alcazar's diesel variant is the star for those prioritising fuel efficiency, offering a claimed mileage of over 20 kmpl. However, petrol and diesel options feature Eco, Normal, and Sport drive modes that adjust throttle response to suit different driving conditions. The turbocharged petrol engine feels more responsive in Sport mode, but it may fall short of expectations if you're looking for spirited performance. The Alcazar's turbo badge promises a combination of performance and efficiency, and while the latter is undoubtedly delivered, performance enthusiasts might miss the punch of a larger engine, like the older 2.0-litre petrol.
Tech, Safety, and Features: A High-Tech Package
One of the key selling points of the updated Alcazar is its tech and safety suite, which includes Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). Hyundai's implementation of ADAS is particularly well-calibrated for Indian conditions. Features like adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking work seamlessly, and they can be turned off entirely when navigating chaotic urban traffic.
In addition to ADAS, the Alcazar offers a digital key feature, which allows you to use your smartphone as a key, even in areas without cellular coverage. You can share this digital key with up to three other users, making it convenient for families. Other tech highlights include a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, and a Bose eight-speaker sound system, which delivers excellent audio quality—perfect for long road trips where entertainment is key.
Ride and Handling: Comfort Above All
Hyundai has always excelled in delivering a comfortable ride, and the Alcazar continues this tradition. Its monocoque construction ensures excellent stability, especially at higher speeds. The Alcazar feels planted and composed on highways, even when cruising at triple-digit speeds. This makes it an ideal companion for long road trips, where comfort and refinement are paramount. However, the Alcazar's suspension has a firm edge setup that can feel jarring in city conditions, especially over rough or uneven roads. Sharp bumps and potholes are felt in the cabin, though this is offset somewhat by the vehicle's nimble handling and light steering, which makes manoeuvring through tight city streets easier than expected for an SUV of this size.
During our test drive in Rajasthan, the Alcazar impressed with its minimal body roll and predictable handling on the winding roads of the Aravalli Hills. The suspension is tuned more for stability than outright comfort, but this setup pays dividends on highways, where the Alcazar glides over undulations with ease.
Interior: Comfort, Tech, and a Dash of Luxury
Step inside the updated Alcazar and the first thing that grabs your attention is the refreshed dashboard, which now features a beige and navy blue combination. While the basic layout remains similar to the Creta, Hyundai has tried to elevate the Alcazar's cabin experience. The dual 10.25-inch screens—one for the instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system—are crisp, responsive, and loaded with connectivity and Hyundai's Blue link features. However, despite the premium pricing (especially for top-spec models), the omission of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feels like a strange miss. These features are increasingly becoming standard and available in Alcazar's lower-priced variants. Even with two wireless charging pads in the cabin, the user will have to carry cables to use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The new gloss-black touchpad for HVAC controls replaces the physical buttons in the Creta. While it looks modern and minimalistic, the touchpad tends to attract fingerprints, smudges, and dust, which might detract from its premium appearance over time. Beneath it, the centre console houses various charging options, including USB Type-C ports, a 12V socket, and a wireless charging pad. This area also features a faux aluminium finish that adds a touch of elegance to the cabin.
Perhaps the most welcome update to the interior is the seating. The new Alcazar offers seats with better contouring, enhanced lumbar support, and ventilation for front and second-row passengers (in top-spec variants). The driver's seat has a memory function; all seats feature broader, more supportive cushioning. The 6-seater variant with captain's chairs offers an additional layer of luxury, with manual under-thigh support extensions that taller passengers will appreciate. Hyundai has also introduced "boss mode," allowing rear passengers to adjust the front passenger seat for more legroom—a thoughtful addition for longer trips. With ventilated rear seats, sun blinds, and a panoramic sunroof (in petrol variants), the Alcazar's cabin feels premium and well-equipped for family comfort, offering first-in-segment features that will make you feel pampered and indulged.
Third-Row Usability: Still a Compromise
While the first and second rows offer a high level of comfort, the third row is better suited for occasional use rather than long journeys. Hyundai has made accessing the third row easier in this updated model by removing the centre console between the second-row captain's seats, allowing smoother movement between rows. However, for passengers over 6 feet tall, space in the third row remains limited, particularly in terms of headroom and knee room, despite efforts to optimise space by scooping out the back of the second-row seats. This area is ideal for children or shorter adults and gets dedicated air-conditioning vents with blower control and a Type-C USB port on either side.
Practicality remains a strong suit for the Alcazar, with 180 litres of boot space when all three rows are in place. Fold the third row down, and the space expands significantly, offering a generous 579 litres—more than enough for family luggage on long trips. That said, it is surprising that Hyundai didn't include an electric tailgate, which has become standard in many premium SUVs.
A More Muscular, Mature Look
The Alcazar has always shared much of its design language with the Creta, but the facelift brings the model a more distinct, assertive character. Hyundai's new design language is evident in the Alcazar's refreshed exterior, which adopts the brand's H-pattern for its Daytime Running Lamps. The front grille and bumper have been reworked to deliver a more rugged, SUV-like stance, complete with a silver skid plate that adds a touch of ruggedness. The grille finished in dark chrome is now more imposing, giving the Alcazar a broader, bolder face that sets it apart from its predecessor.
On the sides, 18-inch alloy wheels with a new design, roof rails, and body lines from the previous model lend the SUV a more commanding road presence. The rear of the Alcazar has undergone significant changes, giving it a more premium and striking presence, reminiscent of some of Hyundai's larger international SUVs. The vertical LED tail-lamps now form an H-pattern with the extended LED DRL bar, while a grey plastic strip runs across the width of the boot lid with the Alcazar lettering, further enhancing its upmarket appeal. The bumper and tailgate also get a silver finish to match the front. Hyundai has introduced a Titan Grey Matte besides the Robust Emerald Matte option for those seeking a stealthier look. Overall, these updates make the Alcazar look more mature, upscale, and easily one of the best-looking SUVs in its segment
Final Verdict: A Well-Rounded, Value-Packed SUV
At a starting price of ₹14.99 lakh, the Hyundai Alcazar continues to offer exceptional value, especially compared to rivals like the Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus. While it may not have the same buzz as some of its competitors, the Alcazar excels in areas that matter most to families—comfort, practicality, and tech features. The 2024 facelift enhances a solid offering, refining the Alcazar's design, improving its interior comfort, and adding modern tech that elevates the overall driving experience.
Sure, it has its quirks, like the missing wireless Apple CarPlay and the less-than-ideal third row, but for those in search of a three-row SUV that strikes a balance between size, features, and value, the Alcazar makes a compelling case for itself. It's not a game-changer, but it doesn't need to be. Instead, the Alcazar focuses on delivering a well-rounded package, making it a quiet yet formidable contender in the crowded SUV space.
Specs
Engine (Petrol): 1.51L, 4 Cylinders, 16 Valves, DOHC, 1482 cm³
Engine (Diesel): 1.51L, 4 Cylinders, 16 Valves, DOHC, 1493 cm³
Power:
(Petrol): 158 BHP @ 5500 rpm
(Diesel): 114 BHP @ 4000 rpm
Torque:
(Petrol): 253 Nm @ 1500–3500 rpm
(Diesel): 250 Nm @ 1500–2750 rpm
Gearbox:
(Petrol): 6 MT, 7 DCT
(Diesel): 6 MT, 6 AT
