Hyundai Alcazar Facelift Review: New Face, New Feel

Hyundai's only three-row SUV now gets a facelift but the changes inside and out are substantial and not just cosmetic. 

The Hyundai Alcazar now gets a facelift and the face is similar to the Creta facelift as well as the new Santa Fe. But the changes both inside and out are substantial and not just cosmetic.

The sales of the Alcazar have been on a massive decline. While Hyundai sold more than 8,000 units between April and July 2023, it sold a smidge over 3,600 units during that same period in 2024. So, refreshing it was always on the cards given the need for 6/7 seaters in our country.

Hyundai Alcazar Facelift: Design

So let’s start with the design of the new Alcazar. It’s still the longer version of the Creta, Hyundai’s best-selling model recently, but thankfully the Alcazar is a bit different than the Creta. It still has a lightbar at the front but it gets the H-pattern LED DRLs that’s Hyundai’s new signature for its SUVs.

Other highlights include a new split-headlamp design, new front and rear bumpers, 18-inch alloy wheels, chunkier roof rails and a new vertically-oriented taillamps that look much better than before. And there are nine colours to choose from – including a new Robust Emerald Matte. So, there are now six solid colours, two matte and one dual-tone.

And it has even grown in size. 60 mm in length but with the same wheelbase. It’s also 10 mm wider and 35 mm taller. 

Hyundai Alcazar Facelift: Interior

While the exterior is quite different from the Creta. The cabin is more or less the same. Apart from this new brown and blue interior which feels different for the lack of a better word. You get the same twin 10.25-inch screens in the same layout as the Creta.

What’s different though is the fact that despite the AC panel looking the same, it gets touch-based controls, but if you want to know more about the tech that the new Alcazar packs, head to the Acko Byte YouTube channel or click the link in the description below.

Hyundai Alcazar Facelift: Rear Seat

Like always, the Alcazar gets two choices for the rear seats. A 6-seat layout with captain’s seats and a 7-seat layout with a bench. And of course, there are two very tiny seats in the third row.

One of the highlights of the 6 seater Alcazar is the fact that you get ventilation function in the second row. Pretty cool and extremely handy in the hot Indian conditions. Now rear seat ventilation isn’t new and it isn’t even first in the segment. And it’s only on the top-spec variant. The extending under-thigh support and airplane-like headrests are a nice touch though.

Hyundai Alcazar Facelift: Safety

Hyundai has been working on improving the safety of its vehicles. Along with making six airbags, ABS with EBD, three-point seatbelts with reminders for all seats, electronic stability control, hill start assist and rear disc brakes standard equipment.

The Alcazar also comes with advanced and high-strength steel in core areas to strengthen the structure, just like it did with the facelift of the Creta. 

Hyundai Alcazar Facelift: Performance

With the facelift, Hyundai hasn’t changed the powertrain options with the Alcazar and that’s not a bad thing. It still gets the same 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and diesel engines with the option of a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The manual is available with both but as always the dual-clutch is petrol only and the torque converter is diesel only. And if you want either of the automatics, you’d have to get the Platinum or the Signature trim and the manual is available on all trims except the top-end Signature.

We're driving the turbo-petrol engine with the DCT. And since it hasn't changed, its driving characteristics also remain unchanged. The engine is punchy but the added weight can be felt when taking off. On inclines, the engine feels like it's straining and needs to be revved to get a decent push ahead.

The 7-speed dual-clutch is smooth as always but even with slight throttle inputs, jerks are evident. The paddle shifters work well and the shifts aren’t exactly like how a dual-clutch transmission should be. 

Hyundai Alcazar Facelift: Ride & Handling

Ride quality is comfortable too, like with any Hyundai. Bumps are handled well but it has slightly more body roll compared to the Creta. Passengers in the second row will be very comfortable regardless of the captain seats or the bench. The soft suspension setup soaks up bumps adeptly but passengers or rather we should say kids, because they’ll be the ones sitting there mostly, will be uncomfortable as they are right on the rear axle.

Hyundai Alcazar Facelift: Price & Verdict

Prices start at a reasonable ₹14.99 lakh for the petrol manual Executive variant and go up to ₹21.40 lakh for the Signature 6 seater variant. Doesn’t matter if you get the petrol or diesel, there is no price difference between the two from the Prestige trim onwards. Strange, right?

The Alcazar continues to rival the MG Hector Plus, Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari. And of all the cars it competes with, only the XUV700 has a more affordable starting price and the Alcazar’s top-spec variant is the cheapest of the lot too.

So with the extra equipment, new design and improved safety, the Alcazar is a very compelling proposition. Will that translate into better sales? We sure hope so.