In the ever-growing world of micro SUVs and compact crossovers, Hyundai has carved a distinctive space with the Exter. Launched as an affordable yet stylish urban SUV, the Hyundai Exter has been a hit among young buyers and city dwellers looking for a bold design, modern tech, and practical dimensions. Now, in its latest 2025 facelift, Hyundai raises the bar by transforming the Exter’s interiors with a more premium, plush, and tech-forward experience.
Despite its compact size, the Exter is now a class-leader in cabin design, materials, and comfort, making it an even more compelling option for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on feel-good factors.
Let’s take a deep dive into what’s new in the 2025 Hyundai Exter facelift, focusing on its refreshed interior, new features, and how it’s redefining the expectations in the entry-level SUV segment.
A More Mature and Stylish Cabin
The most significant transformation in the 2025 Hyundai Exter is found the moment you step inside. While the exterior sees minor cosmetic changes, the interior is where Hyundai has truly pulled out all the stops.
Key Interior Enhancements:
- New Dual-Tone Dashboard: A beige-black or black-brown combination gives the cabin an airy, upmarket vibe.
- Premium Fabric Upholstery: The seat material now feels more refined, with optional leatherette for higher trims.
- Glossy Piano Black Inserts on the central console, steering wheel, and door panels enhance sophistication.
- Ambient Lighting in footwells and dashboard trims, previously reserved for higher segments, now makes its way into the Exter.
Every touchpoint in the cabin has seen improvements — from softer plastics to satin metal-finish AC vents, Hyundai has ensured the Exter no longer feels “entry-level” on the inside.
Technology That Feels Expensive
Tech has always been Hyundai’s strong suit, and the Exter facelift only amplifies that reputation. While the outgoing version was already equipped with features like an 8-inch touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster, the 2025 model introduces new-age connectivity and convenience features.
Updated Infotainment & Displays:
- Upgraded 8-inch Touchscreen with a more responsive UI and better contrast in sunlight.
- 4.2-inch Digital Instrument Cluster now includes color displays and enhanced graphics.
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay now standard on mid and top variants.
- Voice Commands powered by Hyundai’s AI assistant support over 100 functions — from climate control to music playback.
Added Tech Highlights:
- Type-C Fast Charging Ports in both front and rear rows.
- Rear AC Vents now standard from the mid-trim upward.
- Wireless Phone Charging Pad with built-in cooling vent.
Hyundai also updated the Exter’s Hyundai Bluelink Connected Car Tech, enabling real-time tracking, remote climate control, geo-fencing, valet mode, and even remote engine start — features usually seen in much more expensive SUVs.
Comfort Features That Surprise in This Segment
You might not expect segment-leading comfort from a micro SUV, but the Exter’s new update flips expectations.
Noteworthy Comfort Additions:
- Front Seat Ventilation (First-in-Class): A huge win for Indian summers.
- Height-Adjustable Driver’s Seat for improved ergonomics.
- Rear Seat Recline Function to enhance long-trip comfort.
- Thicker Seat Padding and reworked lumbar support improve fatigue resistance.
Despite being under 4 meters, Hyundai has worked hard to maximize space utilization. The headroom and legroom remain class-leading, while boot space remains generous enough for weekend getaways.
Refined Driving Experience
Though the facelift doesn’t introduce changes to the powertrain, Hyundai has tuned the suspension and improved NVH levels, giving the Exter a noticeably more refined ride.
Powertrain Options (unchanged):
- 1.2L Petrol (NA) – 83 PS and 114 Nm, paired with 5-speed MT or AMT.
- CNG Variant – Available with MT, ideal for city buyers with high fuel efficiency concerns.
Driving & Handling:
- Improved Dampers absorb potholes better, especially at slower speeds.
- Cabin Insulation now includes thicker door linings and improved firewall damping.
- Steering Calibration is sharper and more confidence-inspiring.
The Exter still isn’t a performance SUV, but the smoother ride and quieter cabin now create a far more relaxing urban driving experience.
Exterior Tweaks to Match Interior Luxury
While the interior changes take center stage, Hyundai has also lightly reworked the exterior for a fresher look:
- New LED DRL Design with integrated indicators.
- Redesigned Alloy Wheels in a machine-cut finish.
- Subtle Rear Spoiler Extension for added sportiness.
- Updated Front Bumper with more defined contours.
A new “Deep Teal” or “Sunset Copper” paint option is also expected to arrive, aligning with Hyundai’s youthful branding for the Exter.
Enhanced Safety Across Trims
Safety remains a top priority in Hyundai’s latest portfolio, and the Exter is no different.
Standard Safety Features:
- 6 Airbags standard across all variants — a segment-first!
- ESC, Hill Assist, and Vehicle Stability Management on all AMT variants.
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, TPMS, and Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines.
Hyundai has also strengthened the side impact beams and improved the anti-lock braking system response time for better emergency braking stability.
Variants, Pricing & Value Proposition
Hyundai offers the Exter facelift in a wide range of trims to suit every buyer, from budget-focused city commuters to tech-savvy first-time SUV buyers.
Estimated Price Range:
- Base EX – ₹6.15 lakh
- S & S(O) – ₹7.0–7.5 lakh
- SX & SX(O) – ₹8.0–8.9 lakh
- Top SX (O) Connect – ₹9.4 lakh (fully loaded)
The CNG trims continue to offer incredible mileage at ~27 km/kg and are expected to remain extremely popular in metro cities.
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
| Feature | Hyundai Exter | Tata Punch | Maruti Fronx | Renault Kiger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ventilated Seats | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wireless CarPlay | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| 6 Airbags (Standard) | Yes | Optional | No | No |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Connected Car Tech | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Clearly, the 2025 Exter facelift positions itself a notch above all rivals in the segment by offering big-car comfort in a small SUV format.
Who Should Buy the New Hyundai Exter?
The Hyundai Exter facelift is ideal for urban buyers who want a compact SUV that feels modern, premium, and comfortable without costing a fortune.
- First-time car buyers who want their first vehicle to feel like a well-built premium machine.
- City commuters looking for efficiency, easy maneuverability, and plush interiors.
- Young families who need a practical, safe, and feature-rich small SUV.
Final Verdict: Hyundai’s Most Value-Rich SUV Yet
With the 2025 facelift, Hyundai Exter breaks the mold of what we expect from entry-level SUVs. From its ventilated seats and ambient lighting to six airbags and connected tech, the Exter now offers the kind of richness that was previously seen in ₹12–15 lakh vehicles.
Compact on the outside but rich on the inside, the new Exter is a smart urban SUV that doesn’t ask you to compromise. It’s not just a facelift — it’s a full-blown upgrade in comfort, convenience, and appeal.