Hyundai Exter Old vs New - What's Changed

Hyundai isn't rewriting the Exter formula in 2026 - it's refining it with surgical precision. What you get is not a radical overhaul, but a carefully engineered upgrade that addresses key gaps in the original car, while doubling down on what already worked: urban usability, feature-rich packaging, and that mini-SUV appeal. Let's talk more about what has changed with 2026 facelift in this old vs new article. In the meantime do join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to never miss out on the latest auto updates.

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Design Update

The Exter facelift stays true to its boxy, upright stance - one of the key reasons behind its popularity. Rather than a complete redesign, Hyundai has sharpened the look with subtle yet effective updates. A revised front bumper, a more pronounced grille, and a tweaked lower air dam give it a stronger, wider stance. New alloy wheels and fresh colour options further add to the sense of freshness.

Crucially, the core design remains unchanged. The tall-boy proportions, H-shaped LED DRLs, and rugged cladding continue to define its micro-SUV identity. The overall effect is a design that feels more mature and cohesive, without losing its original character.

Interior: Noticeably More Premium

This is where the facelift makes its biggest impact. While the earlier Exter was feature-rich, it lacked a premium feel. That changes with a new dual-tone navy blue and grey cabin, replacing the older all-black theme, along with an updated steering wheel and improved material quality.

The tech setup remains familiar but more refined, with better integration of the infotainment and digital cluster, plus added connected features. Segment highlights like the dashcam and sunroof continue, while the practical dashboard layout stays unchanged. Overall, the Exter now feels genuinely premium, not just feature-loaded, aligning better with buyer expectations.

Hyundai has made a strong push on safety, with six airbags now standard across all variants, along with features like ESC, TPMS, hill assist, and ISOFIX. With over 45 safety features, the Exter is now better positioned against rivals like the Tata Punch. This isn't just an update - it fixes a key weakness of the earlier model.

Engine

Hyundai has kept things unchanged under the hood. The Exter continues with the same 1.2-litre petrol engine (83PS, 114Nm), paired with a 5-speed manual or AMT, along with the CNG option. The upside is that it remains smooth and well-suited for city driving. However, the lack of a turbo engine is noticeable, especially on highways where rivals feel more powerful.

In simple terms, Hyundai has played it safe - making it ideal for everyday users and ensuring it ticks all the right boxes.