The Hyundai Alcazar has often been dismissed as merely a “Creta with a third row.” With the launch of the heavily updated 2024 Alcazar facelift, Hyundai aims to break this perception by offering distinct styling, executive-class second-row comfort, and premium features.
When Hyundai first launched the Alcazar in India, it faced a tough crowd. Buyers and critics alike pointed out that it looked far too similar to the incredibly popular Creta, especially from the front profile. It struggled to justify its premium price tag to those who saw it as just a stretched Creta with two tiny extra seats.
With the new 2024 Alcazar facelift, Hyundai has executed a calculated course correction. The design teams have worked to ensure that the Alcazar stands out on its own, adopting a bold, blocky, and premium aesthetic inspired by global flagship SUVs like the Palisade. Simultaneously, they have loaded the cabin with executive-level comfort features to appeal to the chauffeur-driven buyer.
The Visual Separation: Bold and Blocky
At first glance, the new Alcazar looks significantly different from the Creta facelift. It features unique H-shaped LED daytime running lights connected by a dark chrome bar, a much larger and more upright rectangular grille, and a rugged silver skid plate that gives the front end a wide, planted stance.
At the rear, the Alcazar drops the old wraparound taillights in favor of vertically stacked connected LED elements that look very modern and sophisticated. Riding on handsome 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, the Alcazar looks substantially longer and more commanding than its sibling.
The Second-Row Experience: Designed for Executives
The biggest upgrades in the Alcazar facelift are found in the cabin, specifically in the 6-seater variant with second-row captain seats. Hyundai has focused heavily on passenger comfort here, adding seat ventilation to the second row—a feature previously reserved for much more expensive luxury cars.
Furthermore, the captain seats now feature extendable thigh support (under-thigh cushions) and individual folding armrests. Hyundai has also integrated a unique “boss mode” button, allowing the rear passenger to slide the front passenger seat forward at the touch of a button to create lounge-like legroom. Coupled with a panoramic sunroof, rear window sunshades, and a dedicated center console with wireless charging for the second row, the Alcazar is highly optimized for back-seat comfort.
What About the Third Row?
While the second row is exceptionally comfortable, the third row remains best suited for children or short city journeys. The floor is quite high, resulting in a knees-up seating posture for adults. However, Hyundai has provided dedicated AC vents with three-stage speed control and USB Type-C charging ports for third-row occupants, ensuring they do not feel like an afterthought.
| Feature/Specification | Hyundai Creta Facelift | Hyundai Alcazar Facelift |
| Seating Configurations | 5-Seater only | 6-Seater (Captain Seats) & 7-Seater |
| Wheelbase | 2610 mm | 2760 mm (150mm longer) |
| Turbo Petrol Engine | 1.5L Turbo GDi (160 PS / 253 Nm) | 1.5L Turbo GDi (160 PS / 253 Nm) |
| Diesel Engine | 1.5L CRDi (116 PS / 250 Nm) | 1.5L CRDi (116 PS / 250 Nm) |
| Second-Row Ventilation | No | Yes (on 6-seater variants) |
| Boot Space (All Rows Up) | 433 Liters (Standard) | 180 Liters (Up to 579L with 3rd row folded) |
| Starting Price (Ex-showroom) | Rs. 11.00 Lakh | Rs. 14.99 Lakh (Petrol) / Rs. 15.99 Lakh (Diesel) |
Powertrains: A Clean Split
Unlike the Creta, which still offers a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter petrol engine for entry-level buyers, the Alcazar facelift keeps things premium. It is offered with only two highly capable engine choices: the 1.5-liter Turbo GDi petrol producing a class-leading 160 PS of power, and the highly efficient 1.5-liter U2 CRDi diesel engine producing 116 PS.
The Turbo Petrol can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a lightning-quick 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The diesel, which is a favorite among highway cruisers, is available with a 6-speed manual or a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic. Despite the larger size of the vehicle, the diesel engine returns impressive real-world highway fuel efficiency numbers of around 18-20 km/l.
A Complete Tech Suite
The Alcazar comes loaded with the dual-screen curved display layout housing the 10.25-inch infotainment system and the 10.25-inch digital cluster. It also features a premium 8-speaker Bose sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a full Level 2 ADAS suite with 19 active safety features including Blind-Spot View Monitor and Surround View Monitor.
The Hyundai Alcazar facelift successfully moves out of the Creta’s shadow. It is a mature, handsome, and feature-packed alternative for families who find a 5-seater SUV too small but do not want the massive footprint or truck-like driving dynamics of a larger ladder-frame vehicle.
