Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) launched the updated EXTER compact SUV on March 20, 2026, with prices starting at ₹5,79,900 (ex-showroom). The announcement was made at the company's headquarters in Gurugram, marking one of the more significant updates to the model since its original debut in 2023.
The new EXTER is available in 15 variants across petrol manual, petrol AMT and CNG manual powertrains. The entry-level HX 2 manual petrol is priced at ₹5,79,900, while the top-spec HX 10 AMT petrol variant comes in at ₹9,41,900. The CNG range, badged Hy-CNG Duo, spans five variants from ₹6,99,900 to ₹9,40,900. Customers can place bookings at any Hyundai dealership nationwide or through the brand's Click to Buy online platform for a token amount of ₹11,000.
Tarun Garg, Managing Director and CEO of Hyundai Motor India Limited, said the EXTER had earned the trust of over two lakh customers since its launch and that the refresh was aimed at building on that foundation with improved styling, connectivity and safety. He described the new model as catering to "young and ambitious India" — a demographic that has driven much of the growth in the sub-₹10 lakh SUV segment over recent years.
On the outside, the updated EXTER receives a revised front bumper and a redesigned black radiator grille with a new centre garnish, giving it a wider appearance. New R15 diamond-cut alloy wheels measuring 380.2 mm in diameter replace the previous units, and a wing-type spoiler has been added at the rear for a sportier profile. The C-pillar and tailgate garnish have also been redesigned, and additional wheel arch cladding has been fitted to reinforce the SUV stance.
HMIL states the EXTER retains its position as the tallest SUV in its segment, with an overall height of 1,643 mm with roof rails fitted. Its wheelbase stands at 2,450 mm — also the longest in the segment, according to the company. Overall dimensions are 3,830 mm in length and 1,723 mm in width. The company says the proportions translate into more headroom and legroom for rear passengers compared to rivals in the same length bracket. Two new colour options — Golden Bronze and Titanium Black Matte — join the existing lineup, bringing the total to seven monotone shades and one dual-tone option, Ranger Khaki with a Black roof.
Inside, the cabin has been updated with a dual-tone Navy and Grey colour scheme, a 3D carbon-pattern finish on the dashboard, and a D-cut steering wheel. A folding driver armrest has been added, along with revised semi-fabric seat upholstery carrying the EXTER branding. Metal pedals — described by HMIL as a first in the segment — feature in the updated model as well, adding a sporty element to the driver's footwell.
On the practicality front, driver seat height adjustment and adjustable rear headrests are now fitted as standard across all variants, rather than being reserved for higher trims. Boot space is rated at 391 litres for the petrol variants. The cabin continues to offer what HMIL describes as generous knee and headroom given the vehicle's external dimensions.
The technology package sees the addition of a dashcam — another segment first, according to HMIL — which provides an added layer of security for owners in urban environments where parking incidents and traffic disputes are common. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity is offered, along with a new Type-C USB port for rear passengers, addressing a gap that had become increasingly noticeable as rival models began equipping similar features. The existing front USB ports are retained.
The Bluelink connected car suite now encompasses more than 60 features, covering remote functions, vehicle tracking, driving behaviour analysis and emergency assistance. The system also supports more than 300 embedded voice commands that function without an internet connection — useful in areas with inconsistent mobile data coverage. Over-the-air updates for maps and infotainment continue to be supported, as does an electric sunroof and an advanced digital instrument cluster, both carried over from the previous version.
The powertrain lineup remains unchanged from the outgoing model. The EXTER is powered by Hyundai's 1.2-litre four-cylinder Kappa petrol engine, available with either a five-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. HMIL points out that this is the only four-cylinder engine offered in the compact SUV segment, where most rivals use three-cylinder units. The company maintains that the extra cylinder contributes to smoother refinement, particularly at highway speeds.
The CNG variant, sold under the Hy-CNG Duo branding, uses a dual-cylinder setup paired with the same 1.2-litre petrol engine in bi-fuel configuration. A notable change here is the addition of an underbody-mounted spare tyre as standard — a practical solution that frees up the boot from the space penalty typically associated with CNG cylinder installations. As a result, boot capacity on the CNG variants stands at 225 litres, which HMIL says is competitive for everyday use and longer drives.
Safety has been given considerable emphasis in this update. The new EXTER comes equipped with more than 45 advanced safety features in total, with 30 of these fitted as standard across every variant in the range — a move that addresses consumer and regulatory pressure to democratise safety rather than confining critical features to higher trims. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) are now standard, as are six airbags. The previous generation had faced some criticism for reserving these features for mid and top variants.
The compact SUV segment — broadly defined by vehicle lengths between 3,800 mm and 3,880 mm with petrol engines in the 1,197–1,199 cc range — has become one of the most competitive price bands in the Indian passenger vehicle market. Rivals include the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Tata Punch and Renault Kiger, all of which have seen strong sales momentum. The EXTER's original 2023 launch was well-received, crossing two lakh cumulative sales, but the segment has continued to evolve rapidly in terms of features, safety ratings and pricing, making periodic updates a commercial necessity for HMIL.