Hyundai Exter: The fiercely competitive compact SUV market, the Hyundai Exter has carved a niche for itself with its distinctive styling, feature-packed interior, and city-friendly dimensions.
Having spent considerable time behind the wheel, I can confidently say this mini-SUV delivers far more than its modest price tag suggests.
Bold Styling That Turns Heads
The moment you set eyes on the Exter, its bold, futuristic design language becomes evident. Unlike other boxy offerings in the segment.
Hyundai has given the Exter a distinctive silhouette with its H-shaped LED DRLs, squared-off wheel arches, and a tall stance that commands respect on the road.
The 185mm ground clearance isn’t just for show—it genuinely helps navigate those unexpected urban obstacles and occasional bad roads without breaking a sweat.
Several owners I spoke with mentioned how the Exter’s exterior styling was the deciding factor in their purchase decision. “The exterior feels like our very dream car, due to its lavish and futuristic exterior,” shared one enthusiastic owner who upgraded from a 2017 model car.
Heart of the Matter: Performance That Delivers
Under the hood, the Exter packs a 1.2-liter, four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 82bhp and 113.8Nm of torque. While these numbers might not set your pulse racing, the engine’s refinement and responsiveness make daily driving a pleasure rather than a chore.
The five-speed manual transmission deserves special mention—it features a light clutch and a smooth-shifting gear lever that makes navigating stop-and-go traffic less tiresome.
For those who prefer two-pedal convenience, the AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) variant offers surprisingly smooth shifts for this price segment.
What particularly impressed me were the paddle shifters in the AMT version, which add a touch of sportiness and allow for more control during overtaking maneuvers. The well-judged gear ratios help maintain momentum without frequent downshifting, even at lower speeds.
For the budget-conscious, the CNG variant with 68bhp and 95.2Nm torque offers excellent fuel efficiency at 27.1 km/kg. One owner reported, “The mileage is decent, especially with the CNG option,” making it ideal for those with high daily driving requirements.
Cabin Comfort: Punching Above Its Weight
Step inside the Exter, and you’re greeted with a cabin that feels more premium than its price would suggest. The semi-leatherette upholstery, thoughtful ergonomics, and generous space utilization create an inviting atmosphere.
The headroom, legroom, and knee room are surprisingly generous, even for taller passengers. “The cabin is spacious, with ample headroom, legroom, and knee room,” confirmed numerous owner reviews.
The voice-enabled electric sunroof—a segment-first feature—floods the cabin with natural light, making it feel even more spacious. Other comfort features include climate control, rear AC vents, and a cooled glove box that keeps beverages chilled during summer drives.
Tech-Forward Approach
The Exter doesn’t hold back when it comes to technology. The fully digital instrument cluster provides clear, customizable information at a glance. The eight-inch infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, eliminating the need for cables.
Other tech highlights include wireless phone charging, a Type-C USB charger, and cruise control. “It is packed with tech features, including a fully digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, and an eight-inch infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay,” noted satisfied owners.
Perhaps the most talked-about tech feature is the dashcam that comes equipped in higher variants—practical for documenting road incidents and scenic drives alike.
Practical Considerations
The 391-liter boot is remarkably spacious for a car of this size, easily accommodating three cabin-sized bags plus additional shopping bags or laptops. This makes the Exter remarkably practical for weekend getaways.
However, it’s not without limitations. “The Exter doesn’t have a split-folding rear seat, limiting flexibility when loading larger items into the boot,” some owners pointed out. Additionally, the absence of a driver’s armrest can be felt during longer journeys.
Safety First Approach
Hyundai deserves applause for making six airbags standard across all variants of the Exter. This commitment to safety is further enhanced by the inclusion of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and other active safety features that are typically found in more expensive vehicles.
“It comes with 6 airbags, which is great for safety,” remarked one reviewer who appreciated the manufacturer’s no-compromise approach to passenger protection.
The Road Experience
During my extended test drive, the Exter’s city manners proved impeccable. The suspension setup strikes a fine balance between comfort and stability, absorbing most road imperfections without unsettling the car. The light steering makes parking and navigating tight spaces a breeze.
Highway performance is adequate, though as one owner noted, “Engine Power: It’s okay for city use, but not very powerful for long drives with full load. Planning overtaking maneuvers requires some forethought, especially when fully loaded.
The AMT variant deserves special mention for its well-calibrated shifts. “The AMT calibration is smooth, city ride is so comfortable,” shared an owner who had driven approximately 1800 km in their SX Knight AMT variant.
Fuel Efficiency: Kind To Your Wallet
The Exter delivers impressive real-world fuel efficiency. Several owners reported achieving around 17-19 kmpl on highways and 12-13 kmpl in city conditions with the petrol variant. “If you are a good driver, you can easily get a mileage of 19 on highways and around 12-13 in city,” confirmed one satisfied customer.
Who Should Consider The Exter?
The Hyundai Exter is ideally suited for “urban car buyers who want the style of an SUV in a compact, easy-to-drive package. It makes perfect sense for:
First-time car buyers seeking strong safety features at an affordable price point
Small families needing a spacious boot and comfortable rear seats for weekend excursions
Daily commuters who value fuel efficiency in congested city conditions
Style-conscious buyers wanting modern features like a sunroof and digital displays without breaking the bank
Final Thoughts
The Hyundai Exter represents a thoughtful balance of style, practicality, features, and value. It “redefines what entry-level SUVs can deliver in terms of safety and tech,” making it a compelling choice in the increasingly crowded compact SUV segment.
While it may not satisfy performance enthusiasts or those seeking off-road capability, for the urban dweller looking for an elevated driving position, modern amenities, and distinctive styling,.
the Exter delivers beyond expectations. As one expert succinctly put it, “Hyundai has nailed the formula for a compact urban SUV with the Exter.
The Exter isn’t just another compact SUV—it’s a statement that affordable cars needn’t be boring or basic. It’s a testament to Hyundai’s understanding of what today’s value-conscious buyers truly desire.