Hyundai Creta 2024 Review: Fresh Look, Still Budget-Friendly and Practical

Key Highlights

• Features a bold design with influences from higher-end Hyundai models, including a new grille and updated headlights.

• Offers ample legroom and comfort for both front and rear passengers, with a large glass roof for a bright cabin.

• Provides essential features like Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and a panoramic sunroof.

• Priced at around AED 80,000, it delivers a premium feel without the high cost.

• Achieves around 14 km/L, which is decent for its size but not the best in its class.

The Creta fits between the Venue and Tucson in Hyundai's lineup of crossovers and SUVs in the UAE. It's a good choice for those considering cars like the Nissan Kicks, Ford EcoSport, or Chery Tiggo7. The 2024 Hyundai Creta borrows styling ideas from more expensive Hyundai models while keeping an eye on the budget.

In a competitive market, looking good and being affordable aren't enough. To stay appealing to customers in the UAE, the Creta needs to excel in comfort, features, and efficiency. This review will cover these aspects and more.

Places where the Hyundai Creta shines:

Bolder and less awkward design

The Hyundai Creta’s front design is inspired by the new Tucson and Santa Cruz pickups. It showcases Hyundai’s new “Parametric Jewel” grille with bold black inserts and LED lights along the edges. Combined with the large LED headlights and updated front bumper, the new Creta has a more striking and stylish appearance.

The new Hyundai Creta comes with sharp 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, available in a dual-tone finish. Its body features bold side creases and a dynamic two-tone paint job, helping it stand out. The tailgate has been updated for a more modern look and includes a large ‘CRETA’ badge.

Purchasing it won’t break the bank

You can get a well-equipped Hyundai Creta 2024 for about AED 80,000, which is reasonable for its class. Though it’s not as cheap as the Renault Duster, the Creta feels more premium. Hyundai cars are known for their reliability, and the Creta comes with a 5-year/150,000 km warranty.

Some Stylish Interior Elements

The first thing you'll notice in the Hyundai Creta's cabin is the 10.25-inch fully digital driver’s display. It's clear and provides useful information at a glance. The gauge cluster also offers multiple viewing modes for the driver to choose from.

The stylish leather-wrapped steering wheel features shiny plastic trim and paddle shifters for a sporty touch. The leatherette seats have white piping on the sides and a honeycomb pattern in the middle. The dashboard design, chunky side vents, and large gear lever are also eye-catching.

Spacious and practical cabin

The Hyundai Creta's cabin is more spacious than it appears from the outside, offering ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The front seats provide a comfortable seating position with a good view, while the rear seats are well-padded with decent back and under-thigh support.

The large glass roof allows plenty of light, making the cabin feel open. There are center armrests and cupholders for both front and rear passengers. Additionally, there is good storage space in the front door pockets and under the front armrest.

Decent fuel economy

The Hyundai Creta 1.5L can achieve about 14 km/L (7.1 L/100 km) in mixed driving conditions, which is decent for its size. However, its fuel efficiency is not the best in its class.

Areas where the Hyundai Creta can improve:

The infotainment system isn’t the best

The Hyundai Creta in other markets has a modern 10.25-inch touchscreen, but the UAE model has an older 8.0-inch system. While functional, it appears aftermarket and contrasts with the premium look of the larger digital gauge cluster.

Lacking some higher-end safety features

The new Hyundai Creta covers the basic safety features but lacks many advanced options. Even the top model only has two airbags and is missing surround-view cameras, auto-emergency braking, collision avoidance, and blind-spot warning.

Not the most interesting to drive

Compared to its rivals, the 2024 Hyundai Creta's handling feels dull and uninspiring. The emphasis is on comfort and neutral road manners, so pushing it hard won't be rewarding or exciting.

The rear design is still not it

Despite having worked on some of the sheet metal, the rear design of the Hyundai Creta 2024 will still divide opinions.

Rear cargo space is limited

The 2024 Hyundai Creta offers 416 liters of boot space, which isn't the most spacious. You can fit about three medium-sized airport bags before it gets full.

Some of the other highlights of the Hyundai Creta 2024

In the UAE, the 2024 Hyundai Creta has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 113 hp and 144 Nm. It's smooth and easy to drive in the city, especially with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). It has a top speed of 170 km/h and takes 12 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h, so it's not a fast car. The sloping roof and rear windows look stylish but reduce headroom for tall passengers in the back.

The standout convenience features of the new Creta include Apple CarPlay & Android Auto integration, a wireless phone charger, LED mood lighting, a panoramic sunroof, single-zone climate control, a rear USB charging port, and a smart key with remote-engine start.

Should you buy it?

As the review title suggests, the Hyundai Creta 2024 combines modern style and comfort with everyday practicality, all at a reasonable price. If you’re okay with a basic-driving crossover that lacks extra safety and tech features, this might be the car for you.

Verdict

The Hyundai Creta 2024 blends modern design with comfort and practicality at an accessible price. While it may not offer thrilling driving dynamics or advanced safety features, it stands out as a stylish and affordable option for those seeking a reliable and practical crossover.

Also Read: Renting A Luxury Car For Business Trips In Dubai: Advantages And Advice