Hyundai Creta (2023) Expert Review: Should You Buy This SUV?

Since its launch in UAE, Hyundai Creta has been one of the prominent and top-selling SUVs. The Creta falls in the subcompact SUV category and boasts several features to please each kind of driver with superior performance and comfort.

In the continuation of this expert review series, we have explained the key specifications and features of the new Creta to help prospective buyers make an informed decision. If you want to buy the best budget SUV with elevated height and more safety features, keep reading this article.

Hyundai Creta (2023) Review: Brief Overview

Features

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Hill assist control
• Rear-view monitor
• Dual airbag system
• Wireless phone charger
• Rear USB charging point
• 10-inch full TFT LCD meter cluster
• 8-inch display with audio and mobile connectivity

Pros

• Stylish exterior design
• Spacious and relaxed interior
• Traction control mode
• Intelligent variable transmission
• Good fuel efficiency

Cons

• No AWD option
• Rear legroom space
• Drum brakes on the rear
• Comparatively low Resale value

Expert Rating: 4.5/5

Hyundai Creta Price in UAE: Starts from AED 75,900

Top Rivals: Hyundai Creta mainly competes with Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, Toyota Rush, Changan CS95, and Renault Duster.

Hyundai Creta (2023) Expert Review: Should You Buy This SUV?

Powertrain

Hyundai Creta is powered by a smart stream 1.5-liter petrol engine with intelligent variable transmission, which ensures the highest responsiveness and efficient performance in varied conditions. The Korean car brand has offered a Drive mode function to match the driving style of different kinds of drivers.

Talking about the powertrain, the Smartstream G1.5 gasoline engine produces 115 ps @6,300 RPM of maximum power and 143.8 Nm @4,500 RPM of torque. Additionally, the Traction Control Mode can adjust the wheel slip control according to engine torque and gear shift arrangement to automatically fine-tune the front-wheel drive system of the vehicle based on road conditions. The fuel economy of this crossover is also promising because it delivers around 11 kmpl of mileage when driving in moderate traffic while maintaining 21 kmpl of mileage on the highway at 90 kmph of speed.

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Exterior

Comes in a boxy exterior design, the Hyundai Creta measures 4,315mm in overall length, 1,790 mm in width, 1,630 mm in height, 2,610 mm in wheelbase, and 200 mm in ground clearance. The vehicle's dimensions are similar to the competitors, but it gets a little edge because of the futuristic design from front to rear profile. The taillight of the SUV also looks different from other models in the segment.

The carmaker has introduced its new Creta in four color options: Creamy White, Dragon Red, Midnight Black, and Magnetic Silver. There are 17-inch alloy wheels to complement its boxy and sporty look. Some other elements of Hyundai Creta’s exterior include body-colored panoramic jewel pattern grille with hidden type LED DRLs, LED headlamps, power windows for front and rear, and chrome exhaust pipes. The SUV boasts four drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Smart. The Eco mode is effective in achieving good mileage and efficient rides.

Interior

The interior of the 2023 Hyundai Creta is spacious and comfortable. It comes with a dual-tone color scheme and has been designed using soft-touch material. The automaker has tried to offer a futuristic styling by adding a 10.25-inch full TFT LCD meter cluster and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen display with the option to connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. From the driver seat, all the available features are easily accessible from the driver's seat. Moreover, there is a tactile button for the infotainment screen and climate control, making it convenient to use.

Though the interior is spacious, and there is enough space for front and rear seats for passengers, sitting on the rear seats can be a little uncomfortable for tall passengers. However, there is 416 liters of cargo space, so even if you don’t fold the second row of seats, there is enough space for your luggage. New Creta gets a premium speaker sound system with advanced connectivity options like video playing and other audio sections.

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Safety

This compact SUV from Hyundai is equipped with several safety features, like ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum units at the rear. There is a hill-start assist control that avoids accidental rollback in hilly terrains. The automaker has provided a rear-view monitor and dual airbag system to enhance passenger safety further. Some other features, including front and rear parking sensors, collision detection, auto door lock, electronic brakeforce distribution, gas shock absorber, and pedestrian airbags, are also available. The higher trims of Creta even have blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning systems.

Conclusion

The launch of Creta in the Middle East has been a big success for Korean car manufacturer Hyundai. The crossover is well-packed with necessary safety and comfort features and a spacious interior accommodating up to 5 passengers. However, the SUV misses out on the all-wheel-drive functionality, but its front-wheel drive function works well and delivers efficient performance on uneven roads. Still, it's one of the best SUV crossovers in the UAE. It boasts a modern, stylish exterior, a soft-touch interior, and a fuel-efficient engine. It has also been priced competitively.

If you are willing to buy a compact SUV ideal for driving in the city and occasional road trips, the Hyundai Creta 2023 can be a great option.