2026 Hyundai Exter Facelift spotted in its final pre-launch testing phase.
Just three years since its debut, Hyundai’s micro-SUV has been spotted wearing heavy camouflage in various parts of India, most recently on January 23, 2026. It seems Hyundai is not waiting for the competition to catch up; they are essentially putting the Exter into “gym mode” to ensure it retains its title as a heavy hitter in the sub-compact SUV segment.
What’s Under the Wrap?
When a car is “spied,” it’s usually because the engineers want us to see it—or they are terrible at hide-and-seek. The recent sightings in Mumbai and Tamil Nadu confirm that the 2026 Hyundai Exter Facelift is in its advanced testing phase.
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Exterior Tweaks: Boldness 2.0
While the boxy, “SUV-ish” silhouette remains, the 2026 Hyundai Exter Facelift aims to sharpen the edges.
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Revised Grille: Expect a more aggressive, parametric front grille that aligns with the new Creta and Venue design language.
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H-Signature Lighting: The H-shaped LED DRLs will likely stay, but the main headlamp cluster might receive a sleeker, projector-based setup.
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The Rear End: Spy shots suggest a redesigned tailgate. We might see a connected LED light bar—a feature that is currently the “it-girl” of car design.
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Alloy Wheels: New 15-inch or possibly 16-inch dual-tone diamond-cut alloys are expected to give it a more planted stance.
Inside the Cabin
If the exterior of 2026 Hyundai Exter Facelift is the “hook,” the interior is the “deal-closer.” Hyundai knows that the modern Indian buyer wants a cabin that feels like a mini-spaceship.
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Expected Feature Upgrades
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Bigger Infotainment: The current 8-inch screen is likely making way for a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen, similar to its larger siblings.
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Ventilated Seats: In a country where the sun hates us for nine months of the year, ventilated front seats are moving from a “luxury” to a “necessity.”
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Dual-Pane Sunroof? While the current model has a standard sunroof, rumors (and spy shot analysis) suggest Hyundai might experiment with a larger panoramic-style “Skyroof” to outdo the Tata Punch.
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Updated Dashboard: Expect new upholstery colors and perhaps a few more soft-touch materials to elevate the premium feel.
Performance
Under the hood, logic dictates that Hyundai will stick to its reliable workhorses. The 2026 Hyundai Exter Facelift isn’t expected to undergo a heart transplant.
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| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 1.2L Kappa Naturally Aspirated Petrol |
| Power | 83 PS |
| Torque | 114 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT |
| CNG Option | Yes (Hy-CNG Duo with Dual Cylinders) |
By keeping the mechanicals the same, Hyundai ensures that maintenance remains low and the “Peace of Mind” factor stays high. The Hy-CNG Duo variant, which uses twin cylinders to save boot space, will continue to be the star for mileage-conscious buyers.
Safety
Safety is no longer a footnote in India; it’s a headline. The 2026 Hyundai Exter Facelift is expected to double down on occupant protection.
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6 Airbags as Standard: This has been a Hyundai staple, and it’s not going anywhere.
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Level 2 ADAS (Expected): While the Venue has it, there is a strong possibility that the top-spec Exter facelift will introduce basic ADAS features like Forward Collision Warning and Lane Keep Assist to maintain a competitive edge.
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360-Degree Camera: Nodules seen on the ORVMs of the test mules strongly suggest that a 360-degree surround-view camera is finally coming to the Exter.
Price and Launch Date
Expected Launch Date
Based on the production-ready appearance of the test mules, the 2026 Hyundai Exter Facelift is expected to launch in March 2026. This timing allows Hyundai to capitalize on the end-of-financial-year buying surge.
Expected Price List
Hyundai usually plays the “Introductory Price” card very well. Expect a slight bump of ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 over the current models due to the added tech and features.
| Variant | Estimated Ex-Showroom Price (2026) |
| Base (EX) | ₹6.19 Lakh – ₹6.35 Lakh |
| Mid (S/SX) | ₹7.50 Lakh – ₹8.80 Lakh |
| Top (SX-O Connect) | ₹10.50 Lakh – ₹10.89 Lakh |
The 2026 Hyundai Exter Facelift is coming at a time when the micro-SUV segment is the fastest-growing category in India. With the Tata Punch currently leading the charts, Hyundai’s “Star” needs to shine brighter.