JSW MG Motor India has officially confirmed the unveiling of the 2026 MG Hector facelift on December 15, 2025.
The mid-size SUV segment in India is a fiercely contested battleground, and the MG Hector, the original “Internet Car,” is preparing to defend its territory with a comprehensive refresh. Signaling a strategic move to re-energize the model and solidify its position against muscular, recently updated rivals like the Tata Harrier/Safari and Mahindra XUV 7X0.
This is more than just a new coat of paint. This marks the second significant mid-cycle revision for the Hector, showcasing the brand’s commitment to keeping the SUV fresh, feature-rich, and relevant. The core strategy is clear: enhance the Hector’s most recognizable asset its segment-leading technology while giving it a bold, assertive cosmetic makeover. The 2026 MG Hector facelift is poised to be a digital warrior, blending British heritage with Chinese technological prowess for the Indian consumer.
A third facelift for the MG Hector!
JSW MG Motor will unveil an updated MG Hector in India on December 15. Changes to the SUV will include a revised grille and tail lights, with upgrades to the in-cabin tech also likely. pic.twitter.com/73iOyK9293
— carandbike (@carandbike) December 9, 2025
Exterior Evolution: The Design Gets Assertive
The 2026 MG Hector facelift retains its familiar overall silhouette, which is smart why fix a shape that works? However, the focus is on sharpening the edges and amplifying the premium aesthetic, aligning it with MG’s global design language.
A. The Front Fascia Transformation
The most significant visual change is reserved for the front, which has been the subject of MG’s iterative updates since the Hector’s 2019 debut.
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New Aggressive Grille: The teaser confirms a completely redesigned front grille. It appears bolder and more assertive, moving towards a geometric mesh or potentially twin vertical slats in a series arrangement, featuring subtle chrome accents to elevate the premium appeal. The MG emblem remains proudly centralized.
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Split Lighting System Retained: The signature split-lighting arrangement is carried forward. The slim, eyebrow-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) stay atop, while the main, vertically stacked headlamp units remain integrated lower down on the bumper.
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Reworked Bumpers: Expect newly sculpted front and rear bumpers with revised skid plates and lower aprons. This gives the 2026 MG Hector facelift a more muscular and athletic stance, crucial for matching the aggressive visual appeal of its direct competitors.
B. Side and Rear Profile Updates
The changes here are subtle but impactful, designed to make the Hector look more contemporary.
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Refreshed Alloy Wheels: Spy shots and reports strongly suggest a redesigned set of alloy wheels, likely dual-tone, machined units, possibly growing to 18-inch or even 19-inch on top trims. New alloys can dramatically update a vehicle’s side profile.
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Rear Lighting Signature: The current full-width LED light bar connecting the taillamps is expected to remain, as it is a key part of the Hector’s modern identity. However, the internal graphics and the shape of the rear bumper may be mildly tweaked to complement the new front design.
Interior Command Centre: Technology Steals the Show
The cabin of the 2026 MG Hector facelift is its defining USP. The focus for this update is not on structural layout changes, but on hardware upgrades and software refinement, ensuring the Hector maintains its reputation as the tech leader.
A. The Upgraded Infotainment Hub
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Faster Processor and RAM: Reports indicate the system will feature upgraded hardware, potentially including up to 10GB of RAM and a faster processor. This ensures a smoother, quicker touch response, eliminating the minor lag issues found in earlier versions.
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New UI and Gesture Control: The infotainment will likely receive a completely new user interface (UI) based on an updated Android system. Crucially, new multi-touch gesture controls are anticipated, allowing users to control functions like fan speed and audio volume with simple finger movements on the screen.
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Enhanced Connectivity: The system will continue to offer seamless connectivity, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an updated version of MG’s i-Smart connected car technology, ensuring over-the-air (OTA) updates for the future.
B. Luxury and Convenience Features
To justify its premium positioning, the 2026 MG Hector facelift is expected to introduce features previously exclusive to higher-priced segments, turning the cabin into a genuine luxury lounge.
| Feature Category | Expected 2026 MG Hector Facelift Upgrade | Competition Relevance |
| Seating Comfort | Ventilated Front Seats (and possibly rear seats in the Plus variants) | Essential comfort feature to match segment rivals. |
| Driver Display | Fully Digital Driver Display with updated graphics and more customizable screens. | Provides a high-tech feel, replacing older analog setups. |
| Climate Control | Automatic Dual Zone Climate Control | A premium feature that enhances passenger comfort and value. |
| Minor Conveniences | USB Type-C Ports (faster charging), updated upholstery, and new interior trim themes. | Modernizes the cabin for current consumer standards. |
| Functionality | Powered Tailgate (re-introduced or improved functionality). | Key practicality feature for family users. |
Safety and Dynamics: ADAS and Powertrain Specifications
Safety and performance are two areas where consistency and refinement are more important than radical change. The 2026 MG Hector facelift sticks to its strengths while enhancing its tech-driven safety net.
A. Advanced Safety Systems (ADAS)
The Hector was one of the first SUVs in its segment to offer Level 2 ADAS features. The facelift will maintain this advantage, likely with substantial software improvements.
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ADAS 2.0 Upgrade: The suite is expected to be upgraded to a more refined Level 2 ADAS 2.0, featuring enhanced performance for functions like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Collision Avoidance. Sensor and camera tuning for varied Indian road conditions is a key anticipated refinement.
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Standard Airbags: To compete in the modern safety narrative, 2026 MG Hector facelift is strongly expected six airbags standard across all but the base variants, addressing a significant consumer demand.
B. Powertrain Specifications: The Tried and Tested Engines
Mechanically, the 2026 MG Hector facelift is expected to carry forward the proven engine options, which offer a great balance of power and efficiency.
| Engine Type | Displacement | Power Output | Torque Output | Transmission Options |
| Turbo Petrol | 1.5 Litre | 141 bhp143 PS | 250 Nm | 6-speed MT / CVT Automatic |
| Turbo Diesel | 2.0 Litre | 167 bhp 170 PS | 350 Nm | 6-speed Manual Only |
The unveiling of the 2026 MG Hector facelift on December 15, 2025, is a crucial moment for MG in India. This update is timed perfectly to counter the heat generated by the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the updated Tata Safari