The 2025 Hyundai Alcazar has made its way to Indian roads with a fresh identity and improved driving dynamics. Positioned between the Creta and the Tucson in Hyundai’s lineup, the Alcazar continues to cater to premium SUV buyers looking for extra seats and extra sophistication. In this first drive review, we break down everything you need to know about its performance, design updates, cabin feel, and road behavior.
Bold New Design with a Dominant Stance
At first glance, the updated Alcazar immediately draws attention. Hyundai has given it a refreshed front fascia with a larger parametric grille, new LED headlamps, and a more sculpted bonnet. The rear also gets a design tweak, featuring revised tail lamps and a new bumper design that adds a sportier look.
The 18-inch alloy wheels look stylish and improve the SUV’s stance. While the basic silhouette remains similar, the visual enhancements make the Alcazar 2025 feel more upmarket and aggressive.
Interiors: Business Class Comfort
Step inside the Alcazar and you’re welcomed by a cabin that feels luxurious yet functional. Hyundai continues to offer both 6-seater and 7-seater configurations. The 6-seater variant, with its captain seats in the second row, feels exceptionally premium.
What’s new in the 2025 version is the dual 10.25-inch connected screens — one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system. The display is crisp and fast, supporting both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The redesigned dashboard, now in dual-tone beige-black with brushed aluminum inserts, makes the interior brighter and more inviting.
Additional features include:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated front seats
- Bose premium sound system
- Ambient lighting
- Wireless charging (front & rear)
- Voice-controlled climate functions
The third row remains best suited for children or short-distance travel for adults. However, Hyundai has slightly improved the recline angle and added USB charging ports and AC vents, which increase comfort.
Performance: Smooth, Refined, and Capable
The 2025 Hyundai Alcazar continues to offer two powertrain options:
- 1.5L Turbo GDi Petrol Engine
- Power: 160 PS
- Torque: 253 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed MT / 7-speed DCT
- 1.5L CRDi Diesel Engine
- Power: 116 PS
- Torque: 250 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT
Our first drive experience was with the turbo-petrol engine mated to the 7-speed DCT. The engine feels peppy and responsive, with smooth gear shifts and ample torque delivery even at low revs. Driving in city traffic is a breeze, and on the highway, the engine feels confident and refined.
Drive modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport) do make a noticeable difference. The “Sport” mode sharpens the throttle response and tightens the steering a bit, making it enjoyable for spirited driving.
Suspension tuning is slightly on the firmer side to reduce body roll, but it doesn’t compromise comfort much. Speed bumps and potholes are absorbed without any loud thuds, which speaks well of its ride quality.
Driving Dynamics & Handling
The Alcazar 2025 is tuned for comfort and cruising rather than sporty cornering. The steering is light at low speeds, which makes urban driving easy, and it gains weight decently as you pick up pace. However, enthusiastic drivers may feel a slight lack of connection at higher speeds.
What stands out is the NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels — they’re extremely well contained. Whether it’s wind noise or tire rumble, everything stays muted in the cabin, giving it a plush driving character.
Safety Features
Hyundai continues to prioritize safety, and the Alcazar comes loaded with a host of features:
- Six airbags (standard)
- Front & rear parking sensors
- 360-degree camera
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS Level 2) – Available in top variants
(Includes forward collision warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control)
These features further elevate the SUV’s appeal as a family-friendly vehicle offering peace of mind on long drives.
Fuel Efficiency
While the official ARAI mileage figures haven’t been released yet, based on our drive, expect:
- Petrol DCT: ~17-18 kmpl on highways, ~13-14 kmpl in city
- Diesel AT: ~19-21 kmpl on highways, ~15-16 kmpl in city
These figures make the Alcazar a reasonably efficient SUV, especially the diesel variant for long-distance travelers.
Expected Pricing and Competition
Hyundai is likely to price the updated Alcazar between ₹17.5 lakh and ₹23.5 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant and engine.
Competitors include:
- Tata Safari
- Mahindra XUV700
- MG Hector Plus
- Toyota Innova Hycross (though in a slightly higher bracket)
Despite stiff competition, Alcazar remains a strong contender with its balanced package of comfort, tech, and performance.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Considering?
The 2025 Hyundai Alcazar comes across as a polished and premium SUV for families looking for more space and modern tech. With refreshed styling, better in-cabin features, and smoother performance — especially the new turbo petrol — Hyundai has refined an already successful formula.
If you’re in the market for a 6/7-seater SUV that offers luxury, practicality, and a great ownership experience, the Alcazar should be on your shortlist.