Next-Gen Hyundai Creta Spotted Testing In Manali
The next-generation Hyundai Creta has been spotted testing once again, this time navigating the challenging, high-altitude mountainous roads of Manali for extreme weather validation.
The heavily camouflaged test mule was seen driving directly alongside the current-generation Creta, giving automotive enthusiasts and prospective buyers their clearest look yet at the massive size and structural design changes Hyundai is preparing for its best-selling midsize SUV.
The upcoming model represents one of Hyundai’s most significant updates in recent years. It features a noticeably larger footprint, a brand-new modular platform, a completely redesigned rugged exterior, heavily upgraded cabin technology, and significantly improved occupant safety systems.
The all-new Creta is widely expected to make its highly anticipated global debut by late 2026 or early 2027.
Manali Spy Shots Reveal A Larger Hyundai Creta
The latest high-altitude testing sighting in Manali confirms that the upcoming vehicle is undergoing its final phase of powertrain and suspension stress testing. Because the test mule was spied parked directly beside the existing version, the visual side-by-side comparison immediately highlights noticeably larger dimensions.
The next-generation Hyundai Creta is expected to stretch close to 4,500 mm in total length, representing a substantial jump over the current model’s 4,330 mm measurement.
The test vehicle showcases a visibly longer rear overhang, a wider track stance, and a significantly increased wheelbase.
This direct proportion increase injects the vehicle with a much stronger road presence while promising to expand boot space well past the current 433-litre baseline.
Boxier Design Inspired By Hyundai’s Global SUVs
Moving away from the smooth, rounded curves of the second-generation model, the third-generation Creta embraces a much more upright and boxy silhouette. The exterior styling draws heavy inspiration from Hyundai’s larger global flagship SUVs, such as the Palisade and the Santa Fe, sporting squared-off proportions and a muscular, upright nose.
The front fascia gets a butch, towering bonnet line paired with a massive rectangular front grille and split quad-beam LED headlamps. Along the side profile, the wheel arches feature thick black cladding wrapped around larger 18-inch (and potentially 19-inch on top trims) dual-tone machine-cut alloy wheels. The rear design is rounded out by vertically stacked, clear-lens pixel-type LED tail lamps and rugged faux skid plates.
New Cabin With Pleos Connect Infotainment
Inside the cabin, Hyundai is preparing a premium technological overhaul that repositions the midsize SUV into a highly advanced, Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV). The center piece of the redesigned dashboard layout is the brand-new Pleos Connect infotainment system.
Built on a highly intuitive, Android-based software architecture, this massive touchscreen setup will feature rapid over-the-air (OTA) update capability.
This enables Hyundai to remotely deploy operating system upgrades, introduce new cabin features, or even tweak electronic suspension and performance mappings over time.
Despite the screen’s massive size, Hyundai is maintaining physical button shortcuts for core climate and audio controls to prevent any steep learning curves. The cabin is elevated further by premium multi-tone leatherette upholstery, ventilated front seating, a minimalist driver’s display, and a panoramic sunroof.
Platform, Safety, and ADAS Upgrades
Underneath the boxy bodywork, the next-generation Creta transitions to Hyundai-Kia’s advanced K3 platform. This modern architecture provides a tremendous step up in structural rigidity, utilizing a higher mix of ultra-high-strength steel to ensure top-tier crash safety ratings at the Bharat NCAP.
Crucially, higher variants of the SUV will now feature a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension setup and a stalk-based shift-by-wire drive selector.
This platform shift drastically reduces body roll, delivers more premium driving dynamics, and guarantees a much smoother ride over broken roads. To keep passenger safety absolute, the new platform integrates an upgraded camera-and-radar Level 2+ ADAS suite, incorporating extra sensors for enhanced collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.
Engine Options Expected To Continue
While the structural and tech packages are completely revolutionary, Hyundai is expected to retain its highly reliable, performance-tested internal combustion engine (ICE) lineup for the Indian market at launch:
1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (115 hp / 144 Nm)
1.5-litre U2 CRDi diesel engine (116 hp / 250 Nm)
1.5-litre GDi turbo-petrol engine (160 hp / 253 Nm)
Transmission duties will remain diverse, offering smooth manuals, intelligent clutches, torque converters, and dual-clutch automatic gearboxes optimized for better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Looking past the initial launch window, the K3 platform’s built-in flexibility will allow Hyundai to introduce a highly frugal 1.5-litre petrol strong-hybrid powertrain by late 2027 to aggressively counter its hybrid rivals.
Expected Launch Timeline And Rivals
The third-generation midsize SUV is on track for an official global unveiling around November or December 2026, with a commercial market launch in India slated for early 2027.
Due to the influx of the premium K3 architecture, Pleos Connect software, and standard safety kits, pricing is expected to start around Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom), with the fully loaded, top-tier turbo-petrol and hybrid variants potentially crossing the Rs 25 lakh mark.
Upon arrival, it will reignite its fierce market rivalry against its platform cousin, the Kia Seltos, alongside the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV700, and the stablemate Hyundai Alcazar.
