GaadiWaadi –
Hyundai Creta ticks all the right boxes in an effective manner seldom seen in the entire automotive industry and here is why it’s the preferred choice for the majority
In a market as crowded and opinionated as the midsize SUV segment, becoming the apparent choice is no accident. It happens when a product stops being debated and starts being accepted. Over the years, the Hyundai Creta has crossed that line as the ultimatum that every others follow and it is the reference point against which everything else is judged.
A big reason for this status is how the Creta refuses to box customers into a single definition of what an SUV should be. At a mechanical level, Hyundai offers one of the most flexible powertrain fleet in the segment. Buyers looking for relaxed commuting gravitate towards the 1.5-litre MPi petrol engine which delivers 115 PS and 143.8 Nm of torque.
On the other end of the spectrum sits the 1.5-litre Turbo GDi petrol mill churning out a class-leading 160 PS and 253 Nm. This engine changes the Creta’s personality entirely, giving it the kind of urgency and punch that appeals to enthusiasts who still want an everyday rider.
Then there is the diesel – a crucial player of the Creta’s success story for over a decade which resulted in a record-breaking tally of over 2 lakh units in a single calendar year in 2025. The 1.5-litre U2 CRDi unit, kicking out 116 PS and 250 Nm of torque, continues to attract long-distance users and highway seekers. In a market where diesel still indicates durability and torque-rich driving, Hyundai has ensured the Creta doesn’t alienate this audience.
Transmission choice further consolidates this sense of inclusivity. Manual purists are covered with a 6-speed manual gearbox on both petrol and diesel. Automatic buyers, meanwhile, get options that feel purpose-built.
The naturally aspirated petrol pairs with an IVT for smooth everyday driving, the diesel uses a dependable 6-speed torque converter, and the turbo petrol gets a quick-shifting 7-speed DCT that adds a distinctly premium and sporty edge. Few rivals manage to adhere to such a wide spread of preferences in this category.
Complementing the drivetrain, the Creta’s proportions ensure it feels right for Indian roads. Its dimensions – 4,330 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width and a 2,610 mm wheelbase – hit an apparent balance between presence and manoeuvrability. It is large enough to feel substantial yet not intimidating in congested city environments.
A 190 mm ground clearance reassures owners tackling broken roads, steep ramps and speed breakers while the boot of 433 litres capacity makes it genuinely usable for long travel.
The Creta reiterates its “default” status through practicality and modernity inside the cabin. The dual 10.25-inch screens have become almost synonymous with the model and features like ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control and an 8-speaker Bose audio system address comfort expectations that consumers increasingly associate with premium ownership.
The Bluelink connected car system with over 70 features integrates into daily life too and it supports the overall ownership experience by a long mile. Remote engine start, vehicle tracking and even voice-controlled panoramic sunroof functions add convenience to the five-seater. Six airbags, ESC and Vehicle Stability Management come as standard across the range setting a strong baseline.
Higher variants go further with Level 2 ADAS, offering features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Keeping Assist. Add-ons such as a 360-degree surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor make driving and tight parking situations far less stressful – a definitive detail that many owners only fully appreciate after living with the car.
Underneath it all, the Creta remains grounded in sensible engineering. The suspension setup is tuned for suppleness and comfort suiting Indian road conditions and on a long haul you will get to appreciate it even more. Disc brakes on all four wheels in higher trims instil confidence, while wheel options ranging from 16-inch steels to 17- and 18-inch alloys enable customers multiple choices to pick from.
Fuel economy, often underestimated in this segment, is another reason the Creta appeals across demographics. The diesel manual’s 21.8 kmpl rating speaks directly to highway users while petrol variants returning up to 18.4 kmpl to keep running costs in check.
Ultimately, the Hyundai Creta hasn’t become India’s default midsize SUV because it excels in one way. It has earned that position by being consistently good in every way that matters – powertrain choice, comfort, safety, technology, frugality and ease of ownership.
It adapts to the Indian families with ease ticking all the right boxes. And in a country where cars are long term companions and treated as one amongst the family members, the adaptability is exactly what turns popularity into dominance.
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