🚗 10 Years of Hyundai Creta: India’s Best-Selling SUV Journey
Launched in July 2015, the Hyundai Creta has transformed the midsize SUV segment in India. From being a newcomer to becoming India’s best-selling SUV in 2025, the Creta’s journey over the last decade has been nothing short of remarkable. With over 12 lakh units sold in India and 2.87 lakh units exported, it’s a true benchmark for success.
Let’s take a deep dive into how this icon has evolved through generations, facelifts, and new powertrain innovations—culminating in the all-new Creta Electric in 2025.
📈 Key Milestones in Creta’s 10-Year Journey
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Over 1.2 million Cretas sold in India since launch
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Exported to 13+ international markets
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Yearly sales grew from 92,926 units in 2016 to 1,86,919 in 2024
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29% of Creta buyers in 2024 are first-time car buyers
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70% of current Creta sales include variants with a sunroof
🛞 Generation 1 Creta (2015 – 2018)
🧱 Design and Features
The first-generation Creta introduced a boxy, rugged yet premium SUV design, gaining instant popularity for its simplicity and strong road presence.
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Triple-slat chrome grille
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Projector halogen headlamps with LED DRLs
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Halogen tail lamps and sculpted bumpers
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Dual-tone beige and black interiors
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Touchscreen infotainment, push-button start, auto climate control
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Up to 6 airbags, rear camera with adaptive guidelines
⚙️ Engine Options
| Engine Type | Power | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L Petrol NA | 123 PS | 151 Nm | 6MT / 6AT |
| 1.4L Diesel | 90 PS | 220 Nm | 6MT |
| 1.6L Diesel | 128 PS | 260 Nm | 6MT / 6AT |
🚙 First-Gen Facelift (2018 – 2020)
Hyundai updated the Creta in May 2018, continuing its popularity with subtle design improvements and more features.
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Dual-pod projector headlights
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Sleeker grille and bumper designs
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Single-pane electric sunroof
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Wireless phone charger
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Smart wearable key
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Cruise control and 6-way powered driver seat
🚘 Generation 2 Creta (2020 – 2024)
The second generation arrived in March 2020, transforming the Creta with bold styling and a technology-packed cabin.
🎨 Design and Styling
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Signature 3-pod LED headlights
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Curved LED DRLs, LED tail lamps
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Bold front grille and 17-inch dual-tone alloys
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Layered dashboard design
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Dual-tone or sportier black and red interiors (Turbo variants)
🧑💻 Features and Comfort
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10.25-inch infotainment + 7-inch digital cluster
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Panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats
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Auto-dimming IRVM, 8-speaker Bose system
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Wireless charging, 8-way powered driver seat
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Hill-start assist, 6 airbags as standard
⛽ Engine Lineup
| Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L Petrol NA | 115 PS | 144 Nm | 6MT / CVT |
| 1.4L Turbo Petrol (till 2023) | 140 PS | 242 Nm | 7-DCT |
| 1.5L Diesel | 115 PS | 250 Nm | 6MT / 6AT |
Note: The 1.4L turbo petrol was discontinued in 2023.
🆕 2024 Facelift: The Return to Bold Proportions
Hyundai addressed the mixed response of the second generation by facelifting the Creta in January 2024, with a design more in line with its original bold appeal.
✨ Styling Upgrades
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Split LED headlights
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Connected LED DRLs and tail lamps
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Boxier stance with straighter lines
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Copper-accented updated dashboard
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Dual 10.25-inch digital displays
💡 New Feature Additions
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Dual-zone climate control
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360-degree camera
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Level 2 ADAS
⚙️ New Powertrain Addition
Hyundai not only retained the 1.5L petrol and diesel options but introduced a 1.5L turbo-petrol with 160 PS and 253 Nm, appealing to performance enthusiasts.
🏁 Creta N Line: Sportier Spin on a Bestseller
In 2024, Hyundai launched the Creta N Line, focusing on a more dynamic design and driving experience.
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Sporty bumpers, red accents, black alloys
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Stiffer suspension for improved handling
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Based on the 1.5L turbo-petrol engine, offered with 6MT or 7DCT
⚡ 2025: Hyundai Creta Goes Electric
At the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, Hyundai surprised everyone with the launch of the Creta Electric, marking the brand’s major entry into electric SUVs.
🔌 Design and Cabin Differences
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Aerodynamic front with closed grille
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EV-specific alloy wheels and active air flaps
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Unique navy-blue and grey interiors
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Updated EV-specific UI for infotainment and instrument cluster
🔋 Battery and Performance Specs
| Battery Pack | Power | Torque | Range (ARAI) | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 kWh | 135 PS | 200 Nm | 390 km | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 51.4 kWh | 171 PS | 200 Nm | 473 km | Front-Wheel Drive |
💰 Current Hyundai Creta Price Range (2025)
| Model | Price Range (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Hyundai Creta | ₹11.11 lakh – ₹20.50 lakh |
| Creta N Line | ₹16.93 lakh – ₹20.64 lakh |
| Creta Electric | ₹17.99 lakh – ₹24.38 lakh |
⚔️ Rival SUVs in the Indian Market
🛢️ ICE & Hybrid Rivals:
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Kia Seltos
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Skoda Kushaq
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Volkswagen Taigun
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Tata Curvv (upcoming)
⚡ Electric Rivals:
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Tata Curvv EV
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MG ZS EV
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Mahindra BE.06
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Upcoming Maruti e-Vitara
✅ Creta at 10: Still Leading the SUV Race
From its practical Gen-1 debut to today’s high-tech, all-electric options, the Creta has remained India’s favourite SUV by adapting to changing trends, customer preferences, and technology standards. With strong sales, growing first-time buyer interest, and multiple powertrains—including petrol, diesel, turbo, and EV—Hyundai Creta continues to define and dominate the segment.
As the Indian SUV market grows more competitive and electric-focused, the versatile Creta lineup proves that adaptability and innovation are the keys to lasting success.
