Hyundai India is diving into the affordable electric car market for the first time, and what better way to do it than by giving the country’s favourite mid-size SUV an electric makeover? Enter the Creta Electric — the SUV that Hyundai believes will shock the competition (pun intended). With a loyal fanbase that’s been growing ever since its debut in 2015, the Creta Electric might just be the eco-friendly ride everyone’s been dreaming of. We jumped behind the wheel to see if it was really as electrifying as Hyundai claims.
Hyundai Creta Electric review: How does it drive?
We get to the crux of the matter. The Creta Electric is available in two battery options — 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh. We drove the long-range version which produces 169 bhp and 255 Nm of torque with a range of 473 km according to ARAI. It gets a single motor based on the front axle. Like any electric vehicle, it offers three drive options — Eco, City and Sport and five regenerative modes, hence, it offers one-pedal drive.
Now that we’ve got the specs out of the way, let’s talk about the real-world experience behind the wheel. Press the accelerator, and the Creta Electric accelerates smoothly and steadily without rushing you. In Eco mode, it’s all about range and efficiency, making it perfect for those endless traffic jams. Switch to Normal, and you get a bit more urgency, making overtakes feel a little snappier while still keeping range losses in check — the instrument cluster even claims an extra 10 km in Eco mode. When you finally switch to Sport mode, though, the Creta Electric sheds its calm demeanour and lets you zip past other cars, proving that electric cars aren’t just about efficiency, they can be fun, too.
Hyundai Creta Electric review: Ride and Handling
The Creta Electric handles ditches and bumps reasonably well, offering a ride that doesn’t turn into a bucking bronco in the rodeo or leave rear passengers feeling like they’ve just been on a rollercoaster. Sure, you can feel the stiffness of the suspension when you hit deep potholes, but nitpicking that would be a bit unfair. It may not offer the plush, cloud-like ride of its internal combustion engine sibling, but it’s still one of the more comfortable EVs out there.
Thanks to the added weight of the battery and its low centre of gravity, the Creta Electric body roll is less noticeable, especially when you’re taking those corners.
The new three-spoke steering wheel has a bit more heft than the feather-light one in the Creta ICE, but unfortunately, that doesn’t translate into the kind of responsive feedback you might hope for. On the plus side, the Creta Electric comes standard with four disc brakes, which significantly enhance its stopping power, ensuring you can bring it to a halt with confidence.
Hyundai Creta Electric review: Features and Practicality
The Creta Electric’s cabin design closely mirrors that of the ICE version, featuring twin 10.25-inch displays — one for the infotainment system and the other for the instrument cluster. The interior now boasts a fresh Granite Gray and Dark Navy colour scheme. The new three-spoke steering wheel comes with a unique touch — four dots that translate to “H” in Morse code, and the gear selector stalk is positioned to the right, much like the Ioniq 5.
Thanks to the absence of a transmission tunnel, Hyundai has maximized cabin space, adding a new console beneath the armrest and a wireless charging platform. There’s also cooled underarm storage and a cooled glovebox for extra comfort. The dual-zone climate control is operated through touch buttons and two dials for volume and temperature. It offers all the essential charging ports, including a wireless phone charger. However, despite all its tech, the Creta Electric still lacks wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
On the premium side, the Creta Electric features a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, and a Bose sound system for an elevated driving experience. For seamless charging payment, Hyundai offers an in-car payment system at over 1,150 Hyundai stations, which can be accessed directly from the dashboard.
The Creta Electric also borrows the Digital Key feature from its ICE sibling, allowing you to lock and unlock the vehicle with your mobile phone via NFC tech.
For rear passengers, there are two Type-C charging ports, rear window blinds, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality to charge other devices. What’s more, rear passengers can adjust the co-driver’s seat to slide or recline for added legroom, and there are two foldable trays for extra convenience.
When it comes to safety, the Creta Electric is loaded with state-of-the-art tech, including the Level 2 ADAS suite, which offers 19 features such as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Safe Exit Warning.
Hats off to Hyundai for maintaining a spacious 433-litre boot while still offering a full-size spare wheel beneath — talk about making the most of the space!
Hyundai Creta Electric Review: Seating Position
Hyundai has taken an eco-friendly approach with Creta Electric’s upholstery, using sustainable materials made from recycled plastic bottles and corn extract. The seating position is slightly raised due to the battery tucked under the floor, but Hyundai has cleverly designed the seat squab with an angle that offers solid under-thigh support. The backrest is two-step reclinable for added comfort, and while passengers sit with their knees slightly raised, there’s plenty of legroom, thanks to the scooped-out backs of the front seats.
Hyundai Creta Electric Review: Design
The Creta Electric’s exterior is inspired by the N Line version, with a few subtle tweaks. The most noticeable is the closed front grille, paired with Hyundai’s pixelated design language on the bumper. A standout feature is the integrated, retractable air vents in the front bumper, which help cool the battery and motor components — a first in this segment. From the side, you can spot the battery pack, which might raise questions about ground clearance, but Hyundai has managed to maintain a respectable 200 mm.
With specially designed 17-inch alloy wheels aimed at improving dynamics and efficiency, the Creta Electric also sports a silver-finished lower panel beneath the doors. The rear design remains largely unchanged, with the signature connected LED lights and the “Electric” badge proudly displayed.
Hyundai Creta Electric Review: Should you buy it?
The new Electric SUV sticks to the Creta brand’s strengths like features, comfort, and space, plus a handy 22-litre frunk. Creta Electric is especially backed by 410 service workshops across India. Performance-wise, it’s solid, offering a real-world range of around 380 to 400 km. If Hyundai gets the pricing right, the Creta Electric, with its dedicated fanbase, could be the EV that turns the market on its head.