In a market where compact SUVs are rapidly becoming the go-to choice for Indian buyers, Hyundai has struck a chord once again — this time with the Hyundai Exter, a micro-SUV that combines rugged styling with a surprisingly premium cabin experience. At first glance, the Exter may seem like a city-friendly SUV designed to compete with the likes of Tata Punch or Citroën C3. But step inside, and it becomes clear that Hyundai has rewritten the rulebook for what buyers should expect in this segment.
The 2025 Hyundai Exter doesn’t just check the basics — it redefines them with thoughtful design, cutting-edge tech, and rich materials that are rarely seen in its price bracket. In this article, we’ll explore in-depth what makes the interior of the Hyundai Exter a standout feature, why buyers are raving about it, and how it challenges conventional expectations in the micro-SUV space.
Bold Exterior, But a Game-Changing Cabin
From the outside, the Hyundai Exter wears a bold and sporty look — boxy stance, squared wheel arches, a high bonnet line, and stylish LED DRLs that give it a distinctive presence on the road. But as attractive as its exterior is, the real magic begins once you open the doors.
Hyundai has infused the Exter’s cabin with a level of sophistication and attention to detail that’s unexpected in a car of its size and price point. It offers an ambiance that feels upscale, inviting, and very much “big car” inspired.
1. Dual-Tone Cabin That Feels Rich and Refined
Step inside the Exter and you’re immediately greeted by a dual-tone interior theme that blends black with rich beige or light grey, depending on the variant. This creates a contrast that enhances the visual space and lends a feeling of airiness — crucial in a compact SUV.
Hyundai has paid special attention to material textures and surface finishes. You’ll find:
- Glossy black elements on the center console
- Brushed aluminum-finished accents on the AC vents and steering wheel
- Leatherette-wrapped gear knob and steering (on top variants)
- Fine stitching on the seats that adds to the premium feel
The tactile quality of buttons, switches, and knobs is excellent — consistent with Hyundai’s reputation for quality interiors.
2. Class-Leading Infotainment and Digital Instrument Cluster
One of the most impressive upgrades is the Exter’s digital user interface. The SUV comes equipped with:
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Fully digital instrument cluster with color MID (Multi-Information Display)
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates for software and maps
- Voice commands that can control various functions including climate and navigation
- Connected car features via Hyundai Bluelink (in higher variants)
These features are typically reserved for mid-size SUVs or premium hatchbacks — but Hyundai has boldly brought them to the Exter, raising the bar for tech-savvy buyers in this space.
3. Premium Comfort Features That Surprise
Where Hyundai truly stuns the competition is in the comfort and convenience features it offers inside the Exter. Here are some highlights:
- Electric Sunroof: A segment-first feature that adds light and openness to the cabin.
- Automatic Climate Control: Ensures comfort in every weather.
- Wireless Phone Charging: Eliminates the need for messy cables.
- Rear AC Vents: Still rare in compact SUVs, these ensure rear passengers don’t feel neglected.
- Height-adjustable Driver Seat: Crucial for customized comfort and better visibility.
Even thoughtful additions like adjustable headrests for rear passengers, rear parcel tray, and ample door pocket storage show that Hyundai understands the needs of daily Indian commuters and families.
4. Spaciousness and Practicality Beyond Expectations
Despite being a sub-4-meter SUV, the Hyundai Exter maximizes every inch of its cabin. Thanks to its clever packaging and tall-boy design, it offers:
- Ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers
- Flat rear floor which enhances middle-seat comfort
- Large boot space (around 391 liters) for luggage, weekend bags, or groceries
- Multiple storage areas, including dual glove boxes and cupholders
The rear seats are surprisingly comfortable even for taller adults, and the wide-opening doors make ingress and egress easy — especially for elderly passengers or child seats.
5. Safety That Feels Reassuring
Interior upgrades don’t just stop at comfort and tech. Hyundai has made sure the Exter feels safe and secure, offering:
- Six airbags (standard across variants)
- 3-point seat belts for all passengers
- Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines
- ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and Hill Start Assist
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
All of this comes wrapped in a high-strength steel shell that adheres to Hyundai’s Global Body Structure (GBS) platform — ensuring rigidity and passenger safety in real-world conditions.
6. Cabin Insulation and NVH Levels
Another area where Hyundai has clearly invested attention is NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) control. Despite being a budget SUV, the Exter has:
- Thick door insulation
- Engine bay damping materials
- Acoustic windshield (on top trims)
This ensures a quieter, more composed cabin, even at highway speeds. The result? A driving experience that feels serene and composed, often described by buyers as “one class above.”
7. Tech-Forward Driver Experience
The steering-mounted controls, crisp reverse camera feed, and smart key with push-button start contribute to a modern and easy driving experience. Whether you’re navigating city streets or taking the family out for a weekend getaway, the Exter’s cabin makes you feel in command.
The ambient lighting in footwells, digitally adjustable MID themes, and mood lighting near the gear console in higher trims subtly enhance the interior vibe — making night drives feel more special.
Competing With a Premium Mindset
By now, it’s clear that Hyundai has refused to treat the Exter as “just another budget SUV.” Instead, they’ve crafted a product that punches far above its weight, especially when it comes to the interior.
Competitors like the Tata Punch, Maruti Fronx, and Renault Kiger offer unique strengths — but none provide this holistic blend of upmarket interiors, advanced features, and Hyundai’s refinement.
In short, the Exter feels like a car from a segment above, without the associated price tag.
Variants and Value
The Exter is offered in a wide range of trims (EX, S, SX, SX(O), SX(O) Connect), with options for manual, AMT, and even CNG variants. What’s remarkable is that even the mid-level trims offer premium interior features that feel satisfying and value-packed.
Prices start from just under ₹6 lakh, with fully loaded variants going up to ₹10 lakh (ex-showroom) — still very competitive considering the feature list.
Final Verdict: A Cabin That Changes the Game
The Hyundai Exter has shown that compact doesn’t have to mean compromised. With plush cabin materials, class-leading tech, and family-friendly design, Hyundai has delivered a car that surprises and delights every time you step inside.
For Indian buyers looking for a feature-rich, premium-feeling SUV on a budget, the Exter doesn’t just meet expectations — it exceeds them in a way that reshapes how we view this category.
If you want the feel of a ₹15-lakh car at a ₹9-lakh price, just open the door to the Hyundai Exter.