Five Hyundai Launches In 2026: New Creta to Bayon SUV
Hyundai is readying a major product push in the Indian market this year. Backed by a ₹45,000 crore investment plan, the company will commence multiple new launches. This lineup will include facelifts, generational updates and all-new models. Here are five Hyundai launches to wait for in 2026.
The next-generation Hyundai Creta will likely be the most important Hyundai launch this year. Expected to be out in late 2026, the generational update will give the SUV a comprehensive design overhaul. The front fascia, silhouette and rear end are all expected to evolve. Recent spy sightings have also indicated that the new car could get a different set of alloy wheels.
The interior design and layout are also expected to change on the new model. It will get a s new steering wheel with Hyundai’s new-age ‘four dots’ (morse code) logo. Even the outgoing model is tech-heavy. The next-generation will likely see the addition of more features and connected technologies. We expect the screen sizes to increase on the new model. From the 10.25-inch units on the outgoing mode, these could transition to larger 12.3-inch units.
The new-generation Creta will be underpinned by the third-generation K3 platform- the same that is found in the second-generation Seltos. It will likely grow slightly in size and have better structural rigidity.
In addition to the existing three powertrains- 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5L turbocharged petrol and 1.5L diesel, the new generation will likely see the addition of a strong hybrid powertrain based on a 1.5L petrol engine. The hybrid setup will have a strong focus on performance and fuel efficiency.
Hyundai is also believed to be evaluating the next-generation Bayon for the Indian market. The second-generation is now undergoing testing in Korea. Unlike its predecessor, the second-generation Bayon has a more rugged, SUV-like design.
When launched here, it will be offered with a newly developed 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine. More importantly, this engine will be hybrid-ready. The i20 N-Line-borrowed 1.0L turbo-petrol is also likely to be offered. Transmission options may include a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The previous generation Bayon used to share many of its components (particularly inside the cabin) with the i20 that was on sale then. The new model will likely do the same, and borrow parts from the upcoming next-generation i20.
The Hyundai Exter is expected to receive its first facelift in 2026. It was originally launched in 2023 and quickly became popular as the Korean carmaker’s most affordable SUV in India. The facelift was recently spotted on test. It is expected to get minor cosmetic upgrades like revised bumpers and lighting elements.
Inside, the new Exter will see the addition of more features like ventilated seats and larger screens. The micro-SUV is likely to get Hyundai’s next-generation infotainment system that runs on Android Automotive OS. This brings in a lot of flexibility and versatility to the system. The central touchscreen is expected to be replaced with a large 12.9-inch unit while a 9.9-inch display will do duty as the digital instrument cluster. The car will likely get a better integrated voice assistant experience as well.
The new Exter will remain mechanically unchanged. It will continue with the same petrol and CNG options as the current version.
This year, we will also see Hyundai launch its second mass-market EV- an electric SUV based on the Inster sold abroad. It will be underpinned by the E-GMP (K) platform and will likely come with two battery pack options- 42 kWh and 49 kWh. The smaller of these will have a range of around 300 km per charge, while the other will have around 355km per charge. When launched, this electric SUV will compete with the new Tata Punch and Citroen eC3 here.
The facelifted IONIQ 5 that debuted globally in 2024 is expected to be brought to India this year. It features minor cosmetic enhancements, more features and a larger battery pack. This EV will come with a new 84 kWh battery pack, claimed to deliver a range of up to 700 km per charge (WLTP cycle).
The IONIQ 5 may not be a volume-seller for the brand, but continues to be its EV flagship. It is often noted for its futuristic design, which is only set to improve on the updated model.