One of the good things that resulted from the pandemic is that it reignited a love for the open road and a passion for adventure. Over the past couple of years, we have seen a steady rise in people going on roads trips, the opening of beautiful camping grounds and boutique resorts, and the eagerness of the Filipino to explore more of the country than taking flight.
At the beginning, it started out as a very personal affair—setting up an off-road or overlanding rig that can take on unfamiliar terrain and venturing off for some much-needed “alone time” after being cooped up for so long. Eventually, the spirit of community returned and from small, intimate groups, we are seeing families and friends getting together and traveling out of town for short (or long) weekend getaways.
Such was the experience that Hyundai provided when we were invited for the ride and drive with the Hyundai Stargazer X. Granted, the past month felt like an entire year crammed into 31 days. When Hyundai’s invitation for a road trip came around, it was an absolute yes, if only to get out of the city for a couple of days. Right off the bat, the Stargazer X was the perfect vehicle for the job—aesthetically sporty and exciting, generous seating, modern infotainment and technology, and best of all, drives like a dream.
Take it from us, the Hyundai Stargazer X is definitely not your typical mover or “mom car.” After our bonding session with it, here’s why we think that it is a daily driver, a family car, and a practical transport all rolled into one.
Sporty, modern, with a touch of adventure
The Hyundai design philosophy has drastically changed and the Stargazer X is one of the models that is embedded with this new futuristic image. Compared to the standard Stargazer, the Stargazer X has been updated with an edgier, exciting aura, making it more compelling to a wider audience.
It is built with a black 3D front grille, black wheel arches and side moldings, signature H-shaped LED rear lamps, and sits on 17-inch alloy wheels. What’s unique to the Stargazer X is how the front headlights wrap around the front grille to create the same fluid line that is depicted in the continuous design of the daytime running light right on the hoodline.
The Stargazer X also features a rounded, modern silhouette that is a shift from the standard boxiness of an MPV. This half-pod shape creates an illusion that makes the Stargazer X look decidedly bigger than it actually is. You’d be surprised at the tight provincial streets and obstacles that we were able to fit ourselves through on the drive to Clark, Pampanga!
Overall, it befits a younger set that is looking for a car that can move with them through their multi-faceted world, yet complements their unique personality to a T.
Exceptional driving performance in an MPV package
More than its looks, the beauty of the Hyundai Stargazer X is how easy and compelling it is to drive. MPV are normally utility vehicles and are built for function, not necessarily enjoyment. With the Stargazer X, you get the best of both worlds and the long continuous driving from the city to the outskirts proved its capabilities.
Running on a 1.5L CVT, it offered smooth acceleration and power delivery, while being responsive when it came to braking and sudden maneuvering. The steering was stable, with just the right solid feel so it never felt like we were oversteering. The suspension was light but grounded, which was perfect for the unpaved roads that we had to travel through to reach our destination. It was able to absorb minor impact from uneven streets and potholes without a hitch, which also contributed to the riding comfort for the passengers.
This attention to performance made the Stargazer X an enjoyable drive. Because the experience was made comfortable for the driver, there was less chance for fatigue or tunnel vision, especially on long journeys.
Comfortably houses an entire crew of your nearest and dearest
Weekend getaways are rarely a solo affair nowadays. Rather, because life has gone back to a semblance of normalcy, even short vacations have reverted back to community style. The Hyundai Stargazer X is prepared to support every kind of road trip, whether short or long, for a few or for many.
Being a 7-seater SUV meant that it has the capacity to seat your entire crew, whether it’s your family or barkada — pets included. Throughout the drive, it offered superior comfort and legroom, all the way to the third row, where the seating is normally cramped and uncomfortable. In addition, it featured amenities that caters to the convenience of passengers, including a multitude of cupholders accessible in every row, charging ports, a wireless charging pad, and even stowaway tables installed to the back of the driver’s and front passenger’s seats.
Modern technology for the modern individual
Navigation isn’t the only must-have when we are driving. What’s important to today’s generation of motorists is the ability for the car to connect with devices conveniently, with an easy-to-navigate interface. The Stargazer X ticks all the boxes, starting with the centerpiece, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is connectible via wireless Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Because we were going on a long drive, it was imperative that we stayed in contact and had navigation ready at all times. The wireless connectivity between Hyundai’s system to our device was quick and easy from the initial pairing to repeat connections thereafter.
But technology is not just about entertainment. When Hyundai talks tech, it talks about safety, which is a priority for every vehicle. Thankfully, the Stargazer X already comes with Hyundai SmartSense as a standard, featuring the brand’s Safety Advanced Driver Assistance System. This safety suite includes High Beam Assist, Manual Speed Limit Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and many others.
The Hyundai Stargazer X was created to be the MPV of the future. By this, we are not just referring to its modern, futuristic look. It is an MPV that has taken communal travel to another level by taking into account the details and nuances that make every long journey count — from the excitement of driving, a passenger’s comfort and convenience, to the practical functionalities that make road trips enjoyable and hassle-free.
