The population of small hatchbacks has been shrinking in recent years, with more people opting for small crossovers instead. These mini-SUVs provide the elevated ride height and versatility of an SUV while maintaining a compact size for city driving. Enter the Hyundai Creta, one of the latest entries in the highly competitive small crossover segment. The question is, how does the Creta stack up as a city car?
One look at the Hyundai Creta and you can’t help but notice the family resemblance—it looks like a baby Hyundai Tucson, which isn’t a bad thing at all. The Creta borrows some of the sharp design cues from its bigger sibling, giving it an upmarket appearance that belies its size. From its well-sculpted body lines to its sleek front end, it definitely stands out in a crowd of otherwise bland crossovers.
However, the rear end might spark some debate. The taillight design is polarizing; some may love its bold, futuristic look, while others might find it a bit too much. Either way, it’s unique, and being unique is better than blending in, right? Plus, Hyundai offers a range of color options, including some cool two-tone combinations that give the Creta extra personality. The full-LED lighting system, complete with a distinct Daytime Running Light (DRL), enhances its modern look while also providing great visibility at night.
At first glance, the Creta may seem like the smallest Hyundai crossover, but it’s not as diminutive as you might think. Compared to rivals like the Toyota Raize and Kia Sonet, the Creta’s proportions are on point—it looks compact but not tiny. The 17-inch wheels, which sport a unique design, also add to its appealing stance.
The only thing that could use some tweaking is the taillight design, and Hyundai has already addressed this in the next-generation Creta, which hasn’t hit our shores just yet.
Inside, the Creta surprises with its upscale vibe. The two-tone black-and-brown interior is a nice touch, making it feel more premium than its price tag suggests. It’s not just about aesthetics, though—there’s plenty of functionality here, too. Soft-touch materials abound, and the overall cabin design doesn’t feel cheap at all.
For the driver, there’s ample space to get comfortable, along with plenty of cubbyholes to store your phone, wallet, and whatever else you might need. Spacious cupholders are also a thoughtful addition. The front passenger gets the same generous treatment with plenty of legroom and equally convenient storage spaces.
Move to the second row, and the Creta continues to impress. The multi-directional air conditioning vents are a godsend on hot days, and there’s a charging port and a small cubbyhole to keep your gadgets and snacks organized. While it doesn’t offer a third-row option, the second-row space is more than adequate for passengers, offering a comfortable ride even on longer journeys.
The trunk is also roomy, with enough space to handle a month’s worth of groceries or your weekend getaway luggage. Overall, the Creta’s interior is well thought out and doesn’t leave much room for improvement—everything feels just right for a city crossover.
Hyundai didn’t skimp on tech for the Creta. The infotainment system is responsive and integrates seamlessly into the dashboard design, making it feel like it was meant to be there rather than an afterthought. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless charging are a dynamic duo that ensures you’re always connected without the hassle of tangled cords.
On the safety front, the Creta checks most of the essential boxes. You get advanced driver-assist features like Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Hill Start Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert—all of which come in handy during everyday driving, especially in congested urban areas. Standard cruise control is also available, which is a bonus at this price point.
However, it’s a bit disappointing to find only two airbags (driver and front passenger) in the Creta. In today’s market, especially with competitors offering more comprehensive airbag systems, Hyundai could’ve pushed the safety envelope a bit further.
Under the hood, the Hyundai Creta is powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that delivers 155 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque. This might not sound like much, but it’s more than sufficient for city driving. Paired with a CVT, acceleration is smooth and predictable, as long as you know how to handle a CVT’s quirks. It’s not going to give you a thrilling rush, but it’s linear and easy to use—ideal for navigating through traffic or merging onto highways.
The steering is light but not overly assisted, striking a nice balance between being easy to maneuver in the city and feeling firm and composed at higher speeds. Handling is agile, with a tight turning radius that makes U-turns and tight parking maneuvers a breeze.
The suspension is where the Creta really shines. It’s pliant enough to soak up potholes and bumps without compromising ride comfort. After a full day of driving—about seven hours on mixed roads—I wasn’t left feeling fatigued or dealing with any back pain, which speaks volumes about the car’s overall comfort.
Fuel efficiency is also competitive. In the city, the Creta manages around 8 km/L, while on the highway it stretches to an impressive 16 km/L, which is on par with others in this segment.
The only real gripe is the brake feel. At first, the brakes can feel a bit mushy, requiring more pressure before they bite down effectively. A bit more responsiveness from the brakes would definitely elevate the driving experience.
At P1,388,000 for the GLS variant I tested, the Hyundai Creta sits right in the middle of the small crossover segment in terms of pricing. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s also far from the most expensive. If you’re willing to consider alternatives from Chinese automakers, you may find better value for your money. However, the Creta has something that many of those competitors don’t—Hyundai’s reputation.
Over the years, Hyundai has vastly improved its lineup, earning awards and recognition both here and abroad. More importantly, it has proven itself to be a reliable brand, not just in terms of style and substance but also in terms of after-sales service and parts availability. If those things matter to you, the Hyundai Creta is a solid purchase that’s definitely worth considering.
In the end, the Hyundai Creta strikes a nice balance between being a stylish, tech-filled urban runabout and a capable long-distance cruiser. For city dwellers in need of a versatile crossover, the Creta checks all the right boxes.
