Hyundai Motor India took its sweet time bringing an electric Creta, but, as they say, better late than never, right? While some rivals have been zipping around the EV circuit, Hyundai sat back, observed, and brought the Creta Electric after careful preparation and fine-tuning. And if our initial driving impressions are anything to go by, it just might have cracked the mass-market EV code. It’s got the familiarity of the ICE version, yet comes across as a breath of fresh air – all thanks to that EV hardware and some other upgrades. So, is it the practical, no-compromise electric SUV we’ve all been waiting for? Find out in our Hyundai Creta Electric test drive review here.
New Wine in Old Bottle?
At first glance, the Creta Electric looks, well… like a Creta. Hyundai hasn’t gone wild with the design, and that’s not a bad thing for targeting a mass appeal. It sticks to the familiar formula but with just enough tweaks to remind you this one’s different. The front takes some inspiration from the N-Line, but, of course, instead of a grille, there’s a flap hiding the charging socket. The bumper looks sharper too, featuring active aero flaps that adjust for cooling and efficiency. Hyundai has also thrown in a new “pixellated” pattern at the front and rear, a nod to its Ioniq siblings. But while those look futuristic, this one is among the more subtle styling details.
Side profile? No major surprises here. It rolls on 17-inch wheels wrapped in low rolling resistance tyres, designed to squeeze every last bit of range from the battery. There’s a slight 10mm ground clearance bump (now at 200mm), which should help with our ever-adventurous speed breakers. Much of everything else has been carried over from the regular Creta. So, while it doesn’t scream “EV” at first sight, the familiar look with some tweaks could help the EV build on the legacy of the ICE siblings.
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If Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
Hyundai knows how to do interiors, and the Creta Electric is no exception. Step inside, and it’s familiar yet fancy. The layout is nearly identical to the petrol Creta, but that’s not a bad thing. The dual 10.25-inch screens continue to take the centre-stage, offering crisp graphics and a snappy touch response. The digital driver’s display is easy on the eyes, feeding you all the EV-specific data without information overload. Hyundai’s BlueLink app gets a huge upgrade – it now helps you locate and pay for charging stations in one go. No more juggling multiple apps—just tap, charge, and drive. The floating center console adds a futuristic touch, while the lighter colour tones, soft-touch materials on the doors and dashboard elevate the cabin’s feel.
The large, supportive front seats get electric adjustment, memory settings, and ventilation. The three-spoke steering wheel feels plush, and in a quirky touch, Hyundai has replaced the logo with a Morse code version. Oh, and lest we forget, the upholstery is made from 100% vegan leather. Rear-seat space remains unchanged, meaning decent knee and headroom, just like in the ICE version. But three adults might feel snug. The 433-litre boot is generous, and there’s even a 22-litre frunk up front. All in all, the setup builds on the highly likeable cabin of the ICE sister and takes things a step further.
Electrifying Enough?
Hyundai’s latest EV is available with two battery options: a 42kWh standard pack and a 51.4kWh Long Range pack. Both use Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) cell chemistry, which means they’re more energy-dense and compact than the Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (LFP) batteries you find in some rivals. The trade-off? NMC batteries generally don’t last as long as LFP ones, but Hyundai’s 8-year/1,60,000km warranty should ease any battery anxiety.
Under the hood—or rather, under the floor—the Creta Electric packs a front-mounted single motor. The Long Range variant churns out 171hp and 255Nm of torque, which puts it in the same ballpark as the turbo-petrol and diesel versions. However, being an EV, all that torque arrives instantly. Even in Eco mode, the Creta Electric feels eager, while Sport mode dials up the responsiveness, making overtakes effortless. Hyundai has even added a subtle bassy hum when you floor it for those who dislike the eerily silent nature of electric vehicles.
Hyundai claims a 0-100kph time of 7.9 seconds, but our tests clocked it at a shade over 8 seconds—not a dealbreaker by any means. The top speed? A very respectable 180kph. But what’s more impressive is the real-world range, which comfortably crosses 400km. You get five levels of regen, from mild to strong, and even an ‘i-Pedal’ mode that lets you drive using just the accelerator. It’s intuitive and smooth, ensuring you don’t lurch forward every time you lift off the pedal. Plus, adaptive cruise control integrates seamlessly with the regen system, automatically adjusting braking based on traffic conditions. All in all, the Creta Electric has got enough punch to make city as well as highway drives just as enjoyable as the 1.5 Turbo version.
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My View
So, does the Hyundai Creta Electric have what it takes to shake up the EV segment? Well, it’s not here to set drag strip records or dazzle with spaceship-like styling. Instead, Hyundai has played it smart—delivering an EV that feels effortless, refined, and familiar. No unnecessary gimmicks, no dramatic aesthetics —just a well-rounded electric SUV that builds on the strengths of its ICE sibling whilst adding the typical EV traits to the mix. The Creta Electric focuses on what matters: comfort, usability, and a refined driving experience. The transition from ICE to electric has been handled with finesse here. It drives smoothly, has a well-appointed cabin, and offers enough range to deal with the range anxiety. Plus, in spite of not being a ‘Born Electric’ offering, there aren’t any real compromises to speak of.
But, of course, there’s competition – plenty of it. The Mahindra BE 6 is turning heads with its bold design and feature-packed experience, while the e-Vitara lurks as another potential rival. But the Creta Electric positions itself as the simpler, more practical choice—a no-fuss EV for those who want modern tech without the theatrics.
