If any single automobile might kickstart the electrical revolution, it will be the Creta. An electrical model of the ‘king of the SUVs’ – and India’s second-largest-selling automobile in 2025 – would appear like a panacea for the EV world, besides it hasn’t actually been that. As we came upon within the many months we’ve had it, although, the issue is a notion one and not likely the product.
Let me start with the non-electric bits. It’s a Hyundai, so it’s very properly geared up with goodies like a Bose sound system, local weather management, ventilated entrance seats, a panoramic sunroof and even considerate particulars like solar blinds and fold-out tables on the rear. Then, it’s a Creta, so that you get an SUV that’s mid-sized, which has confirmed to be the proper match for India; not too giant to be unwieldy in our crowded cities, however not too small with tight inside house both. In addition to a spacious inside, it’s additionally a really comfortable place to be in. The seats really feel good, and in contrast to many EVs, which drive rear occupants right into a knees-up sitting place, right here you sit along with your knees solely very barely elevated. My son, who’s about 5 foot 11 inches, favored the truth that there’s loads of knee and foot room too. So, whereas he hates sitting within the rear of most EVs, right here he was simply positive.
My daughter, too, favored the rear, as she discovered the window line was low sufficient to supply her view outdoors; vital as she does really feel automobile sick simply. What she additionally favored was the experience; ‘not bouncy’ is how she put it. That actually comes right down to the damping steadiness. To compensate for the additional weight, it’s arrange stiffer, and what that has executed is get rid of secondary physique actions, which implies a pleasant and even poise, and that’s much less bothersome for folks susceptible to movement illness.
I, too, actually just like the experience. It’s good to be comfortable sufficient and likewise feels steady and safe at velocity. In relation to dealing with, although, the electric Creta feels extra benign, however that’s simply positive for me in what is meant to be an on a regular basis household automobile. However this has been one contentious space. Shapur says the drive really feel is just too characterless, and that’s in all probability right down to a light-weight steering that’s devoid of any really feel. Others assume it ought to be peppier. Sure, it doesn’t have that instantaneous kick of torque such as you get in, say, a Mahindra BE 6. However once more, I believe that is simply positive for a household SUV, and the 171hp and 255Nm motor delivers a 0 to 100kph time of 8.2 seconds, which is fast sufficient. And to Nikhil’s embarrassment – he loves the N-Line – it additionally out-dragged its sportier sibling and dispatched the BMW iX1 too in a set of drag races we had arrange.
Since we’re on the electrical powertrain, I’ve to speak of vary and effectivity too. The long-range electrical Creta that we now have comes with a 51.4kWh battery, and in our normal take a look at cycle it returned a 432km vary, near its ARAI-claimed determine of 473km, which is spectacular. This implies an effectivity of 9.45km/kWh; very spectacular. And whereas our take a look at cycle makes use of essentially the most fuel-efficient mode – Eco – even dwelling with it, the place all of us just about left it in Regular, we noticed an effectivity of 8+ km/kWh. It’s value noting, although, that rivals with bigger batteries have an extended vary.
Whereas it was with us, it was additionally despatched again to the supplier for a software program replace that Hyundai stated would enhance charging speeds. After all, we examined that declare once we obtained it again. Earlier than the replace, the automobile’s charging velocity would peak at roughly 46kW and would common about 41kW on DC chargers. After the replace, it now peaks at 72kW, and extra importantly, it constantly maintains increased common charging speeds of 67kW – an enormous enchancment. So, a 20-80 p.c battery cost takes about half-hour now, whereas earlier, it will take slightly over 50 minutes.
The remainder of the software program expertise has proved to be stellar as properly. For those who’ve been an everyday reader, you’ll have seen our studies on virtually each different mass-segment EV the place we’ve had some software program glitch or the opposite, like random display screen shutdowns to even high-voltage battery errors. Right here? Its proximity sensors, solely as soon as, began beeping randomly, and the door request sensor has been erratic at instances.
The Creta just isn’t with out faults, after all. My daughter finds the tailgate very heavy to carry. After procuring, it’s the children’ responsibility to unload the automobile, and a powered tailgate would have been so a lot better at this value level. I additionally don’t like that, not like its ICE siblings that get HVAC buttons, right here you’ve gotten contact surfaces as a substitute. There’s no wi-fi Android Auto or Apple CarPlay both. After which there’s additionally the battery, which is well seen beneath the ground and appears like it will scrape on a velocity breaker, however floor clearance just isn’t a difficulty.
As you’ve learn, the electrical Creta is a really spectacular product, as Saumil put it once we first reviewed the automobile – ‘it’s every little thing we love in regards to the Creta, with all that we love about EVs’. The gross sales, although, simply don’t mirror this. It’s priced in the direction of the upper finish of the section, however gross sales are properly under different rivals. The electrical Creta clocks 500 items a month. A Windsor, for reference, clocks over 2,000. Seems, its model power is proving to be its largest weak point. At this value level, EV consumers are upgrading from the midsize ICE section, so shopping for a ‘Creta’ doesn’t really feel like a step up. However simply look previous the familiarity, and you can be rewarded with what is maybe essentially the most smart electrical SUV.
| Hyundai Creta Electrical Excellence LR Check Information | |
| Odometer | 11,240km |
| Value | Rs 24.70 lakh (ex-showroom, India) |
| Effectivity | 8.1km/kWh |
| Upkeep price | Nil |
| Faults | Nil |
| Earlier studies | August 2025, November 2025, June 2026 |