Hyundai Alcazar vs. Competitors: What Sets it Apart on the Road?

The midsize SUV segment in India is more crowded than ever, with almost every major automaker vying for a slice of the pie. In 2021, Hyundai threw its hat into the ring with the Alcazar. This 7-seater SUV is an extended wheelbase version of their popular Creta. However, in the competitive midsize SUV space, the Alcazar needs more than just extra seats to stand out.

This blog will explore how the Alcazar compares to its key rivals—the Tata Harrier, MG Hector Plus, and Mahindra XUV700. We'll analyse Alcazar's strengths in design, performance, features, safety, and versatility. This comprehensive comparison highlights what sets the Alcazar apart on the road.

Pricing Factor

The Alcazar is competitively priced in the SUV segment, with an on-road price range of Rs 19.15 lakh to Rs 24.73 lakh (Delhi). The base variants start below Rs 20 Lakhs (on-road), offering a well-equipped 7-seater SUV package at an attractive price point. This positions the Alcazar as strong value-for-money against rivals like the Hector Plus, which is priced at a premium. The Hyundai Alcazar price is a sweet spot between affordability and upmarket positioning in this segment. If you are looking for great deals on the Alcazar, visit the AckoDrive website for great discount offers and transparent pricing.

Striking Exterior Design

The Alcazar features a signature Hyundai grille with chrome inserts, giving it an imposing front fascia. The LED headlamps and DRLs integrated with turn indicators further accentuate the front. 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels on the top-end trims, roof rails and a rear spoiler add to the side profile. At the rear, split LED tail lamps connected by a chrome stripe give a hi-tech appearance.

The front fascia resembles the Creta's, but the Alcazar has a more upright rear profile typical of a 7-seater SUV. Dual-tone colour options, like Titan Grey with a Phantom Black roof, add to the visual appeal and contemporary styling. Overall, the Alcazar combines SUV masculinity with premium contemporary design cues more successfully than its rivals.

Key Exterior Features:

- Front grille with chrome inserts

- Split LED tail lamps connected by a chrome stripe

- 18-inch Diamond-cut alloy wheels

- Panoramic sunroof

- Roof rails

- LED headlamps with DRLs

Premium and Feature-Loaded Cabin

The Alcazar’s interior punches above its weight with premium materials and packed features. The dual-tone Cognac Brown and Black colour scheme delivers a classy ambience, and blue ambient lighting enhances the sense of luxury.

The 10.25-inch touchscreen features the latest version of Hyundai’s BlueLink-connected car tech. BlueLink offers 65+ connectivity features, such as remote operations, vehicle tracking, geofencing, and AI voice commands. The cabin also has a Bose sound system, 360-degree camera, wireless charger, air purifier, and electric parking brake.

Key Interior Features:

- 10.25-inch HD touchscreen with BlueLink

- Bose premium sound system

- 360-degree camera

- Ventilated front seats

- Wireless charger

- Air purifier

- 64-colour ambient lighting

Refined Performance

Under the hood, the Alcazar has the option of petrol and diesel engines. The 2.0-litre petrol produces 159 bhp and 191Nm torque, while the proven 1.5-litre diesel generates 115 bhp and 250Nm torque. Both engines deliver smooth, linear power, ideal for comfortable cruising.

The engines come mated to 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic options. The automatic variants get paddle shifters for quick manual gear changes when overtaking. Drive and traction modes further enhance control over the power delivery. Overall, the driving experience focuses on refinement rather than outright performance.

Key Performance Attributes:

- 159 bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine

- 115 bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine

- 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions

- Paddle shifters for flexibility

- Multi-drive and traction modes

- Tuned suspension for comfort

Abundance of Safety Technologies

Hyundai has equipped the Alcazar with multiple active and passive safety features. Six airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors are standard.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill Assist Control provide added safety reassurance during sudden manoeuvres and inclines. A tyre pressure monitoring system alerts you about low pressure. Isofix child seat anchors and rear parking cameras further enhance safety for little passengers.

Key Safety Technologies:

- Six airbags

- ABS with EBD

- Hill Assist Control

- Electronic Stability Control

- Tire Pressure Monitoring System

- Isofix child seat anchors

- Reverse parking camera

Spacious and Flexible Cabin

One of the Alcazar’s biggest USPs is its spacious interior, especially in the second row. The wheelbase has been extended by 150mm over the Creta, unlocking ample legroom even for tall passengers. The captain seats offer extra comfort with their armrests.

With all three rows up, boot space is limited to 180 litres. But the versatile 60:40 split-folding seats help create up to 650 litres for weekends away. By folding the last row, the Alcazar transforms from a 7-seater to a 4-seater. With both rear rows folded, it offers an expansive 2,080 litres of space.

Key Cabin Highlights:

- 150mm longer wheelbase than the Creta

- Captain seats in 6-seater version

- 180 litres boot space (7 seats)

The X-Factor

The Alcazar’s biggest strength lies in its balance between practicality and desirability. It delivers on the core expectations of space, features, and performance. At the same time, the striking design, premium touches, and versatile cabin inject an emotional, aspirational aspect.

Compared to its clinical German rivals, the Alcazar brings a touch of flair. Next to its utilitarian homegrown competitors, it delivers more finesse and luxury. The Alcazar strikes a pleasing middle ground for buyers wanting extra seats without compromising style or comfort. Its unique blend of sensibility and emotion gives this Hyundai an X-factor advantage over rivals.

Conclusion

Hyundai has carefully tailored the Alcazar to meet the demands of discerning 7-seater SUV buyers. It has the road presence, features, space, and drivability to compete as an alternative to the Creta and midsize SUVs.

Clever packaging unlocks practicality without sacrificing style. Safety and tech are at par with segment benchmarks. And true to Hyundai’s heritage, it brings higher perceived quality and luxury. The Alcazar stands tall as a well-rounded offering in a hotly contested arena for all these reasons.

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