Hyundai held the global launch of the refreshed Stargazer and Stargazer X at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2025. The compact MPV as well as its SUV-styled derivative now offers a more rugged design and a longer list of creature comfort features.
Appended with “Cartenz” name in Indonesia, which is inspired by that country’s highest peak, it symbolizes Hyundai’s commitment to offering vehicles that are top-tier in their comfort and innovation.
Outside, the 2026 Stargazer gains a more masculine, crossover-inspired styling. The fender, hood, and bumpers have all been modified to make it more upright, especially considering its two-box shape. The eye-catching full-length front LED light bar remains, but is now made to connect the vertically-oriented DRLs (as opposed to the seamless horizon design of old). Like the front, the interconnected lighting remains, but again, the graphic has been made much more aggressive than before. The tailgate is also new with the number plate placement moving from the tailgate to the lower bumper. Flush-type roof rails also appear as part of the regular Stargazer kit.
Meanwhile, the refreshed Stargazer X shows an even more rugged design. Compared to the regular Stargazer, it sports fender flares, large raised roof rails, and an extended rear spoiler. Blacked out wheels complete the package.
Regardless of model, the Stargazer continues to have a roomy, comfortable cabin but with a completely redesigned dashboard. The awkward upper panel has been replaced by a slimmer design which happens to incorporate a phone holder on the dashboard itself. The two TFT color displays, measuring up to 10.25-inch for the driver and 10.25-inch for the infotainment system, provide a high-tech look and feel.
Unique to the Stargazer X is a new steering column-mounted shift-by-wire gear selector, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, and an 8-speaker Bose sound system. An electronic parking brake with auto hold is also standard here, whereas in the Stargazer, it’s available on the upper variants only.
Carried over from the current Stargazer, the 2026 Stargazer and Stargazer X get a 1.5-liter Smartstream G 4-cylinder engine producing 115 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque. The gearbox options remain a 6-speed manual or an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) on the Stargazer and an IVT for the Stargazer X.
As for suspension, both Stargazer variants use a MacPherson Strut / Torsion Beam Axle combination. Oddly enough, regardless of whether drivers chose the MPV or SUV-styled derivative, the ground clearance remains the same at 205 mm.
When it comes to safety, Hyundai has equipped higher-spec variants with Hyundai Smartsense which bundles technologies such as blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision warning, and rear cross traffic avoidance alert, along with adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, lane keep assist and driver attention warning. This is on top of front and rear parking sensors, blind spot view monitor, and a 360-degree camera.
Hyundai has confirmed that both the Stargazer and Stargazer X will be exported to multiple international markets from Indonesia where it goes on sale starting today. It will be adopted to meet diverse consumer preferences, says the Korean automaker; an initiative that underscores their commitment to delivering relevant mobility solutions globally.
Still ugly outside. But the interior is a significant glow-up.
ReplyDeleteSir Uly, did you have a comprehensive review of the first gen? I believe some vlogers had a comparison review with other brands but still, it did not sell as well as the leading brands. Hope you get to test one this time.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.carguide.ph/2023/03/review-2023-hyundai-stargazer-15-gls.html
DeleteThis looks a lot better than the previous model.
ReplyDeleteIts more mature in and out.
Feels like it mimicked the Mitsubishi Xpander and Xpander Cross.
ReplyDeleteAlso like the Toyota Avanza and Veloz
DeleteDash panel looks well designed this time. No longer that oddly-shaped plastic. Steerting wheel design, could be better.
ReplyDeletevery futuristic and elegant compared to competitors
ReplyDeleteX looks good!
ReplyDeleteNice the ground clearance is slightly higher now
ReplyDeleteWhen is this going to be released in Ph?
ReplyDeleteDec
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