There are some family men out there who’re still living in denial. These are the sort of guys who have two kids and a third on the way, but still don’t want to be caught dead driving an MPV. The trend of offering SUV-fied versions of popular MPVs—the Veloz (Avanza), Xpander Cross (Xpander), and Stargazer X (Stargazer) is a clear sign of that. While the standard version still tends to sell more, it’s more down to their positioning as entry-level or mid-grade variants of their respective model line-ups. Those who have the budget won’t think twice and would surely spring for something more butch such as the Stargazer X.
As a driving machine, the Stargazer X doesn’t exactly re-write the rules. Like every other small MPV in its price segment, it rides on a unibody platform with a 1.5-liter engine driving the front wheels. But what it lacks in originality, it delivers in the details.
Very important in the Stargazer X’s main dwelling—the city—the engine feels punchy at the low end. Pair that with its ace in the hold, the Intelligent Variable Transmission, and you’ve got the segment’s best balanced MPV, driving-wise. Even with four onboard, there’s little need to wring the life out of it. Moreover, the throttle is easily modulated and doesn’t feel tippy. The combo also happens to deliver excellent fuel economy: 11.49 km/L at an average speed of 23 km/h. A bonus is its impressive NVH isolation.
The chassis toes the line well between ride and handling. The expectations for a compact MPV in terms of driving fun are, admittedly, low, but this one’s quite pleasant. With its tire pressure pumped up to 36 PSI (the recommended level when it’s fully loaded), it’s still on the soft side. However, the decision to equip lower profile tires on the Stargazer X (205/50R17s) versus the regular Stargazer (205/55R16s), means more jarring goes unfiltered when passing over larger cracks or potholes. Push it through corners, and your arm movements are largely translated to the limits of what the softly sprung chassis could do. On the highway, it tracks straight with no hints of nervousness.
While the Stargazer X doesn’t really push the envelope in that regard, it does turn heads with its design. For the 2026 update, Hyundai’s dropped the “Baby Staria” look. Instead, they’ve gone all in on giving it a more crossover appearance. The resulting update is even more love-hate than before. Whichever side you’re on, it’s busier than designers probably intended it to be. The heavily revised front end looks so grafted on that you swear it’s two different vehicles Frankensteined together. The rear treatment fares much better. The raised (functional) roof rails and added black cladding are supposed to make it more SUV-like, but the illusion’s broken by the dinky wheels and tires. A note to Hyundai: perhaps consider chunkier tires next time?
If there’s one pleasant thing to have come out of the Stargazer’s revised front end is that the visibility’s quite improved from before. Compared to the previous version, where the hood simply drops from view, the raised hood now makes it easier to judge where the front overhang is. The front clearance sensors also help out in that regard. That said, the sharply angled A-pillars and small front quarter windows can still be a pain in that it’s still hard to make out on-coming pedestrians and cyclists at times.
For a midcycle update, the Stargazer X really impresses inside. This is easily the best part and as a result, it trounces every other small MPV in terms of design, ergonomics, and functionality. Like its “mini-Palisade” exterior, it now dons design cues inspired by Hyundai’s flagship SUV. Hyundai’s dropped the narrow dashboard look of before for something visually bulkier with a U-shaped channel that properly incorporates the twin 10.25-inch displays. In the process, the controversial thiccboi plastic bezel’s gone. Thank goodness. There’s also a new bank of climate and infotainment controls that are made up of easy-to-navigate physical knobs, toggles, and capacitive controls.
Flexibility is also another great highlight for the Stargazer X with a second row that slides and reclines in a 60/40 split, and a third row that reclines in a 50/50 split. Even with the third row up, the cargo space is okay for a couple of duffel bags and grocery, but fold both the second and third row seats down, and you get a long, continuous load space. There’s even an underfloor storage compartment for tools and other small knick-knacks.
Worrying though is that the Stargazer has taken a step back in terms of safety. Whereas the previous Stargazer had three-point seatbelts for everyone, for the 2026 update, they’ve downgraded the second-row middle occupant to a lap belt. Adding salt to the wound, this is easily the worst seat in the house for the lack of a headrest.
Hyundai’s decision to backtrack on offering proper seatbelts for everyone is also reflective of the 2026 Stargazer’s safety equipment. Whereas you can get the driver assist features on both the regular and SUV-fied versions of the Stargazer, this time around, it’s only available on this variant, the Stargazer X Premium. Thankfully, they’ve resisted the urge to de-contenting as front, side, and rear functionalities have been kept. It can be overly nannying at times, but at least the volume level can be adjusted, and some functions can be switched off individually.
Priced at P 1,378,000, the Stargazer X GLS Premium is a full P 260,000 more than the base Stargazer GL Plus. That sounds like a hefty premium for getting an MPV with added SUV design cues. And mind you, there are no mechanical tweaks worth mentioning there—there’s no hybrid or turbo, nor do you get additional drive wheels or some such. Yet, at the end of the day, once you factor in the added equipment as well as the competition, the Stargazer X is, undeniably, excellent value. Remember, its chief rivals are the Xpander Cross (P 1,378,000) and the Honda BR-V VX (P 1,400,000)—both SUV-fied MPVs which are either priced the same, or cost more. Yet, the Hyundai’s managed to trump them both by offering a more refined drive, better equipment, a plusher interior, and a longer standard warranty.
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2026 Hyundai Stargazer X Premium IVT |
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| Bottom Line | |
| Pros | Well-balanced ride and handling, surprisingly good fuel economy, great value for money. |
| Cons | Design looks tacked on, needs chunkier tires, less safety equipment than in 2022. |
| TL;DR | If you're shopping for an MPV turned crossover, this is the best one to get. |
| Ownership | |
| Year Introduced | 2022 (Refreshed: 2025) |
| Warranty | 5 years / 200,000 kilometers |
| The Basics | |
| Body Type | Compact MPV |
| Seating | 7 |
| Engine / Drive | F/F |
| Under the Hood | |
| Displacement (liters) | 1.5 |
| Aspiration | Normally Aspirated |
| Fuel Delivery | EFI |
| Layout / # of Cylinders | I4 |
| Maximum Output (PS @ rpm) | 115 @ 6,300 |
| Maximum Torque (Nm @ rpm) | 144 @ 4,500 |
| Fuel / Min. Octane | Gasoline / ~91 |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Cruise Control | Yes, Adaptive |
| Fuel Economy (km/L) @ Ave. Speed (km/h) | 11.49 @ 23 km/h |
| Fuel Tank Size (L) | 40 |
| Dimensions and Weights | |
| Length (mm) | 4,610 |
| Width (mm) | 1,820 |
| Height (mm) | 1,740 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,780 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,272 |
| Suspension and Tires | |
| Front Suspension | Independent, MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam Alxe |
| Front Brakes | Vented Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc |
| Parking Brake | Electronic, w/ Auto Hold |
| Tires |
Goodyear Assurance
TripleMax 2 205/50 R 17 H (f & r) |
| Recommended Tire Pressure (PSI) |
33, all (partial), 36, all (full) |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Safety Features | |
| Airbags | 6 |
| Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) | Yes, with EBD |
| Traction / Stability Control | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | Yes, Front & Rear |
| Parking Camera | Yes, Rear |
| Front Seatbelts | 3-pt ELR w/ pre-tensioners x 2 |
| Rear Seatbelts |
3-pt ELR x 2,
2-pt Lap Belt x 1 (2nd row), 3-pt ELR x 2 (3rd row) |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor | Yes |
| Advanced Driver Assist System |
Forward Collision
Avoidance Assist Lane Following Assist Lane Keeping Assist |
| Other Safety Features |
Hill-Start Assist Control Tire Pressure Monitoring System Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist |
| Exterior Features | |
| Headlights | LED, Auto High Beam |
| Fog Lamps | None |
| Light Operation | Automatic |
| Wiper Operation | Variable Intermittent |
| Tailgate | Manual |
| Interior Features | |
| Steering Wheel Adjust | Tilt/Telescopic |
| Steering Wheel Material | Leather |
| Seating Adjustment (driver) | Manual, 6-way |
| Seating Adjustment (front passenger) | Manual, 4-way |
| Seating Surface | Leatherette |
| 2nd Row | 60/40 Folding, Reclining, Sliding, Tumbling |
| 3rd Row | 50/50 Folding, Reclining |
| Sunroof | None |
| Multi-Information Display / Size | Yes, 10.25-inch |
| Convenience Features | |
| Power Steering | Yes |
| Power Door Locks | Yes |
| Power Windows | Yes |
| Power Mirrors | Yes, w/ Fold |
| Rear View Mirror | Day/Night |
| Proximity Key | Yes |
| Climate Control | Automatic (Front), Manual (Rear) |
| Audio System |
Stereo USB Type C |
| Wireless Charger | Front |
| Infotainment Display / Size | 10.25-inch |
| Smartphone Connectivity |
Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto Waze |
| # of Speakers | 6 |
| Steering Controls | Yes |
After seeing the refreshed exterior of this car, it was subjectively telling me something was not right... it was whispering of when a prestigious Japanese car brand changed its design language early this century to appear overly designed, but actually lacked appeal, flair, harmony, and substance. It probably was a turning point that the brand has not recovered from... yet.
ReplyDeleteHorrendous front design. Looks so much like a riced up car.
ReplyDeletePlease Hyundai, fix this design. It’s taking away from a proper car in its segment.
I feel most Hyundai cars today suffers from a design problem - Tucson, Elantra, Staria, Creta and Stargazer. Custin is the most palatable. I'm glad new facelift version tries to soften the original design disaster due to buyer feedback. The Stargazer is still bad so those who share my observation will have to wait for the next gen or the next designer.
ReplyDeleteAng sta fe pag nakatagilid at nakatalikod pang St. Peter
DeleteTo disassociate the nameplate from the funeral company, it is prob the reason why Starex of before is now named Staria. But looks can't be deceived.
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