The 2026 Hyundai Stargazer facelift is a mini MPV family car assembled in Indonesia for export to ASEAN countries, including Thailand. It is designed to meet the needs of family members, available in a six-seat layout with a captain's seat in the second row, allowing easy passage to the third row. The interior emphasizes spaciousness despite being 10 centimeters shorter than the Mitsubishi Xpander, with a taller roof than competitors. Its design resembles the larger Hyundai Staria but is scaled down with sharp curves (One Curve Design). The grille integrates with the headlights and LED daytime running lights (DRL). The cargo area offers over 30 storage compartments.
Price of the 2026 Hyundai Stargazer facelift
Stargazer Trend 6: 719,000 baht
Stargazer Smart 6: 799,000 baht (test model)
Three body colors for the 2026 Hyundai Stargazer facelift
Midnight Black Pearl
Titan Grey Metallic (test model)
Creamy White Pearl
The new facelifted Stargazer supports versatile use, is easy to drive, and offers more space than typical passenger cars. It suits SME owners or new startups seeking a reliable vehicle capable of transporting goods, work equipment, and comfortably carrying family members. Its three-row, six-seat layout provides flexible folding options to increase cargo space, making it a true multi-purpose vehicle. It is ideal for modern families needing extra space and comfortable seating in every row. The exterior design is completely revamped: the hood is higher and longer, the grille and bumper have a new SUV-style design, LED headlights with integrated daytime running lamps, and a redesigned rear bumper and LED taillights. The length has increased by 115 millimeters, enhancing proportions while retaining spacious interior highlights.
The 2026 Stargazer facelift is clearly shorter than the Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Veloz but offers interior space larger than initially expected. Its side profile resembles a MINI MPV or small van. The rear sliding door and foldable middle-row seats allow easy access to the third row. As an affordable MINI MPV six-seater, its price is slightly higher than competitors like the Suzuki XL7. The 2026 facelift model's side line runs from the top edge of the headlights through the two doors to the midpoint of the taillight edge. The Smart 6 model (six seats) is priced at 800,000 baht. The test model in dark grey features a redesigned grille and headlights, updated taillights, 16-inch alloy wheels sized 16 x 6.5J with 205/55 R16 tires.
The taillights extend horizontally from the rear pillar to the bumper edge. The LED taillight design complements the rear with a unique, spaceship-like shape. The tailgate lacks electric operation and opens manually, lifting wide for easy cargo loading. The Hyundai Stargazer's body measures 4,575 mm in length, 1,780 mm in width, and 1,695 mm in height, with a 2,780 mm wheelbase and 185 mm ground clearance. The fuel tank capacity is 40 liters, the vehicle weighs approximately 1,272 kilograms, and the minimum turning radius is 5.4 meters.
The facelifted interior replaces synthetic leather seats with gray-black fabric in all positions. All seats are manually adjustable. The second row has a center gap allowing passage to the third row without folding seats. The third row offers ample leg and headroom, though cargo space is limited when six passengers are aboard due to the 10 cm shorter rear compared to competitors. It can fit two day-trip suitcases, with more space available when the third row is folded for larger luggage. The driver's seat is relatively high due to the MINI MPV body style, and the steering wheel is adjustable in four directions. A notable design feature is large all-around windows that create a spacious cabin feel, enhanced by light-tone synthetic ceiling materials. A new storage tray behind the front passenger seat resembles an airline food tray.
The interior materials and equipment seem downgraded. Due to the large, sloping windshield, the dashboard and center console are large and occupy significant space. The front is designed short and sloped for aerodynamics to reduce air resistance and fuel consumption. The center dashboard has silver plastic trim with rectangular air vents and a digital climate control panel. The wireless phone charger from the previous model has been removed. The dashboard and console use black injection-molded plastic. Rear ceiling air vents with adjustable fan speed switches serve the back zone. The digital air conditioning controls have been replaced by rotary switches, which, while appearing cost-saving, are durable and functional. The central touchscreen is a new 8-inch widescreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Seats have a new leather-fabric combination design. Features include adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, forward vehicle movement alert (LVDA), and junction turning collision avoidance (FCA-JT).
The 2026 facelifted Hyundai Stargazer's interior equipment includes Smart Keyless Entry, push-button start, driving mode switch, leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel with multifunction controls, audio controls, and cruise control adjustment. The steering wheel adjusts in four directions. The instrument cluster is fully digital with an LCD driver information display. The infotainment touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Bluetooth wireless connectivity and USB ports are provided, with two USB charging ports for rear passengers. The automatic climate control system has rear air vents. Ambient blue mood lighting has been removed in this model.
The gear lever is ergonomically positioned, with a driving mode selector beside it offering four modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Smart. The Smart mode automatically adjusts responses based on driving behavior. Below the mode selector is the stability control switch. The handbrake lever and center armrest double as a storage box and hold two cup holders.
The New Stargazer is powered by a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with 16 valves (Smartstream 1.5 MPI). The engine displacement is 1,497 cc with a bore of 75.6 mm and stroke of 83.4 mm, compression ratio 10.5:1, producing a maximum power of 115 horsepower and peak torque of 144 Nm at 4,500 rpm. It uses an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) automatic gearbox with a metal belt to reduce slippage during acceleration. The IVT can simulate up to eight speeds via manual shifting by pushing the gear lever right and toggling +/-.
Safety technology includes the Hyundai SmartSense intelligent safety suite with 13 systems, offering the most comprehensive safety options in this segment. It adds Junction Turning functionality to the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system to enhance safety in risky situations like turning at intersections, as well as Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
The new STARGAZER's safety technologies include Hyundai SmartSense (ADAS) with 13 systems. Key features include:
Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go automatically adjusts speed and maintains distance from the vehicle ahead to reduce driver fatigue. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Junction Turning warns and automatically brakes to prevent frontal collisions, including when turning at intersections. Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA) help keep the vehicle within its lane. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) reduces risks from blind spots. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) brakes when vehicles cross behind during reversing.
Additional systems include Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), and High Beam Assist (HBA), bringing the total to 13 safety features.
The Hyundai Stargazer is developed for families of six, featuring a spacious cabin with sufficient cargo capacity and over 30 storage compartments. The seating position is well-designed, though the driver’s seat is somewhat high due to its MINI MPV style, offering improved visibility through large front, door, and rear tailgate windows. The naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine performs well at mid-range RPMs. The IVT transmission allows manual shifting by pushing the gear lever right, providing driver control.
The Stargazer’s suspension consists of front MacPherson struts with springs, shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars; the rear has a solid torsion beam. This setup suits two-lane asphalt roads well. The suspension balances softness like the Xpander and firmness like the XL7, maintaining stability at higher speeds. Acceleration to top speed remains composed, suitable for the vehicle’s price. Driving at up to 120 km/h makes the Stargazer easy to control due to its medium suspension tuning—not too stiff or too soft. When cornering quickly, some body roll occurs, typical for MINI MPVs.
With four passengers and full cargo, the engine power suffices for overtaking, though the 144 Nm torque is modest. The IVT transmission helps prevent sluggish initial acceleration. However, overtaking requires careful distance judgment as the 1.5-liter engine lacks strong power, providing just enough acceleration for safe passing when properly timed. Noise insulation is good; the middle row seats dampen sound well, while driver and front passenger areas hear engine noise clearly under heavy acceleration. At speeds of 80-100 km/h, sound insulation meets standards. Driving slower at 60 km/h, especially in small towns like Nong Prue in Kanchanaburi province, the Stargazer remains notably quiet.
Another insight from testing this Korean-built Indonesian vehicle is the ease of reaching storage compartments behind seats. Passengers can conveniently access stored items or documents. Multiple communication devices can be charged simultaneously via wireless charging pads and USB ports at front and rear. The suspension setup comfortably seats six people for relaxed driving all day. The third-row seats are more suitable for children than adults on long journeys. The suspension absorbs shocks reasonably well, with some impact felt on rough roads, typical for budget vehicles. The tall tire sidewalls provide some comfort on uneven surfaces. At speed, body roll is reduced compared to the Xpander, which feels more stable. Proper tire and wheel sizes help maintain acceptable handling. Cornering at high speed produces some body roll, normal for affordable MINI MPVs. The Stargazer prioritizes family transport and suits calm driving rather than aggressive speeding, performing well on curves and hills.
At speeds between 80 and 110 km/h, the 2026 Hyundai Stargazer facelift is an easy-to-control multi-purpose vehicle. The electric power steering’s weight is adequate, not too light, providing good feedback when lane-keeping assistance is off. The steering has moderate free play and accurate turning. Acceleration and high-speed driving feel responsive thanks to the IVT transmission’s variable ratios, suited for urban and highway driving. The eight-speed simulated transmission enhances agility in busy cities like Bangkok. Parking maneuvers are convenient with smooth forward and reverse operations. A rearview camera aids safe reversing by displaying the rear view on the central monitor.
Hyundai Stargazer six-seater priced at 800,000 baht
The engine offers sufficient power, and the transmission operates smoothly. The suspension strikes a middle ground, neither too firm nor too soft. On uneven roads, vibrations are noticeable but manageable. The shocks and springs absorb impacts well. This MPV emphasizes comfortable, relaxed driving. While it can handle higher speeds, continuous fast driving is not recommended due to vehicle design. The cabin and handling are somewhat behind the Xpander, and in interior space, the Toyota Veloz leads. However, the Stargazer provides adequate features for its price, with better noise insulation than competitors. Is it worth considering? It’s advisable to test drive the leading models Veloz, Xpander, Stargazer, and XL7, as each has strengths and weaknesses. Personally, I favor the Stargazer’s exterior styling, interior space design, and the standout 1.5-liter engine with four driving modes paired with the IVT transmission.