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Indonesian Homemaker Goes Global Testing the NEW HYUNDAI STARGAZER 2026 Facelift

Auto08 Jun 2026 09:00 GMT+7

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Indonesian Homemaker Goes Global Testing the NEW HYUNDAI STARGAZER 2026 Facelift

The 2026 Hyundai Stargazer facelift is a mini MPV family car assembled in Indonesia for export to ASEAN countries, including Thailand. It is developed to meet the needs of family members, offering a choice of a six-seat layout with second-row captain’s seats and a walkway to the third row. The interior is designed to feel spacious and airy. Although it is 10 centimeters shorter than the Mitsubishi Xpander, the roof is taller than competitors. Its styling resembles the larger Hyundai Staria but is scaled down to a compact size, featuring sharp One Curve Design lines. The grille connects seamlessly with the headlights and LED daytime running lights. The cargo area includes over 30 storage compartments.

Hyundai Stargazer 2026 facelift pricing

Stargazer Trend 6: 719,000 baht

Stargazer Smart 6: 799,000 baht (test unit)

Hyundai Stargazer 2026 facelift body colors: 3 shades

Midnight Black Pearl

Titan Grey Metallic (test unit)

Creamy White Pearl




The new Stargazer facelift supports versatile use, is easy to drive and agile, and offers more interior space than typical passenger cars. It suits SME owners or modern startups who want a reliable vehicle for transporting goods, work equipment, and comfortably traveling with family. The three-row six-seat cabin offers flexible folding seats to increase cargo space, making it a true multi-purpose vehicle. The exterior features a completely redesigned front hood that is taller and longer, a new SUV-style grille and bumper, LED headlights with integrated daytime running lamps, and redesigned rear bumper and LED taillights. The overall length increases by 115 millimeters to improve proportions while retaining the spacious interior.


The 2026 Stargazer facelift is clearly shorter than the Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Veloz, but its interior space is not as small as initially thought. The side profile resembles a MINI MPV or small van. The rear doors allow easy access to the third row when the second-row seats are folded. Positioned as an affordable six-seat MINI MPV, its price is slightly higher than competitors including Suzuki XL7. The facelifted 2026 model’s side line runs from the top edge of the headlights across both doors to the mid-point of the taillights. The Smart 6 model (six seats, priced at 800,000 baht) in a dark grey test color features a completely 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 rear bumper edge. The LED taillights are uniquely designed with a futuristic look resembling a spaceship. The tailgate operates manually without electric assist; it can be lifted by hand and opens wide for convenient loading. The Stargazer’s body dimensions are 4,575 millimeters long, 1,780 millimeters wide, and 1,695 millimeters high, with a 2,780-millimeter wheelbase and 185-millimeter ground clearance. Fuel tank capacity is 40 liters, vehicle weight approximately 1,272 kilograms, and minimum turning radius is 5.4 meters.











Inside the facelift model, synthetic leather seats have been replaced with gray-black fabric upholstery in all positions, with manual seat adjustments throughout. The second-row seats have a center gap allowing passage to the third row without folding. The third row offers sufficient legroom and headroom. However, with all six seats occupied, cargo space is limited since the rear is 10 centimeters shorter than competitors—enough for two day-trip suitcases. Folding the third row expands cargo space for larger luggage. The driver’s seat sits relatively high due to the MINI MPV body style. The steering wheel adjusts in four directions. A key interior design highlight is the large surrounding glass, creating an airy cabin. Light-toned synthetic headliner materials further enhance this spacious feeling. A new addition is a tray behind the front passenger seat similar to an airline meal tray.









Materials and interior equipment appear downgraded. The dashboard and center console design is influenced by the sloped, large windshield, resulting in a sizable console that occupies significant space. The front design slopes downward for aerodynamics to reduce air resistance and fuel consumption. The dashboard center is trimmed with silver plastic, with rectangular air vents and a digital climate control panel. The previous wireless phone charging and USB Type A ports have been removed. The dashboard and console use black injection-molded plastic. Rear ceiling air vents include a fan speed control switch. The digital climate control has been replaced with a rotary dial system, which, while seeming cost-saving, is considered more durable than digital buttons. The center touchscreen is a new 8-inch widescreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Seats are newly designed leather-fabric blends. The vehicle features smart cruise control with stop and go, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with junction turning, and automatic emergency braking at intersections.







Interior equipment for the 2026 Hyundai Stargazer facelift includes Smart Keyless Entry, engine start button, driving mode selector switch, leather-wrapped four-spoke multifunction steering wheel with audio controls and cruise control buttons, four-way adjustable steering column, full digital instrument cluster, LCD trip computer, touchscreen audio system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, two USB charging points for rear passengers, automatic climate control with rear air vents, and ambient blue mood lighting has been removed in this model.


The gear lever is ergonomically positioned with a driving mode selector nearby, allowing choice among four modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Smart. The Smart mode automatically adjusts responses based on driver behavior. Below the mode switch is a stability control switch, handbrake lever, and an armrest designed as a storage box with two cup holders.



The New Stargazer is powered by a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with 16 valves (4 valves per cylinder), utilizing Smartstream MPI technology. The engine displacement is 1,497 cc, with a bore of 75.6 mm and stroke of 83.4 mm. Compression ratio is 10.5:1. Maximum power output is 115 horsepower, with peak torque of 144 Nm at 4,500 rpm. It pairs with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) featuring a metal belt to reduce slack during acceleration. The IVT simulates up to 8 speeds via manual shifting by pushing the gear lever right and toggling +/–.

Safety technology includes Hyundai SmartSense, an advanced intelligent safety suite with 13 systems—arguably the most comprehensive safety package in this segment. New features include Junction Turning in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) to enhance safety when turning at intersections, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality.

The new STARGAZER comes equipped with Hyundai SmartSense (ADAS) comprising 13 safety systems. Key highlights include:

Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go automatically manages speed and distance from the vehicle ahead to reduce driver fatigue. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Junction Turning warns and applies brakes automatically to prevent frontal collisions, including when turning at intersections. Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA) help keep the vehicle centered in its lane. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) reduces risks from blind spots. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) brakes when vehicles approach from the rear during reversing.

Additional safety features include Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), and High Beam Assist (HBA), totaling 13 advanced safety systems.

Performance-wise, the new STARGAZER’s 1.5 MPI engine delivers 113 horsepower and 144 Nm torque, paired with the IVT transmission. The front suspension uses MacPherson struts, and the rear employs a torsion beam setup, reducing noise and vibration for a quiet and relaxing cabin environment.





The Hyundai Stargazer is developed for families of six, offering a spacious cabin, adequate cargo capacity, and over 30 storage compartments. The seating position is well designed, though the driver’s seat is higher due to the MINI MPV style, providing extended visibility through large windshield, door, and rear tailgate windows. The naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine performs well at mid-range RPMs. The Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) allows manual shifting by moving the gear lever to the right, giving drivers control over gear changes.




The Stargazer’s suspension features front MacPherson struts with springs, shock absorbers, and stabilizer bar, while the rear uses a torsion beam. This setup suits two-lane paved roads well, offering a balance between the softness of the Xpander and the firmness of the XL7. At higher speeds, the vehicle maintains stable handling. Acceleration to top speed is manageable, and driving up to 120 km/h is easy due to a moderately tuned suspension that is neither too stiff nor too soft. When cornering quickly, some body roll is noticeable, typical for a MINI MPV in this price range.




When carrying four passengers plus full cargo, the engine power suffices for overtaking, but the 144 Nm torque is modest. The IVT helps prevent sluggish initial acceleration. However, overtaking requires careful distance judgment because the 1.5-liter engine’s power is moderate—enough for safe passing but not aggressive acceleration. Noise insulation is good in the middle row; however, the driver and front passenger area can hear engine noise clearly under hard acceleration during overtaking. Between 80 and 100 km/h, noise insulation meets standards, and at around 60 km/h, especially in small towns like Nong Prue in Kanchanaburi, the Stargazer is notably quiet.




Another practical observation from testing this Indonesian-assembled Korean vehicle is that occupants can easily reach stored items or documents in the rear seat pockets. Multiple charging options are available, including wireless phone charging and USB ports at front and rear. The suspension is tuned for comfort with six occupants, allowing relaxed driving throughout the day. The third-row seats suit children better than larger adults for long-distance travel. The suspension absorbs shocks well, though some impact is felt on rough roads, typical for budget vehicles. Taller tire sidewalls help smooth out uneven road surfaces, and the vehicle remains fairly stable at speed, with less body roll than the Xpander. Suitable tire and wheel sizes contribute to acceptable handling. Cornering still produces some body roll at high speed, typical for MINI MPVs in this price range. The Stargazer emphasizes family utility and is better suited for relaxed driving rather than aggressive speeding, but it performs satisfactorily on curves and hills.




At speeds of 80 to 110 km/h, the Hyundai Stargazer 2026 facelift offers easy handling. The electric power steering is moderately weighted when lane-keeping assist is off, providing adequate feedback without being too light. The steering has a reasonable dead zone and accurate turning. From standstill to high speed, the IVT powertrain delivers responsive acceleration suitable for city traffic and longer trips. The transmission’s eight simulated gears improve agility in urban driving and parking maneuvers. A rearview camera enhances safety when reversing by providing a clear rear view on the central monitor.


Hyundai Stargazer 6-seat model priced at 800,000 baht




The engine offers sufficient power, the transmission operates smoothly, and the suspension strikes a balance—not too stiff or soft. On uneven roads, vibrations are noticeable but manageable, with shocks and springs absorbing impacts well. The MPV is designed for relaxed driving and passenger comfort. While it can handle higher speeds, continuous fast driving is not recommended due to the vehicle’s characteristics. In terms of cabin space and handling, it is behind the Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Veloz, although the Stargazer surpasses competitors in noise insulation and equipment relative to its price. To decide on suitability, prospective buyers should test drive the leading models: Veloz, Xpander, Stargazer, and XL7, each with distinct strengths and weaknesses. Personally, I appreciate the Stargazer’s styling, interior space design, and its 1.5-liter engine with four driving modes paired with the impressive IVT transmission.