The Hyundai Stargazer X – Enhanced to be Even More Adorable

With a clear focus on the affordable 7-seater MPV segment, car manufacturers often play it safe: designing to cater to the majority, equipping with moderate features, and of course, keeping the price reasonable. This is the common formula for successful models such as the Mitsubishi Xpander and Suzuki XL7 in Vietnam today.

Arriving late to the game, especially after the 2022 Stargazer version failed to capture customer interest, the Hyundai Stargazer X has the challenging task of regaining a favorable impression from customers with a more robust and appealing crossover design.

A Less “Unique” but Still Bold SUV-inspired Design

Amidst a sea of MPVs with SUV influences, the Stargazer X follows the trend by adopting a tougher and more robust stance in its X version. The Hyundai MPV retains its sleek design with a windshield that seamlessly blends into the elongated hood, resulting in a low drag coefficient of 0.32 Cd, even better than the Tucson SUV.

However, what sets it apart is its larger dimensions, with a 35mm increase in length and width, and a 15mm boost in height and ground clearance. This results in overall dimensions of 4,495 x 1,815 x 1,710 (mm) and a ground clearance of 200mm, giving the vehicle a more imposing and taller stance compared to its predecessor. The 17-inch star-shaped alloy wheels and plastic wheel arch cladding further enhance its muscular appeal.

The sides of the vehicle feature bold character lines, and the body has subtle angular creases without being too aggressive like the Tucson or Elantra. At the rear, the triangular taillights, combined with the rear windshield and a connecting LED strip forming a giant moving H logo, resemble those of the Accent sedan.

A Comfortable and Feature-rich Interior

The interior of the Stargazer X has been refined for a more comfortable experience. It retains the largest-in-class 10.25-inch infotainment screen in the segment, offering a range of features such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and dedicated navigation maps for the Vietnamese market.

The digital instrument cluster, with its three display sections, falls short of the seamless design found in more premium models, but it still looks impressive with multiple display styles. The most controversial aspect, the protruding ODO meter with matte plastic, has been replaced with glossy black plastic, providing a more pleasing aesthetic.

The Stargazer X’s interior feels well-appointed. With a wheelbase of 2,780mm, the cabin offers ample space for all three rows, comfortably accommodating seven adults. The vehicle is equipped with leather seats, automatic climate control, air vents for all three rows, and an impressive 31 storage compartments. Each seating position also has its own dedicated charging port.

The audio experience is another highlight, featuring an 8-speaker Bose sound system, a first in this price range. Additionally, remote start, another segment-first feature, is also included. Other notable features include cruise control, automatic wipers and lights, and ambient lighting, ensuring a satisfying overall package.

But Hyundai didn’t stop there. The Stargazer X also comes with an electronic parking brake and Autohold, features typically found in higher segments, marking a significant improvement over the previous non-X version.

Powerful Engine, Smooth Performance, and Enhanced Safety with ADAS

Under the hood, the Hyundai Stargazer X is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5L Smartstream G petrol engine that produces 115 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 144 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. This engine features dual-port injection, an intelligent heat management system, CVVT technology, and a variable-pressure fuel pump.

This engine has already proven its mettle in the Creta, previous Stargazer, and the recently launched Accent. Paired with a front-wheel-drive system, the engine is mated to Hyundai’s intelligent IVT (intelligent variable transmission) gearbox, an improved version of a traditional CVT that addresses the shortcomings of CVTs while maintaining their strengths, such as smoothness, fuel efficiency, and agility in city driving.

The Hyundai Stargazer X boasts an impressive array of safety features, ranging from the basics to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These include ABS, BA, EBD, ESC, HAC, TCS, and six airbags, as well as SmartSense active safety features such as FCA (Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist), LKA (Lane Keeping Assist), and BCW (Blind-Spot Collision Warning) with rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist.

The Stargazer X delivers a smooth and refined driving experience, with the steering providing just the right amount of feedback from the road without being overly sensitive like a sports car. The steering is light and easy to maneuver, requiring slightly more turns than the Elantra sedan, which is understandable given the MPV’s focus on comfortable passenger transport.

The four driving modes—Eco, Normal, Sport, and Smart—don’t offer drastic differences. Eco keeps the revs low for better fuel efficiency, while Normal and Sport push the revs higher for improved performance. However, the Smart mode is the standout, offering a more relaxed driving experience as the vehicle automatically adjusts various parameters for optimal performance, leaving the driver to focus on safe driving.

The active safety systems intervene effectively without being too intrusive, an important factor that prevents sudden jerks or the feeling of someone tugging at the steering wheel.

With four adults and luggage on board, the Stargazer X performed admirably on the mixed route. Acceleration was brisk, and lane changes and overtaking maneuvers were easily managed, especially in Sport or Smart mode. When tackling the Moc Chau mountain pass, the limitations of the CVT transmission became apparent as the engine struggled a bit. However, with a calm and collected driving approach, the Stargazer X’s pulling power was sufficient to climb the winding roads of the northwestern region without issue.