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2026 Hyundai Creta N-Line Review

The N-Line Creta’s upgrades aren’t just skin deep; it’s got more pep in its step.

Jerome Tresvalles
2026 Hyundai Creta Review

The Hyundai Creta received its mid-cycle update back in 2025, and in addition to its refresh, a new top-spec version joins the lineup. The variant in question is the Creta N-Line. Featuring a turbocharged engine, a seven-speed DCT, and more tech compared to the Creta Premium, it’s the new king of the hill in the Creta stable.

In this review, we’re seeing if the Creta N-Line’s features and price point give it an edge in the super-crowded subcompact crossover segment, or if the spec sheet is simply too good to be true.

4.3 / 5
2026 Hyundai Creta N-Line Review
Performance
Engine Output (HP), Acceleration, Transmission, Handling 4.5/5
Design
Exterior & Interior Design, Quality, Fit and Finish, Ergonomics 4.5/5
Ride Comfort
Cabin Comfort, Suspension, NVH Insulation 4.0/5
Safety and Technology
Convenience Technologies, Active and Passive Safety Features 4.5/5
Value for Money
Amount of the vehicle you get for the price, Fuel Efficiency 4.0/5
What You Will Like
  • Peppy turbocharged engine
  • Refreshed exterior styling
  • Impressive ADAS and tech array
What You Won't Like
  • NVH and ride comfort could be improved
  • Lots of piano black plastics on the dashboard
How We Do Our Reviews

The Creta lineup starts at P1,134,000 for the GL IVT variant and tops out at P1,379 for the Creta N-Line. At that price point, it sits among the company of other subcompact crossovers in the segment, such as the Toyota Yaris Cross, Mitsubishi XForce, Suzuki Fronx, Chevrolet Trailblazer, BYD Sealion 5 DM-i, and its sibling, the Kia Seltos, among many, many others.

At its price point, the Creta N-Line is not the most expensive nor the cheapest subcompact crossover out there. This may be good or bad for it, depending on whether it's competitive in terms of features and performance.

Hyundai Creta N-Line Exterior 1
Hyundai Creta N-Line Exterior 3
Hyundai Creta N-Line Exterior 2

The Creta N-Line’s exterior reflects its standard version with a bit of sportiness injected throughout the body. The front fascia is more aggressive with a smaller grille, a more prominent lower lip, as well as a sleeker DRL and headlight design. Side-by-side, you won’t mistake it for its naturally aspirated siblings, whether you look at it from the front or back. Other differences on the N-Line include exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, a two-tone color scheme, a spoiler, twin exhausts, and N-Line badging on the rear and front bumpers.

Hyundai Creta N-Line Trunk Folded
Hyundai Creta N-Line Exterior Rear
Hyundai Creta N-Line Trunk

Open up the tailgate, and it reveals 433 liters of cargo space, which can then be expanded up to 1,401 liters by folding down the rear seats. Loading bags and heavy items is a breeze thanks to its low-loading lip and wide entrance.

Hyundai Creta N-Line Shifter

Starting at the second row, we’re happy to report that space back here is decent, given the Creta’s size. Space for your legs, knees, and head is sufficient for average-sized people, with even some room for taller-than-average passengers. What we don’t like back here is the amount of lean in the rear backrests, which is slightly more than normal. On the flipside, thigh support is really good. Toys in the back include two bottle holders by the doors, rear air vents, a Type-C charging port, a center armrest with two cup holders, and some snazzy stitching on the seats to remind you that it’s the sporty Creta you’re riding in.

Hyundai Creta N-Line Dashboard
Hyundai Creta N-Line Infotainment
Hyundai Creta N-Line Instrument Cluster

Up front, you’ll spot the biggest update to the Creta: the new design for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, now combined into one unit composed of two 10.25-inch screens. The instrument cluster is an LCD unit delivering crisp graphics and all the pertinent driving information, while the infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an intuitive interface that we love. Below the infotainment screen are air controls, audio controls, and other knobs and buttons for the vehicle’s features, all within easy reach.

Hyundai Creta N-Line Steering Wheel

A few downsides include the abundance of piano black plastics and the lack of wireless charging, but that’s a small complaint in an otherwise well-executed dashboard. Other features include ventilated seats and a drive mode selector; there is no power adjustability, but that’s a tradeoff we can live with happily.

Hyundai Creta N-Line Engine

Under the hood: The Creta N-Line is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 158 hp and 253 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering quicker shifts and a sportier driving experience. All variants feature a front MacPherson strut suspension and a rear torsion beam axle, with disc brakes on all wheels—ventilated at the front and solid at the rear. The N-Line adds a sporty touch with red brake calipers and larger 18-inch wheels wrapped in 215/55 tires. As for how much fun turbocharging can give the Creta, we’ll talk about it in a bit.

Hyundai Creta N-Line Rolling Shot 1

The turbocharged engine provides healthy torque, allowing the Creta N-Line to accelerate briskly. It can feel jumpy or eager depending on your throttle input, but moderating your driving style easily solves that.

Hyundai Creta N-Line Side

Fuel consumption is typical for a turbocharged crossover. In the city, we managed around 9–10 km/l, while on the highway, it improved to 16.5 km/l. During our drive, we experienced the Creta N-Line’s Hyundai SmartSense safety suite, which we found quite intuitive. Adaptive cruise control works smoothly, as do the other driver-assist features. And if you ever find the aids intrusive or want more control, a quick visit to the infotainment screen allows you to deactivate them.

Despite being a crossover, the Creta still offers a fun driving experience. Paddle shifters add engagement, and the steering feel is well balanced—neither too heavy to feel cumbersome nor too light to feel disconnected from the road.

Comfort-wise, the Creta N-Line exhibits minimal body roll compared to other crossovers, and the suspension is well-tuned, handling spirited driving confidently. On rougher roads, however, some interior rattling can be noticed. NVH is mostly well managed, though road noise from the tires and wind noise—particularly from the rear—can creep in.

Hyundai Creta N-Line Exterior

Overall, the Creta’s driving dynamics are a strong point, even with minor NVH and rattling issues. It’s fun to drive, easy to maneuver, and comfortable behind the wheel.

Hyundai Creta N-Line Rolling Shot Rear

So, how does the new Creta N-Line stack up against the competition? Simply put, the update and power boost have brought it up to fighting form. It’s a handsome machine inside and out, quicker than before, and packed with the tech you want—or need—in a crossover. Our main gripe with the lineup is the lack of a hybrid (HEV) option, which feels like a miss. But considering its price, features, and looks, the Creta N-Line is definitely worthy of consideration.

Specifications

Engine

1.5 L

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Performance

158 hp @ 5,500 rpm

Transmission

Automatic

Summary

Name Hyundai Creta 1.5 N Line 7DCT
Body Type Crossover
Price ₱1,379,000
Transmission Category Automatic

Engine

Performance

Economy & Environment

Dimensions

Safety & Security

Features

Technology

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