Which 2023 Hyundai Creta variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]

The Hyundai Creta is the Korean marque’s latest subcompact crossover in the Philippine market. It replaces the now discontinued Kona, and also counts as one of the brand's more affordable models in its current lineup.

The 2023 Hyundai Creta

With those said, one can say that the Creta might just become an attractive prospect for plenty of car buyers. This model has a total of three different trims. There’s the top-spec GLS 1.5 IVT, the mid-spec GL 1.5 IVT, and the entry-level GL 1.5 MT. So which one’s the right one for you? Let’s find out.

Hyundai Creta Variants: Exterior

WHen it comes to exterior style, the Hyundai Creta doesn’t have much variation between its trim levels. All three generally look the same, being kitted out with a black and silver front grille, a rear spoiler, and chrome door handles. The top-spec GLS does stand out more, thanks to having a two-tone body color.

The Creta during its local launch

All three Creta variants also share a power-folding side mirror. The entry-level GL MT however, lacks the LED headlamps, auto lighting control, and LED daytime running lamps that are present on both the GL IVT and GLS. Then again, all three come standard with LED taillights.

The GLS and GL IVT may also prove to be more adventure-ready since they’re the only ones that get a roof rail.

With regards to wheels, all three ride on a set of 17-inch alloys. The ones on the GL IVT and GL MT, however, assume a monotone color-scheme whereas the one on the GLS gets a two-tone look.

The Creta from the rear

All three variants also come in identical dimensions. They all have a length of 4,315mm, a width of 1,790mm, and a height of 1,630mm. They also have uniform ground clearance figures at 200mm.

Hyundai Creta Variants: Interior

The Creta’s three trims can comfortably seat up to five occupants. On the entry-level GL MT, its seats are clad in leather, while the ones on the GL IVT and GLS are covered in leatherette. All three then get a 60:40 split folding second row.

Driver amenities are also more basic on the entry-level GL MT. For instance, it gets a 3.5-inch TFT LCD and an analog gauge cluster, whereas the GL IVT and GLS get a fully digital gauge cluster. Furthermore, only the mid-spec and top-spec trims have a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, a push-to-start button, and cruise control.

Its rear cabin is reasonably spacious

The GL MT in turn gets a tilt-only steering wheel and a turn-key ignition system. On the flipside, only the GLS comes with a drive mode selector, and a terrain mode selector. It is also the only variant that gets automatic climate control.

All do come with a center armrest, a room lamp, luggage clamp, and a glove box. The latter feature gets a cooling function on the top-spec GLS. All three trims are also provided with one USB port for each row, and a total of six cup holders.

Hyundai Creta Variants: Tech and safety

Both the top-spec GLS and the mid-spec GL IVT are equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen head unit. These come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. The entry-level GL MT meanwhile gets an integrated 3.8-inch LCD radio.

Present on all trims is a four-piece speaker system. Only the GLS and GL IVT get voice recognition, and only the top-spec GLS comes with wireless smartphone charging.

Inside the top-spec Creta GLS

Regarding safety, present on all three Creta variants are dual-front airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, child-seat anchors, and parking distance warning.

Only the GLS and GL IVT gets a manual speed limit assist, rear seat alert, and a rear-view parking monitor.

Exclusive to the top-spec GLS is a blind-spot collision avoidance assist system, lane-keep assist, forward collision avoidance assist, high-beam assist, driver attention warning, and tire pressure monitoring,

Hyundai Creta Variants: Engine

Under the hood of all three Hyundai Creta trims is a 1.5-liter Smartstream inline-4 gasoline engine. At the most, this four-banger can make up to 113 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to the crossover’s front wheels.

For the top-spec GLS and mid-spec GL, they both use Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The entry-level variant, meanwhile, gets a six-speed manual tranny.

The Creta's 1.5-liter inline-4 Smartstream gasoline engine

All three variants utilize a MacPherson strut front suspension, and a torsion beam rear suspension. Braking for all three trims are then handled by disc brakes for all four wheels, as well as an electronic parking brake with Autohold.

Hyundai Creta Variants: Price

Hyundai Creta Variants: Conclusion

The differences between the three different Creta trims are straightforward. If you don’t mind rowing through gears and if you just want a basic daily driver, then get the GL MT. If you do want an automatic version, then the GL IVT is there for you. Plus, it gets a bit more features as well.

For those who want the best in terms of safety features, then there’s the Creta GLS. Plus, it is also the best equipped oof the three when it comes to driver amenities and features. So if what you’re after is comfort, the GLS is the way to go.

For more variant guides like this, keep it here on Philkotse.