Buying used Hyundai Alcazar: what to look out for

GOOD FOR: Comfy and refined, Feature-packed

LOOK OUT FOR:  DCT overheating, Broken AC vents

Hyundai launched the Alcazar in 2021 as a three-row derivative of the Creta to go up against the likes of the MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari and Mahindra XUV700. The Alcazar stands out for its premium and comfy cabin, smooth engines and long features list, which make it an ideal used buy for families. Here’s what you need to consider.

Hyundai Alcazar engine options 

Petrol and diesel, both with manual and automatics 

At launch, it was offered with two engine options – a 159hp, 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated petrol and a 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel; both could be had with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. In terms of fuel efficiency, the petrol manual is rated at 14.5kpl while the automatic is said to do 14.2kpl. The diesel engine, as expected, is more frugal and is rated at 20.4kpl and 18.1kpl for the manual and auto, respectively.

The Alcazar diesel is ideal as a road-trip machine, but will be pricier than the petrols.

Hyundai updated the Alcazar in 2023, and apart from getting a mild facelift, it got a new 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that replaced the 2.0-litre petrol. Gearbox choices included a 6-speed manual and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, claimed to return 17.5kpl and 18kpl, respectively.

Diesel is the one to pick for highway use 

All the engines are refined and proven to be reliable, so choose the one that best suits your needs. Those with major city running will like the petrol variants, while the diesel is the one to go for if you have frequent highway running. What’s nice is that all the engines can be had with the convenience of automatics.

Hyundai Alcazar variants and features

The Alcazar SUV is available in three trim levels – Prestige, Platinum and Signature. Features on the top-spec include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Hyundai’s connected car tech, a blind view monitor, a 360-degree camera, middle-row window shades, a panoramic sunroof, 6 airbags, ISOFIX child seats mounts, wireless phone charging, automatic climate control, and much more. Even the base Prestige trim gets LED headlamps, a panoramic sunroof, the 10.25-inch touchscreen and more, so no matter which variant fits your budget, you won’t feel shortchanged.

Dual-tone brown and black theme looks premium; dash is similar to Creta.
 

Second-row seating 

Hyundai offers the Alcazar in two seating configurations – 6 seats with captain’s chairs in the second row or 7 seats with a bench. The version with captain’s chairs gets a unique floor-mounted central armrest with cupholders, a wireless phone charger and extra storage space – this should be the choice for the chauffeur-driven. However, if you take frequent road trips, the 7-seater will offer better flexibility.

Warranty and spares 

As standard, the Alcazar comes with a 3-year/unlimited km warranty, but buyers also had the option to extend the warranty for up to 5 years. It’s always advisable to buy one that still has a valid warranty as you get that added peace of mind. The Alcazar also holds its value quite well in the used market, so you’ll be able to recoup a good amount when you sell it. Other than that, spare part availability is not an issue, and the SUV is backed up by Hyundai’s massive service network.

What to look out for in a used Hyundai Alcazar 

DCT overheating

Owners of Hyundai’s turbo-petrol DCT models have faced issues with the gearbox overheating. This issue occurs when you’re sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic for too long, triggering an overheating warning on the MID. This can be alleviated by shifting from D to N when the car is stationary for a long time. On a test drive, also ensure the DCT shifts smoothly and isn’t jerky while downshifting.

Take a test drive to ensure the DCT shifts smoothly and isn’t jerky while downshifting.
 

Broken AC vents

There have been some reports of the Alcazar’s AC vents being fragile and breaking easily. Before buying, check that all the AC vents are in working order, especially the manual adjuster for the airflow.

Infotainment glitches

It’s also worth checking the infotainment system, as some owners have faced issues with the screen freezing, lagging or rebooting. Ensure the system works properly and the software is up to date. 

Also worth knowing

While both petrol engines are smooth, they tend to be thirsty. Especially in the city, don’t be surprised to see the efficiency struggle to get into double digits.

Alcazar gets a different rear end than the Creta; 18-inch alloys look good.
 

Second-hand Hyundai Alcazar price and resale value

Rs 14 lakh- 18 lakh

There are plenty of used examples to be found at various price points. Look to spend anywhere between Rs 14 lakh-18 lakh for a good example. The diesel tends to hold its value better, so it will be priced higher than the petrols. And since there’s a new version out now, you can use that to your advantage to get a better deal.

Also see:

Buying used Tata Tiago: what to look out for

Buying a used Nissan Magnite: what to look out for

Buying a used Tata Punch: what to look out for