It hasn’t been long since the refreshed Hyundai Stargazer and Stargazer X made their debut in Indonesia, but Hyundai didn’t waste time bringing the updated models to local showrooms. Both models debut in the Philippines with revised styling, new features, and a complete safety suite aimed at keeping them competitive in the small MPV segment. The Stargazer and the sportier Stargazer X continue to rival popular models like the Toyota Avanza, Mitsubishi Xpander, and Honda BR-V – all fighting for a share of the country’s family-oriented seven-seater market.
The facelift brings subtle yet noticeable design updates. Up front, the Stargazer now wears a heavily redesigned grille with a new LED center garnish lamp, flanked by LED headlamps and daytime running lights – all restyled and positioned higher than before. The hood also sits slightly higher, while both front and rear bumpers have been reshaped for a more aggressive look. The rear end also features a new H-signature LED combination lamp that emphasizes Hyundai’s current design direction.
The standard Stargazer models ride on 16-inch steel-gray alloy wheels, while the Stargazer X stands out with blacked-out badges, 17-inch wheels, sportier bumpers, roof rails, and cladding on the fender flares. For what it’s worth, the updated design makes the Stargazer and Stargazer X look more like an SUV rather than a full-fledged MPV.
Inside, the facelifted Stargzer gains an updated modern layout with technology borrowed from larger Hyundai models. The Stargazer X variants feature a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster integrated with the infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless charging and smart key access with a push-start button are standard on the Premium variant, while auto climate control has also been added.
Lower trims and the regular Stargazer retain the familiar cabin design, though they adopt the dark cabin theme of the Stargazer X, which looks better in our books. Conveniences include power windows, USB ports for both rows, and flexible seating for seven passengers. The X’s seats are wrapped in leatherette, while the lower trims make do with fabric. With up to 1,892 liters of cargo space and several cup and bottle holders available all over the cabin, the Stargazer remains one of the most practical vehicles in its class.
Under the hood, nothing changes for the 2026 update. All variants are still powered by the 1.5-liter Gamma II MPI gasoline engine producing 115 PS (113 horsepower) and 144 Nm of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) – Hyundai’s version of CVT – driving the front wheels. The setup is tuned for efficiency, with Hyundai quoting 16.95 km/l under ideal conditions.
Safety and convenience are still intact. The Stargazer X Premium features Hyundai SmartSense driver-assistance technologies, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist. Six airbags are standard on the higher variants, while features such as a rearview monitor, hill-start assist, and stability control are available across most of the lineup.
Pricing for the updated range starts at P1,118,000 for the Stargazer 1.5 GL Plus IVT and rises to P1,378,000 for the top-spec Stargazer X 1.5 Premium IVT – modest price increases over the outgoing models. Positioned between the value-oriented Avanza and the Xpander Cross, Hyundai’s refreshed MPV is still a compelling option for buyers looking for a comfortable 7-seater MPV for family use.
Prices:
- Stargazer X 1.5 Premium IVT – P1,378,000
- Stargazer X 1.5 GLS Plus IVT – P1,318,000
- Stargazer 1.5 GLS IVT – P1,228,000
- Stargazer 1.5 GL Plus IVT – P1,118,000
