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Citroen AircrossX vs Hyundai Exter (2026)

Citroen AircrossX (₹8.89 Lakh – ₹14.72 Lakh) and Hyundai Exter (₹5.81 Lakh – ₹9.65 Lakh) go head-to-head in the compact suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (October 2026).

  • The Hyundai Exter is more affordable — it starts ₹3.08 Lakh lower than the Citroen AircrossX.
  • The Citroen AircrossX is the more powerful car, with 108 bhp against 82 bhp.
  • The Hyundai Exter is more efficient on paper — up to 27 kmpl vs 18.5 kmpl.
  • Only the Citroen AircrossX has a published NCAP crash-test rating (5 stars).
  • The Citroen AircrossX has the bigger boot: 444 litres vs 391 litres.

Specification Comparison

SpecCitroen AircrossXHyundai Exter
Ex-showroom price₹8.89 Lakh – ₹14.72 Lakh₹5.81 Lakh – ₹9.65 Lakh
Engine / Motor1.2L NA petrol (82 PS) / 1.2L turbo-petrol (110 PS, 190 Nm MT / 205 Nm AT)1.2L Kappa petrol / 1.2L bi-fuel CNG
Max power108 bhp82 bhp
Fuel optionsPetrolPetrol, CNG
TransmissionsManual, Torque Converter ATManual, AMT
Mileage (claimed)17.5-18.5 km/l (ARAI, varies by engine and gearbox)19–27 kmpl
Seating75
Safety rating5 starsNot tested
Airbags (max)66
Boot space444 L391 L

Shortlisting a third car? See the full three-way comparison →

Citroen AircrossX in short

The AircrossX is the October 2025 refresh of the C3 Aircross, and at ₹8.89 lakh it is India's cheapest 7-seat SUV. It offers 5- and 7-seat layouts, 200 mm of ground clearance, a 444-litre boot in 5-seat form and the same 82 PS NA / 110 PS turbo 1.2 petrol pair as the BasaltX with 6-speed manual or torque-converter automatic. A 5-star Bharat NCAP adult-occupant rating and six standard airbags give it a safety edge over the Maruti Ertiga and Renault Triber it undercuts on the 7-seat count.

Full AircrossX prices & variants →

Hyundai Exter in short

The Exter is Hyundai's entry SUV and the direct answer to the Tata Punch, blending hatchback running costs with a high-riding stance. It packs segment-first kit such as a dashcam with dual cameras, a sunroof and six airbags as standard. The dual-cylinder CNG option keeps boot space usable, a clever touch rivals lack.

Full Exter prices & variants →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper: AircrossX or Exter?

The Hyundai Exter is more affordable — it starts ₹3.08 Lakh lower than the Citroen AircrossX. (Ex-showroom prices, October 2026.)

AircrossX vs Exter — which is safer?

NCAP ratings: Citroen AircrossX — 5 stars; Hyundai Exter — not yet tested.

Should I buy the AircrossX or the Exter?

The Hyundai Exter is more affordable — it starts ₹3.08 Lakh lower than the Citroen AircrossX. The Citroen AircrossX is the more powerful car, with 108 bhp against 82 bhp. The Hyundai Exter is more efficient on paper — up to 27 kmpl vs 18.5 kmpl. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.