Hyundai Stargazer X vs. the competition

The Hyundai Stargazer X is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with a stylish appearance designed to mimic the tough and macho nature of sport utility vehicles (SUV.

Due to the aforementioned, the Hyundai-made model has become a hit in the Philippine market as a more affordable alternative to the ever-popular three-row mid-size SUV segment. Additionally, the Stargazer X has loads of features, so despite its relatively accessible price, it is far from barebones. 

The said model, however, has several rivals in the local market. Alternatives that are just as tough-looking and stylish as the Korean marque’s SUV-styled MPV. So, what are the models competing against the Stargazer X? Let’s find out here after going over a short overview of its specifications. 

Hyundai Stargazer X

The Hyundai Stargazer X was introduced to the local market in 2023 with one available variant, which is currently priced at P1.348 million. 

Known as the Stargazer X GLS, it uses a 1.5-liter Smartstream gasoline engine capable of producing up to 113 horsepower (hp) and 144 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels via the South Korean car brand’s proprietary intelligent variable transmission (IVT). Braking for the Hyundai MPV is provided by front and rear disc brakes, while a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension ensure ride comfort. 

Inside, the Stargazer X comes with a roomy three-row seating configuration with sufficient room for up to seven occupants. For extra comfort and convenience, it comes kitted out with leather upholstery, a front cabin center armrest, a 60:40 split-folding second-row seat, and an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - among others. 

Safety aboard the Hyundai MPV, meanwhile, is primarily handled by a suite of ADAS features, which includes lane keep assist, lane following assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, driver attention warning, rear-cross traffic collision-avoidance assist, and many other high-tech systems. 

Here is a table showing the specifications of the Hyundai Stargazer X GLS:

Model	Hyundai Stargazer X GLS
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,495x1,815x1,710
Wheelbase (mm)	2,780
Ground clearance (mm)	200
Wheel size	17-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Push-to-start button 60:40 split-folding second row 50:50 split-folding third row Drive mode selector Smart key Wireless smartphone charger USB ports Power-folding side mirrors Six-piece speaker system Back seat table Tilt and telescopic steering column Electronic parking brake
Instrument cluster	4.2-inch TFT Supervision display
Infotainment system	Eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating Capacity	7
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter inline-4 Smartstream
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	IVT
Horsepower	113
Torque	144 Nm
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Technologies
ADAS	Manual speed limited assist Lane keep assist Lane following assist Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist Forward collision-avoidance assist High beam assist Rear-cross traffic collision-avoidance assist Safe exit warning Driver attention warning
Safety	Six airbags Anti-lock braking Stability control Hill-start assist control Tire pressure monitoring ISOFIX Front and rear parking sensors Rearview camera
Security	Engine immobilizer Car alarm
Price	P1.348 million

Toyota Veloz

One of the foremost competitors of the Hyundai Stargazer X is the Toyota Veloz - an upscaled version of the popular third-generation Toyota Avanza.

For the Philippine market, the Veloz is sold by Toyota Motor Philippines in three different trims with a price ranging from P1.098 million-P1.271 million. 

Under the hood of the Veloz is a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline mill with a maximum output of 104 hp and 138 Nm of torque. Like the other models on this list, the Veloz is a front-wheel-drive vehicle. 

Other notable mechanical details for the Toyota-made MPV include a continuously variable transmission (CVT), front and rear disc brakes, a MacPherson strut front suspension, and a torsion beam rear suspension.

Similar to its competitors, the Veloz’s interior boasts a three-row seating configuration. Occupant comfort is ensured via the model’s automatic climate control system, fabric and leather upholstery, a wireless smartphone charger, and a nine-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The Toyota-made model likewise comes with an ADAS suite, which consists of a pre-collision system, automatic high beams, lane trace assist, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert. 

Here is a table detailing the specifications of the top-of-the-line Toyota Veloz V:

Model	Toyota Veloz V
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,475x1,775x1,700
Wheelbase (mm)	2,750
Ground clearance (mm)	190
Wheel size	17-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Fabric and leather
Amenities	Push-to-start button 60:40 split-folding second row 50:50 split-folding tumble down third row Wireless smartphone charger USB ports Power-folding side mirrors Six-piece speaker system Back seat table Tilt and telescopic steering column Electronic parking brake
Instrument cluster	7-inch TFT display
Infotainment system	Nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating Capacity	7
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	CVT
Horsepower	104
Torque	138 Nm
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Technologies
ADAS	Pre-collision assist Automatic high beams Lane trace assist Lane keep assist Blind spot monitoring Rear-cross traffic alert
Safety	Six airbags Anti-lock braking Stability control Hill-start assist ISOFIX Rear parking sensors 360-degree view camera
Security	Engine immobilizer Car alarm
Price	P1.271 million

Suzuki XL7 Hybrid

Another rival of the Hyundai Stargazer X is the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid. 

To note, the XL7 is the only mild-hybrid model competing in the macho-style compact MPV market segment. Under the hood, it uses a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine paired with a 1.768-kilowatt electric motor. 

At maximum, the aforementioned hybrid powertrain can produce up to 105 hp and 138 Nm of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox. 

Inside the XL7 Hybrid is a three-row cabin equipped with automatic air-conditioning, fabric and leather seats, a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a push-to-start button, and a 60:40 split-folding second-row seat - among others. 

Safety for the Suzuki-made MPV is provided by dual front airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a reverse camera, anti-lock braking, hill-hold control, stability control, rear parking sensors, and an automatic transmission shift lock. 

Pricing for the XL7 Hybrid starts at P1.252 million. 

Here’s a table showing the specifications of the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid GLX:

Model	Suzuki XL Hybrid GLX
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,450x1,775x,1710
Wheelbase (mm)	2,740
Ground clearance (mm)	200
Wheel size	16-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Fabric and leather
Amenities	Push-to-start button 60:40 split-folding second row 50:50 split-folding tumble down third row USB ports Power-folding side mirrors Six-piece speaker system Engine start/stop
Instrument cluster	Analog gauge cluster with trip meter
Infotainment system	10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating Capacity	7
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter inline-4 hybrid
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	Four-speed automatic
Horsepower	105
Torque	138
Brakes	Front disc, rear drums
Technologies
ADAS	-
Safety	Dual front airbags Anti-lock braking Stability control Hill hold control ISOFIX Rear parking sensors Rear parking camera
Security	Engine immobilizer Car alarm
Price	P1.252 million

Mitsubishi Xpander Cross

Yet another huge competitor of the Hyundai Stargazer X is the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross. Like the South Korean MPV, the Mitsubishi three-row compact MPV model is a dressed-up version of another model, in this case, the Mitsubishi Xpander. 

Similar to the other nameplates listed above, the Xpander Cross uses a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine paired with a front-wheel-drive layout. At maximum, the aforementioned four-banger mill can dish out 103 hp and 141 Nm of torque. 

 

Other mechanical details of the Xpander Cross include a four-speed automatic transmission, a front MacPherson strut suspension system, and a torsion beam rear end. 

Handling onboard comfort and convenience for the Mitsubishi model, meanwhile, are amenities such as a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, fabric seats, a 60:40 split-folding second row, and plenty of USB charging ports - among others. 

Locally, the Xpander Cross is offered in two trims with a price ranging from P1.346 million-P1.356 million. 

Here is a table detailing the specifications of the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross:

Model	Mitsubishi Xpander Cross
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,595x1,790x1,750
Wheelbase (mm)	2,775
Ground clearance (mm)	225
Wheel size	17-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Fabric and leather
Amenities	Push-to-start button 60:40 split-folding second row 50:50 split-folding tumble down third row USB ports Power-folding side mirrors Six-piece speaker system Tilt and telescopic steering column Electronic parking brake
Instrument cluster	Eight-inch digital gauge cluster
Infotainment system	Nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating Capacity	7
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	Four-speed automatic
Horsepower	103
Torque	141
Brakes	Front disc, rear drums
Technologies
ADAS	-
Safety	Dual front airbags Anti-lock braking Stability control Hill start assist ISOFIX Rear parking sensors Rear parking camera Active yaw control
Security	Engine immobilizer Car alarm
Price	P1.346 million

Final thoughts

To summarize, each of the four models listed above has its own weaknesses and strengths. But interestingly enough, they are all quite similar in ways that make them appealing to Filipino buyers. 

The Stargazer X, however, does stand out with its wealth of creature comforts and its comprehensive ADAS kit. Moreover, it is likewise on top of the crossover totem pole when it comes to engine output. 

Serious MPV buyers, however, should first give each of the said models a test drive. Sure, reading specs off the internet is a good start, but real seat time with the vehicle you want to buy will make for a more informed car purchase in the end. 

Also read: 

Hyundai Stargazer X: the sole variant

These are Hyundai Stargazer X's 3 appealing hues