The Hyundai Creta isn’t just an SUV in India; it’s a benchmark. But with the latest news hitting the wires on May 5, 2026, it’s clear that Hyundai is preparing for a massive technological shift. From leaked “Software-Defined Vehicle” (SDV) architecture to a sudden trimming of the current variant list, here is everything you need to know about the Creta’s pivot toward 2027.
1. Interior Leaks: The “Pleos Connect” Era
Recent spy shots of the next-generation Creta (expected late 2026 or early 2027) reveal a cabin that is a total departure from the current dual-screen layout.
- The 17-Inch Revolution: Taking inspiration from the new Grandeur, the 2027 Creta will likely debut Pleos Connect, a next-gen infotainment system. This features a massive central display that integrates everything from climate control to the new Gleo AI voice assistant.
- Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV): The new Creta is being built on an SDV architecture. This means the car’s hardware is decoupled from its software, allowing Hyundai to push Over-the-Air (OTA) updates that can actually improve the car’s performance, battery management, and ADAS capabilities long after you’ve driven it off the lot.
- Gear Selector Shift: In a move similar to the Ioniq 5, the gear selector has moved to the steering column. This frees up the center console for massive storage and a cleaner, minimalist aesthetic.
2. The Great Variant Rejig: SX Tech and SX(O) are Out
While we look toward the future, the current Creta lineup just got a major haircut. Hyundai has officially discontinued the SX Tech and SX(O) trims, reducing the broad trim count from nine to seven.
| Status | Variant | Impact on the Buyer |
| Discontinued | SX Tech | This was the most affordable way to get Level 2 ADAS. Its removal pushes the entry price for ADAS significantly higher. |
| Discontinued | SX(O) | Once the flagship, this trim became redundant after the launch of the “King” trim. |
| Active | King Trim | Now the undisputed flagship and the only variant to offer the full ADAS suite. |
3. The Price of Safety
The discontinuation of the SX Tech trim is a bitter pill for many. Previously, you could get Level 2 ADAS in the ₹15.69 lakh to ₹17.22 lakh range. Now, if you want those safety features, you must step up to the Creta King, which starts at roughly ₹17.27 lakh (ex-showroom).
This essentially increases the “entry price” of safety tech by nearly ₹1.5 lakh, positioning ADAS as a strictly premium luxury feature rather than a mid-segment accessible one.
The Verdict
Hyundai’s strategy is clear: they are cleaning house. By simplifying the current variants, they are making room for the high-tech, software-heavy 2027 model. If you want a Creta with all the bells and whistles today, the “King” is your only choice. But if you can wait another year, the Pleos Connect system might just redefine what we expect from a mid-size SUV cabin.
Are you happy to see a cleaner dashboard with fewer buttons, or will you miss the tactile feel of the current Creta? Let us know in the comments!
