Under the hood of the Alcazar diesel automatic is a 1.5-litre CRDi engine.1 It's putting out 115 PS at 4000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1500-2750 rpm. Look, it's not going to win any drag races, but it feels like it's tuned for comfortable cruising, especially when you've got a full load. The 6-speed automatic gearbox is smooth, and the shifts are pretty seamless, which makes for a relaxed drive. However, if you need to make a sudden dash or overtake quickly, it can feel a bit sluggish compared to something like the XUV700's diesel.

Getting around 14-17 kmpl in mixed driving is pretty decent for a vehicle this size. It's definitely leaning more towards comfortable touring than sporty driving.

The ride in the Alcazar is generally comfortable. It soaks up bumps pretty well, which is good for city driving and long highway stretches. The suspension, with McPherson struts up front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear (though some might have a multi-link setup), does a decent job of keeping the cabin isolated from rough roads. That being said, push it harder, especially at higher speeds or over bigger potholes, and you'll notice some body roll and it can feel a bit bouncy.

Compared to the Tata Harrier, which feels more planted, the Alcazar prioritizes comfort. The steering is light, which is great for city maneuvering, but it doesn't give you a lot of feedback if you enjoy a more connected feel. The XUV700, with its independent rear suspension, generally handles better and feels more engaging to drive.

Stepping into the Alcazar, the cabin presents a noticeably premium feel. Hyundai has used soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels, contributing to an upmarket ambiance.4 The dual-tone dashboard and quilted seat patterns enhance the interior's appeal. Space is a key strength, particularly in the first two rows. The 6-seater variant, with its comfortable and adjustable captain seats, prioritizes passenger comfort. Even the 7-seater offers decent space, though the third row is best suited for children. The panoramic sunroof adds to the feeling of spaciousness.

The infotainment is handled by a 10.25-inch touchscreen, which is user-friendly and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.5 A matching 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is a modern touch. However, the touch-sensitive climate control sliders can be a bit fiddly while driving. Features like wireless charging, a Bose sound system, and an air purifier are available on higher trims, adding to the overall premium experience. While the boot space is adequate, it's worth noting that the captain seats in the 6-seater don't fold completely flat. Overall, the interior balances quality materials with a good array of features, though the infotainment controls have a minor drawback.

The Alcazar is longer than the Creta, which is obvious when you look at it. The wheelbase is longer (2760 mm vs 2610 mm), and it’s got a longer rear to fit that third row. The design follows Hyundai’s "Sensuous Sportiness" thing, with a big grille in dark chrome, and those tri-beam LED headlamps with the crescent DRLs.2 The side shows off the extra length, with a distinct line and flared wheel arches, housing 17 or 18-inch alloys.

The rear has these connected LED tail lamps, which give it a wider look.3 While it looks modern enough, I'm not entirely sold on the rear styling. The Harrier definitely has a more imposing presence, while the Alcazar feels more like a stretched family SUV. The Hector Plus is similar in its extended design, and the XUV700 has a more techy vibe.

Hyundai has packed the Alcazar with a decent amount of safety kit. You get standard stuff like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. Higher versions get up to six airbags.6 It also has Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC).7 A 360-degree camera is available on some models, which is handy for parking.

While it’s got the basics covered, it’s missing out on the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that the XUV700 offers, like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Harrier, while lacking ADAS too, has a good build quality and a 5 star Global NCAP rating.

Alcazar feels more like a stretched Creta compared to full-on SUVs like Safari and Harrier. It's comfortable and meant to chew on kilometers after kilometers, but the lack of safety rating is a big negative. Also, XUV700 is a great choice that comes loaded with everything you would expect along with optional AWD.