The Alcazar is available with two engine options. The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol displaces 1,482cc and produces approximately 158 bhp at 5,500 rpm, with a peak torque of 253 Nm arriving between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. It's paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission, a unit that uses two separate clutch sets for quicker, automated gear changes without a traditional torque converter).

The 1.5-litre diesel displaces 1,493cc, making approximately 114 bhp at 4,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 2,750 rpm. Transmission options here are a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic.

Despite the power difference, both engines share a 4-cylinder, 16-valve configuration.

As per ARAI-certified figures, the turbo-petrol with the 6-speed manual returns 17.5 kmpl, while the 7-speed DCT automatic delivers 18.0 kmpl. Meanwhile, the diesel offers 20.4 kmpl with the 6-speed manual and 18.1 kmpl with the 6-speed torque converter automatic. These efficiency figures apply across both 6-seater and 7-seater variants, and the Alcazar is not offered with CNG or hybrid powertrain options.

Across all four combinations, Idle Stop & Go (ISG), which cuts the engine at standstill and restarts it automatically when the driver releases the brake, is standard across all variants and powertrains.

The cabin is available in a dual-tone noble brown and haze navy finish, with the top variant getting an exclusive all-black interior with brass inserts. Within this space, seating is where the two layouts diverge most noticeably. The six and seven-seat layouts are offered, where the six-seat configuration gains second-row captain chairs with wing headrests, thigh-support extensions, and ventilation on upper variants. Either way, all third-row seats split 50:50 and recline, and the second row slides and reclines throughout the range.

Complementing the seating arrangements, dual-zone automatic climate control, USB Type-C charging across all three rows, and a seatback table with a device holder are standard, regardless of variant. Select variants build on this by adding a voice-enabled panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and front and second-row wireless charging.

Finally, on the technology side, upper variants feature dual 10.25-inch screens – one for infotainment, one for the instrument cluster, alongside wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bose's 8-speaker system, and Hyundai Bluelink with OTA updates.

Dimensionally, the Alcazar measures 4,560mm long, 1,800mm wide, and 1,710mm tall (with roof rails), over a 2,760mm wheelbase. Anchoring this overall footprint, bridge-type roof rails and a twin-tip muffler are standard throughout.

Visually, the front end is defined by quad beam LED headlamps flanked by H-shaped LED DRLs set within a horizon LED positioning lamp, forming a distinctive light signature carried across the entire range. This lighting theme naturally extends to the sides, where sequential LED turn signals are integrated into the wing mirrors, and to the rear, where LED tail lamps connect via a matching horizon LED strip.

Moving down to the stance, lower variants ride on 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, while higher variants step up to 18-inch units. Finally, the top variant sets itself apart by applying a blacked-out treatment to the grille, skid plates, mirrors, spoiler, and roof rails, alongside red brake calipers at the front and rear.

Six airbags across driver, front passenger, side, and curtain are standard across all variants, along with ISOFIX child seat anchors, front seatbelt pretensioners, and three-point seatbelts with reminders for all seats. Alongside these foundational protections, standard active safety equipment includes ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), Hill Start Assist Control, and ESS (Emergency Stop Signal).

Moving up the range introduces additional technologies, starting with Hill Descent Control on select models. Higher variants integrate Hyundai's SmartSense ADAS suite, covering forward collision avoidance (for cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and junction-turning scenarios), blind-spot collision avoidance, lane keeping and following assist, driver attention warning, safe exit warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and surround view monitoring.

Building on this suite, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go is reserved specifically for the top variants.

The Alcazar faces competition from the following rivals in its segment, namely the Mahindra XUV700, and the Tata Safari.

The XUV700 holds an advantage in outright engine performance and holds a 5-star Global NCAP rating, an independent crash test validation the Alcazar currently lacks. The Alcazar counters with a wider powertrain matrix, four engine-gearbox combinations versus the XUV700's fewer options and a more distinctive second-row experience in six-seat configuration.

The Safari’s higher-spec variants come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as ventilated seats. However, its smaller infotainment screen and overall interior plastic quality give it room for improvement where the Alcazar, with its dual 10.25-inch displays and Bose audio, pulls ahead on cabin technology.