The Creta is offered with three engine options. The base 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol produces 113 hp at 6,300 rpm and 143.8 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm, available with either a 6-speed manual or an intelligent variable transmission (iVT, a belt-driven automatic that prioritises smoothness over outright response). Alongside this base petrol, the 1.5-litre diesel makes 114 hp at 4,000 rpm and a strong 250 Nm between 1,500–2,750 rpm, paired with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.

Topping the range is a 1.5-litre turbo petrol producing 158 hp at 5,500 rpm and 253 Nm between 1,500–3,500 rpm, mated exclusively to a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission, a fast-shifting automatic that uses two clutches for quicker gear changes).

Regardless of the specific powertrain chosen, all three are 4-cylinder, 16-valve units.

Official ARAI figures for the Creta's petrol variants deliver a claimed mileage of 17.4 km/l with manual transmission and up to 18.4 km/l with automatic options such as IVT or DCT. On the other hand, the diesel variants provide higher efficiency, with the 1.5-litre diesel manual rated at 21.8 km/l, while the diesel automatic is rated at 19.1 km/l.

Overall, the official ARAI-claimed fuel economy range for the Creta spans 17.4 km/l to 21.8 km/l, depending on the selected powertrain and gearbox configuration.

Creta’s cabin pairs a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display with an equally sized digital instrument cluster, both integrated into a single horizontal panel that gives the dashboard a clean, uncluttered look. Complementing this setup, connectivity includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Hyundai Bluelink with 70+ features, JioSaavn streaming, and Home-to-Car with Alexa. Rounding out the infotainment experience, a Bose 8-speaker system with a subwoofer is available on higher variants.

For comfort, front seats are power-adjustable (8-way) with ventilation on select variants and the driver's seat adds a memory function and the passenger seat a walk-in device on the top variant.

In the second row, rear passengers get a 60:40 split reclining seatback, a rear window sunshade, and a wireless charger on top variants. Adding to this convenience, storage is practical, with a front seat-back table and retractable cup holder.

The Creta features a bold front end dominated by a black chrome parametric radiator grille, flanked by quad-beam LED headlamps and horizon LED positioning lamps integrated with daytime running lights.

Along the rest of the body, integrated roof rails, chrome door handles, and front and rear skid plates are present on standard variants, while the top variants replace these with blacked-out equivalents. Enhancing this side profile, puddle lamps with a welcome function are included on higher variants.

Completing the exterior profile, R18 diamond-cut alloy wheels feature on top variants, stepping down to R17 units mid-range and R16 steel wheels at entry level.

Additionally at the rear, a full-width connecting LED tail lamp gives the SUV a distinctive signature, while an integrated roof spoiler houses an LED high-mounted stop lamp. Tying the overall lighting design together, sequential LED turn signals on both front and rear add a premium touch.

The Creta comes equipped with six airbags as standard across the variants, namely driver, front passenger, side, and curtain airbags for comprehensive protection. Complementing the airbags are essential safety aids like electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability management (VSM), hill-start assist (HAC), all-wheel disc brakes, and a tyre pressure monitoring system, fitted on every model.

Higher variants feature Hyundai's SmartSense Level 2 ADAS suite, including smart features like forward collision avoidance (for cars, pedestrians, cyclists, junction turns, and oncoming vehicles), blind-spot collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, smart cruise control with stop-and-go function, lane following assist, driver attention warning, safe exit warning, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. Top-spec versions also offer a surround view monitor and blind-spot view monitor for added convenience and safety.

Regarding crash test ratings, the Creta received 3 stars for adult occupant protection (8.00/17.00) and 3 stars for child occupant protection (28.29/49.00) in Global NCAP's 2022 evaluation. The bodyshell was rated unstable in the test. However, the assessment was done on an older two-airbag model, while the current Creta now comes with six airbags as standard across the range.

Creta’s closest rivals in its segment are the all-new Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Tata Sierra.

Seltos is notably larger than Creta, measuring 4,460 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and with a 2,690 mm wheelbase, along with a 447-litre boot, all meaningfully ahead of Creta's figures. It also adds a heads-up display, 12.3-inch dual screens, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. Conversely, the Creta provides a wider range of available variants and a more extensive service network.

Regarding fuel efficiency, the Grand Vitara's strong hybrid powertrain yields an average of 22 kmpl, whereas the petrol Creta averages around 12 kmpl. Furthermore, the Grand Vitara includes an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) option, which is unavailable on the Creta. However, at similar price points, the Creta incorporates more standard cabin technology and interior features.

Finally, the Sierra provides a larger boot capacity of 622 litres and a longer wheelbase of 2,730 mm. In contrast, the Creta is equipped with more advanced interior electronics and is backed by a more established after-sales service infrastructure.