2023 Hyundai Stargazer officially launched in PH, price starts at Php 998K

A month after opening reservations for its highly-anticipated Hyundai Stargazer, Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) has officially introduced its entry into the very popular 7-seater compact MPV segment where it will compete with the likes of the Toyota Veloz, Mitsubishi Xpander, and Honda BR-V.

Available in three variants starting from the entry-level 1.5 GL IVT, mid-spec 1.5 GLS IVT, and range-topping 1.5 GLS Premium IVT, the Stargazer is definitely inspired by its larger Staria MPV sibling with its very futuristic looking exterior design, wearing Hyundai’s latest design language. In front is an LED light strip that runs the full width of the vehicle, together with split headlights and sharp lines. The rear on the other hand, features H-shaped taillights, giving the Stargazer a very distinct appearance.

Standard exterior equipment starting from the entry-level GL IVT variant are halogen headlights, bulb-type taillights, and 16-inch monotone alloy wheels. The mid-grade GLS IVT adds LED daytime running lights, automatic headlight function, power-folding side mirrors, 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels, chrome outside door handles, LED combination taillights, black+chrome front grille, and shark fin antenna. Finally, going for the top-spec GLS Premium IVT gives you LED headlights.

Available exterior color options for the 2023 Hyundai Stargazer are Magnetic Silver Metallic, Midnight Black Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, and Dragon Red Pearl.

On the inside, while it does not look similar to the larger Staria, the Stargazer still features a very modern and premium-looking design. Hyundai says that it has best-in-class head, shoulder, and legroom, and the most variety of storage space.

Standard interior equipment starting from the entry-level GL IVT variant are fabric seats, black inside door handles, radio with mono-LCD display, 4-speaker audio system, manual climate control, and 2 USB ports. The mid-grade GLS IVT adds leatherette seat material, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6-speaker audio system, Supervision driver’s instrument cluster with 4.2-inch TFT display, center arm rest, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, and auto up/down driver’s window. Finally, going for the top-spec GLS Premium IVT gives you a wireless phone charger and seatback trays.

Under the hood of the 2023 Hyundai Stargazer is a 1.5-liter Inline 4-Cylinder DOHC D-CVVT Smartsream G engine that produces 115 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque. It is paired to an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), Hyundai’s version of a CVT. It is good to note that this shares the same powertrain with the Hyundai Creta subcompact crossover.

In terms of safety, the 2023 Hyundai Stargazer comes standard with Dual Front Airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and ISOFIX Childseat Anchors on all variants. The GLS IVT variant adds Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist, Manual Speed Limit Assist, Rear Parking Sensors, and a Reverse Camera. Going or the GLS Premium IVT adds a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Side Airbags, and Side Curtain Airbags.

In addition, the GLS Premium IVT also gets various advanced driver-assistance safety tech. These are Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Safe Exit Warning.

The 2023 Hyundai Stargazer is now available in all Hyundai dealerships nationwide with a starting price of Php 998,000 for the 1.5 GLS IVT, Php 1,128,000 for the 1.5 GLS IVT, and Php 1,218,000 for the 1.5 GLS Premium IVT. Buyers will also be able to take advantage of a 5-year or 200,000 km (whichever comes first) vehicle warranty.

What do you think? At its price and with its list of specifications and equipment, does the Hyundai Stargazer have what it takes to challenge its well established rivals in the segment?