Two of India’s most anticipated electric SUVs are finally arriving within months of each other. On one side stands the Hyundai Creta EV – a model based on the country’s best-selling midsize SUV, promising familiarity and trust. On the other side stands the Maruti eVX – the first dedicated electric vehicle from India’s largest carmaker, developed in partnership with Toyota.
Both SUVs will be priced between ₹18 lakh and ₹24 lakh, targeting the same buyer: the upwardly mobile Indian family looking to switch from petrol to electric without compromising space, features, or style.
In this in-depth comparison, we will analyse every parameter that matters – battery and range, charging speeds, performance, features, space, safety, pricing, and ownership experience. By the end, you will know exactly which electric SUV deserves your garage space.
Battery & Range – The Most Critical Metric
For any electric vehicle buyer, range is the single most important number. No one wants to experience range anxiety on a highway trip or be forced to charge every 150 km.
Detailed Battery Specifications
| Parameter | Hyundai Creta EV | Maruti eVX |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion (NMC) | Lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) |
| Battery Capacity (usable) | 45 kWh | 48 kWh |
| Battery Supplier | LG Energy Solution | BYD (Blade battery) |
| Thermal Management | Liquid cooling + heating | Liquid cooling only |
| ARAI Claimed Range | 450 km | 500+ km |
| Real-World City Range | 370-390 km | 410-430 km |
| Real-World Highway Range | 300-320 km | 340-360 km |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years / 1,60,000 km | 8 years / 1,60,000 km |
The Maruti eVX has a clear advantage in battery capacity and range. The extra 3 kWh (from 45 to 48 kWh) translates to an additional 40-50 km of real-world range – exactly the margin that could eliminate range anxiety on a 350 km highway trip.
However, the battery chemistry difference matters more than the capacity difference:
- Hyundai (NMC): Nickel Manganese Cobalt batteries have higher energy density (lighter for the same capacity) and perform better in cold weather. However, they degrade slightly faster and are more expensive to replace.
- Maruti (LFP): Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries (BYD’s Blade battery) have lower energy density (heavier) but offer longer cycle life (3,000+ charging cycles vs 1,500-2,000 for NMC). They are also inherently safer – thermal runaway occurs above 500°C (vs 200°C for NMC).
Winner: Maruti eVX – for both range and battery longevity.
Charging Speeds – How Fast Can You Fill Up?
Range matters less if you can charge quickly. Both SUVs support DC fast charging, but there are differences in peak power and charging curve.
| Parameter | Hyundai Creta EV | Maruti eVX |
|---|---|---|
| Max DC Charging Power | 75 kW | 100 kW |
| 10-80% Charging Time | 50 minutes | 45 minutes |
| AC Charging (7.2 kW) | 6 hours 15 min | 6 hours 45 min |
| AC Charging (3.3 kW) | 13 hours | 14 hours |
| Charging Port Standard | CCS2 | CCS2 |
| Battery Preconditioning | No | Yes |
The Maruti eVX’s battery preconditioning is a feature that most buyers overlook but owners will love. When you navigate to a fast charger using the in-car navigation, the battery management system automatically warms (or cools) the battery to the optimal temperature (25-35°C) before you arrive. This ensures you get the full 100 kW charging speed even in winter or after highway driving.
The Creta EV lacks preconditioning. On a hot summer day (battery at 45°C after highway driving), the car will limit charging power to 40-50 kW to protect the battery, increasing charging time to 75+ minutes.
Real-World Charging Scenario
Suppose you are driving from Delhi to Jaipur (280 km). Both SUVs can make the trip without charging. On the return journey, you need a 15-minute top-up.
- Creta EV: With no preconditioning, the battery is hot. You get 45 kW average. 15 minutes adds 10 kWh → 70-80 km range.
- eVX: Preconditioning active. You get 85 kW average. 15 minutes adds 20 kWh → 140-160 km range.
The eVX gives you nearly double the range in the same charging time – a massive real-world advantage.
Winner: Maruti eVX (by a significant margin)
Performance – Motor Power & Driving Dynamics
Both SUVs use a single front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). All-wheel-drive (dual motor) variants are not planned for India at launch.
| Parameter | Hyundai Creta EV | Maruti eVX |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power (peak) | 138 bhp | 135 bhp |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 250 Nm |
| 0-100 kmph | 8.5 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 kmph (limited) | 150 kmph (limited) |
| Drive Modes | Eco, Normal, Sport | Eco, City, Sport |
| Regeneration Levels | 3 (steering paddles) | 4 (steering paddles) |
The performance figures are nearly identical. Both SUVs feel quick off the line (instant torque from 0 rpm) but run out of breath above 120 kmph – a common characteristic of single-motor EVs.
Driving Character Differences
The driving experience differs subtly:
Hyundai Creta EV:
- The throttle mapping in Sport mode is aggressive – 30% pedal input delivers 60% power. This makes the car feel more exciting in city traffic but can be jerky for passengers.
- Regeneration in Level 3 is strong enough for one-pedal driving in moderate traffic (you rarely need the brake pedal).
- Steering is light at low speeds (excellent for parking) and weights up artificially at highway speeds (feels slightly numb).
Maruti eVX:
- Throttle mapping is more linear – 30% pedal input delivers 30% power. This makes the car feel less aggressive but smoother for passengers (a deliberate choice for family buyers).
- Regeneration has four levels. Level 4 is stronger than the Creta’s Level 3 – the car can come to a complete stop without the brake pedal (true one-pedal driving).
- Steering is heavier at all speeds (consistent with Maruti’s newer petrol SUVs like the Grand Vitara) but provides better feedback.
Winner: Tie – they are too close to call based on numbers. Test drive both to decide which character you prefer.
Features – What You Get for Your Money
Both SUVs pack a long list of features, but their focus differs. The Creta EV focuses on interior luxury and comfort, while the eVX focuses on technology and driver assistance.
Exterior Features
| Feature | Creta EV | eVX |
|---|---|---|
| LED headlamps (projector) | Yes (multi-faceted) | Yes (single projector) |
| LED DRLs | Yes (parametric design) | Yes (connected across grille) |
| LED tail lamps | Yes (connected) | Yes (connected) |
| Panoramic sunroof | Yes | Yes |
| Powered tailgate | No | Yes |
| Automatic wipers | Yes | Yes |
| 18-inch alloy wheels | Yes (top variant) | Yes (top variant) |
Unique eVX feature: The powered tailgate with gesture activation – waving your foot under the rear bumper opens the boot. This is genuinely useful when your hands are full of shopping bags.
Unique Creta EV feature: Sequential turn indicators (front and rear) – the LEDs light up in a sweeping motion. A small touch, but it makes the car look more premium.
Interior & Comfort Features
| Feature | Creta EV | eVX |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilated front seats | Yes (2-stage) | Yes (3-stage) |
| Powered driver seat | Yes (8-way) | Yes (6-way) |
| Ambient lighting | Yes (64 colours) | Yes (32 colours) |
| Dual-zone auto AC | Yes | Yes (single-zone) |
| Rear AC vents | Yes | Yes |
| Rear window sunshade | Yes (manual) | No |
| Front armrest (storage) | Yes (deep) | Yes (shallow) |
| Wireless phone charger | Yes (15W) | Yes (15W) |
Winner: Creta EV – the dual-zone AC and rear sunshades add genuine family-friendly value.
Infotainment & Connectivity
| Feature | Creta EV | eVX |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size (infotainment) | 10.25-inch | 10.25-inch |
| Screen size (instrument) | 10.25-inch | 7-inch (semi-digital) |
| Sound system | Bose (8 speakers) | JBL (9 speakers) |
| Wireless Android Auto | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in navigation | Yes (MapmyIndia) | Yes (Google Maps via Android Auto) |
| OTA updates | Yes (infotainment only) | Yes (full vehicle) |
The eVX’s full vehicle OTA updates are a significant advantage. Over the air, Maruti can update:
- Infotainment features
- Battery management system algorithms (improving range and charging speeds over time)
- ADAS behaviour
- Motor controller calibration
The Creta EV’s OTA updates are limited to the infotainment system. For battery or motor updates, you must visit a dealership.
Winner: eVX (for OTA capability)
Safety & ADAS
| Feature | Creta EV | eVX |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 6 (standard) | 6 (standard) |
| Electronic Stability Control | Yes | Yes |
| Traction control | Yes | Yes |
| Hill start assist | Yes | Yes |
| Hill descent control | No | Yes |
| Tyre pressure monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| 360-degree camera | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS level | Level 1 (standard) | Level 2 (top variant) |
ADAS Features Comparison
Creta EV (Level 1):
- Forward collision warning
- Autonomous emergency braking (up to 80 kmph)
- Lane departure warning
- High beam assist
Maruti eVX (Level 2, top variant):
- All Creta EV features +
- Lane keep assist (active steering)
- Adaptive cruise control (stop & go)
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind spot monitoring
- Traffic sign recognition
The eVX’s adaptive cruise control with stop & go is a game-changer for highway driving. Set it to 100 kmph, and the car automatically maintains distance from the car ahead, braking to a complete stop if traffic halts, and resuming when traffic moves. On the Creta EV, cruise control is conventional (maintains a fixed speed without adjusting to traffic).
Winner: eVX (significantly better ADAS)
Interior Space & Practicality
| Parameter | Creta EV | eVX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,300 mm | 4,320 mm |
| Width | 1,790 mm | 1,820 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,650 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,610 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Boot space | 420 litres | 500 litres |
| Frunk (front trunk) | None | 30 litres |
The eVX’s longer wheelbase (90 mm longer than the Creta EV) translates directly to rear seat legroom. A six-foot passenger can sit behind a six-foot driver with knees not touching the front seat.
The frunk (front trunk) on the eVX provides 30 litres of storage – enough for the charging cables, a laptop bag, or a small backpack. This keeps the main boot free for luggage.
Winner: eVX (more space in every dimension)
Pricing & Variants (Ex-showroom, Estimated)
| Variant | Creta EV | eVX |
|---|---|---|
| Base | ₹17.99 lakh | ₹18.99 lakh |
| Mid | ₹19.49 lakh | ₹20.49 lakh |
| Top | ₹21.99 lakh | ₹22.99 lakh |
| Top + ADAS | Not available | ₹23.99 lakh |
The Creta EV is ₹1 lakh cheaper at every equivalent trim level. This is a deliberate strategy by Hyundai – use the Creta brand’s popularity to undercut Maruti’s first dedicated EV.
However, the eVX’s top ADAS variant (₹23.99 lakh) has no direct competitor in the Creta EV lineup. If you want Level 2 ADAS, the eVX is your only choice.
Ownership Experience – Which Brand Does Better?
Service Network
| Brand | Dealerships (India) | EV-trained technicians |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki | 3,500+ | 1 technician per 2 dealerships |
| Hyundai | 1,300+ | 1 technician per dealership |
Maruti’s massive service network is its biggest advantage. No matter where you are in India (including remote highway towns), a Maruti service centre is within 100 km. For the eVX, Maruti will deploy mobile service vans to your home for minor issues.
Hyundai’s network is adequate but not as widespread. In Northeast India or rural areas, you may drive 200+ km for service.
Charging Ecosystem
| Brand | Public chargers (partnered) | Home charger installation |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti | Tie-up with Jio-bp, Statiq | Free with vehicle (7.2 kW) |
| Hyundai | Tie-up with Tata Power, Zeon | Free with vehicle (7.2 kW) |
Both carmakers offer a free 7.2 kW home charger with installation. For public charging, both have partnerships covering 90% of India’s fast-charging network.
Winner: Maruti (better service network reach)
Final Verdict – Which Electric SUV Should You Buy?
Buy the Hyundai Creta EV if:
- Budget is a primary concern – the Creta EV saves you ₹1 lakh over the eVX at equivalent trims.
- You prefer a sportier driving feel – the aggressive throttle mapping in Sport mode makes city driving more engaging.
- You value interior luxury – the dual-zone AC, rear sunshades, and 64-colour ambient lighting add a premium feel.
- You rarely drive beyond 300 km in a single day – the lower range will never affect you.
Buy the Maruti eVX if:
- You regularly drive 350+ km highway trips – the extra 40-50 km of real-world range eliminates range anxiety.
- You want the latest ADAS technology – Level 2 ADAS with adaptive cruise control is a highway game-changer.
- You keep your cars for 8+ years – the LFP battery will outlast the NMC battery by thousands of charging cycles.
- You need maximum rear seat space – the longer wheelbase makes a real difference for family members.
- You live in a remote area – Maruti’s service network reach is unmatched.
The Final Recommendation
For most buyers, the Maruti eVX is the better electric SUV – if you can stretch your budget by ₹1 lakh. The combination of longer range, faster effective charging (thanks to preconditioning), Level 2 ADAS, and a longer-lasting battery justifies the premium.
However, if ₹1 lakh is a deal-breaker, the Hyundai Creta EV is still an excellent electric SUV. It offers 90% of the eVX’s capability for 95% of its price. You will not regret buying either one.
Bookings for both SUVs open in September 2026 (Creta EV) and October 2026 (eVX). Test drive both back-to-back before making your decision.