The Hyundai Inster Cross is a extra rugged tackle the cutesy compact electrical automobile (EV), and we reckon it’s one of many coolest new automobiles in the marketplace.
Just check out these strains, these lights, these rims!
It’s a cracking wanting factor and, if you wish to, you will get it with a roof basket as an alternative of a sunroof, which provides practicality – theoretically, no less than, as a result of whereas it would make this a extra cargo-capable possibility, it cuts the driving vary considerably.
Although the Inster is formally classed as a light-weight SUV, it’s nonetheless very a lot a metropolis automobile with no off-road chops, however this Cross model of the Inster is the best-equipped, and – although it’s the most costly – arguably the very best worth, too.
How a lot does the Hyundai Inster value?
The Hyundai Inster lineup begins at just below $40,000 – and whereas that may appear okay for an electrical automobile, this can be a teeny-weeny mannequin that isn’t as sensible as another EVs you possibly can select for much less cash with more room inside.

| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 Hyundai Inster Standard Range | $39,000 |
| 2025 Hyundai Inster Extended Range | $42,500 |
| 2025 Hyundai Inster Cross | $45,000 |
But its measurement and design is clearly a part of its enchantment, and that’s notably prevalent within the flagship Inster Cross variant examined right here.
The ‘before on-roads’ issue is a consideration. Plenty of rivals on the inexpensive finish of the spectrum embody on-road prices, making it simpler to see what the precise transaction worth shall be, whereas on this occasion, your location and the dealership you store with will decide the price.
For instance, the model you see right here with the elective Amazonas Green matte paint ($1000) racks up at greater than $50,500 drive-away in NSW. Yeesh.
There are loads of extra inexpensive and extra sensible choices for these available in the market for a price range EV (such because the MG 4, MG S5, BYD Dolphin and Jeep Avenger), and there are some compelling selections from European makers that provide quirky choices just like the Fiat 500e, Abarth 500e and Mini Cooper Electric.
To see how the Hyundai Inster stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
What is the Hyundai Inster like on the within?
The Inster Cross might be had with a boring inside, or the inside you see in these photos. And wow, this one isn’t going to be for everybody!

The ‘Dark Grey + Amazonas Khaki – Bio Artificial Leather Appointed’ end is a no-cost possibility accessible with six of the seven exterior paint choices for the Inster Cross (you can’t have it with the Dusk Blue matte paint – as a result of blue and inexperienced ought to by no means be seen with out a color in between, darlings…!).
The roof lining can also be completed with a reasonably attention-grabbing design, as is the sunroof shade. But actually, that sunroof is so small in comparison with many others on the market, it’s nearly not price having.
And whereas it’s, er, attention-grabbing, it does exaggerate the ‘not-real-leather’ a part of the trim. I believe it’s enjoyable and funky, however I additionally suppose one with a black inside shall be simpler to promote when the time comes…
The truth there’s a piece between the seats that homes cupholders and an armrest, which strikes when the driving force strikes their seat, is a cool concept. Having cups of sizzling espresso close to your leg in a bump-able place? Not so funky.


But it frees up a flat house in entrance of the seat to permit a lot of storage, and there’s even a few bag hooks on the sprint and door to make sure you’ll match every little thing in. Plus on the backside of the sprint space there’s a 230V plug to your hairdryer, laptop computer or no matter else.
The fundamental dashboard has a ten.25-inch touchscreen media system with loads of good usability and tech to it, however for a brand new automobile geared toward tech-savvy prospects, the dearth of wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is an enormous miss. It’s to do with this technology of screens being unavailable with sat nav and wi-fi connectivity.
The truth there are correct buttons and dials for the controls is a pleasant inclusion although – many different EVs have touchscreen controls for issues like seat heating and cooling, and local weather administration. There’s single-zone local weather management with buttons for all the key controls.
There is a driver info display that matches the principle show, and the show illustration modifications relying on the drive mode you’re in. The display additionally has a heap of information accessible together with a visit pc, drivetrain information and among the security tech information too.


The steering wheel has a heap of controls on deck too, and there’s steering wheel heating for this spec too (by way of a button down close to the driving force’s proper knee).
The most intriguing half is the gear selector, which is a stalk off the steering column that requires you to twist it forwards for D and backwards for R, with a park button on the top. Long-legged individuals, watch your knees getting in!
There are pockets within the doorways, overhead visors with mirrors (however they don’t have lights that come on routinely; you must hit the change every time), and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
The rear seat is a sizeable house for the scale of the automobile. With the driving force’s seat set to my driving place, at 182cm/6’0” I might simply squeeze in behind.


But with the seat slid all the best way again – which you are able to do in all Insters – you can see there’s a heap extra legroom. Headroom is beneficiant it doesn’t matter what, and the view out is nice, too.
Be conscious, although, that like all Insters it’s strictly a four-seater. There is not any center rear seat, which might restrict its enchantment.
There are ISOFIX youngster seat anchors and top-tethers for these seats, however there’s not a lot else when it comes to facilities apart from a single USB-C port. No vents. No cupholders.
And additionally, no rear airbags.
That’s proper – there isn’t a airbag protection for second-row occupants. Hmmm, that was a problem again within the early 20-teens for the Renault Captur and Clio, and the Volkswagen Up and Amarok, however in 2025 it truly is a really notable omission.


As for the boot? Well as you’d count on, it’s configurable on account of these sliding rear seats, however for my part the best way it’s all pieced collectively is a bit foolish.
There are flaps on the rear seatbacks which can be adjustable due to the seats, however they get in the best way of profiting from the house within the boot. The cargo cowl is a ache, too – it will get in the best way. Hyundai might have simply completed with out it, and made the automobile a smidge cheaper!
There is an affordable cargo capability – a minimal of 280 litres with the rear seats of their rearmost place, growing to 1059L with the rear seats folded flat. There’s no spare wheel, although. Just a tyre restore package.
| Dimensions | Hyundai Inster |
|---|---|
| Length | 3825mm |
| Width | 1610mm |
| Height | 1575mm |
| Wheelbase | 2580mm |
| Cargo capability | 280-1059L |
To see how the Hyundai Inster stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The Inster Cross will get the larger battery and extra energy than the bottom mannequin.

| Specifications | Hyundai Inster Cross |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single motor electrical |
| Battery | 49kWh Nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) |
| Power | 85kW |
| Torque | 147Nm |
| Drive kind | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1423kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 10.6 seconds |
| Energy consumption (claimed) | 15.1kWh/100km |
| Energy consumption (as examined) | 15.5kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary | 360km (293km with roof basket) |
| Max AC cost fee | 10.5kW |
| Max DC cost fee | 120kW |
The Inster’s battery will also be used to energy electrical home equipment as a result of it has vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality.
Now, the effectivity of the Inster is spectacular. On paper, the Inster Cross is claimed to make use of 15.1kWh per 100km, which is nice for a front-wheel drive EV on 17-inch wheels with low-profile tyres.
On my check, I noticed a real-world return of 15.5kWh/100km, together with a mixture of city, stop-start, freeway and freeway driving.
But if you happen to select the Inster Cross with the roof basket, that will increase the consumption to 18.8kWh/100km.

What units the Inster aside from different ‘cheap’ EVs is that it has a comparatively small NMC battery, however it’s faster-charging than lots of the budget-focused choices.
Many rivals within the $40-$50k vary are restricted by 6.6kW to 7kW AC charging, and DC charging from 60kW-80kW.
That goes among the approach to explaining why the Inster mightn’t appear to be the budget-friendly possibility it could possibly be, however if you happen to begin to consider time as cash, perhaps it’s a more sensible choice on steadiness…!
To see how the Hyundai Inster stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
How does the Hyundai Inster drive?
The Inster is a enjoyable little jigger.

It has a settled and cozy trip, even on the larger wheels with low-profile tyres, and it steers at velocity with a enjoyable issue that many others on this class can’t match.
It’s not essentially the most thrilling machine when it comes to acceleration at excessive speeds, however the urgency on supply from 0-60km/h or so is addictive. Being electrical, there’s a surge of torque from zero revs, and it’s a comparatively quiet expertise in city driving.
But it may be loud on the freeway, with a whole lot of street noise and wind noise evident, particularly at 110km/h on highways with coarse-chip surfacing.
And whereas it’s a pleasure to go for a jaunt within the Inster, one factor that’s stunning is the turning circle and the steering motion at parking tempo. When you all of the sudden apply a whole lot of steering lock it may well weight up unnecessarily, making U-turns harder than they should be – particularly if you happen to’re not ripped and buff like yours actually… ahem.

The surround-view digicam and blind-spot monitoring programs do make it a largely glorious city driver, although. And it even has a neat little pedestrian warning sound to alert individuals outdoors the automobile of your presence, as a result of in any other case you possibly can creep up unnoticed.
I like the very fact you have got 4 ranges of regenerative braking on supply, together with an assertive i-Pedal mode that can help you pilot it simply utilizing the accelerator pedal. The different ranges are pleasantly balanced, too. And if you happen to desire to simply apply the brakes your self, it’s a properly reactive pedal and never too squashy feeling, as some might be.
So, it may be a hoot to drive. But additionally, a large ache within the bottom.
That’s as a result of – like nearly all different Hyundais on sale right now – it has among the most annoying audible chimes for its security programs, together with an incessant driver monitoring system and an overbearing and infrequently dimwitted velocity signal recognition system.

You can flip them off, and also you’ll have to every time you drive the automobile if you’d like a peaceable and pleasing trip. The treatment for these is to both arrange a favorite (the star button on the steering wheel) which you can shortcut to every time you restart the automobile, or you’ll be able to soar into the menus and muck round with the display. Either method, it’s a heap of display presses earlier than you will get on with it.
Look, it’s not going to be a dealbreaker for some – in actual fact, there are individuals that can admire the programs warning them of the velocity indicators. But I for one know all of the velocity zones the place I reside, and don’t want the automobile to ‘bing’ at me every time it thinks the velocity restrict has modified (and I say ‘it thinks’ as a result of it may well get it improper, usually!).
And whereas there’s a ‘mute’ button operate to show off the ‘overspeed’ alert (the place it would ‘bing-bing-bing’ at you if you happen to’re going over the velocity restrict it thinks you’re driving in), it gained’t mute all the protection signal chimes (because it does within the Tucson).
There’s a lane-keep system that auto-activates above about 60km/h, which you’ll change off simply utilizing the button on the steering wheel. However, if you flip it off, it would nonetheless reactivate lively lane-keep help if you have interaction cruise management.

Find out extra
Find out extra concerning the automobile
All instructed, the tech is all there, however it doesn’t have essentially the most user-friendly operation. And the very fact you must make these a number of changes every time you get again into the automobile (quite than with the ability to arrange a profile and disable a number of issues in a single press, a la the MG S5), makes it extra tedious than likeable, which this automobile must be.
Another peculiarity (however fully comprehensible) is that the Cross doesn’t have any further trip peak – all Inster variants have 144mm of floor clearance.
For a ‘rough and tumble’ model of the Inster, it might have sat a bit greater to supply a contact extra kerb leaping enchantment… I imply, Kia elevated the Picanto’s trip peak by 15mm for the AO ‘SUV’ mannequin! However, it might depend towards the aero effectivity and subsequently cut back the EV vary… inform me what you suppose within the feedback.
To see how the Hyundai Inster stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
What do you get?
There are three variants within the Inster lineup.
2025 Hyundai Inster Standard Range gear highlights:
- 15-inch alloy wheels
- Tyre restore package
- LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Proximity entry with push-button begin
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite navigation with over-the-air updates
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless cellphone charger
- 2 x USB-C retailers
- 1 x USB-A outlet
- Cloth upholstery (made with recycled PET)
- Sliding and reclining rear seats
- 50:50 cut up/fold rear seats
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Steering wheel lights that show charging standing, drive mode
- LED inside lighting
- Single-zone local weather management
- Heat pump
The Extended Range provides:
- Larger capability battery (49kWh)
- More energy
- 17-inch alloy wheels


The Inster Cross provides:
- Exterior cladding
- Roof rails
- Choice of sunroof or roof basket
- Rear privateness glass
- Leatherette upholstery
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- ‘Smart temperature comfort control system’
The Cross additionally has the flexibility for all 4 seats to be folded flat.
All Inster variants include a complimentary five-year Bluelink subscription, which incorporates:
- Automatic collision notification
- Emergency name (SOS) operate
- Live site visitors and climate info
- Voice assistant
- Remote management of local weather and automobile features
- Remote automobile monitoring
To see how the Hyundai Inster stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
Is the Hyundai Inster protected?
The common Hyundai Inster was just lately awarded a four-star ANCAP security score, though the Inster Cross stays unrated.

As talked about above, it doesn’t have any airbag protection for the second-row occupants, which could possibly be a deal-breaker for some. It has twin entrance, entrance facet, entrance curtain and a entrance centre airbag to stop head clashes in a facet impression.
Then there are the protection tech frustrations… I imply, all of the superior security expertise on supply…
Standard security gear consists of:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Cyclist detection
- Motorcycle detection
- Junction help
- Navigation-based adaptive cruise management
- Blind-spot help
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Highway Driving Assist (adaptive cruise + lane centring)
- Lane Following Assist (lane centring)
- Lane-keep help
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
- Rear occupant alert
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Safe exit warning
- Traffic signal recognition
- Reversing digicam
- Rear parking sensors
The Inster Cross additionally receives:
- Blind-Spot View Monitor (digicam view of blind spots)
- Front parking sensors
- Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Reverse
- Surround-view digicam with 3D view
So the Inster Cross actually will get the very best security stuff.
To see how the Hyundai Inster stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
How a lot does the Hyundai Inster value to run?
Hyundai presents a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee for all of its fashions together with the Inster, which additionally comes with an eight-year, 160,000km guarantee for the battery pack.

| Servicing and Warranty | Hyundai Inster |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | Lifetime (service activated) |
| Service intervals | 24 months or 30,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 4 years |
| Total capped-price service value | $1310 |
The service intervals for this mini-EV are prolonged, at 24 months or 30,000km. You will pay as you go, with capped worth servicing accessible.
Or you’ll be able to prepay your upkeep at $655 for the primary service, or $1310 for 4 years/60,000km of canopy. That nonetheless works out to $327.50 per 12 months for servicing, which isn’t the most cost effective for a completely electrical mini-car.
The model will prime up your roadside help every time you service with a Hyundai workshop, although. And it would try this for all times, in accordance with the model’s possession paperwork.
To see how the Hyundai Inster stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
CarExpert’s Take on the Hyundai Inster Cross
It’s a novel, attention-grabbing factor, and nicely price contemplating if you happen to can abdomen the value for a tiny little EV. If you don’t want a lot rear-seat house or an enormous boot, then it is likely to be completely effective.

Pragmatically, nonetheless, there are higher choices on the market for related cash or much less.
Quirky and funky? Yes.
But an excessive amount of cash? Yes to that too.
Interested in shopping for a Hyundai Inster? Let CarExpert discover you the very best deal right here
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MORE: Explore the Hyundai Inster showroom
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