MG Motor India has just launched the refreshed version of one of its most popular SUVs — the 2026 MG Hector facelift — marking a fresh chapter in the Hector’s journey in the Indian automotive market. First introduced in 2019, the Hector became an instant hit thanks to its bold design, spacious cabin, and feature-rich package. After multiple updates over the years, this is the second major facelift of the Hector, and it brings meaningful changes inside and out to keep the SUV competitive in a crowded market.
📍 Launch & Pricing
The all-new MG Hector facelift was officially launched in India on December 15, 2025, and it is now on sale across MG dealerships nationwide. The company has introduced the SUV with an introductory ex-showroom price starting at ₹11.99 lakh for the standard five-seater model. Alongside the regular Hector, MG has also updated the Hector Plus variant — the larger 6- and 7-seater version — which starts at around ₹17.29 lakh (ex-showroom).
This pricing positions the Hector facelift competitively against other SUVs in the segment, such as the Tata Harrier, Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra XUV700, and Jeep Compass. The refreshed price bracket ensures that the MG Hector continues to appeal to families and tech-savvy buyers looking for value, space, and modern features.
🆕 Exterior Design: A Modern Look
While the overall silhouette of the Hector remains familiar, MG Motor has given the SUV a subtle but impactful design revision. These changes are aimed at giving the Hector a more contemporary and upscale road presence.
Key Exterior Updates
- New Grille Design: The refreshed Hector gets a redesigned front grille that features a hexagonal pattern, giving the SUV a bolder face.
- Updated Bumpers: Both the front and rear bumpers have been tweaked, bringing a more refined and cohesive look.
- Redesigned Alloy Wheels: New 18-inch alloy wheel designs add to the SUV’s dynamic stance.
- New Colour Options: MG has expanded colour choices with Celadon Blue and Pearl White, alongside existing popular shades.
Thanks to these stylistic touches, the Hector facelift manages to feel fresh and modern without straying too far from the design language that made the original model successful.
🛋️ Interior and Comfort: Step Inside the New Hector
One of the standout aspects of the Hector has always been its comfy and practical cabin, and the facelift enhances this experience further.
Interior Enhancements
MG Motor has introduced dual-tone interior themes to elevate the ambience:
- Ice Grey theme for the standard five-seater Hector.
- Urban Tan theme for Hector Plus (6- and 7-seater variants).
These colour schemes, combined with gloss black accents and premium finishing touches, give the cabin a more refined feel.
Space & Seating
The Hector has always been known for spacious seating and generous legroom, making it a practical choice for families. In the Plus version, the flexibility of 6- or 7-seater layouts enhances utility for larger families or those who frequently travel with more passengers. Storage spaces and comfortable seats make long journeys less tiring, and adjustable driver seating ensures a comfortable driving position.
📺 Tech & Connectivity: Smart Features
If technology matters to you, the 2026 Hector facelift brings a host of upgrades that make it feel more premium and user-friendly.
Infotainment & Touch Controls
At the centre of the cabin sits a large 14-inch portrait-style touchscreen infotainment system, which continues to be one of the biggest displays in its segment. But now, MG has added a futuristic i-Swipe gesture control system:
- Two-finger gestures can adjust the AC.
- Three-finger gestures can control music and volume.
This cutting-edge system enhances convenience and gives a unique modern touch that’s rare in this segment. The infotainment also supports:
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- A digital Bluetooth key for keyless sharing.
- Ambient lighting and panoramic sunroof options for select variants.
Connectivity & Smart Features
MG’s i-SMART connected car technology keeps you linked to your Hector even when you’re away. Features like remote AC control, predictive maintenance alerts, and over-the-air updates enhance the ownership experience.
⚙️ Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the MG Hector facelift continues with familiar powertrain options that balance performance and efficiency.
Petrol Powertrain
The SUV is currently launched with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, producing around 143 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with:
- A 6-speed manual transmission.
- A CVT automatic gearbox.
This powertrain setup offers smooth performance suitable for city commutes as well as highway cruising. The petrol engine’s character is refined, and the CVT option brings added ease for urban driving.
Diesel Option (Coming Soon)
At the time of launch, MG has announced that a diesel engine version will be introduced later, sometime in 2026. This addition could attract buyers looking for higher torque and better fuel economy, especially for long-distance travel.
🛡️ Safety Features: Keeping You Protected
MG has equipped the Hector facelift with a strong safety bundle, making it a reassuring choice for families and safety-conscious buyers alike.
Key Safety Highlights
- Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) — including lane assist and adaptive features.
- Six airbags standard across most trims.
- 360-degree camera with wheel view for better parking visibility.
- ABS with EBD, traction control, hill hold control and electronic stability program.
- PM2.5 air filter for cleaner cabin air.
These features collectively boost safety and peace of mind, especially during long journeys or in challenging road conditions.
🏁 Competition & Market Position
The SUV market in India is fiercely competitive, and the MG Hector facelift enters this space with stronger credentials than before. Competitors like:
- Mahindra XUV700
- Tata Harrier
- Hyundai Alcazar
- Jeep Compass
have set high benchmarks, but the Hector’s balanced mix of features, space, and tech makes it a compelling choice — especially for buyers who want a well-rounded family SUV with modern comforts and smart tech.
🧠 Final Thoughts
The 2026 MG Hector facelift is more than just a cosmetic refresh. It represents a thoughtful evolution of a tried-and-tested SUV that has resonated well with Indian buyers. With refined styling, modern tech features like gesture controls, spacious interiors, and comprehensive safety systems, the Hector facelift feels relevant and competitive for 2025-26 and beyond. Its pricing strategy and future diesel option only add to its appeal.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older SUV, buying your first family car, or simply want a feature-rich modern ride, the new MG Hector facelift deserves a serious look. It stands as a testament to how mid-cycle updates can revive a popular model and keep it fresh in a fast-moving market.
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