2025 Hyundai Stargazer: Shining, shimmering, splendid
2025 was a major year for Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH), headlined by the arrival of the heavily restyled version of its best-selling model.
The South Korean carmaker launched the 2025 Stargazer and Stargazer X seven-seat, multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) last October. These pair of family haulers are critical for HMPH, making up around half of its 12,023-unit sales in 2024.
Four variants are available – the Stargazer GL Plus and GLS, along with the Stargazer X GLS Plus and Stargazer X Premium.
Totally different
The revamped exterior truly distinguishes the Stargazer and Stargazer X from its predecessor, which closely followed the spaceship styling of the larger Staria van.
The headlights (LED in all variants except the Stargazer GL Plus) have been moved from the lower bumper to the top of the hood, while revised LED daytime running lights (again, available in all variants except the Stargazer GL Plus) run across the more prominent front grill.
Distinguishing the Stargazer and Stargazer X is relatively easy – besides black plastic overfenders and rear disc brakes for the latter, all Stargazer variants get 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 series tires, while the Stargazer X models use 17-inch alloy wheels with 205/50 series tires.
The new rear end likewise moves the license plate from the tailgate to the lower bumper, with all models (except the Stargazer GL Plus) getting full-width LED taillights. Only the Stargazer X variants feature a tailgate spoiler with integrated stop lamp.
Clean, capacious cabin
Inside, the 2025 Stargazer and Stargazer X carries over the seven-seater’s crisp design and roof-mounted fan for the second and third rows.
All Stargazer models get a 4.2-inch digital gauge cluster, a traditional parking brake and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Moving up to the Stargazer GL Plus gets you full fabric upholstery, while the Stargazer GLS has a cloth-leatherette combination and a push-start button.
Finally, all Stargazer X models come standard with full leatherette trim, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (along with built-in Waze navigation), an electric parking brake and a push-start button. However, only the top-spec Stargazer X Premium has electronic climate control.
Strong engine
Much of the appeal of the Stargazer and Stargazer X comes from their car-like driving experience.
As before, all models are powered by a 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine pumping out 113 horsepower and 144 Newton-meters of torque, which are coursed through Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission.
Safety-wise, all variants come standard with dual front airbags, child-restraint anchors and anti-lock brakes, but the Stargazer GLS and both Stargazer X models add cruise control, electronic stability control and hillstart assist control. Only the Stargazer X gets side and curtain airbags, along with a tire-pressure monitoring system.
Exclusive to the top-of-the-line Stargazer X Premium is the Hyundai Smartsense advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that includes Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist.
Our initial test of the Stargazer X Premium yielded an easy (if rather uninspiring) driving experience, making it one of the best small MPVs on the market. A longer review will let us evaluate important things like fuel consumption and expressway performance.
Still a top car
The Stargazer is available in five colors – Midnight Black Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, Magnetic Silver Metallic, Titan Gray Metallic and Dragon Red Pearl.
Stargazer X models add gloss-black roofs in combination with Creamy White Pearl, Magnetic Silver Metallic or Dragon Red Pearl.
The lineup starts at P1,118,000 for the Stargazer GL Plus and goes up to P1,228,000 for the Stargazer GLS. Meanwhile, the more rugged Stargazer X kicks off at P1,318,000 for the GLS Plus and tops off at P1,378,000 for the Premium.
Given HMPH’s ambitions to hit 15,000 sales this year, these “Stars” are sure to light the way for many potential buyers to their nearest Hyundai dealership.
