Hyundai’s refreshed lineup of budget-friendly minivans has officially arrived in Indonesia, bringing with it sharper styling and upgraded technology to stand out in the fiercely competitive segment. The updated Stargazer range seeks to make the family-focused vehicle more appealing with subtle but meaningful design tweaks and interior improvements aimed at enhancing both aesthetics and practicality.
The original Hyundai Stargazer made its debut in 2022, followed by the more rugged, crossover-inspired Stargazer X in 2023. However, Hyundai felt it was time for a refresh to sharpen the vehicle’s identity and better distinguish it from the larger, futuristic-looking Staria van. The updated model introduces a new “Cartenz” name, inspired by Puncak Cartenz, the highest peak in Indonesia, symbolizing the minivan’s elevated design and aspirations.
The most notable change in this mid-cycle update is at the front end. A longer hood replaces the previous one-box silhouette, giving the van a more commanding presence on the road. The earlier split-headlight setup has been replaced by more conventional single units equipped with striking LED “fang” daytime running lights. The grille has been enlarged significantly—particularly on the Cartenz X variant—and is paired with bulkier bumper air intakes, adding visual weight and a bolder stance.
From the side, the familiar profile remains mostly intact, though the Cartenz X model adds rugged details like plastic cladding around the wheel arches and taller roof rails for a sportier, more adventurous look. At the rear, a redesigned bumper now incorporates the license plate, moving it away from the tailgate for a cleaner design. The taillights have been slimmed down and updated with new LED graphics, contributing to a more contemporary rear appearance.
Dimensionally, the Stargazer Cartenz measures 4,575 mm in length, while the Cartenz X stretches slightly longer to 4,610 mm—a 115 mm increase compared to previous models. Despite this lengthening, the wheelbase remains unchanged at 2,780 mm, and ground clearance stays at a practical 205 mm.
The color lineup includes Creamy White Pearl, Midnight Black Pearl, Magnetic Silver Metallic, and Titan Gray Metallic. Exclusive to the Cartenz X are two matte finishes: Gravity Gold and Optic White. Wheel sizes vary between 16 and 17 inches, depending on the trim level.
Inside, the cabin adopts a more cohesive and modern digital layout. The redesigned dashboard better integrates the infotainment and digital instrument cluster screens, while updated climate controls enhance usability. The Cartenz X trim introduces Shift-by-Wire technology, removing the traditional gear lever to free up center console space and modernize the interior further.
Standard seating configuration includes seven seats arranged across three rows, with an optional six-seat Captain Seat layout for added comfort. The cabin generally features an all-black color scheme, but the flagship trim offers a beige alternative. Features across the range include ventilated and power-adjustable driver seats, wireless phone charging, built-in navigation, a premium Bose sound system, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor.
Mechanically, the refreshed Stargazer retains its existing powertrain: a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 113 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The vehicle is built on a stretched platform shared with the Kia Carens and Carens Clavis minivans, as well as Hyundai’s Creta and Kia’s Seltos SUVs. Though tailored primarily for Indonesian families and professionals, Hyundai plans to export the updated Stargazer to various international markets. The previous generation was already sold in countries like the Middle East, the Philippines, Thailand, Brunei, and Vietnam, so the new model is expected to follow suit with regional adaptations.
The facelifted Stargazer made its public debut at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) and is now open for orders. Pricing starts at approximately $16,600 for the base Cartenz and climbs to about $21,500 for higher trims. The Cartenz X commands a slight premium, with prices ranging from $22,200 to $24,100.
While more expensive than the outgoing versions—which remain available for now—the updated Stargazer models aim to justify the higher price through enhanced features, sharper styling, and a more refined cabin experience, ensuring Hyundai’s minivan stays competitive in a bustling market.