The British brand MG, owned by the Chinese company SAIC, has presented the second update for its popular Hector crossover in India. The model, which first appeared on the market in 2019, has received a number of changes to its exterior, interior, and equipment to remain competitive.
Key Model Updates
Design Evolution
MG first introduced the Hector on Indian roads in 2019, adapting it from the Baojun 530 model and its international counterparts like the Chevrolet Captiva. Initially created for local preferences, it received a significant update in 2022, which included a larger radiator grille and a 14-inch media screen.
Now, for 2026, both the standard Hector and its extended three-row Hector Plus version are receiving a second, more restrained update. Its goal is to keep the design current without radical changes to the overall concept.
Exterior Changes
The most noticeable change this time is the redesigned radiator grille with a new mesh pattern. It is combined with a slightly modified lower bumper and a somewhat more aggressive rear end. Despite this, the overall appearance remains recognizable. Key elements such as the split layout of LED headlights and the full-width LED light bar at the rear remain unchanged.
The crossover received a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels, and the color palette has been expanded with shades of Celadon Blue and Pearl White.
Interior Updates
Inside, the 14-inch touchscreen looks the same but has gained the “I-Swipe” touch gesture control function. This system allows users to control the climate, music, and volume by performing specific hand movements across the screen with two or three fingers.
MG positions this as an alternative to physical buttons, allowing for less distraction, although the question of whether this is more intuitive in practice, especially while driving, remains open.
Standard or available equipment includes a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, ventilated seats, customizable ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera, a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, and Level 2 driver assistance features (ADAS). The two-row Hector continues to be offered with an Ice Grey interior, while the three-row Hector Plus is available with a new Urban Tan trim.
Technical Specifications
Under the hood remains the same turbocharged 1.5-liter petrol engine producing 141 hp (105 kW) with 250 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. Additionally, a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel from Stellantis producing 168 hp (125 kW) with 350 Nm of torque will join the model lineup in the coming months.
Pricing and Competitors
The updated MG Hector is already available for order in India. Prices start from 11.99 lakh rupees (approximately equivalent to $13,200 USD at the current exchange rate) for the base Hector Style trim with a manual transmission and go up to 19.49 lakh rupees (about $21,400) for the top Hector Plus Savvy Pro version with a CVT.
Competitors in this segment include the Tata Harrier and Safari, Jeep Compass and Meridian, Hyundai Creta and Alcazar, as well as the Mahindra Scorpio-N and XUV 7XO.
The second update of the Hector demonstrates MG’s strategy of continuously improving the model to maintain interest in the dynamic and highly competitive Indian SUV market. The emphasis on technologies such as gesture control, along with maintaining a proven technical base and competitive pricing, is a typical approach to retaining market position. The success of these updates will depend on how well they are received by local buyers, who increasingly value both innovation and reliability.