I didn’t get the point when Hyundai launched the Stargazer X.

Sure, it needed a crossover version of its popular MPV, but many things must be done to make the Stargazer look like an SUV.

For one, the base Stargazer looks nothing like an SUV. If anything, it looks like the brand’s very popular people mover, the Staria. The company made changes to the fascia, adding black plastic cladding all around, modifying the bumper and putting an additional letter to the badging on the plate garnish trim.

However, you have to squint or be eagle-eyed to notice these. The same goes for the interior, where the only noticeable difference is the red stitching on the leatherette seat material.

So what you exactly get is just a different-looking Stargazer. And while some may sneer at this, what Hyundai did was to make the seven-seat MPV look better.

These visual upgrades are tastefully done, and the carmaker’s attention to detail really sets the Stargazer X apart from its peers.

You can see it in the different shapes found on the black cladding. And who would have thought a rear bumper refresh could lend the crossover version’s bum look way nicer?

But what about the other things? Well, comparing the spec sheets between the two models, you’ll have a hard time spotting the differences.

The list of updates includes a set of bigger 17-inch wheels, high-gloss black panels on the dash, and red stitching on the leatherette seats.

Thankfully, this means the Stargazer X has all the goodies the erstwhile range-topping GLS Premium IVT Stargazer gets.

Inside, you have a well-designed interior that boasts a great level of fit and finish.

This was my first time driving a Stargazer. After trying some of its competitors, I was surprised by what this Hyundai offers.

The ride is very comfortable. Despite the slimmer profile of the tires, the suspension tuning is still good; it’s very pliant, yet doesn’t compromise much on good driving dynamics.

Laden to the brim or not, the Stargazer X’s suspension does a great job of absorbing road imperfections. It also sits 15mm higher than the regular version, allowing it to tackle speed bumps and potholes better.

The lone powertrain option is a 1.5-liter Smartstream gasoline engine, paired with Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (basically the automaker’s take on a CVT). Despite the engine’s modest numbers of just 113hp and 144Nm of torque, the transmission does a great job of maximizing the power.

It starts to roll when you let your foot off the brakes, like how a conventional automatic reacts to such input. Once it starts moving, it picks up speed quite effortlessly.

It won’t push you back into your seat violently, but does it ever so smoothly. Which is frankly what most buyers are looking for.

Another thing that most customers look for is fuel efficiency. Despite the rather good response of the drivetrain, 10km/L is possible within the city with minimal effort.

The Stargazer X shines the most on the highway. A drive down the expressway got me almost 19km/L. Surprisingly, it went as high as 21km/L while I was cruising on a Sunday-evening drive.

Depending on how you see it, Hyundai may have failed to deliver on making this MPV really look like a proper crossover. You may even start to question its existence. It may be difficult to see past this, but one thing is clear: It is arguably one of the best among its peers.

Further sweetening the deal is its P1,348,000 asking price. This may be one of the more expensive of the lot, but the Stargazer X offers a great-value-for-money MPV wrapped in unconventional styling.

Hyundai may be late to the party, but we believe that it has done its homework well. Truly, this is one stylized MPV that’s worth considering.