Hyundai Solaris - one of the most recognizable cars on the Russian market. Over the course of 12 years of production, the model went through three generations, each of which had unique design features. If you are planning to buy used or new Solaris, it is important to understand how the versions differ in appearance - this will help you avoid mistakes when choosing and evaluate the condition of the car from the photo in the advertisements.

In this article we will look in detail at what it looks like Hyundai Solaris each generation: from body shape and optics to small details like door handles and rims. You will learn how to distinguish restylings by what visual characteristics, what design elements are most often damaged in accidents, and how to determine the year of manufacture of a car by its appearance. For clarity, we provide comparative photos, tables with dimensions and video reviews.

1st generation (2010–2014): humble beginnings

Debut Hyundai Solaris (index RB) appeared in 2010 as a budget alternative Kia Rio and Volkswagen Polo. The design was developed specifically for the Russian market: simple lines, minimalistic optics and compact dimensions. The car looked neutral, without fancy details, which appealed to pragmatic buyers.

Key features of the first one's appearance Solaris:

  • 🔹 Front: narrow radiator grille with chrome trim, headlights with rounded turn signals, bumper without aggressive lines.
  • 🔹 Side profile: short front overhang, high ground clearance (160 mm), wheel arches without plastic extensions.
  • 🔹 Rear: vertical lights with transparent sections, bumper with black insert, license plate on the bumper (not on the trunk lid).
  • 🔹 Wheels: stamped wheels R14 or R15 with plastic caps in basic versions.

Released in 2014 restyling, which affected mainly the front part: the grille became wider, LED running lights appeared, and the bumper received more pronounced ribs. The taillights remain the same, but their internal structure is slightly different.

📊 Which generation of Solaris do you like best?
1st (2010–2014)
2nd (2014–2017)
3rd (2017–2021)
Restyling 2021+

2nd generation (2014–2017): European motifs

Second generation (HC) debuted in 2014 and received a completely new design, developed in the European style. The car has become 60 mm longer, and the ground clearance has decreased to 150 mm. Hyundai Solaris acquired stricter lines, aggressive optics and sporty notes, which made it visually closer to Hyundai Elantra of that time.

Distinctive features of the second generation:

  • 🔥 Front: hexagonal radiator grille (like Hyundai i30), narrow headlights with LED lights in top versions, a bumper with large air intakes.
  • 🔥 Side profile: more dynamic roof line, chrome moldings on the doors, wheel arches with plastic lining in the version Active.
  • 🔥 Rear: horizontal lights with LED elements, bumper with diffuser, license plate moved to the trunk lid.
  • 🔥 Wheels: alloy wheels R16 in top trim levels, tires up to 205 mm wide.

Released in 2017 restyling, which brought minimal changes: an updated radiator grille, slightly modified taillights and new wheel options. The main innovation is the appearance full LED optics version Premium, which was rare in the class.

How to distinguish the 2017 restyling?

In the restyled version (2017–2021), the radiator grille became wider and lost the chrome crossbars, and the rear lights received clearer LED elements. The shape of the fog lights has also changed - they have become narrower and longer.

3rd generation (2017–2026): modern minimalism

Third generation (HC after restyling in 2021) has become the most technologically advanced and stylish. Hyundai Solaris has acquired family resemblance features with the brand’s flagship models: Sonata and Tucson. The design has become more futuristic, with an emphasis on horizontal lines and minimalism.

What makes the third generation stand out:

  • ⚡ Front: cascade type radiator grille (like Hyundai Santa Fe), narrow LED headlights with C-shaped daytime running lights.
  • ⚡ Side profile: more sloping roofline (aerodynamic coefficient 0.29), hidden rear door handles in top versions, chrome moldings.
  • ⚡ Rear: lights connected by an LED strip, bumper with imitation diffuser, dual-pipe exhaust system in version Sport.
  • ⚡ Wheels: disks R16–R17 with “turbine” design, low-profile tires (up to 50 series).

Passed in 2021 restyling, after which the car received a completely new front end with a grille in the style Hyundai Sensuous Sportiness, as well as updated taillights with a 3D effect. Important: after restyling versions with manual transmission have disappeared - only automatic or robot.

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To distinguish Solaris 2021+ from pre-restyling versions, pay attention to the shape of the radiator grille: in the new models it has voluminous “cells” rather than flat crossbars.

Comparison of dimensions and ground clearance by generation

Appearance Hyundai Solaris changed not only due to design, but also due to changes in dimensions. For example, the third generation became 30 mm wider, which improved road stability. The table below shows the key parameters for each generation.

Parameter 1st generation (2010–2014) 2nd generation (2014–2017) 3rd generation (2017–2026)
Length, mm 4370 4405 4405
Width, mm 1700 1729 1729
Height, mm 1470 1470 1460
Ground clearance, mm 160 150 150
Wheelbase, mm 2570 2600 2600

Please note: the ground clearance of the second and third generations decreased by 10 mm, which made the car more vulnerable to damage to the crankcase protection on bad roads. If you often drive on dirt roads, it's worth considering installing additional protection or increasing ground clearance using spacers.

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The third generation Solaris became longer and wider, but the ground clearance decreased to 150 mm. This improved handling, but increased the risk of damage off-road.

How to determine the equipment by appearance?

Appearance Hyundai Solaris Depends a lot on the configuration. Knowing the key visual features, you can determine the version of the car even from the photo in the ad. This will help you avoid being scammed when buying a used car.

The main differences between the configurations:

  • 🔧 Classic (basic): stamped wheels R14–R15, black mirrors without repeaters, no chrome elements.
  • 🔧 Comfort: alloy wheels R15, chrome door handles, fog lights.
  • 🔧 Elegance/Style: disks R16, LED optics, chrome moldings on the doors, two-tone painting (optional).
  • 🔧 Premium/Sport: disks R17, full LED optics, darkened headlights, sports body kit.

Also pay attention to body color: in top versions there are often exclusive shades like Phantom Black (deep black with mother-of-pearl) or Silky Bronze (bronze metallic), which were not offered in the basic trim levels.

Evaluate wheel design (stamping vs casting)

Check for the presence of chrome elements (handles, moldings)

Pay attention to the type of optics (halogen vs LED)

Look at the rear bumper (sports diffuser = top version) -->

Typical body damage: what to look for when buying?

Upon examination Hyundai Solaris It is important to know which body elements most often suffer from accidents or corrosion. This will help you avoid buying a broken or rusty car.

Vulnerabilities by generation:

  • 🚗 1st generation: front bumper (fragile plastic), fenders (prone to rust in places where they are chipped), rear arch above the wheel (corrosion due to dirt).
  • 🚗 2nd generation: hood (soft metal, often dents from stones), sills (rust in the absence of anti-corrosion treatment).
  • 🚗 3rd generation: front optics (expensive to replace due to LED), bumper (lower part suffers from curbs), roof (hail chips on metallic).

Pay special attention condition of the paintwork. On Solaris “repainting” is common after an accident, especially in the area of the front fender and driver's door. You can check this using a thickness gauge or by discrepancies in shades at the joints of parts.

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If your car has non-standard bumpers or widened wheel arches, this may indicate a serious accident. Check the VIN against the history via Autocode or CarVertical.

⚠️ Attention: On Hyundai Solaris 2017-2021 chrome peeling on door handles and moldings is a common problem. This does not affect safety, but spoils the appearance. When inspecting, check for bubbles or peeling on the chrome elements.

Video reviews of the appearance of Solaris

To better imagine what it looks like Hyundai Solaris in reality, we recommend watching video reviews. Below is a selection of videos with a detailed examination of each generation:

📌 1st generation (2010–2014):

📌 2nd generation (2014–2017):

📌 3rd generation (2017–2026):

Please note body parts in the video: how the doors open, how uniform the gaps are between the panels, whether there are any gaps in the bumpers. This will help identify hidden defects when inspecting a used car.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the appearance of Solaris

🔍 How to distinguish Hyundai Solaris from Kia Rio by appearance?

Hyundai Solaris and Kia Rio built on the same platform, but have different designs. U Solaris:

  • 🔹 Radiator grille with horizontal stripes (at Rio - “tiger nose” with vertical ones).
  • 🔹 Headlights with more rounded turn signals (in Rio - angular).
  • 🔹 The taillights are connected by a light strip only in the 3rd generation (in Rio - always).
🔍 Why is there no manual transmission on Solaris 3rd generation?

After restyling 2021 Hyundai abandoned mechanics in favor 6-speed automatic and robotic gearbox (in basic versions). This is due to tightening environmental standards and the desire to simplify production.

🔍 Which Solaris body colors are the rarest?

The rarest shades:

  • 🔹 Silky Bronze (bronze metallic, 3rd generation only).
  • 🔹 Phantom Black with mother-of-pearl (only in top trim levels).
  • 🔹 Tangerine Orange (orange, limited edition in 2018).

These colors are harder to find on the secondary market, but hold resale value better.

🔍 Is it possible to install optics from the 3rd generation on Solaris 1st generation?

Technically possible, but some improvements will be required:

  • 🔧 Replacement of the front bumper (the headlight mounts are different).
  • 🔧 Re-flashing the light control unit (LED optics requires adaptation).
  • 🔧 There may be problems with can-busif the control units are incompatible.

The cost of modifications often exceeds reasonable limits, so it is easier to buy a car with the required configuration.

🔍 Which Solaris looks better: sedan or hatchback?

Hyundai Solaris officially released only in the body sedan. Hatchback called Hyundai i20 or Hyundai Accent (in some countries) has a different design and is not a complete analogue. If you need a hatchback on a platform Solaris, pay attention to Kia Rio X-Line — it is closer in technical characteristics.