Hyundai Exter vs Kia Sonet vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (August 2026):
- Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the lowest starting price (₹6.21 Lakh), the biggest boot (391 L).
- Pick the Kia Sonet if you want the most power (118 bhp).
- Pick the Maruti Suzuki Fronx if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Hyundai Exter | Kia Sonet | Maruti Suzuki Fronx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹6.21 Lakh – ₹10.51 Lakh | ₹7.41 Lakh – ₹14.09 Lakh | ₹6.85 Lakh – ₹11.98 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.2L Kappa petrol / 1.2L bi-fuel CNG | 1.2L NA petrol / 1.0L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.2L NA Petrol / 1.0L Turbo Boosterjet Petrol / CNG |
| Max power | 82 bhp | 118 bhp | 99 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, CNG | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, CNG |
| Transmissions | Manual, AMT | Manual, iMT, DCT, Torque Converter AT, AMT | Manual, AMT, Torque Converter AT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 19–27 kmpl | 18.2-24.1 km/l (ARAI, varies by engine and gearbox) | 20.01–22.89 kmpl (petrol), 28.51 km/kg (CNG) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | Not tested | Not tested |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 391 L | 385 L | 308 L |
Hyundai Exter in short
The Exter is Hyundai's entry SUV and the direct answer to the Tata Punch, blending hatchback running costs with a high-riding stance. It packs segment-first kit such as a dashcam with dual cameras, a sunroof and six airbags as standard. The dual-cylinder CNG option keeps boot space usable, a clever touch rivals lack.
Full Exter prices & variants →Kia Sonet in short
The Kia Sonet is one of the most feature-loaded sub-4-metre SUVs on sale, and its 2024 facelift sharpened the styling while making six airbags standard across the range. It remains the only car in its class to offer a diesel-automatic combination, giving it a unique selling point against the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV 3XO. The wide engine-gearbox matrix and segment-first features like ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera keep it a strong all-rounder.
Full Sonet prices & variants →Maruti Suzuki Fronx in short
The Fronx is a Baleno-based crossover coupe sold through Nexa, notable for reviving Maruti's 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine. It straddles the premium hatchback and compact SUV spaces, rivalling the Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter and even the Nissan Magnite. Sharp pricing and a wide powertrain spread — NA petrol, turbo and CNG — have made it a strong seller.
Full Fronx prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Exter vs Sonet vs Fronx — which should I buy?
Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the lowest starting price (₹6.21 Lakh), the biggest boot (391 L). Pick the Kia Sonet if you want the most power (118 bhp). Pick the Maruti Suzuki Fronx if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Exter, Sonet, Fronx?
The Hyundai Exter starts lowest at ₹6.21 Lakh, against ₹6.85 Lakh for the Fronx and ₹7.41 Lakh for the Sonet (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Hyundai Exter: not yet NCAP-tested; Kia Sonet: not yet NCAP-tested; Maruti Suzuki Fronx: not yet NCAP-tested.