Hyundai Exter vs Mahindra Bolero vs Maruti Suzuki Brezza (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (October 2026):
- Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the lowest starting price (₹5.81 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 27 kmpl), the biggest boot (391 L).
- Pick the Mahindra Bolero if you want the most seats (7).
- Pick the Maruti Suzuki Brezza if you want the most power (100 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
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 →Mahindra Bolero in short
The Bolero is Mahindra's evergreen workhorse, a ladder-frame 7-seater that has ruled rural and semi-urban India for over two decades. It sells on toughness, cheap maintenance and a vast service network rather than features or refinement. There is no direct rival at its price; buyers cross-shop it with the Bolero Neo and used Scorpios.
Full Bolero prices & variants →Maruti Suzuki Brezza in short
Facelifted in July 2026 with a Rs 7.40 lakh entry price — notably for the new turbo, which Maruti has made the range's entry engine — the Brezza remains Maruti's sub-4-metre SUV workhorse and a perennial top-three seller. The big news is the 1.0L Boosterjet turbo-petrol option (from the Fronx) alongside the familiar 1.5L K15C and a new underbody dual-cylinder CNG kit that frees up boot space, plus front parking sensors, TPMS and Level 1 ADAS features like blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. It fights the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Kia Syros and Mahindra XUV 3XO, and its 5-star Bharat NCAP rating and strong resale keep it the segment's safe default.
Full Brezza prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Exter vs Bolero vs Brezza — which should I buy?
Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the lowest starting price (₹5.81 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 27 kmpl), the biggest boot (391 L). Pick the Mahindra Bolero if you want the most seats (7). Pick the Maruti Suzuki Brezza if you want the most power (100 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Exter, Bolero, Brezza?
The Hyundai Exter starts lowest at ₹5.81 Lakh, against ₹7.40 Lakh for the Brezza and ₹8.49 Lakh for the Bolero (ex-showroom, October 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Hyundai Exter: not yet NCAP-tested; Mahindra Bolero: not yet NCAP-tested; Maruti Suzuki Brezza: 5 stars.