Hyundai Exter vs Mahindra Bolero 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 Mahindra Bolero if you want the most seats (7).
- Pick the Maruti Suzuki Fronx if you want the most power (99 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Hyundai Exter | Mahindra Bolero | Maruti Suzuki Fronx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹6.21 Lakh – ₹10.51 Lakh | ₹9.80 Lakh – ₹11.20 Lakh | ₹6.85 Lakh – ₹11.98 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.2L Kappa petrol / 1.2L bi-fuel CNG | 1.5L mHawk75 diesel | 1.2L NA Petrol / 1.0L Turbo Boosterjet Petrol / CNG |
| Max power | 82 bhp | 75 bhp | 99 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, CNG | Diesel | Petrol, CNG |
| Transmissions | Manual, AMT | Manual | Manual, AMT, Torque Converter AT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 19–27 kmpl | 16 kmpl (claimed) | 20.01–22.89 kmpl (petrol), 28.51 km/kg (CNG) |
| Seating | 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | Not tested | Not tested |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 2 | 6 |
| Boot space | 391 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 →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 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 Bolero 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 Mahindra Bolero if you want the most seats (7). Pick the Maruti Suzuki Fronx if you want the most power (99 bhp), 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, Bolero, Fronx?
The Hyundai Exter starts lowest at ₹6.21 Lakh, against ₹6.85 Lakh for the Fronx and ₹9.80 Lakh for the Bolero (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Hyundai Exter: not yet NCAP-tested; Mahindra Bolero: not yet NCAP-tested; Maruti Suzuki Fronx: not yet NCAP-tested.