Hyundai Exter vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Renault Kiger (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).
- Pick the Maruti Suzuki Fronx if you want the most power (99 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl).
- Pick the Renault Kiger if you want the best crash-test score (4 stars), the biggest boot (405 L).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Hyundai Exter | Maruti Suzuki Fronx | Renault Kiger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹6.21 Lakh – ₹10.51 Lakh | ₹6.85 Lakh – ₹11.98 Lakh | ₹6.30 Lakh – ₹11.30 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.2L Kappa petrol / 1.2L bi-fuel CNG | 1.2L NA Petrol / 1.0L Turbo Boosterjet Petrol / CNG | 1.0L petrol / 1.0L turbo-petrol |
| Max power | 82 bhp | 99 bhp | 99 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, CNG | Petrol, CNG | Petrol |
| Transmissions | Manual, AMT | Manual, AMT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, AMT, CVT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 19–27 kmpl | 20.01–22.89 kmpl (petrol), 28.51 km/kg (CNG) | 19.2-20.5 kmpl (ARAI) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | Not tested | 4 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 391 L | 308 L | 405 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 →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 →Renault Kiger in short
The Renault Kiger is the price warrior of the compact SUV class, refreshed in 2025 with a bolder face, updated cabin and six airbags. It significantly undercuts the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue and Maruti Brezza while offering a willing 100 PS turbo-petrol and a 405-litre boot. A four-star Global NCAP result counters the budget-badge perception.
Full Kiger prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Exter vs Fronx vs Kiger — which should I buy?
Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the lowest starting price (₹6.21 Lakh). Pick the Maruti Suzuki Fronx if you want the most power (99 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl). Pick the Renault Kiger if you want the best crash-test score (4 stars), the biggest boot (405 L). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Exter, Fronx, Kiger?
The Hyundai Exter starts lowest at ₹6.21 Lakh, against ₹6.30 Lakh for the Kiger and ₹6.85 Lakh for the Fronx (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Hyundai Exter: not yet NCAP-tested; Maruti Suzuki Fronx: not yet NCAP-tested; Renault Kiger: 4 stars.