Hyundai Exter vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Skoda Kylaq (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 best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl).
- Pick the Skoda Kylaq if you want the most power (114 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (446 L).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Hyundai Exter | Maruti Suzuki Fronx | Skoda Kylaq |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹6.21 Lakh – ₹10.51 Lakh | ₹6.85 Lakh – ₹11.98 Lakh | ₹8.00 Lakh – ₹14.50 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.2L Kappa petrol / 1.2L bi-fuel CNG | 1.2L NA Petrol / 1.0L Turbo Boosterjet Petrol / CNG | 1.0L TSI turbo-petrol |
| Max power | 82 bhp | 99 bhp | 114 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, CNG | Petrol, CNG | Petrol |
| Transmissions | Manual, AMT | Manual, AMT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, Torque Converter AT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 19–27 kmpl | 20.01–22.89 kmpl (petrol), 28.51 km/kg (CNG) | 19.1-19.7 kmpl (ARAI) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | Not tested | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 391 L | 308 L | 446 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 →Skoda Kylaq in short
The Kylaq is Skoda's first sub-4-metre SUV and its most affordable car in India, aimed squarely at the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. Every variant gets the willing 115 PS 1.0 TSI turbo-petrol, giving it the strongest driving manners in its class. A five-star Bharat NCAP result seals its family-car credentials.
Full Kylaq prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Exter vs Fronx vs Kylaq — 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 best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl). Pick the Skoda Kylaq if you want the most power (114 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (446 L). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Exter, Fronx, Kylaq?
The Hyundai Exter starts lowest at ₹6.21 Lakh, against ₹6.85 Lakh for the Fronx and ₹8.00 Lakh for the Kylaq (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Hyundai Exter: not yet NCAP-tested; Maruti Suzuki Fronx: not yet NCAP-tested; Skoda Kylaq: 5 stars.