Hyundai Exter vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Tata Nexon (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 Maruti Suzuki Fronx if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl).
- Pick the Tata Nexon if you want the most power (118 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Hyundai Exter | Maruti Suzuki Fronx | Tata Nexon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹6.21 Lakh – ₹10.51 Lakh | ₹6.85 Lakh – ₹11.98 Lakh | ₹7.37 Lakh – ₹14.22 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.2L Kappa petrol / 1.2L bi-fuel CNG | 1.2L NA Petrol / 1.0L Turbo Boosterjet Petrol / CNG | 1.2L turbo-petrol / 1.5L turbo-diesel / 1.2L turbo iCNG |
| Max power | 82 bhp | 99 bhp | 118 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, CNG | Petrol, CNG | Petrol, Diesel, CNG |
| Transmissions | Manual, AMT | Manual, AMT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, AMT, DCT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 19–27 kmpl | 20.01–22.89 kmpl (petrol), 28.51 km/kg (CNG) | 17.44 kmpl (petrol MT), 24.08 kmpl (diesel), 24 km/kg (CNG) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | Not tested | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 391 L | 308 L | 382 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 →Tata Nexon in short
The Nexon is Tata's best-selling model and a perennial top-three player in India's cut-throat sub-4-metre SUV segment against the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. The 2023 facelift brought a dramatic Curvv-inspired design, twin digital displays and a 7-speed DCA automatic. It holds 5-star ratings from both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP, and is the only car in the class with turbo-petrol, diesel and turbo-CNG options.
Full Nexon prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Exter vs Fronx vs Nexon — 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 Maruti Suzuki Fronx if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl). Pick the Tata Nexon if you want the most power (118 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, Fronx, Nexon?
The Hyundai Exter starts lowest at ₹6.21 Lakh, against ₹6.85 Lakh for the Fronx and ₹7.37 Lakh for the Nexon (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Hyundai Exter: not yet NCAP-tested; Maruti Suzuki Fronx: not yet NCAP-tested; Tata Nexon: 5 stars.