Hyundai Exter vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Toyota Taisor (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 most power (99 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl).
- Pick the Toyota Taisor as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere.
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Hyundai Exter | Maruti Suzuki Fronx | Toyota Taisor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹6.21 Lakh – ₹10.51 Lakh | ₹6.85 Lakh – ₹11.98 Lakh | ₹7.70 Lakh – ₹13.00 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.2L Kappa petrol / 1.2L bi-fuel CNG | 1.2L NA Petrol / 1.0L Turbo Boosterjet Petrol / CNG | 1.2L NA petrol / 1.0L turbo-petrol (Boosterjet) |
| Max power | 82 bhp | 99 bhp | 99 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, CNG | Petrol, CNG | Petrol, CNG |
| Transmissions | Manual, AMT | Manual, AMT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, AMT, Torque Converter AT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 19–27 kmpl | 20.01–22.89 kmpl (petrol), 28.51 km/kg (CNG) | 20.0-22.8 km/l petrol, 28.5 km/kg CNG (ARAI) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | Not tested | Not tested |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 391 L | 308 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 →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 →Toyota Taisor in short
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor is Toyota's take on the Maruti Fronx, a coupe-styled crossover that straddles the hatchback and compact SUV segments. Its highlight is the peppy 1.0 Boosterjet turbo-petrol with a proper six-speed torque-converter automatic, a rarity at this price. Against the Fronx, Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter, it offers sportier looks and Toyota's warranty advantage.
Full Taisor prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Exter vs Fronx vs Taisor — 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 most power (99 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl). Pick the Toyota Taisor as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere. Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Exter, Fronx, Taisor?
The Hyundai Exter starts lowest at ₹6.21 Lakh, against ₹6.85 Lakh for the Fronx and ₹7.70 Lakh for the Taisor (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Hyundai Exter: not yet NCAP-tested; Maruti Suzuki Fronx: not yet NCAP-tested; Toyota Taisor: not yet NCAP-tested.