Hyundai i20 vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno (2026)
Hyundai i20 (₹7.04 Lakh – ₹11.25 Lakh) and Maruti Suzuki Baleno (₹5.99 Lakh – ₹8.90 Lakh) go head-to-head in the premium hatchback space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (July 2026).
- The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is more affordable — it starts ₹1.05 Lakh lower than the Hyundai i20.
- The Hyundai i20 is the more powerful car, with 118 bhp against 89 bhp.
- The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is more efficient on paper — up to 30.61 kmpl vs 20 kmpl.
- Only the Hyundai i20 has a published NCAP crash-test rating (3 stars).
- The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has the bigger boot: 318 litres vs 311 litres.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Hyundai i20 | Maruti Suzuki Baleno |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹7.04 Lakh – ₹11.25 Lakh | ₹5.99 Lakh – ₹8.90 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.2L Kappa petrol; 1.0L turbo-petrol (N Line) | 1.2L K12N DualJet NA Petrol / CNG |
| Max power | 118 bhp | 89 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol | Petrol, CNG |
| Transmissions | Manual, CVT, DCT | Manual, AMT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 19–20 kmpl | 22.35–22.94 kmpl (petrol), 30.61 km/kg (CNG) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | 3 stars | Not tested |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 311 L | 318 L |
Hyundai i20 in short
The i20 is Hyundai's premium hatchback flagship, taking on the Maruti Baleno, Toyota Glanza and Tata Altroz. It stands out for its European-inspired styling, a genuinely upmarket cabin with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and the sporty i20 N Line turbo-DCT for enthusiasts. The 2023 facelift sharpened the design and made six airbags standard on top trims.
Full i20prices & variants →Maruti Suzuki Baleno in short
Sold through Nexa, the Baleno is Maruti's premium hatchback and a consistent segment best-seller, heavily updated in 2022 with a stiffer structure and more equipment. It rivals the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz and Toyota Glanza (its own badge-engineered twin). The 1.2L DualJet engine prioritises efficiency, and top trims get a 360-degree camera and head-up display.
Full Balenoprices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: i20 or Baleno?
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is more affordable — it starts ₹1.05 Lakh lower than the Hyundai i20. (Ex-showroom prices, July 2026.)
i20 vs Baleno — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: Hyundai i20 — 3 stars; Maruti Suzuki Baleno — not yet tested.
Should I buy the i20 or the Baleno?
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is more affordable — it starts ₹1.05 Lakh lower than the Hyundai i20. The Hyundai i20 is the more powerful car, with 118 bhp against 89 bhp. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is more efficient on paper — up to 30.61 kmpl vs 20 kmpl. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.