Hyundai i20 vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz (2026)
The classic premium hatchback shortlist, settled with numbers (September 2026):
- Pick the Hyundai i20 if you want the most power (118 bhp).
- Pick the Maruti Suzuki Baleno if you want the lowest starting price (₹5.99 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 30.61 kmpl).
- Pick the Tata Altroz if you want the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (345 L).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
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 i20 prices & 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 Baleno prices & variants →Tata Altroz in short
The Altroz is Tata's premium hatchback built on the ALFA architecture and was the first made-in-India car to score a full 5 stars at Global NCAP. Refreshed in 2025 with flush door handles, a larger touchscreen and six airbags as standard, it fights the Maruti Baleno, Hyundai i20 and Toyota Glanza. It is also the only car in its class to offer petrol, diesel and CNG powertrains under one roof.
Full Altroz prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
i20 vs Baleno vs Altroz — which should I buy?
Pick the Hyundai i20 if you want the most power (118 bhp). Pick the Maruti Suzuki Baleno if you want the lowest starting price (₹5.99 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 30.61 kmpl). Pick the Tata Altroz if you want the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (345 L). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among i20, Baleno, Altroz?
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno starts lowest at ₹5.99 Lakh, against ₹6.00 Lakh for the Altroz and ₹7.04 Lakh for the i20 (ex-showroom, September 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Hyundai i20: 3 stars; Maruti Suzuki Baleno: not yet NCAP-tested; Tata Altroz: 5 stars.