Mahindra Bolero Neo vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Tata Punch (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (August 2026):
- Pick the Mahindra Bolero Neo if you want the most power (100 bhp), the most seats (7).
- Pick the Maruti Suzuki Fronx if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl).
- Pick the Tata Punch if you want the lowest starting price (₹5.70 Lakh), the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (366 L).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Mahindra Bolero Neo | Maruti Suzuki Fronx | Tata Punch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹9.90 Lakh – ₹12.20 Lakh | ₹6.85 Lakh – ₹11.98 Lakh | ₹5.70 Lakh – ₹10.67 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L mHawk100 diesel | 1.2L NA Petrol / 1.0L Turbo Boosterjet Petrol / CNG | 1.2L Revotron 3-cylinder petrol / iCNG |
| Max power | 100 bhp | 99 bhp | 87 bhp |
| Fuel options | Diesel | Petrol, CNG | Petrol, CNG |
| Transmissions | Manual | Manual, AMT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, AMT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 17.3 kmpl (claimed) | 20.01–22.89 kmpl (petrol), 28.51 km/kg (CNG) | 18.8-20.09 kmpl (petrol), 26.99 km/kg (CNG) |
| Seating | 7 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | Not tested | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 2 | 6 | 2 |
| Boot space | — | 308 L | 366 L |
Mahindra Bolero Neo in short
The Bolero Neo is the modernised take on the Bolero formula, built on a hydroformed ladder-frame chassis derived from the TUV300. It pairs the tough-SUV appeal and 7-seat practicality of its elder sibling with a more powerful 100 bhp diesel and a marginally better-equipped cabin. It sits in a niche of its own, competing partly with sub-4m monocoque SUVs like the Tata Nexon diesel on price.
Full Bolero Neo 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 Punch in short
The Punch is Tata's micro SUV that regularly tops India's monthly sales charts, blending hatchback pricing with genuine SUV stance and 187 mm ground clearance. Built on the ALFA platform, it scored 5 stars at Global NCAP and takes on the Hyundai Exter and Maruti Fronx-lite end of the market. The twin-cylinder iCNG variant even offers a sunroof, a segment first at launch.
Full Punch prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Bolero Neo vs Fronx vs Punch — which should I buy?
Pick the Mahindra Bolero Neo if you want the most power (100 bhp), the most seats (7). Pick the Maruti Suzuki Fronx if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl). Pick the Tata Punch if you want the lowest starting price (₹5.70 Lakh), the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (366 L). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Bolero Neo, Fronx, Punch?
The Tata Punch starts lowest at ₹5.70 Lakh, against ₹6.85 Lakh for the Fronx and ₹9.90 Lakh for the Bolero Neo (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Mahindra Bolero Neo: not yet NCAP-tested; Maruti Suzuki Fronx: not yet NCAP-tested; Tata Punch: 5 stars.