The small SUV segment is one of the most competitive and in-demand categories in India right now. Both Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai have brought forward two exciting options – the Maruti Fronx and Hyundai Exter. Each promises reliability, stylish design, and comfort while staying within budget for the average Indian buyer. But in 2025, which SUV truly delivers more value for money? Let’s find out.
Maruti Fronx
Maruti Fronx comes with a sportier design inspired by the Baleno but carries a bold SUV stance. The chrome front grille, coupe-like rear, and LED DRLs make it look stylish and modern. The Fronx’s interior includes a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera. It also has an electric sunroof, digital instrument cluster, and voice command features that make the cabin more futuristic and premium.
Hyundai Exter
Hyundai Exter looks more rugged and muscular compared to Fronx. It has bold headlamps and an adventurous SUV design, giving a powerful road presence. Inside, it offers a practical cabin with quality materials, decent space, and modern tech features. Exter’s comfort level suits both city rides and highway drives. Its premium dashboard design, large touchscreen infotainment, and connected car features make it a well-rounded family SUV.
Engine and Mileage
The Maruti Fronx offers two petrol engine options—a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. The turbo unit delivers around 100 PS of power and ensures a sporty and energetic performance. The mileage figure lies between 20 to 22 km/l, depending on the variant. On the other hand, the Hyundai Exter is powered by a 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine producing 83 PS. It offers smooth performance and returns around 19 to 21 km/l, making it slightly more fuel-efficient in city conditions.
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Safety and Build Quality
In terms of safety, both Fronx and Exter are well-equipped. Maruti Fronx includes six airbags, hill-hold assist, electronic stability program (ESP), and a rear parking camera. Hyundai Exter also features six airbags as standard, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ISOFIX mounts, and strong build quality. Between the two, the Exter feels a bit more solid and planted on rough roads, while Fronx maintains agility and light steering for urban driving.
Price and Value
Price is a key factor in this segment. Maruti Fronx starts from around ₹7.5 lakh and goes up to ₹13 lakh, depending on the variant. Hyundai Exter, on the other hand, starts at ₹6 lakh and reaches around ₹10 lakh for its top model. While Fronx offers better performance and a more premium appeal, the Exter provides a more affordable price tag with strong practicality, making it a high-value choice for most buyers.
Design and Appeal
The Fronx looks sleek, youthful, and city-focused with its sporty coupe-inspired design. The Exter carries a bolder, more rugged stance that appeals to adventure lovers. Both SUVs stand out in their categories—Fronx for style and urban flair, and Exter for toughness and boldness. In 2025, design-conscious buyers might lean toward Fronx, while those preferring a solid road presence will choose Exter.
Performance and Verdict
Both small SUVs have proven their worth with performance, reliability, and features. Maruti Fronx offers more power and sportiness, while Hyundai Exter gives better comfort and practicality at a lower cost. If you prefer a premium experience and engaging drive, Fronx is your SUV. But if your priority is value, fuel efficiency, and daily usability, Exter delivers excellent returns for every rupee spent.
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