2026 Maruti Baleno vs Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz & Toyota Glanza: Price, Mileage & Specs Compared in India

The 2026 Maruti Baleno is priced from Rs 5.99 lakh to Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), making it the segment's most affordable entry while also being the first hatchback in its class to offer Level 2 ADAS at this price point. Its 2026 update swapped the outgoing four-cylinder engine for a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z12E unit and added ventilated front seats, a cooled wireless charger and a 360-degree camera. The Baleno now faces intensified competition from the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz and its badge-engineered sibling, the Toyota Glanza.

Here is how all four compare across every dimension that matters to a buyer in 2026.

At-a-Glance Comparison: 2026 Baleno vs i20 vs Altroz vs Glanza

Parameter	Maruti Baleno	Hyundai i20	Tata Altroz	Toyota Glanza
Price range (ex-showroom)	Rs 5.99–9.99 lakh	Rs 6–10.63 lakh	Rs 6.30–10.51 lakh	Rs 6.99–10.98 lakh
Engine options	1.2P / 1.2C	1.2P	1.2P / 1.2C / 1.5D	1.2P / 1.2C
No. of cylinders	3 / 3	4	3 / 3 / 4	3 / 3
Power (hp)	83 / 70	83 (MT), 88 (IVT)	88 / 74 / 90	83 / 70
Torque (Nm)	112 / 102	114.7	115 / 103 / 200	112 / 102
Transmission	5MT, 5AMT / 5MT	5MT, IVT	5MT, 5AMT, 6DCT / 5MT, 5AMT / 5MT	5MT, 5AMT / 5MT
Length / Width / Height	3,990 / 1,745 / 1,530 mm	3,995 / 1,775 / 1,505 mm	3,990 / 1,755 / 1,523 mm	3,990 / 1,745 / 1,530 mm
Wheelbase	2,520 mm	2,580 mm	2,501 mm	2,520 mm
Boot space	318 litres	311 litres	345 litres (210 with CNG)	318 litres
ARAI mileage (petrol MT)	~22.35 km/l*	~20.35 km/l*	~19.8 km/l*	22.35 km/l
Level 2 ADAS	Yes (top trims)	No	No	Yes (top trims)
Sunroof	No	Yes	Yes	No
Touchscreen size	9-inch	10.25-inch	10.25-inch	9-inch
Ventilated front seats	Yes	No	No	Yes
Head-up display	Yes	No	No	Yes
Airbags	6	6	6	6

ARAI mileage figures for Baleno and Glanza petrol MT are manufacturer claims; i20 and Altroz figures are approximate ARAI-claimed values. Always verify the latest ARAI certificate before purchase.

What changed in the 2026 Baleno update?

The 2026 Maruti Baleno centers on a new 1.2-litre Z12E three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, Level 2 ADAS suite and revised feature list. The outgoing car used a four-cylinder K12N unit; the new Z12E drops a cylinder but brings improved thermal efficiency and a marginally better fuel economy claim.

Power output on the petrol version stands at 83hp and 112Nm — identical to the Glanza's figures — paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. The CNG variant produces 70hp and 102Nm and is available with both transmission options, a meaningful upgrade since CNG AMT combinations were not always offered in this segment.

Styling updates include a refreshed front grille with a radar sensor housing for ADAS, redesigned LED fog lamps and two new colour options. The cabin gains leatherette upholstery, ventilated front seats, a cooled wireless charger and a 360-degree camera on higher trims. The head-up display and 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen carry over.

The 2026 Baleno lacks a sunroof — a feature both the i20 and Altroz offer — and a larger infotainment screen. Its 9-inch unit feels modest next to the 10.25-inch screens in competing models, and the analogue instrument cluster with a colour MID looks dated compared with the fully digital displays elsewhere. These represent real weaknesses for buyers who prioritise an airy cabin feel or a premium digital cockpit.

How does the Baleno's new three-cylinder engine compare with its rivals?

The shift to a three-cylinder layout is the most technically significant change in the 2026 Baleno. Three-cylinder engines offer better fuel efficiency and lower weight than four-cylinder equivalents of similar displacement, though they can exhibit more vibration at idle and low speeds.

The Toyota Glanza facelift made the same switch simultaneously, as both cars share the Z12E unit. The Glanza's ARAI-claimed mileage is 22.35 km/l for the manual and 22.94 km/l for the AMT — slightly better than the AMT figure for the outgoing four-cylinder car. The Baleno is expected to return similar figures given the shared powertrain.

The Hyundai i20 retains a four-cylinder 1.2-litre unit producing 83hp (MT) and 88hp (IVT). Four-cylinder engines generally offer smoother refinement at low revs, and the i20's IVT is a continuously variable unit that prioritises smoothness over the AMT's occasional jerkiness. City drivers may notice this difference in daily use.

The Tata Altroz's petrol engine is a three-cylinder 1.2-litre unit producing 88hp and 115Nm — higher than the Baleno's 83hp and 112Nm. More significantly, the Altroz is the only hatchback in India to offer a diesel engine: a 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit producing 90hp and 200Nm, paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual. This diesel powertrain makes the Altroz uniquely attractive for high-mileage highway drivers, a gap neither the Baleno nor Glanza addresses. The Altroz also offers a 6-speed DCT, a more sophisticated automatic than the AMT units in the Baleno and Glanza.

For CNG buyers, the Baleno and Glanza now both offer CNG AMT — previously unavailable in this segment — while the Altroz offers CNG with both manual and AMT. The i20 has no CNG option, a meaningful omission given rising fuel costs.

Which car has the most space and the biggest boot?

The Hyundai i20 is the longest (3,995mm) and widest (1,775mm) of the four and has the longest wheelbase at 2,580mm — 60mm more than the Baleno and Glanza, and 79mm more than the Altroz. This translates to more rear knee room, a genuine advantage for families regularly carrying adult passengers in the back. The i20 is also the lowest at 1,505mm, giving it a sportier stance but slightly less headroom than the taller Altroz (1,523mm) or Baleno/Glanza (1,530mm).

The Tata Altroz has the largest boot at 345 litres — 27 litres more than the Baleno and Glanza (318 litres each) and 34 litres more than the i20 (311 litres). However, the Altroz's boot shrinks to 210 litres in CNG specification because the cylinder is mounted in the boot floor, a significant practical compromise for CNG buyers.

The Baleno and Glanza are dimensionally identical — same length, width, height and wheelbase — because the Glanza is badge-engineered by Toyota on Maruti Suzuki's platform. Buyers are choosing between the same fundamental package with different badges, dealer networks and warranty terms.

What features does each car offer, and where does the Baleno win or lose?

Feature parity in this segment is high, but the differences are meaningful enough to drive a buying decision.

Where the Baleno and Glanza lead: Both offer Level 2 ADAS (on top trims), ventilated front seats, a head-up display, a cooled wireless charger, a 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control. Level 2 ADAS can simultaneously control steering and speed in certain conditions, requiring the driver to remain attentive and ready to take over. Typical functions include lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The i20 and Altroz offer none of these ADAS functions, a meaningful safety and convenience gap at the top of the range.

Where the i20 and Altroz lead: Both get a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system versus the 9-inch units in the Baleno and Glanza. Both also get a sunroof — a feature many Indian premium hatchback buyers actively seek. The i20 features a TFT digital instrument cluster, and the Altroz offers a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, while the Baleno and Glanza use analogue dials with a colour MID. The Altroz also gets a 6-speed DCT, a more polished automatic transmission than the AMTs in the Baleno and Glanza.

Common ground: All four cars get automatic climate control, rear AC vents, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, push-button start/stop, rear USB charging, connected car technology, TPMS, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, ABS with EBD, six airbags and Isofix child-seat mounts. The safety baseline is identical across the segment.

Buyers valuing active safety technology and ventilated seats will find the Baleno and Glanza the clear segment leaders. Those prioritising a panoramic feel, a large digital cockpit and a more sophisticated automatic gearbox should consider the i20 and Altroz.

How does the Toyota Glanza compare with the Baleno — is the premium worth it?

The Toyota Glanza facelift, launched in October 2026, is priced from Rs 6.99 lakh to Rs 10.98 lakh (ex-showroom) — Rs 1 lakh more at entry level and Rs 99,000 more at the top end compared with the Baleno. The Glanza shares its platform, engine, dimensions, boot space and most features with the Baleno, including the new Z12E three-cylinder engine, Level 2 ADAS, ventilated front seats, HUD and cooled wireless charger.

The differences are primarily in badge, dealer network and warranty. Toyota offers a 3-year/1,00,000km standard warranty on the Glanza, and Toyota's service network — while smaller than Maruti's — is generally regarded as offering a premium service experience. The Baleno, sold through Maruti's Nexa channel, benefits from Maruti's unmatched service network density across India, a practical advantage for buyers in smaller cities and towns.

The Autocar India review of the previous-generation Glanza gave it a score of 8/10, noting its strong value relative to its Toyota badge premium. The 2026 facelift adds the same features as the updated Baleno, so the relative value equation remains unchanged: the Glanza costs more for the same mechanical package, but Toyota's brand perception and service experience may justify the premium for some buyers.

For safety-conscious buyers seeking Bharat NCAP ratings, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno has a 4-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 3-star rating for child occupant protection. The Glanza, based on the same platform, is expected to offer equivalent structural protection, though it has not been independently crash-tested by Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP as of October 2026. You can explore more about hatchbacks with 6 airbags under Rs 10 lakh and under Rs 15 lakh in our dedicated guides.

How is the Baleno priced against its rivals, and which variant offers the best value?

The Baleno's pricing is its sharpest weapon. At Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom), it undercuts the i20 by Rs 1,000, the Altroz by Rs 31,000 and the Glanza by Rs 1 lakh at the entry level. At the top end, its Rs 9.99 lakh ceiling is Rs 64,000 below the i20, Rs 52,000 below the Altroz and Rs 99,000 below the Glanza — while offering Level 2 ADAS, ventilated seats and a HUD that none of the rivals match at any price.

The value case for the top-spec Baleno is strong on paper. Buyers wanting the most safety technology and the most comfort features for the least money will find the Baleno's top trim hard to beat. Those comparing mid-range variants — where the ADAS and ventilated seats may not be available — should check variant-specific feature lists carefully, as the Baleno's advantages concentrate at the top of the range.

For CNG buyers, the Baleno's starting price advantage is meaningful. CNG variants of the Baleno are priced lower than equivalent CNG variants of the Altroz, and the i20 has no CNG option at all. Given that CNG running costs are significantly lower than petrol in Indian urban conditions, the Baleno CNG AMT combination — now available for the first time — could be a compelling choice for high-mileage city drivers.

Which car should you buy?

No single answer fits all buyers, but the decision framework is clear.

Choose the Maruti Baleno if: You want the lowest entry price, the most advanced active safety (Level 2 ADAS), ventilated front seats, a head-up display, or a CNG AMT option. The Baleno's Nexa service network is also the most accessible in India, which matters for long-term ownership costs. Its weaknesses — no sunroof, a smaller 9-inch screen, analogue dials and an AMT rather than a DCT or CVT — are real, but the feature-per-rupee ratio at the top trim is the segment's best.

Choose the Hyundai i20 if: Rear passenger space is a priority (longest wheelbase at 2,580mm), you want a sunroof, a 10.25-inch screen, a smooth IVT automatic and a fully digital instrument cluster. The i20 is the most refined daily driver of the four, but it has no CNG option and no ADAS, and it is priced higher than the Baleno across the range.

Choose the Tata Altroz if: You want a diesel engine (the only option in the segment), a sunroof, a 10.25-inch screen, a 6-speed DCT automatic or the largest boot (345 litres). The Altroz's powertrain breadth is unmatched, and its diesel variant at 90hp/200Nm is the most capable for highway driving. Its weaknesses are the absence of ADAS and ventilated seats, and the CNG variant's boot shrinks to 210 litres.

Choose the Toyota Glanza if: You want the same package as the Baleno but prefer Toyota's brand, service experience or warranty terms, and are willing to pay a Rs 1 lakh premium at entry level for that. The Glanza's mechanical identity with the Baleno means there is no performance or feature reason to choose it over the Baleno — the decision is entirely about the badge and the dealer relationship.

The premium hatchback segment in India comprises cars priced between approximately Rs 6 lakh and Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom), offering features and refinement above the mass-market hatchback segment but below compact sedans and SUVs. All four cars in this comparison sit squarely within that definition, and all four are genuinely good products. The Baleno's 2026 update has meaningfully strengthened its position at the top of the segment, particularly on active safety, while its rivals retain real advantages in cabin ambience, screen size and sunroof availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2026 Baleno have ADAS? Yes. The 2026 Maruti Baleno offers Level 2 ADAS on its top-spec trims, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning and automatic emergency braking. The Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz do not offer ADAS in any variant as of October 2026.

Does the Baleno have a sunroof? No. Neither the 2026 Baleno nor the Toyota Glanza offers a sunroof. The Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz both offer sunroofs on their higher variants.

What is the mileage of the 2026 Baleno? The 2026 Baleno uses the same Z12E engine as the Toyota Glanza, which has an ARAI-claimed mileage of 22.35 km/l (manual) and 22.94 km/l (AMT) for the petrol variant. The CNG variant of the Glanza claims 30.61 km/kg (ARAI). Baleno's official ARAI figures should be verified at the time of purchase, as real-world mileage will vary with driving conditions.

Is the Toyota Glanza the same as the Maruti Baleno? Mechanically, yes. The Toyota Glanza is badge-engineered from the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, sharing the same platform, engine, dimensions, boot space and most features. The differences are in badge, dealer network, warranty terms and price — the Glanza costs Rs 1 lakh more at entry level.

Which premium hatchback has the biggest boot? The Tata Altroz has the largest boot at 345 litres, ahead of the Baleno and Glanza (318 litres each) and the i20 (311 litres). Note that the Altroz CNG variant's boot shrinks to 210 litres.