Tata recently updated the Altroz by giving it a facelift. This was the first major update for the premium hatchback since it was first launched in 2020. With the update, the Altroz received a bump in styling and features, along with a new transmission option for its petrol engine. These updates to the premium Tata hatchback have given in fresh appeal that helps it in combatting its rivals in the car market.
One such rival that the Altroz faces is the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. Launched in 2023, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is built on the same underpinnings as the Baleno, which is a natural rival to the Tata Altroz. However, due to its close positioning, the Fronx too makes for a great comparison against the Altroz. While technically a crossover, the Fronx offers many advantages found in hatchbacks such as compact footprint, and at the same time, it offers the benefits of added ground clearance, making it the best of both worlds.
So then, which is the better pick between the Tata Altroz and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx? To answer this question, we have put together this detailed comparison between the two cars which takes into account their size, powertrains, features, safety rating and price. Read on to find out which of these two will work better for you.
Table of Contents
Tata Altroz vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Dimensions
There are minor differences in the dimensions of the Altroz and the Fronx, except for a couple of areas where each car has its own advantage.
| Tata Altroz | Maruti Suzuki Fronx | |
| Length | 3990 mm | 3995 mm |
| Width | 1755 mm | 1765 mm |
| Height | 1523 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2501 mm | 2520 mm |
| Boot space | 345 litres, 210 litres (CNG) | 308 litres |
| Ground clearance | 165 mm | 190 mm |
When we take a look at the size of the Altroz and Fronx, both cars are similar in length and width, with the Fronx being marginally ahead in both cases. Both cars however fall under the sub 4 metre category. The Fronz also has a slightly longer wheelbase. While the difference won’t be the same as night and day, the Fronx will prove to offer slightly better leg space for both first and second row passengers. However, the width advantage of the Fronx doesn’t count for much and both cars offer similar levels of shoulder room, especially for rear passengers.
In terms of height, the Fronx is significantly taller than the Altroz and will offer better headroom for passengers, especially in the second row. The Maruti Suzuki crossover also has a much higher ground clearance than its Tata counterpart.
However, all of it is not in favour of the Altroz. The Tata hatchback makes a comeback in the size battle with better boot space. Furthermore, if you take into account their CNG variants, Tata’s clever positioning of its dual CNG tanks under the boot floor means that the Altroz still offers a usable boot. The Fronx is also available with CNG, however, it comes with a single tank positioned in the boot in such a manner that with a spare tyre stacked next to it, there is hardly any space left for additional luggage.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx makes a great case for itself against the Altroz in the size battle by offering more cabin space and even better protection against broken roads due to its higher ground clearance. However, if boot space is of great importance to you, then, the Altroz makes a much better argument, especially if you are planning to opt for a CNG variant.
Tata Altroz vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Engine & Transmission
The Tata Altroz and Maruti Suzuki Fronx are offered with two engine options each, however, whereas the Altroz offers choice between petrol and diesel, the Fronx asks you to pick between two petrol engines.
| Tata Altroz | Maruti Suzuki Fronx | |
| Engine options | 1.2 litre petrol engine, 1.5 litre diesel engine | 1.2 litre NA petrol engine, 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine |
| Transmission options | 5 speed MT, 6 speed DCT (petrol), 5 speed AMT (petrol) | 5 speed MT, 5 speed AMT (NA petrol), 6 speed AT (turbo petrol) |
| Power | 88 PS (petrol), 73.5 PS (CNG), 90 PS (diesel) | 90 PS (NA petrol), 77.5 PS (CNG), 100 PS (turbo petrol) |
| Torque | 115 Nm (petrol), 103 Nm (CNG), 200 Nm (diesel) | 113 Nm (NA petrol), 98.5 Nm (CNG), 148 Nm (turbo petrol) |
| Mileage | 19.33 km/l (petrol), 26.2 km/kg (CNG), 23.64 km/l (diesel) | 21.79 km/l (NA petrol MT), 22.89 km/l (NA Petrol AMT), 28.51 km/kg (CNG), 21.5 km/l (turbo petrol MT), 20.01 km/l (turbo petrol AT) |
When it comes to the powertrain of the Altroz and the Fronx, the battle can get intense as each car has its advantages and disadvantages when compared with the other. For starters, the Altroz offers buyers a choice between petrol and diesel engines. In contrast, the Fronx is offered with the choice of two petrol engine with one being naturally aspirated (NA) whereas the other features turbocharging. When we compare the NA engines of both cars, the performance output is quite similar, but the Fronx features an inline 4 cylinder compared to the inline 3 cylinder engine of the Altroz, making it more refined. These engines are available with both manual and AMT transmissions, however, in the Altroz you get the option of a dual clutch automatic transmission as well.
Moving onto the second engine option for both cars, the Altroz gets a diesel engine with only a manual transmission for company. The Fronx gets a turbocharged petrol engine and it gets the option for both a manual and an automatic transmission. On the performance front, the diesel engine of the torque makes a lot more torque than the turbocharged petrol engine of the Fronx, but the Fronx makes up for it with a better horsepower output. In the real world, the diesel engine of the Altroz will require lesser effort to drive and will also be more fuel efficient than the Fronx, but it is the turbocharged engine of the Fronx that will offer better engagement when driven hard.
Both cars are also equipped with CNG options. It is available with the naturally aspirated engine of the Fronx and the only petrol engine offered with the Altroz. In both cases, the CNG option is only available with a manual transmission. Tata seems to have missed a trick here by not offering an automatic transmission, something it offers on its other cars like the Tiago and Tigor. On the performance front, the Fronx makes a little more power and the Altroz makes a little more torque when running on CNG. However, it is the Fronx that is the more efficient of the two when running on Natural Gas.
If you prioritise powertrain refinement, you will find the Maruti Suzuki Fronx to your liking. It is also the more efficient powertrain of the two, especially when you bring CNG into the mix. However, if you are someone who prefers the heavy torque of diesel engines, you won’t find that same experience in the Fronx, and you are better off opting for the diesel Altroz, which is also quite fuel efficient. On the performance front, if you are chasing red line performance, the Fronx with its turbocharged petrol engine and manual transmission will offer the most fun. However, the diesel engine of the Altroz will offer better performance in city traffic with its abundant torque which is accessible quite low in the rpm range.
Tata Altroz vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Features & Comfort
Both cars in this comparison feature a blend of features that further their practicality and utility while also making them feel more premium at the same time.
| Tata Altroz | Maruti Suzuki Fronx | |
| Infotainment system | 10.25 inch touchscreen | 9 inch touchscreen |
| Music system | 8 speaker sound system | 6 speaker sound system |
| Climate control | Automatic Climate Control | Automatic Climate Control |
| Ventilated seats | No | No |
| Adjustable steering | Tilt adjustable steering | Tilt & Telescopic adjustable steering |
| Drive modes | Yes | No |
| Instrument cluster | 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster | Analogue cluster with MID |
| Sunroof | Electric sunroof | No |
| Adjustable seats | Height adjustable driver seat | Height adjustable driver seat |
| Rear AC vents | Yes | Yes |
| 60:40 split rear seat | No | Yes |
| Cruise control | Yes | Yes |
On the features front, the Tata Altroz makes a significant impact with its 10.25 inch touchscreen which has crisp graphic options and offers a great touch response. It is further complemented by its 8 speaker sound system which offers great clarity for the price. The Altroz also features drive modes and an electric sunroof, both of which are not offered by Maruti Suzuki on the Fronx. Furthermore, the Altroz also has a 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster compared to the analogue unit of the Fronx.
However, the Fronx makes its own case and while it might not be as big as the one on the Altroz, the Maruti crossover gets a 9 inch touchscreen with 6 speakers in tow. Furthermore, the Fronx offers some highly practical features such as telescopic adjustment for the steering and 60:40 split rear seat, both of which are not found on the Altroz.
Both cars get features like tilt adjustable steering, height adjustable driver seat, rear AC vents, automatic climate control and cruise control. That aside, if you want more feel good features, it is the Altroz which will pamper you with its bigger screen and electric sunroof. However, if you put more emphasis on practicality, it is the Fronx with its extended range of steering adjustment and split rear seats that will strike a chord with you.
Tata Altroz vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Safety Features
The safety features of a car have now become a crucial deciding factor for many new car buyers.
| Tata Altroz | Maruti Suzuki Fronx | |
| GNCAP safety rating | 5 star GNCAP rating | Not tested by Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP |
| Airbags | 6 airbags | 6 airbags |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes |
| Traction control | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic headlamps | Yes | Yes |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Yes | No |
| Hill-hold assist | No | Yes |
| Hill descent control | No | No |
| Rear sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Rear parking camera | Yes | Yes |
| ISOFIX child seat anchor points | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS | No | No |
When it comes to the safety quotient of both cars, both Tata and Maruti Suzuki have their own philosophy. While Tata has taken a proactive approach to the safety aspect of their cars and has been making 5 star rated cars (crash test rating) for years now, Maruti Suzuki is just catching up. For years, Maruti Suzuki’s safety net has been centred around guidelines set by the central government. It is no surprise then that the Tata Altroz has a 5 star crash test rating from Global NCAP, and this test was conducted in 2020. After a facelift in 2025, Tata has revealed that it has made structural changes to the chassis that make it safer in a crash. As for the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, the car has not been tested by Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP and does not have a crash test rating for the Indian market. However, made in India Fronx which sells in Japan has been crash tested by the JNCAP (Japan NCAP) and it received a four star rating.
When it comes to safety features, both cars are equipped with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, rear parking camera and ISOFIX child seat anchor points. The Altroz scores one over the Fronx by offering rain sensing wipers which are missing in the Maruti Suzuki crossover, however, it strikes right back with hill-hold assist which is not offered on the Tata Altroz. Both cars do not get any form of ADAS.
When it comes to structural rigidity, Tata has been setting the benchmark for years. This is also evident from its Global NCAP rating of 5 stars. However, while previous Maruti Suzuki cars used be miles behind the competition in this regard, the Fronx is a step up. Despite that, in an outright comparison, the Altroz is the safer car between the two.
Tata Altroz vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Price Comparison
The Tata Altroz and Maruti Suzuki Fronx are priced in adjacent price brackets. This can make it difficult to judge the value of both cars.
| Tata Altroz | Maruti Suzuki Fronx | |
| Base Variant | Rs. 6.89 lakh to Rs. 7.89 lakh | Rs. 7.54 lakh to Rs. 8.49 lakh |
| Mid Variant | Rs. 7.69 lakh to Rs. 9.15 lakh | Rs. 8.40 lakh to Rs. 9.75 lakh |
| Upper Mid Variant | Rs. 8.69 lakh to Rs. 10.35 lakh | Rs. 10.58 lakh to Rs. 11.98 lakh |
| Top Variant | Rs. 9.99 lakh to Rs. 11.49 lakh | Rs. 11.50 lakh to Rs. 13.06 lakh |
When we take a look at the price of the Base, Mid and Upper Mid variants of both cars, it is clear that the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is priced one step higher than the Tata Altroz. The Fronx is a crossover compared to the Altroz which is hatchback. The Maruti Suzuki crossover is also larger and thus commands a premium over the Altroz. However, it is the Altroz which offers more premium features such as a touchscreen and better safety, meaning that the Altroz’s lower price actually makes it more value for money.
Furthermore, the turbocharged variants of the Fronx are only available on the Upper Mid and Top variants which once again inflate its price, so much so, that the top variant of the Fronx has a Rs. 1.56 lakh price difference (ex-showroom) compared to the top variant of the Altroz.
Ultimately, the Altroz proves to the be more value for money offering between the two cars when we look at the features and safety on offer. However, the Fronx offers reliability and refinement, two things which cannot be measured by looking at a brochure and these are two reasons why it has a higher price tag than the Altroz.
Summary
Comparing the Tata Altroz and Maruti Suzuki Fronx can be slightly confusing as one is a hatchback and the other is a crossover. However, having gone through this comparison it becomes clear that both cars are similar on more than one front and also differ significantly on others. That said, the Tata Altroz makes a great case for anyone who is looking for the outright safer car between the two, wants boot space with a CNG variant or still wants to bring home a diesel car. All of that and the Altroz is priced lower than the Fronx as well. As for the Maruti Suzuki crossover, the Fronx offers better cabin space and comfort, refined powertrain options and better fuel efficiency when we compare petrol and CNG powertrain options and will appeal to those who want a relaxed ownership experience along with a lower running cost.
FAQs About Tata Altroz vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Which car has a better ground clearance, Tata Altroz or Maruti Suzuki Fronx?
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx, with a ground clearance of 190 mm, offers better clearance compared to the Tata Altroz which has a ground clearance of 165 mm.
Which car is available with CNG, Tata Altroz or Maruti Suzuki Fronx?
The Tata Altroz ane Maruti Suzuki Fronx are both available with factory fitted CNG kits with their naturally aspirated petrol engines. However, both cars offer CNG as an option only with a manual transmission. Furthermore, the Altroz still offers a usable boot space of 210 litres with its dual CNG tanks positioned underneath the boot floor whereas the Fronx gets one big tank located in the boot of the car which renders it almost unusable.
Which is the safer car between Tata Altroz and Maruti Suzuki Fronx?
The Tata Altroz has a 5 star crash test rating from Global NCAP whereas the Fronx is yet to be tested by Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP, both agencies which crash test cars that are sold in India. However, a made in India Fronx was crash tested by Japan NCAP or JNCAP and scored a 4 star rating. Ultimately, based on their crash test rating, the Tata Altroz is the safer car and will offer better protection in a crash compared to the Maruti Suzuki Fronx.
What are the engine and transmission options offered with the Tata Altroz?
The Tata Altroz is offered with a choice between one naturally aspirated petrol engine and a diesel engine. The petrol engine can be equipped with a 5 speed manual transmission, a 5 speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), or a 6 speed DCT (dual clutch transmission). The diesel engine can only be specced with a 5 speed manual transmission. The petrol engine is also offered with a factory fitted CNG kit but it too can only be had with the manual transmission.
What are the engine and transmission options offered with the Maruti Suzuki Fronx?
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is available with two petrol engine options – a naturally aspirated and a turbocharged unit. The naturally aspirated engine can be had with a 5 speed manual or a 5 speed AMT. Furthermore, it can be had with a factory fitted CNG kit, albeit with only the manual transmission. The turbocharged petrol engine can be had with a 5 speed manual or a 6 speed automatic transmission.
Which is the larger car between Tata Altrox and Maruti Suzuki Fronx?
The Maruti Suzuki Fronz is longer, wider, taller and has a longer wheelbase than the Tata Altroz. It also has a higher ground clearance than the Tata hatchback. However, the Altroz offers more boot space than the Fronx.
