The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has been dominating the premium hatchback segment for over 7 years now. In early 2022, it underwent a revamp, receiving added features and a fresh design to align with newer premium hatchbacks like the Altroz. Now picture this – the Baleno transformed into an SUV! Well, Maruti Suzuki made it happen with the Fronx, a crossover SUV born from the Baleno’s DNA.
Showcased earlier this year in its final form, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx immediately captivated fans and critics alike, with its eye-catching looks and unique design, unlike anything we’ve seen from Maruti Suzuki before. While the Baleno may seem like the safer bet, the Fronx aims to combine the best of both hatchbacks and SUVs.
If you’re currently in the market looking to buy a Maruti Suzuki Baleno but are contemplating whether or not you should wait for the Fronx, then this blog is for you
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Dimensions
| Parameter | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | Maruti Suzuki Fronx |
| Length (mm) | 3995 mm | 3995 mm |
| Width (mm) | 1745 mm | 1765 mm |
| Height (mm) | 1510 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
| Boot Space (L) | 318 L | 308 L |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 170 mm | 190mm |
One can infer from the dimensions table that the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Fronx are exactly identical in terms of length. The Fronx is marginally wider than th by 20 mm from the Baleno, and is also quite higher by 40 mm, owing to its crossover tag. Wheelbase is also identical at 2520 mm, making both cars almost equal in terms of interior space. The Fronx is slightly wider, taller and has a higher ground clearance than the Baleno, something that adds to its relatively virile looks and enhances its road presence.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Engine and Transmission
| Parameter | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | Maruti Suzuki Fronx |
| Engine options (cc) | 1.2-litre (Petrol) | 1.0-litre (Turbo Petrol), 1.2-litre (Petrol) |
| Transmission options | 5-speed Manual/5-speed automatic (AMT) | 5 speed Manual, 5 speed AMT, 6 speed AT |
| Power (PS) | 89.7 | 89.73 (Petrol), 100.06 (Turbo Petrol) |
| Torque (Nm) | 113 | 147.6 (Turbo Petrol), 113 (Petrol) |
| Mileage (kmpl) | 22.35 (Manual)-22.94 (AMT) | 20.01 (MT)-22.89 (AMT) |
Both the Maruti Suzuki Fronx and the Baleno have a 1.2L petrol engine but produce different power and torque figures. On paper, it looks as if both cars will have the same performance when comparing the 1.2L petrol engine. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx additionally has a 1L turbocharged petrol engine which is not available on the Baleno. However, the Baleno has a CNG option that may reduce the running cost. The Fronx may also introduce a CNG trim in the future.
Both cars have a 5-speed manual transmission and automatic transmission but the Fronx features a 5-speed AMT and a 6-speed AT rather than only a 5-speed AMT present on the Baleno.
When it comes to the engine and transmission, the Fronx humbles the Baleno in every aspect. It has got more engine and transmission options, better power, and better torque than the Baleno. The Fronx also has an idle start/stop feature that improves fuel efficiency.
While the power and torque figures of the turbo petrol Maruti Suzuki Fronx is still under homologation testing and are subject to variation, the naturally aspirated 1.2L petrol engine of the Fronx still delivers better power and similar torque as that of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Features and Comfort
| Feature | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | Maruti Suzuki Fronx |
| Infotainment System | 7 inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (9 inch for top variant) | 7 inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (9 inch for top variant) |
| Music System | 4 speakers and up to 2 tweeters (ARKAMYS Surround Sense for top variant) | 4 speakers and up to 2 tweeters (ARKAMYS Surround Sense for top variant) |
| Climate Control | Automatic | Automatic |
| Ventilated Seats | Not available | Not Available |
| Adjustable Steering | Tilt and Telescopic | Tilt and Telescopic |
| Drive Modes | Not available | Not available |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog with Heads up display | Analog with Heads up display |
| Sunroof | Not available | Not Available |
| Adjustable Seats (Manual or Electric) | Manual | Not Specified |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes |
| 60:40 Rear Seat Split | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes (for top variant) | Yes (for top variant) |
Both cars have an almost identical feature list. However, there is a wireless smartphone charger as well as a wireless integration support for smartphones in the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. Apart from this, the Fronx gets additional paddle shifters for automatic variants, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, edging out the Baleno marginally in the feature department.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Safety Features
| Feature | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | Maruti Suzuki Fronx |
| GNCAP safety ratings | Not tested | Not Disclosed |
| Airbags | Dual front, Side and curtain airbags | Dual front, Side and curtain airbags |
| ABS with EBD | Available | Available |
| ESC | Available | Available |
| Traction control | Not available | Not available |
| Automatic headlamps | Available in top-end variant | Available in mid to top end variants |
| Rain sensing wipers | Available in top-end variant | Available in top-end variant |
| Hill hold assist | Available in top-end variant | Available |
| Hill descent control | Not available | Not available |
| Rear sensors | Available in top-end variant | Available |
| Rear parking camera | Available in top-end variant | Available |
| ISOFIX child seat anchor points | Available | Available |
| ADAS | Not available | Not Available |
While many of the safety features are similar in both the Fronx and the Baleno, the Fronx gets a few features standard across all variants which is not seen in the Baleno. All five ELR three-point seat belts, electronic stabilisation programme (ESP), and hill hold assistance are standard on the Fronx while only four ELR seat belts, ESP, and hill assist are offered in automatic Baleno versions. While Maruti Suzuki hasn’t revealed the Fronx’s safety rating yet, it can be assumed that both the Fronx and Baleno will have the same rating being built on a similar platform.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Price Comparison
| Variant | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | Maruti Suzuki Fronx |
| Base | ₹5₹6.61 lakh | ₹7.46 lakh |
| Mid | ₹6.69 lakh | ₹8.32 lakh |
| Upper mid | ₹7.48 lakh | ₹8.73 lakh -9.73 lakh |
| Top | ₹8.37 lakh | ₹10.56 lakh – 13.14 lakh |
Currently, due to the expected prices of the Fronx, Maruti Suzuki Baleno seems to be more affordable than Maruti Suzuki Fronx, as it has a lower starting price of Rs. 5.90 Lakh compared to the expected Rs. 8 Lakh for Fronx . However, the prices may vary depending on the variants, features and offers available for both cars.
It can be said that the Maruti Suzuki Baleno offers a better value for money than the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. The Baleno is cheaper than the Fronx across all variants. The Fronx, on the other hand, is more expensive than the Baleno and is on par in terms of mileage and service costs with the Baleno.
The Fronx does offer more features and performance than the Baleno, but, at the same time it comes at a slightly higher cost. The Baleno may be the more economical and practical choice for most buyers, while the Fronx caters to those seeking more power, style, or a rugged off-road experience.
Summary
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx offers more performance thanks to its turbo petrol options, unique looks and a different style than the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, but it is also more expensive. The Baleno offers more value for money, higher mileage, and lower maintenance cost than the Fronx, but it lacks some features and safety equipment. It all boils down to the customer’s preferences.
