The Maruti Swift and Maruti Baleno are two of the most popular hatchbacks in India, offering a combination of practicality, ease of driving, and fuel efficiency. Both cars now use the same 1.2-litre Z-Series 3-cylinder petrol engine, yet Swift vs Baleno mileage still differs slightly across petrol, AMT and CNG versions.
Maruti offers petrol and CNG engines as an option for both these cars, with different transmissions on offer as well. So, Swift or Baleno, which is better for mileage? In this Swift and Baleno comparison, we look at real-world mileage for petrol and CNG variants, along with specs, fuel costs and price, to help you decide.
Table of Contents
Maruti Swift vs Maruti Baleno Specs
The specifications of Maruti Swift and Maruti Baleno should also be considered to evaluate their impact on their respective mileage. The below table sheds some insights into this:
| Specification | Maruti Swift | Maruti Baleno (2026 Facelift) |
| Engine | 1.2-litre Z-series (Z12E) 3-cylinder petrol1.2-litre Z-series petrol + CNG | 1.2-litre Z-series (Z12E) 3-cylinder petrol1.2-litre Z-series petrol + CNG |
| Displacement | Petrol: 1197 cc CNG: 1197 cc | Petrol: 1197 cc CNG: 1197 cc |
| Power | Petrol: 80.46 bhp CNG: 69.75 PS | Petrol: 82.93 bhp CNG: 70 PS |
| Torque | Petrol: 112 Nm CNG: 101.8 Nm | Petrol: 112.4 Nm CNG: 102 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual transmission (MT)5-speed automatic transmission (AGS) | 5-speed manual transmission (MT)5-speed automatic transmission (AGS) |
| Drive layout | Front Wheel Drive (FWD) | Front Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Kerb weight | 929 kg to 1004 kg (depending upon the variant) | 940 kg to 960 kg (depending upon the variant) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 37 litres | 37 litres |
Both Swift and Baleno now run on the thermally efficient 3-cylinder Z-Series engine, with Baleno generating slightly more power output at 82.93 PS. Both share the same 37-litre petrol tank and 55-litre (water-equivalent) CNG cylinder, though the Baleno is slightly heavier. Because both models use the same 3-cylinder powertrain, their real-world fuel efficiency figures are closely matched. Let’s see the ARAI-claimed mileage figures of both these cars now.
Maruti Swift vs Maruti Baleno: ARAI Claimed Mileage
When it comes to ARAI mileage, the cars generally claim slightly better mileage than their real-world mileage. This happens because the ARAI mileage tests are performed in a controlled way under ideal conditions. The claimed mileage of Maruti Swift vs Maruti Baleno are provided in the below table:
| Engine & Transmission | Fuel Type | Maruti Swift – ARAI Mileage | Maruti Baleno – ARAI Mileage |
| 1.2-litre NA Petrol – 5-Speed MT | Petrol | 24.80 km/l | 23.80 km/l |
| 1.2-litre NA Petrol – 5-Speed AMT | Petrol | 25.75 km/l | 24.77 km/l |
| 1.2-litre Petrol + CNG with 5-speed manual | Petrol + CNG | 32.85 km/kg | 33.61 km/kg |
The claimed mileage of Swift petrol models is marginally higher than Baleno petrol models due to subtle differences in tuning and aerodynamic profiling. However, in the CNG lineup, the updated Baleno CNG claims 33.61 km/kg (MT) and 34.47 km/kg (AMT), compared to the Swift CNG’s 32.85 km/kg. Overall, both cars deliver top-tier factory efficiency ratings in their segment.
Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Maruti Swift vs Maruti Baleno: Real-World Mileage
Now, let’s see whether the claimed figures translate into Swift and Baleno real-world mileage. The real-world mileage for each powertrain of Swift and Baleno are provided below:
Maruti Swift (1.2-litre NA Petrol) vs Maruti Baleno (1.2-litre NA Petrol)
| Driving Condition | Maruti Swift (1.2L Petrol) | Maruti Baleno (1.2L Petrol) |
| City | Manual: 15.50 km/lAutomatic: 14.00 km/l | Manual: 15.50 km/lAutomatic: 14.20 km/l |
| Highway | Manual: 20.50 km/lAutomatic: 21.00 km/l | Manual: 21.00 km/lAutomatic: 20.00 km/l |
| Average | Manual: 18.00 km/lAutomatic: 17.50 km/l | Manual: 18.25 km/lAutomatic: 17.10 km/l |
| Tank Range | 645-665 km | 630-675 km |
Swift CNG vs Baleno CNG
| Driving Condition | Swift CNG | Baleno CNG |
| City | Manual: 22.50 km/kg | Manual: 22.00 km/kg |
| Highway | Manual: 33.00 km/kg | Manual: 33.20 km/kg |
| Average | Manual: 27.75 km/kg | Manual: 27.60 km/kg |
| Tank Range | 240-270 km | 240-270 km |
In city traffic, Swift and Baleno petrol manuals return identical mileage of 15.50 km/l. On highways, the Baleno manual has a slight edge (21.00 vs 20.50 km/l), while the Swift AMT does better than the Baleno AMT (21.00 vs 20.00 km/l). On average, the Baleno manual returns 18.25 km/l against the Swift’s 18.00 km/l, while the Swift AMT averages 17.50 km/l against the Baleno AMT’s 17.10 km/l.
In the Swift CNG vs Baleno CNG comparison, both return close to 27.7 km/kg on average (27.75 vs 27.60 km/kg). Swift CNG is marginally better in the city (22.50 vs 22.00 km/kg), while Baleno CNG is marginally better on highways (33.20 vs 33.00 km/kg).
Also Read: Complete Guide to Buying a Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Maruti Swift vs Maruti Baleno: Fuel-Cost Comparison
The monthly, yearly, and 5-yearly fuel costs of both Swift and Baleno models will give us an idea about how their real-world mileage figures impact our periodic savings. For reference, we have considered that both cars run 1,500 km per month on average. Delhi fuel prices as of 26 October 2026, petrol (₹102.12 per litre) and CNG (₹86.98 per kg), are used for calculating the periodic fuel costs:
| Cost Head | Swift 1.2-NA Petrol | Baleno 1.2-NA Petrol | Swift CNG | Baleno CNG |
| Monthly Running | 1,500 km | 1,500 km | 1,500 km | 1,500 km |
| Real-World Avg Efficiency | 18.00 km/l | 18.25 km/l | 27.75 km/kg | 27.60 km/kg |
| Monthly Fuel Use | 83.3 L | 82.2 L | 54.1 kg | 54.3 kg |
| Average Monthly Cost | ₹8,510 | ₹8,393 | ₹4,702 | ₹4,727 |
| Average Yearly Cost | ₹ 1.02 Lakh | ₹ 1.01 Lakh | ₹56,419 | ₹56,726 |
| 5-Year Fuel Cost | ₹ 5.11 Lakh | ₹ 5.04 Lakh | ₹ 2.82 Lakh | ₹ 2.84 Lakh |
Because both vehicles now share the Z-Series engine technology, their periodic fuel costs are virtually identical. Over five years, the Baleno petrol saves about ₹7,000 compared with the Swift petrol, while the Swift CNG saves about ₹1,500 compared with the Baleno CNG. Both CNG variants stand out as extremely economical options for long-distance drivers. Fuel prices vary by city, so recalculate using your local rates.
Maruti Swift vs Maruti Baleno Price
Let’s compare the ex-showroom prices of Maruti Swift and Baleno variants now to find which one among them is more expensive than the other:
| Model | Variant (Base to Top) | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
| Maruti Swift | LXi MT to ZXi+ AMT Dual Tone | ₹ 5.84 to ₹ 8.89 lakh |
| Maruti Baleno | Sigma to Alpha / Alpha(O) | ₹ 5.99 to ₹ 9.99 lakh |
Therefore, choosing between the two no longer depends on mileage differences. If you want a lower entry price and a compact, easy-to-manoeuvre hatchback, the Swift is a great choice. If you prefer extra rear legroom, higher boot capacity, and advanced features like Level 2 ADAS and ventilated seats, the Baleno justifies its slight price premium while keeping fuel bills just as low.
Also Read: How to Buy a Used Maruti Suzuki Swift?
Summary
When we compare Swift and Baleno across variants, we see that both hatchbacks now deliver nearly identical real-world mileage across petrol and CNG powertrains. The adoption of the 3-cylinder Z-Series engine in the Baleno facelift has closed the previous fuel efficiency gap between the two models. Both vehicles stand among the most fuel-efficient options available in the Indian automotive market.
In city driving, both manual and automatic variants of Swift and Baleno offer virtually the same fuel efficiency. On highways, both cars perform effortlessly while keeping fuel consumption low. The CNG variants of both cars are clear winners for heavy users, keeping running costs extremely low over long-term ownership.
Therefore, choosing between the two no longer depends on mileage differences. If you want a lower entry price and a compact, easy-to-maneuver hatchback, the Swift is a great choice. If you prefer extra rear legroom, higher boot capacity, and advanced features like Level 2 ADAS and ventilated seats, the Baleno justifies its slight price premium while keeping fuel bills just as low.
Related Blogs:
How to Buy a Used Maruti Suzuki Swift?
How to Buy a Used Maruti Swift on Loan
Complete Guide to Buying a Maruti Suzuki Baleno
FAQs
Q. The automatic petrol variants of which car offers better mileage in the city: Swift or Baleno?
The automatic petrol variants of both Swift and Baleno offer similar real-world mileage of around 14 km/l in city traffic. Therefore, both cars offer comparable performance and convenience for urban commutes.
Q. The manual petrol variants of which car offer better mileage on the highway: Swift or Baleno?
The manual petrol models of Swift offer a real-world mileage of up to 20.50 km/l on the highway, while the Baleno manual petrol models deliver around 21.00 km/l, giving Baleno a slight highway edge. Both cars deliver nearly identical highway efficiency.
Q. Which variant of Swift proves to be the most cost-effective when it comes to monthly fuel costs?
The 1.2-litre petrol+CNG variant of Swift proves to be the most cost-effective variant in the lineup for monthly fuel savings.
Q. Which petrol powertrain of Baleno proves to be the most cost-effective when it comes to monthly fuel costs?
The 1.2-litre petrol manual powertrain of Baleno is the most cost-effective petrol option, though its CNG manual variant offers the lowest running cost overall.
Q. Do Swift models come with a mild hybrid system for better fuel-efficiency?
No, the models launched in India do not come with any hybrid system. However, the global variants of the Maruti Suzuki Swift come with a 12V mild hybrid setup.
Q. Which features are present in Baleno to maximise its fuel-efficiency?
The petrol variants of Baleno feature the engine idle start-stop system to minimize fuel waste in traffic. The CNG variants are integrated with S-CNG technology featuring dual interdependent ECUs and intelligent injection systems to ensure optimum air-fuel ratios.
Q. Which is better, Swift or Baleno?
Both offer nearly identical mileage, so the choice depends on budget and space. The Swift is cheaper and sportier. The Baleno is roomier, has a bigger boot and offers more features like Level 2 ADAS.
Q. Is the Baleno engine 3-cylinder or 4-cylinder?
The Baleno facelift uses a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Z-Series petrol engine. Older pre-facelift Baleno models use a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder K-Series engine.
