Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Baleno: what's the difference

We tell you how the Maruti Suzuki Fronx and Baleno are same in certain aspects, yet differ in many others.

Published On Apr 15, 2023 10:25:00 AM

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Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch the Fronx later this month, and we compare how the high-riding crossover compares to the car it is based on – the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. The Fronx made its global debut at Auto Expo 2023 and sees the return of Maruti’s 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine.

We tell you how the two cars differ, on paper.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Baleno powertrain

As both models are based on the same Heartect platform, they share the same powertrain. Under the hood, the Baleno gets the 90hp, 113Nm, 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. The hatchback also gets a CNG option that gets the same 1.2-litre engine, albeit making 77.5hp and 98.5Nm, and comes paired only to the manual gearbox.

The Fronx (left) sees the return of the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine; Baleno gets a 1.2-litre NA and CNG powertrain.

The Fronx is also offered with the same 1.2-litre petrol engine as the Baleno. But it also gets a 100hp, 148Nm, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The turbo-petrol engine also gets Maruti’s 48V mild-hybrid system.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Baleno design differences

Despite sharing the same platform, the Baleno and Fronx have completely different designs. While the Baleno is a quintessential hatchback, the Fronx is more of a crossover with a swooping roofline. The Fronx features a bigger grille that resembles the Grand Vitara's, whereas the Baleno gets a smaller, more streamlined grille. Another difference between the Baleno and Fronx is the addition of plastic cladding on the latter to give it more off-road appeal.

While the Fronx (left) features a split headlamp set-up, the Baleno (right) has a conventional set-up.

The Fronx also gets a split headlamp design, while the Baleno features a more conventional headlamp design. And while the Baleno gets chrome garnish on its door handles, the Fronx does not. Both, however, get 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, but with different designs.

At the rear, the Fronx's thin tail-lamps are connected with an LED light bar while the Baleno's C-shaped tail-lamps are connected by a chrome strip. The number plate on the Baleno is housed in the rear bumper, but it is placed on the tail gate of the Fronx. Furthermore, the Fronx gets a shark fin antenna whereas the Baleno gets a conventional antenna.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Baleno interior differences

Inside, the differences between the two Maruti Suzuki models start diminishing. Both get dual-tone interiors, but where the Baleno has a mix of dark grey and blue, the Fronx gets a black and burgundy finish. The Fronx and Baleno also get slightly different designs for the dashboard with the former featuring thicker chrome accents.

The Fronx (top) has a black and burgundy interior; the Baleno gets a dark grey and blue finish.

The Baleno and Fronx are similar in terms of features – a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Maruti Suzuki’s SmartPlay Pro+ system that gets wireless smartphone connectivity. Both also get a heads-up display, 360-degree camera, automatic climate control and a wireless charger.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Baleno dimensions

The Fronx is marginally bigger than the Baleno in all dimensions except the wheelbase, which is identical at 2,520mm. The former is 3,995mm long, 1,765 wide and has a height of 1,550mm. The Baleno, on the other hand, measures 3,990mm, 1,745mm and 1,500mm in length, width and height, respectively. The Fronx also has 20mm more ground clearance than the Baleno at 190mm.

The Fronx (left) has 20mm more ground clearance than the Baleno.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Baleno rivals and positioning

While both are based on the same Heartect platform, the Baleno and Fronx have completely different rivals as they are positioned in different segments. The Baleno competes with the likes of the Hyundai i20, Toyota Glanza and Tata Altroz whereas the Fronx competes with the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Tata Nexon.

The Fronx (left) has an LED lightbar connecting the tail-lamps, while the Baleno has a chrome strip.

The prices for the Baleno range between Rs 6.61 lakh-9.88 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). We expect the Fronx to be priced in the range of Rs 8 lakh-11 lakh.

Also see:

Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Brezza: what’s different

Maruti Suzuki Fronx: 5 talking points ahead of its launch

Maruti Suzuki Fronx review: Return of the Boosterjet

2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno review: More than meets the eye