Maruti Suzuki FRONX

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is a unique offering that blurs the line between a premium hatchback and a small crossover SUV. It is based on the same platform as the Baleno. While it has no direct rivals, the Fronx sits alongside the Brezza in Maruti’s sub-4m SUV portfolio, and puts up a fight against the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Mahindra 3XO, Skoda Kylaq and Tata Nexon.

I’ve driven the 2026 Maruti Fronx extensively as it was part of CarDekho’s long term test fleet for over 3 months. Spending time with it reaffirmed that it does meet most expectations you would have from a small family SUV. But in such a hotly contested space, is being an all rounder enough for you to consider the Maruti Fronx?

There is no doubt that the Maruti Fronx looks unique with its crossover-like styling. One glance is all you need to draw resemblance with the bigger Grand Vitara, especially at the front, but the rest of the design is unique to the Fronx.

The Grand Vitara-like nose houses the signature ‘triple’ LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and full-LED headlamps on the bumper. There’s significant muscle in the design with an upright nose, sharp lines on the bonnet and a rather wide grille.

The side profile is very SUV-coupe like with the sloping roofline and a raked rear windscreen. The shape might be coupe-like but the muscle is of a typical SUV with the heavy cladding around the wheel arches and 190mm of ground clearance. I like the styling of the machine-finished 16-inch wheels, while lower variants get either steel wheels with covers or black-painted alloys.

There’s no dearth of styling elements at the rear as the Fronx looks chic with its LED connected tail lights, roof mounted spoiler and shark fin antenna. The design is finished off with a rather chunky skid plate at the bottom.

I like the fact that Maruti chose a different approach for the Fronx’s design. It looks fresh, even after two years of launch, and it is likely to age rather well too. There’s not much to dislike here either. The sloping roofline stands out in a sea of boxy SUVs, but the obvious trade off is in height which takes away a little from its road presence. 

Even the colour palette of the Maruti Fronx is rather likable with 7 monotone colours: Nexa Blue, Arctic White, Splendid Silver, Grandeur Grey, Earthen Brown, Opulent Red, and Bluish Black. Only the red, brown, and silver shades are available with a dual tone black roof treatment.

Personally, I find the Opulent Red and its dual tone treatment to be really fitting for the Fronx, and helps accentuate its sporty yet muscular styling.

While Maruti already had a sub-4m offering with the Brezza, what they wanted to offer with the Fronx was a stylish lifestyle-like alternative, and I think they have delivered. With styling that takes inspiration from the Grand Vitara, the Fronx manages to look stylish and premium, and is perfect for people who want the quintessential Maruti traits but in a fancier packaging.

Design and Quality 

The cabin design of the Maruti Fronx is identical to the Baleno. The only difference is in the theme, where it uses maroon accents instead of the Baleno’s blue. On first impressions, the cabin looks a little busy with the multiple layers on the dashboard, but the design isn’t boring. What it lacks is the sense of space that a few of its rivals offer with their lighter theme. That said, the black-maroon combo suits the sporty and young vibe of the car.

In terms of quality, the plastics used aren’t exceptional, but it is acceptable for the price. The plastic panels have different finishes and textures in various different places, and none of them feel cheap or outright scratchy. Maruti has offered soft leatherette on the door pads and elbow rests, but the seats, even in the top-spec trim, only have fabric upholstery. Maruti should have considered offering leatherette upholstery, which is currently available only as an accessory. 

There’s no issue in the fit and finish department, but I wish Maruti offered different steering mounted controls and power window switches, which currently feel outdated and slightly cheap too.

Front seats

Ingress egress in the Maruti Fronx is fairly simple. The driver gets tilt steering adjustment as standard, and telescopic adjustment and height adjustable seats in the higher variants, which helps finding a comfortable driving position with ease. The seats themselves feel comfortable for short journeys with soft cushioning and large side supports. But slightly firmer cushioning would’ve improved comfort on longer journeys, and offered more support to larger people.

The visibility is great from the driver’s seat and you can spot the edges of the vehicle easily, which will give confidence to new drivers. The Fronx also gets a movable front armrest, which improves comfort on long journeys.

Rear seat

The Maruti Fronx’s rear seats are a comfortable place for two adults. There’s ample space for a six-footer to sit comfortably behind their own driving position. For the 6ft occupants, footroom and knee room is adequate too, however, the sloping roofline eats into headroom.

There are three headrests at the back and if needed, the Fronx can accommodate three average sized adults, but it will be a tight squeeze with compromise in shoulder room. Like the front, the sense of space here feels lacking due to the dark cabin theme and XL-sized headrests that block the frontal view.

You do get rear AC vents, but comfort could be improved very easily by simply offering a rear central armrest with cupholders, which is a miss here.

Practicality

It gets 1-litre bottle pockets in all four doors, two central cupholders, a sizable glovebox and a cubby hole underneath the front central armrest. The glovebox in the Fronx isn’t cooled.

I found the open space beside the steering wheel to be rather useful, which can be used to store loose change or receipts. Rear passengers only get a seat back pocket on the passenger side and a small space to store your phone underneath the rear AC vents.

Charging options

Apart from the wireless charger, you can use the 12V socket or the USB type-A port up front, while the rear passengers get type A and type C charging ports.

Overall, the Maruti Fronx’s cabin doesn’t score big on the rich feel, but it does deliver more than the absolute basics of a family car, with adequate space and practicality. There are no ergonomic issues and it is a space that you will get easily comfortable in.

Boot Space 

Maruti claims a boot space figure of 308-litres with the Fronx. In the real world, the boot is deep, and you can easily store a small, medium and large trolley bag with ease, so it will accommodate four people’s worth of weekend luggage without any hassle. The 60:40 split in the seat back offers versatility for you to store larger items or luggage if there’s nobody sitting at the rear. You might have to be careful while loading/unloading luggage though, as the boot lip is a little high and requires effort.

There is no dual cylinder layout in the CNG variants. As a result, the space on offer is highly restricted with enough room for small duffle bags only. For all intents and purposes, this space is unusable.  

While the Maruti Fronx won’t impress you with its fancy features, it does get all the creature comforts you would expect from a small family SUV. What’s even better is the execution of those features. 

Starting with the 9-inch infotainment system, which works as intended. The user interface might feel a bit dated, but it still is easy to use with big graphics and a simple user experience. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is easy to connect and does not give any issues with in terms of disconnections. 

The driver does not get a fully digital display, but the small MID display gets the job done in a simple manner. It relays basic information like trip details and fuel efficiency. Alternatively, there is a head-up display, which relays information like speed, RPM readouts and even shows turn-by-turn navigation.

The ARKAMYS-tuned 6-speaker sound system offers a surround sound-like feel and maintains crispness and clarity and higher volumes. There’s also a wireless phone charger, but in reality, it is not of much use. It heats up the phone more than it charges it, and you’re better off using the charging ports on offer. 

The Fronx also gets a 360-degree camera, which has good camera quality and offers multiple angles to view the feed from. I found it really helpful in tight parking situations.

Maruti has recently updated the Fronx, where it now gets 6 airbags as standard from the entry-level model. That said, features like 360-degree camera and auto IRVM are limited to the top variant.

The Fronx does not get ADAS features, and while the Fronx has not been crash tested by Bharat NCAP, the made-in-India Fronx was crash tested by Japan NCAP and ASEAN NCAP, where it scored a 4-star and 5-star safety rating respectively. Notably, its platform-cousin, the Baleno was crash tested recently by the Bharat NCAP earning a 4-star safety rating. 

(3.5 out of 5)

Maruti claims a boot space figure of 308-litres with the Fronx. In the real world, the boot is deep, and you can easily store a small, medium and large trolley bag with ease, so it will accommodate four people’s worth of weekend luggage without any hassle. The 60:40 split in the seat back offers versatility for you to store larger items or luggage if there’s nobody sitting at the rear. You might have to be careful while loading/unloading luggage though, as the boot lip is a little high and requires effort.

There is no dual cylinder layout in the CNG variants. As a result, the space on offer is highly restricted with enough room for small duffle bags only. For all intents and purposes, this space is unusable.  

Engine Options And Performance

The Maruti Fronx 2026 is offered with two engine options: a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated and a 1-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged engine. The naturally aspirated engine can also be had with a factory-fitted CNG kit. 

Note: Suzuki also showcased a flex-fuel version of the Fronx at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, that can run on E85 fuel. It is currently not available in India. 

1.2-litre petrol

This naturally aspirated petrol engine is tried, tested and dependable. The previous generation of the Swift and Dzire also had this engine, where it proved its performance, fuel efficiency and refinement. 

City Performance 

This engine is perfect for city usage as it has been tuned in such a way that it offers a smooth experience all round. The performance isn’t enthusiastic or exciting as it picks up speed in a smooth and linear manner. The acceleration is enough to make a quick overtake at city speeds.

The 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) offers convenience in heavy city traffic. But, you can feel the occasional jerk during gear shifts, especially when driving enthusiastically. It also upshifts quickly in order to maintain fuel efficiency, which is okay to keep pace with slow moving traffic, but you have to get on the throttle more than you would for better performance. 

And for that reason, I would recommend going for the manual, which is easy to use with a light clutch and slick gearbox. You will enjoy driving the car with the manual, and in the moments where you are revving it out before making that upshift near the redline, you will appreciate the sporty sound from the engine as well. 

You can expect a fuel efficiency of around 12-14kmpl in the city from this engine. 

Highway Performance 

I found the highway performance to be just about adequate. You won’t have any issues as long as you’re commuting in a relaxed manner, and want to simply cruise between 80-100kmph. However, if you want quick overtakes at these speeds, it will feel underpowered. 

The experience with the AMT will involve jerks and head nods, as it takes time to react and downshift for a quick overtake. Doing it with a manual is much easier as the downshift doesn’t require a lot of effort. 

You can expect a fuel efficiency of up to 18kmpl on the highway. 

Overall, this engine is one of the best naturally aspirated units in the entire segment, and if you want a relaxed and refined drive experience, primarily for city usage, this is the one to pick. 

Fronx CNG

Despite the drop in power and torque numbers when compared to the petrol version, the drive experience isn’t all that different. You will feel a marginal drop in acceleration at city speeds, but it is still enough for all commutes.

The drop is more significant on the highway, and it will feel underpowered with a full passenger load or in hilly areas. It only comes with a manual, and you will find yourself shifting between gears for any chance at an overtake. 

Of course, the dip in performance comes along with a big bump in efficiency as the Fronx CNG will be the cheapest to run amongst all its options, and can be considered if you have really high running.

1-litre turbo-petrol

This 3-cylinder engine offers strong performance, but it isn’t as refined as the naturally aspirated engine on offer as you do feel minute vibrations on the floor board. But the overall NVH is still more than acceptable for a three cylinder. 

City performance 

The Fronx becomes an enjoyable car to drive with this engine. The performance is strong once the turbo spools and kicks in, but the surge in power isn’t something that is overwhelming.

As a result, city overtakes are effortless, and it has enough power at lower speeds to keep pace with the traffic too. 

While the manual pairs well with this engine and is the transmission to get if you want maximum performance and fun, you can opt for the torque converter automatic for its ease of use. It offers a smooth experience in regular usage, but is also quick when needed. It isn’t as quick as the DCT found in the Sonet and Venue, but it gets the job done without any real delay that would hamper the experience. 

Enthusiasts will appreciate the paddle shifters for when they want manual control with the AT. I just wish that these paddle shifters were finished better (feels like cheap plastic), which would’ve made using them that much more fun.

With the Fronx’s turbo-petrol engine, you can expect a fuel efficiency of around 11-13kmpl in the city. 

Highway performance

The open road is where this engine comes alive. Performance is so quick that the Fronx is the quickest Maruti we’ve tested to date, with a tested 0-100kmph time of 10.38 seconds. 

This performance doesn’t taper down post 100kmph, and your overtakes won’t require planning. The automatic downshifts without much hesitation, but I found using the paddle shifters is better if that window for the overtake is a tiny one. 

From an efficiency point of view, you can expect the Fronx turbo to return around 17kmpl on the highway. 

To sum up this engine, I would recommend it to someone who’s going to use the Fronx in both city and highway equally. It is one of the most fun engines, not just in Maruti’s portfolio, but in the entire segment, and if you’re someone who appreciates usable performance, without compromising on efficiency and refinement, this is the one to have.

Ride Comfort 

The Maruti Fronx is easily one of the most comfortable cars in its segment. The ride quality is comfortable, and it absorbs speedbreakers, rough roads and uneven bumps – big or small – really well. Movement inside the cabin is kept in check and the suspension works silently too. 

With the high 190mm ground clearance, you don’t have to slow down for scary speedbreakers or potholes. You might hear a thudding noise from the suspension, but the occupants are unlikely to complain.

The Fronx keeps occupants comfortable on expressways with uneven surfaces too. There’s only slight vertical movement over expansion joints or surface level changes, which is felt more at the rear. 

Handling

The Fronx’s steering feels light in the city, so finding and placing the car in a tight parking spot or taking a U-turn is effortless. 

While cruising on a highway, it has enough weight to give you confidence to carry high speeds and it remains predictable around a fast corner too. I did enjoy myself driving the Fronx in the ghats leading up to Lavasa (Pune), and while there will be body roll if you push the car too hard around a corner, you won’t have any issues as long as you’re not driving too aggressively.

Overall, the Fronx manages to strike a good balance between ride comfort and handling.

Maruti offers the Fronx in six variants: Sigma, Delta, Delta +, Delta + (O), Zeta, and Alpha.

Maruti Fronx Sigma variant

• Only gets the 1.2-litre petrol engine option with the manual. CNG is also available.

• Gets standard safety features like 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, rear defogger and hill assist.

• Covers all basic equipment like power windows, auto AC, tilt steering adjust and adjustable head rests (front and rear).

• The lighting setup is halogen but it does get 16-inch steel wheels with covers.

• There is no music system of any kind on offer. 

Maruti Fronx Delta variant

• Offers the option of an automated manual transmission (AMT) with the 1.2-litre petrol engine.

•  Body coloured ORVMs with turn indicators is the only change in design here.

• The highlight here is the addition of a 7-inch touchscreen with a 4-speaker sound system.

• Functional additions include electric outside mirrors, steering mounted controls, and rear parcel tray.

Maruti Fronx Delta + variant

• This is the most affordable variant with the turbo-petrol engine. Available with a manual only.

Maruti Fronx Delta + (O) variant

• There are no feature additions, apart from a tyre repair kit.

• Exterior and interior looks are identical to the Delta + variant.

Maruti Fronx Zeta variant

• Boasts a full LED setup with connected LED taillights, and rear wiper and washer.

• Notable functional feature additions include telescopic steering adjustment, front central armrest, height adjustable driver seat, and rear view camera.

• Improved infotainment package with six speaker sound system and coloured MID display for driver.

• Wireless phone charger, push button start/stop, rear AC vents, and type A and C charging ports are also included. 

Maruti Fronx Alpha variant

• Offers the most premium look and feel with 16-inch machine finished alloys, dual tone colour options, and leatherette steering wheel.

• The infotainment package gets better with a 9-inch touchscreen, and Arkamys-tuned sound system.

• Top additions include cruise control, auto-folding outside mirrors, auto IRVM, head-up display and 360-degree camera.

CarDekho Recommends:

• We would recommend the Delta variant of the Maruti Fronx if you are on a tight budget. That variant offers the option of an automatic transmission, while covering all the basic must-haves of a family car. Alternatively, if you plan on putting aftermarket accessories, then you can go for the Sigma variant.

• The Zeta variant of the Maruti Fronx offers the most value for money with its mixture of functional and creature comforts.

• Improved looks with LED DRLs, LED headlights, and black 16-inch alloy wheels.

• Apart from auto headlights, there’s no significant difference in the feature and safety department.

The Maruti Fronx might not have a traditional SUV design, but that’s exactly what makes it stand out. With its stylish looks, the utility that Maruti offers, the comfortable ride quality and right set of equipment make it a compelling package. If you want fun, the turbo-petrol engine is a great option that rounds off the Fronx’s experience quite well. And despite the pricing being a tad higher than our liking (the Baleno is more value for money if you don’t want a turbo engine), you still won’t go wrong with putting your hard earned cash on the Fronx.

Other Cars To Consider 

Maruti Brezza

Reasons to consider

• Taller height and square proportions offer better presence

• More headroom for rear passengers

• Gets a sunroof

Reasons to ignore

• No turbo-petrol engine

• Not as stylish

Tata Nexon

Reasons to consider

• Offers more features

• Option of diesel engine

• 5-star safety rating

• Turbo petrol gets a quick-shifting DCT 

Reasons to ignore

• Inconsistent fit and finish

• More expensive

• Not as practical

Kia Sonet/Hyundai Venue

Reasons to consider

• Offers more features

• Option of diesel engine

• Turbo petrol gets a quick-shifting DCT

Reasons to ignore

• Not as comfortable

• No CNG option

• Sonet is significantly more expensive 

Nissan Magnite/Renault Kiger

Reasons to consider

• Smooth CVT automatic transmission option

• 6 airbags as standard

Reasons to ignore

• Turbo-petrol engines aren't as exciting

• Overall package feels less premium