2026 Toyota Glanza Facelift Vs Hyundai i20 Compared: Which Premium Hatchback Should You Buy?

The premium hatchback segment may have SUV alternatives today, but it still has a few strong options for buyers who want a compact car. The Toyota Glanza and Hyundai i20 cater to this audience, although they approach the segment a little differently.

The 2026 Glanza facelift brings a revised front design, additional features and a new 1.2-litre petrol engine. It also gets a factory-fitted CNG option, making it worth considering for buyers who want to keep running costs in check. The Hyundai i20, meanwhile, continues to offer a well-equipped cabin.

So, while the Glanza has received a fresh update, the i20 still has a few features that could appeal to buyers. In this report, we compare the two premium hatchbacks across their prices, dimensions, colour options, features and powertrain choices.

Price

• The Hyundai i20 has a lower starting price, with its entry-level variant costing Rs 99,000 less than the base Glanza. This gives the i20 an advantage for buyers who want to spend as little as possible on a premium hatchback.

• At the top end, however, the Glanza's range-topping variant is Rs 34,000 more expensive than the i20's top-spec version.

• The Glanza is available in five variants: E, S, G, V and V(O). Its CNG option is limited to the S and G variants, which are available with both manual and AMT gearbox options. Check them out in detail here.

Dimensions

• The Hyundai i20 is longer than the 2026 Glanza, but the difference is 50 mm. It is also wider by 30 mm and has a 60 mm longer wheelbase.

• The Glanza facelift, on the other hand, is 25 mm taller, giving it a slightly taller profile.

• Although the i20 has the advantage on most dimensions, the numbers alone do not tell the complete story when it comes to cabin space. Both are compact hatchbacks, so rear-seat comfort and ease of getting in and out are worth checking during a test drive.

Colour Options

*Also available with dual-tone scheme with black roof, ^Only available in Knight edition

• The Glanza's colour palette covers the usual neutral shades, including Cafe White, Enticing Silver and Gaming Grey, along with brighter options such as Sportin Red and Insta Blue.

• The Digital Teal Green adds a more distinctive choice for buyers who want their hatchback to stand out.

• Hyundai also offers a mix of subtle and brighter shades on the i20. It gets options such as Fiery Red and Starry Night, while the Titan Grey Matte finish gives buyers a different take on the usual grey paint. The Hyundai also offers a dual-tone option with a black roof in Atlas White hue, as well as a darker exterior treatment with the Knight Edition.

• Both hatchbacks offer enough variety to suit different tastes, but the i20 has the edge if you want a dual-tone finish or a special-edition look.

Features

• The Glanza facelift gets several useful additions, including ventilated front seats, a wireless phone charger and a Level 2 ADAS suite. It also comes equipped with a 360-degree camera system and a heads-up display. The 9-inch touchscreen is smaller than the i20's unit, but the Toyota gets wireless smartphone connectivity.

• The Hyundai i20 has its own advantages inside the cabin. It gets a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, a sunroof, ambient lighting and a seven-speaker Bose sound system. The i20 also offers drive modes, while its digital instrument display provides a different layout from the Glanza's analogue cluster with a TFT multi-information display.

• Safety equipment is fairly well matched, with both hatchbacks offering six airbags, ESC, hill-hold assist and ISOFIX child-seat anchors. However, the Glanza gets a 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS, while the i20 offers a rear-view camera and a dashcam.

• Overall, the Glanza has gained several important features with the facelift. The i20, meanwhile, continues to appeal with its larger touchscreen, sunroof and a better equipped sound system.

Powertrain Options

• The Glanza facelift gets a new 1.2-litre Z-series petrol engine, replacing the older K-series unit. On the other hand, the Hyundai i20 gets a four-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine, producing up to 88 PS.

• However, you get a factory-fitted CNG powertrain option with the Glanza, making it worth considering if fuel costs are a major factor in your purchase.

CarDekho Says…

The 2026 Toyota Glanza facelift builds on an already practical hatchback formula. The new engine, added convenience features and Level 2 ADAS make it a more complete offering than before. Its CNG option also gives it an advantage for buyers who want to keep running costs under control.

The Hyundai i20, however, still has a few reasons to make your shortlist. Its larger touchscreen, sunroof, and a better equipped sound system give it a different appeal. 

If you want a hatchback with a strong focus on fuel efficiency, useful new features and the flexibility of petrol and CNG options, the Glanza deserves a closer look. The i20 is worth considering if you prefer its cabin equipment and CVT gearbox. We recommend test-driving both before making your final decision, particularly if you are choosing between their automatic variants.

If you are exploring other premium hatchbacks in this price range, here are a couple of alternatives worth considering:

Maruti Suzuki Baleno: The Glanza's close relative offers a similar overall package, with the added benefit of Maruti Suzuki's wider sales and service network.

Tata Altroz: A rival with distinctive styling, a range of features and a diesel engine option. It is also worth considering if you want an alternative to the petrol and CNG offerings.