Introduction: The Rising SUV Craze in India
In recent years, the demand for SUVs in India has witnessed a significant surge. SUVs are appealing to many purchasers because of their rough appearance, strong road presence, and practical ground clearance. Among the myriad options available, two noteworthy contenders are the Hyundai Exter and the Maruti Fronx. Despite their distinct categories, micro SUVs and crossover SUVs, respectively, are priced similarly and feature the same 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engines. If you find yourself navigating the SUV market with a budget of Rs 10 lakh our detailed comparison covering aspects like space, practicality, and features aims to assist you in making an informed decision.
1. Looks: SUV Stance vs. Crossover Elegance
Hyundai Exter
The Exter, a micro SUV sharing its underpinnings with the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, boasts a traditional boxy design, enhancing its SUV allure and the upright road presence and distinctive H-shaped DRLs contribute to its SUV appeal. However, the headlight setup and the rear LED tail lamps, connected by a black strip with a parametric pattern, may be considered quirky by some.
Maruti Fronx
In contrast, the Fronx leans towards a crossover design, taking inspiration from the Maruti Baleno. Elements like side body cladding and roof rails impart a rugged appearance. Drawing considerable inspiration from the Grand Vitara, the Fronx's design exudes stylish appeal. With larger 16-inch wheels it adds to the overall visual sophistication.
Conclusion: The Exter caters to typical SUV aficionados, whilst the Fronx has a more upmarket and luxurious appearance.
2. Interior: Simplicity vs. Premium Touch
Hyundai Exter
The Exter's interior closely mirrors that of the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, featuring a simpler dashboard design. Despite the use of hard plastics, the interior quality, fit, and finish are acceptable within this price range.
Maruti Fronx
Maintaining a premium appearance, the Fronx shares its interior with the Baleno, showcasing a multi-layered dashboard design for an upmarket feel. Maroon inserts on the dashboard and door panels add a touch of elegance.
Conclusion: The Exter has useful interior elements whilst the Fronx has a more premium look and a more posh cabin feel.
3. Features: Extensive vs. Balanced Offering
Hyundai Exter SX (O)
- 8-inch touchscreen system
- Digitized instrument cluster
- Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Automatic AC
- Electric sunroof
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Wireless phone charger
- Cruise control
- Rear AC vents
- Ambient footwell lights
Maruti Fronx Delta+
- 7-inch touchscreen system
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Analogue instrument cluster with MID
- Automatic AC
- Electrically adjustable ORVMs
- Steering-mounted audio controls
Conclusion: The Exter surpasses the Fronx in features, offering a comprehensive range, although some features are missing and the Fronx provides essential features presenting a balanced offering.
4. Safety: Advanced vs. Basic Features
Hyundai Exter
- Six airbags
- Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- Rear parking camera
Maruti Fronx
- Two front airbags
- Lacks a rear parking camera
Conclusion: The Exter excels in safety features, outshining the Fronx in terms of advanced safety.
5. Practicality: Additional Storage vs. Balanced Options
Both the Exter and Fronx offer good practicality with features like two cup-holders at the front, bottle-holders on all four doors capable of accommodating 1-litre bottles, and a dedicated space for smartphones. However, the Exter gains an advantage with extra storage alongside the handbrake, storage on the dashboard, and a cooled glovebox. In terms of charging ports, the Exter’s SX(O) trim boasts a C-type charging port at the front, along with power outlets for both front and rear passengers. In contrast, the Fronx’ Delta+ includes a 12V power outlet and a USB charging port in the front but lacks both USB-A and USB-C charging ports at the rear.
Conclusion: With additional storage features the Exter is more practical.
6. Boot Space: On Paper vs. Real-World Utility
- Hyundai Exter: 391 litres
- Maruti Fronx: 308 litres
While the Exter offers more boot space on paper, the Fronx proves more practical in real-world situations. The Fronx can easily accommodate three suitcases due to its depth. The boot-loading lip isn't too high, and the rear seats have a greater recline angle. However, it may struggle with larger suitcases, favoring smaller bags.
Conclusion: The Fronx with its practical depth outshines the Exter in real-world utility.
7. Rear Seat Comfort: Airiness vs. Shoulder Room
Hyundai Exter
- Airy cabin with good headroom
- Relaxed backrest angle
- Flat seats
- Two adjustable headrests
Maruti Fronx
- Ample shoulder room for three occupants
- Shortage of headroom for taller passengers
- Additional middle headrest
Conclusion: The Fronx excels in shoulder room, while the Exter provides good headroom and a relaxed backrest angle.
8. Ride Comfort: Comfort vs. Stability
Hyundai Exter
- Stiffer suspension setup
- Less comfortable on bad roads
- More noticeable body roll at higher speeds
Maruti Fronx
- Well-balanced suspension setup
- Comfortable ride, stability on sharp corners
- Good confidence at high speeds
Conclusion: The Fronx offers a more comfortable ride and stability, outperforming the Exter in terms of ride comfort.
9. Engine & Performance: Planning vs. Spontaneity
Hyundai Exter
- 1.2-litre N.A. Petrol
- 83 PS power, 114 Nm torque
- Requires planning for overtakes
Maruti Fronx
- 1.2-litre N.A. Petrol
- 90 PS power, 113 Nm torque
- Spontaneous performance
Both vehicles are powered by naturally aspirated gasoline engines of identical capacity, with the Fronx significantly more powerful than the Exter. While the output figures don't show a significant difference on paper, you can feel the distinction in real-world performance. The Fronx’s petrol engine feels more tractable, offering better low-end torque in city limits and the difference becomes more noticeable on the highway. The Exter doesn’t feel as lively, necessitating more planning for overtakes. In contrast, the Fronx provides a more spontaneous and responsive performance.
Conclusion: The engine in the Fronx feels more tractable with more low-end torque and energetic performance.
10. Price & Verdict
Hyundai Exter SX (O)
- Rs 8.74 lakh to Rs 9.41 lakh
Maruti Fronx Delta+ 1.2 NA Petrol
- Rs 8.72 lakh to Rs 9.28 lakh
While the Hyundai Exter boasts a comprehensive list of features and provides excellent headroom for practicality, it falls behind the Fronx in terms of cabin feel, ride comfort, and engine performance. If you prioritize a traditional SUV look with an abundance of features, the Exter is a suitable choice. However, if you value a well-balanced ride, premium cabin features, and a more responsive engine, the Fronx emerges as the better option.