If you are planning to buy a compact SUV in India and your budget is under ₹12 lakh, two popular choices come to mind — Maruti Fronx and Tata Nexon. Both cars are stylish, safe, and come loaded with useful features. But which one gives you better value for your money? In this simple comparison, we’ll break down the important points like price, engine, features, mileage, and safety to help you decide.
Price Comparison: Fronx vs Nexon
Both cars have many variants, but let’s look at the starting and mid-range prices:
- Maruti Fronx: Starts from ₹7.46 lakh to ₹13.13 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Tata Nexon: Starts from ₹8.15 lakh to ₹15.60 lakh (ex-showroom)
So, if you are on a tight budget, Fronx is slightly cheaper in the base variants. But for the same ₹12 lakh price, both cars offer good options with decent features.
Engine & Performance
Here’s how both SUVs perform:
Maruti Fronx:
- Petrol Engines: 1.2L and 1.0L Turbo
- Power: Up to 100 PS
- Transmission: Manual, AMT & 6-speed Auto (in turbo variant)
Tata Nexon:
- Petrol: 1.2L Turbo
- Diesel: 1.5L (a big plus!)
- Power: Up to 120 PS
- Transmission: Manual, AMT, and 6-speed DCT (Petrol)
Verdict: If you want more power and diesel option, Nexon wins. Fronx is better for city drives and mileage.
Mileage (Fuel Efficiency)
- Maruti Fronx: 20–22 km/l (Petrol)
- Tata Nexon: 17–19 km/l (Petrol), 24 km/l (Diesel)
Fronx offers better mileage in petrol. But if you drive long distances daily, Nexon diesel can save money.
Features Comparison
Common Features (Both Cars Have):
- Touchscreen infotainment
- Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
- Cruise Control
- LED DRLs
- Rear Camera
- Auto Climate Control
Fronx Exclusive:
- Heads-up display (in top variants)
- 360-degree camera (in some models)
Nexon Exclusive:
- Ventilated seats (in top variants)
- Bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen (in new model)
- Voice-controlled sunroof
Verdict: Nexon offers more premium features, but Fronx adds smart options like HUD.
Safety: Which SUV is Safer?
- Tata Nexon has a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP.
- Maruti Fronx hasn’t been crash-tested yet officially, but Maruti cars usually have lighter bodies.
So, Nexon wins in safety. It is well-known for its strong build quality.
Looks and Design: Which One Is Better?
- Maruti Fronx has a coupe-like stylish design with sharp headlights.
- Tata Nexon looks bold and muscular, especially after the 2023 facelift.
This part is subjective, but Nexon gives a more rugged SUV feel, while Fronx feels sporty and modern.
Choosing between Maruti Fronx and Tata Nexon depends on what you need most. If you want better fuel efficiency, lower price, and stylish design, Fronx is a great choice. But if you want more power, better safety, and extra features, Nexon is the winner. Both are strong compact SUVs under ₹12 lakh, and your final choice should match your driving needs and comfort.
