The Fronx is offered with three powertrain options, giving buyers a fair range to choose from. The 1.2-litre K-Series Dual Jet, Dual VVT petrol produces 88 hp and 113 Nm, and is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT).

It is a widely used engine across Maruti Suzuki's current and upcoming lineup, known for its focus on smoothness and efficiency in everyday driving. The same 1.2-litre unit is also available in an S-CNG variant, where in the CGN mode, the power drops to 76 hp and torque to 98 Nm, and is offered with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Lastly, the 1.0-litre Turbo Boosterjet petrol produces 99 hp and 147.6 Nm, offering comparatively stronger performance akin to other powerful turbo petrol SUVs than the 1.2-litre engine. It is available with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, the latter also featuring paddle shifters.

The 1.2-litre petrol returns an ARAI-rated 21.79 km/l with the manual and a slightly better 22.89 km/l with the AMT, the AMT's ability to shift at more optimal points, likely accounting for that small gain.

Meanwhile, the S-CNG variant, running on compressed natural gas and remaining competitive among the cheapest CNG cars in the market, returns 28.51 km/kg.

Also despite being the most powerful option, the 1.0-litre Turbo Boosterjet holds its own at 21.5 km/l on the manual and 20.01 km/l on the 6-speed automatic. These efficiency numbers make it a standout option for those researching affordable automatic cars in India, proving highly respectable for a turbocharged engine.

Inside, the cabin features a dual-tone theme with a forged metal finish across the dashboard. The layout connects the infotainment screen and the flat-bottom steering wheel in a cohesive manner.

Occupants sit on fabric seats, with the driver getting height adjustment and a sliding armrest with storage. The steering column offers both tilt and telescopic adjustment. Rear passengers get adjustable headrests, dedicated AC vents, and Type A and Type C USB charging ports.

The technology interface varies across the lineup, with a 22.86 cm (9-inch) SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen offering an HD display along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio is delivered through a 6-speaker setup (four speakers and two tweeters) featuring Surround Sense powered by Arkamys, though premium enthusiasts might compare this to these cars that get Dolby Atmos sound systems. Wireless smartphone charger, cruise control, head-up display and a 360 view camera are also included.

When it comes to carrying luggage, the car offers a boot capacity of 308 litres. For added flexibility, the rear bench features a 60:40 split-folding mechanism.

The exterior stands out with sharp, coupe-like styling, with it stretching 3995 mm long on a 2520 mm wheelbase, with a practical 308-litre boot for everyday needs.

Up front, it sports the eye-catching NEXWave chrome grille in a geometric design, paired with striking NEXTre' Crystal Block LED DRLs. Lower variants get halogen projector headlamps, while higher ones upgrade to full LED units that include auto on/off functionality. Around the back, every variant comes with LED tail lamps, and top-spec models add a sleek connected light bar with an illuminated center strip for that premium touch.

Practical touches include front and rear skid plates, rugged body cladding, a roof spoiler, and a rear wiper to keep things functional, offering a robust aesthetic similar to some of the best rugged AWD SUVs. Wheel choices vary by variant, with steel rims on base models or alloys on higher ones, but all ride on 195/60 R16 tyres for a balanced stance

The Fronx sits on Suzuki's sturdy HEARTECT platform, which uses plenty of high- and ultra-high-tensile steel to make the body stronger and better at soaking up impact energy in a crash. Inside the cabin, every single variant comes loaded with six airbags as standard, dual front, side, and curtain so you're covered front to back.

Beyond the structural protection, there is a solid lineup of active safety aids right across the range, such as ESP to keep things stable on slippery turns or quick swerves, hill-hold assist for easier starts on inclines, ABS with EBD for balanced braking, seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters up front, ISOFIX points for child seats, and three-point ELR belts for everyone on board.

On the crash-test side, the Indian-spec Fronx hasn't been rated by Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP yet. An export version tested by ANCAP scored just 1 star overall, with concerns around occupant protection (especially rear seatbelts failing in one test). If you’d prefer safer choices, see our guides to explore safer alternatives, as well as the safest cars to buy in India in 2026.

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx competes in a heavily contested segment against traditional sub-four-metre SUVs like the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet.

The Nexon excels with proven top-tier crash-test safety and multiple powertrain choices, whereas the Venue and Sonet often outshine the Fronx with superior interior plastics and a wider array of tech features. However, the Fronx counters with a distinctive coupe-like silhouette, highly frugal mild-hybrid engine options, and an agile, hatchback-like driving feel.

While rivals offer traditional upright SUV proportions, the Fronx is geared towards buyers seeking standout styling paired with low running costs.