Both premium hatchbacks share their platform and powertrain, but the Toyota costs more
The Toyota Glanza and Maruti Suzuki Baleno have a lot in common, and that is hardly surprising. The two hatchbacks share their underlying hardware, with differences in styling, badging and the ownership experience offered by their respective manufacturers.
The latest updates make the comparison more interesting. Both cars now feature a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, while the availability of an automated manual transmission (AMT) with factory-fitted CNG adds convenience for buyers who want to reduce running costs.
The Baleno has a clear advantage on starting price. However, the Glanza brings its own styling changes and Toyota’s dealer and service network into the equation.
Toyota Glanza vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno: Price comparison
Both cars are available with petrol and CNG powertrains, but the Baleno has the lower entry price. The following prices are ex-showroom and reflect the variant-wise price lists.
Variant | Baleno petrol MT | Glanza petrol MT |
Entry-level | Sigma: Rs 5.99 lakh | E: Rs 6.99 lakh |
Next variant | Delta: Rs 6.99 lakh | S: Rs 7.71 lakh |
Mid-range | Zeta: Rs 7.99 lakh | G: Rs 8.73 lakh |
Higher variant | Alpha: Rs 9.10 lakh | V: Rs 9.99 lakh |
Top variant | Alpha (O): Rs 9.50 lakh | V (O): Rs 10.49 lakh |
The Baleno’s petrol AMT range starts at Rs 7.50 lakh for the Delta, while the Glanza S AMT costs Rs 8.31 lakh. At the top end, the Baleno Alpha (O) AMT costs Rs 9.99 lakh, compared with Rs 10.98 lakh for the Glanza V (O) AMT. CNG buyers also have a price difference to consider.
The Baleno Delta CNG MT costs Rs 7.92 lakh and the Zeta CNG MT Rs 8.92 lakh. Toyota’s corresponding Glanza S CNG MT and G CNG MT cost Rs 8.76 lakh and Rs 9.68 lakh, respectively. Both models also offer CNG with an AMT.
Baleno petrol AMT | Glanza petrol AMT |
| Delta AMT Rs. 7,50,000 | S AMT Rs. 8,31,000 |
| Zeta AMT Rs. 8,50,000 | G AMT Rs. 9,33,000 |
| Alpha AMT Rs. 9,60,000 | V AMT Rs. 10.59,000 |
| Alpha Optional Rs. 9,99,000 | V (O) AMT 10,98,000 |
| Delta CNG AMT Rs. 8,32, 000 | S AMT CNG 9,31,000 |
| Zeta CNG AMT Rs. 9,32, 000 | G AMT CNG 10,23,000 |
Engine and gearbox: Same basic package
The two hatchbacks use a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre, three-cylinder Z12E petrol engine producing 83 hp and 112 Nm. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard on the entry-level petrol variants, while higher trims offer a five-speed AMT. The engine replaces the four-cylinder unit used in the previous versions. Although peak power has reduced, the claimed fuel efficiency has improved.
Specification | Toyota Glanza | Maruti Suzuki Baleno |
Petrol engine | 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder | 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder |
Petrol power | 83hp | 83hp |
Petrol torque | 112Nm | 112Nm |
Petrol gearbox | 5-speed MT, 5-speed AMT | 5-speed MT, 5-speed AMT |
CNG power | 70hp | 70hp |
CNG torque | 102Nm | 102Nm |
CNG gearbox | 5-speed MT, 5-speed AMT | 5-speed MT, 5-speed AMT |
Toyota claims fuel efficiency of 23.80 kmpl for the Glanza manual and 24.77 kmpl for the AMT. The Baleno offers the same claimed figures. For CNG, the claimed efficiency is 33.61 km/kg with the manual and 34.47 km/kg with the AMT.
Features
The Glanza’s updated front end gives it a more distinct Toyota identity, with a revised grille, redesigned fog lamp surrounds and new colour options. The Baleno has its own styling treatment, but the basic body shape and proportions remain closely related.
Inside, the two cars share much of their layout and equipment. Depending on the variant, buyers get a 9-inch touchscreen, head-up display, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, wireless phone charging and a 360-degree camera.
The updated models also offer ventilated front seats and Level 2 ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and autonomous emergency braking. Six airbags and electronic stability control are part of the safety package.
Equipment availability varies by trim, so buyers should compare the exact variant rather than assume that every feature is available across the range.
Which one should you buy?
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno makes a stronger case for buyers prioritising value. Its lower starting price and cheaper comparable variants leave more room in the budget, while the shared engine, transmissions and core equipment mean there is little mechanical compromise.
The Toyota Glanza, meanwhile, will appeal to buyers who prefer its revised styling, Toyota’s dealership and service network, and its ownership package. Its higher price is not matched by a fundamentally different powertrain, however.
For most buyers comparing the two purely on specifications and price, the Baleno is the more rational purchase. The Glanza makes sense if the Toyota badge, design and ownership experience are worth the additional outlay.