Maruti Swift vs Hyundai i20
Maruti Swift and Hyundai i20 are India's top two premium hatchbacks. Swift owns the volume game with proven reliability and lowest service costs; i20 wins on features, build quality, and feel-good factor. Here's a head-to-head on what matters.
Side-by-side comparison
| Spec | Maruti Swift | Hyundai i20 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (ex-showroom) | Rs 6.49 lakh | Rs 7.04 lakh |
| Top variant price | Rs 9.65 lakh | Rs 11.50 lakh |
| Engine | 1.2L K-series petrol, 90 PS | 1.2L Kappa petrol, 88 PS / 1.0L Turbo, 120 PS |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 24.8 km/l (manual) | 20.3 km/l (1.2L) / 20.0 km/l (1.0L Turbo) |
| Boot space | 268L | 311L |
| Safety rating (Global NCAP) | 1-star (older model) | 3-star (latest) |
| Touchscreen | 7-inch SmartPlay | 10.25-inch with wireless Android Auto/CarPlay |
| Wireless charging | Top variants only | Yes, all variants from Sportz |
| Sunroof | No | Yes (Asta variants and above) |
| Service network | 3,500+ outlets, lowest service cost | 1,400+ outlets, mid-range service cost |
| Resale (after 5 years) | 60-65% of new price | 50-55% of new price |
The verdict
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable - Swift or i20?
Swift has the edge on long-term reliability based on India's real-world data and Maruti's service network. i20 is reliable too but its more complex features mean slightly more potential failure points.
Which has better mileage in real-world use?
Real-world mileage: Swift petrol manual delivers 18-22 km/l, i20 petrol manual delivers 14-17 km/l. Swift wins by 3-5 km/l in everyday Indian conditions.
Is the i20 1.0L Turbo worth the extra cost?
For enthusiastic drivers - yes. The Turbo i20 delivers genuine performance, paddle shifters with the DCT, and feels like a hot hatch. For pure commuters, the standard 1.2L is enough.
Which has better safety - Swift or i20?
Latest Hyundai i20 (2024+) carries a 3-star Global NCAP rating. Maruti Swift's rating is older (1-star) but the new-gen Swift expected in 2026 may score better. For safety-conscious buyers today, i20 wins.