- Maruti offers the Boosterjet Turbo engine option in Fronx
- Mahindra's XUV300 TurboSport gets Mahindra's new mStallion TGDi engine
- XUV300 just gets a 6-speed manual transmission
- Fronx gets options for a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic
Maruti Suzuki surprised everyone when it reintroduced the 1 litre Boosterjet turbo petrol engine at the unveiling of the new compact crossover Fronx at the 2023 auto expo. This powerful engine was first seen in the Baleno RS in 2017 but was later discontinued because of low sales. Also, the Boosterjet engine only came with a manual gearbox in the Baleno RS. This time, with the reintroduction of this powerful engine in the Fronx, Maruti has decided to offer a manual as well as a 6-speed torque converter automatic option. Also, Maruti has equipped the Boosterjet engine-powered Fronx with its mild hybrid tech that gets features like Electric Torque Assist during Acceleration and Regenerative Braking.
All of this makes the Boosterjet-powered Fronx a truly performance-based crossover SUV and a key rival to Mahindra's new XUV300 TurboSport. The TurboSport version of the Mahindra XUV300 is by far the most powerful performance-based compact SUV in India. As both vehicles stand as a good option for buyers who are performance and driving pleasure-focused compact SUVs, the comparison between the two is inevitable. Hence, here's our detailed comparison of the two.
Maruti Fronx Boosterjet VS Mahindra XUV300 TurboSport: Dimensions
| Dimensions | Maruti Fronx | Mahindra XUV300 |
| Length | 3995 mm | 3995 mm |
| Width | 1765 mm | 1821 mm |
| Height | 1550 mm | 1627 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2520 mm | 2600 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 190 mm | 180 mm |
| Boot Space | 308 litre | 257 litre |
| Turning Radius | 4.9 m | 5.3 m |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 litre | 42 litre |
Maruti Fronx Boosterjet VS Mahindra XUV300 TurboSport: Powertrain & Performance
| Powertrain & Performance | Maruti Fronx Boosterjet Turbo | Mahindra XUV300 TurboSport |
| Engine | 1 litre Boosterjet Turbo Petrol | 1.2 litre mStallion TGDi Turbo Petrol |
| Power | 100.06 PS | 130 PS |
| Torque | 147.6 Nm | 230 Nm (up to 250 Nm with over boost) |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual/6-speed Torque Converter Automatic | 6-speed Manual |
| Mild Hybrid | Yes - Electric Torque Assist during Acceleration & Regenerative Braking | No |
| Disc Brakes | Front Only | Front & Rear |
| 0 - 60 Kmph | - | 5 Seconds |
| 0 - 100 Kmph | - | 10.9 Seconds |
Maruti Fronx Boosterjet VS Mahindra XUV300 TurboSport: Features & Safety
| Features & Safety | Maruti Fronx Boosterjet Turbo | Mahindra XUV300 TurboSport |
| Steering Adjustment | Tilt & Telescopic | Tilt Only |
| 360-degree view camera | Yes | Only Reverse Camera |
| Front Parking Sensors | No | Yes |
| IRVM dimming | Auto | Auto |
| HUD (Heads Up Display) | Yes (with navigation) | No |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | Yes | No |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Active Safety | ABS, EBD, ESP, Hill Hold | ABS, EBD, ESP, Hill Hold, Roll-over Mitigation, Corner Braking Control |
| Fog Lamps | No | Front |
| TPMS | No | Yes - Highline |
| Sunroof | No | Yes with Anti-pinch |
| Wireless Phone Charger | Yes | No |
| Audio System | 6 Speaker by ARKAMYS | 6 Speakers |
| Central Armrest | Front | Front & Rear |
| Auto Headlamps | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Wipers | No | Yes |
| Android Auto/Apple CarPlay | Wireless | Wired |
| Adjustable Steering Response/Feel Modes | No | Yes |
| Infotainment System | 9-inch touchscreen | 7-inch touchscreen |
| Instrument Cluster (Drivers Display) | Multi Colour TFT MID | 3.5-inch Mono Colour TFT MID |
| Connected Car Tech | Yes | Yes |
| Smartwatch Integration | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Commands | Advance - Engine Start/Stop & AC Control | Basic - Lights On/Off, Door Lock/Unlock, etc |
| Air Conditioning | Auto Climate Control | Auto Dual Zone Climate Control |
Mahindra XUV300 is not only a powerful performance-based compact SUV but it is also the safest compact SUV in India. With 5 Star safety rating from Global NCAP, the Mahindra XUV300 stands as the only compact SUV in India that received Global NCAP's Safer Choice award in 2020. On the other hand, based on Baleno's (Heartect) platform, the Maruti Fronx is yet to receive any safety rating.
Also Read: Maruti Fronx VS Nissan Magnite VS Renault Kiger: Mega Comparison
Verdict: The Mahindra XUV300 TurboSport is priced between Rs 10.35 lakh to Rs 12.90 lakh (Ex-Showroom). Whereas the Maruti Fronx is priced between Rs 7.46 lakh to Rs 13.13 lakh Ex-Showroom. The availability of a 6-speed torque converter automatic is what gives the Fronx an advantage over the XUV300 TurboSport, which is available only with a 6-speed manual transmission. However, the XUV300 also has some advantages over the Fronx. It has better safety, a more powerful engine, and more cabin space. If priced well, Maruti Fronx could prove to be a good choice for people who want an entry-level compact SUV with the combination of a powerful performance-focused engine and a smooth automatic transmission. Those who do not require an automatic transmission can also look towards the more powerful, more spacious, and safest - Mahindra XUV300 TurboSport.
