Buying a car is a dream of an average middle-class person in India. Contrary to other countries, Indians treat a family’s first car as a landmark moment rather than a tool. Which is why families are very sceptical when deciding on buying their first car.
A family’s first car has to please most members of the family while also fitting a budget. Two of the most popular cars in the entry-level segment that cause the most confusion among buyers are the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Baleno.
These cars are a great value offering from the Japanese car manufacturer at the entry-level price segment and come in a lot of variants to suit the buyer’s needs. So, if you find yourself confused between the two, continue reading to know which is a better car for most first-time buyers, as we put both cars in a head-to-head battle, covering everything from engine to features.
Swift vs Baleno: Which car has a better engine?
In a Swift vs Baleno engine comparison, both cars are evenly matched. Both cars have a 1.2-litre engine with different configurations and tuning. Swift has a 3-cylinder 1.2 litre naturally aspirated engine, whereas Baleno has a more advanced 4-cylinder 1.2 litre Dual Jet, Dual VVT, that results in a smoother and quieter operation due to a more controlled airflow. On the other hand, Swift’s naturally aspirated engine offers more mileage.
In essence, Swift is a slightly less powerful car that offers more mileage and is more suited for city usage. Whereas Baleno is a more refined product that offers more power, better linear acceleration and an overall quieter and smoother operation.
For people who are looking for a city-friendly car with good mileage, the Swift is a clear winner. Baleno earns the point for people willing to compromise some mileage for a better quality product, which is more capable on highways.
Swift vs Baleno Engine Comparison Table (2025)
| Feature | Maruti Suzuki Swift (2025) | Maruti Suzuki Baleno (2025) |
| Engine Type | Z12E 1.2L Naturally Aspirated Petrol | K Series 1.2L Dual Jet, Dual VVT Petrol |
| Cylinders | 3-cylinder | 4-cylinder |
| Displacement | 1197 cc | 1197 cc |
| Max Power | 80.46 bhp @ 5700 rpm | 88.50 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 111.7 Nm @ 4300 rpm | 113 Nm @ 4400 rpm |
| Transmission Options | 5-speed Manual & AMT | 5-speed Manual & AMT |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 24.8–25.75 km/l | 22.35–22.94 km/l |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 litres | 37 litres |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
Swift vs Baleno: Which car has more features?
Both products have plenty of features to suit the buyer’s needs. Swift is more focused on practicality and youthfulness. Baleno takes a different approach by offering comfort, convenience, and a premium look and feel to the customer.
The top model of Swift features a touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, cruise control, etc, but Baleno takes the lead by offering a head-up display & 360-degree parking camera in its top variant.
So, in a Swift vs Baleno feature comparison, Baleno takes the lead. It is a feature-rich car that appeals to a more family-focused customer base than the youth.
Swift vs Baleno Feature Comparison Table (2025)
| Category | Swift 2025 | Baleno 2025 |
| Infotainment Screen | 9-inch ARKAMYS system | 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ with HUD |
| Connectivity | Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay | Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay |
| Sound System | ARKAMYS Surround Sound | ARKAMYS Premium Sound + Head-Up Display |
| Safety | 6 Airbags, ABS, ESP | 6 Airbags, ESP + ADAS, 360° Camera |
| Cabin Quality | Dual-tone Fabric Interiors | Soft-Touch Dashboard, Leatherette Upholstery |
| Rear Comfort | Rear AC vents, USB ports | Wider Cabin, Extra Legroom, Rear AC |
Swift vs Baleno 2025: Which Car is Safer?
When talking about a safer car in the Swift vs Baleno comparison, Baleno is the clear winner. It scored a 4-star rating in the Bharat NCAP crash tests, scoring 26.52 out of 32 points for adult occupant protection in its six-airbag variant. Its two-airbag variant also earned a four-star rating; however, it scored a slightly lower score of 24.04 out of 32 points.
Swift, on the other hand, is clearly the less safe option of the two as it scored a 3-star rating in 3 stars in the ANCAP safety test ratings. It scored 26.87/40 points for adult occupants’ protection and 32.28/49 points in child safety.
Swift vs Baleno 2025 Price Comparison
Leaving design out of the equation due to its subjective nature, let’s have a look at how much the cars will cost you and their fuel economy. All these prices are ex-showroom, Delhi. In case you are interested in exact pricing, you should contact your nearest Maruti Suzuki dealership.
| Swift Variant | Price | Claimed Mileage | Baleno Variant | Price | Claimed Mileage |
| Swift LXi (Base Manual, Petrol) | ₹5.79 lakh | 24.8 km/l | Baleno Sigma (Base Manual, Petrol) | ₹5.99 lakh | 22.35 km/l |
| Swift VXi (Mid Manual, Petrol) | ₹6.59 lakh | 24.8 km/l | Baleno Delta (Mid Manual, Petrol) | ₹6.80 lakh | 22.35 km/l |
| Swift VXi AMT (Automatic) | ₹7.09 lakh | 25.75 km/l | Baleno Delta AMT (Automatic) | ₹7.30 lakh | 22.94 km/l |
| Swift ZXi (Upper Mid Manual, Petrol) | ₹7.53 lakh | 24.8 km/l | Baleno Zeta (Upper Mid Manual, Petrol) | ₹7.70 lakh | 22.35 km/l |
| Swift ZXi+ (Top Manual, Petrol) | ₹8.20 lakh | 24.8 km/l | Baleno Alpha (Top Manual, Petrol) | ₹8.60 lakh | 22.35 km/l |
| Swift ZXi+ AMT (Top Automatic, Petrol) | ₹8.80 lakh | 25.75 km/l | Baleno Alpha AMT (Top Automatic, Petrol) | ₹9.10 lakh | 22.94 km/l |
| Swift CNG Variants (VXi–ZXi range) | ₹7.45–₹8.39 lakh | 32.85 km/kg | Baleno CNG Variants (Delta–Zeta range) | ₹7.70–₹8.60 lakh | 30.61 km/kg |
After reading through everything, we can conclude that in a Swift vs Baleno comparison in 2025, the Swift is the cheaper car upfront.
Swift vs Baleno 2025: Which one to buy?
In conclusion, for middle-class buyers looking for a safe, refined, and feature-rich car, the Baleno is the clear winner. But for young people or price-sensitive buyers who prioritise mileage and a sporty look, the Swift really has no competition.
