If you are looking for a premium hatchback in India, you have likely found yourself stuck in a “Red Pill vs Blue Pill” situation between the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Toyota Glanza. While they are essentially twins, the Toyota Glanza has carved out its own fan base.
Here is a friendly, easy-to-read breakdown of everything you need to know before you book one.
1. The “Kitna Deti Hai?” Reality Check
Let’s start with the most critical question for any Indian car buyer: Mileage.
Toyota claims a fantastic fuel efficiency of 22.94 kmpl for the petrol manual variant. But does it deliver on the road?
- City Drive: In real-world testing, the Glanza delivered a respectable 17.52 kmpl in city traffic.
- Highway Drive: It shines on open roads, achieving around 22.3 kmpl, closely matching the company claims.
- Owner Experience: Real owners report getting between 18.5 km/l to 19.5 km/l on highways, proving this car is incredibly frugal.
Bonus: If you want even more savings, there is a CNG option available, which is a unique offering in this premium segment.
2. Safety: It’s a 4-Star Performer
Safety is where the Glanza surprises many. Unlike the perception that lightweight hatchbacks are unsafe, the Glanza has proved its mettle.
- NCAP Rating: The Toyota Glanza holds a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating, showing strong structural integrity,.
- Airbags: Safety isn’t compromised, with 6 airbags standard across variants.
- Tech for Safety: It comes loaded with features like Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Hold Control, and ABS with EBD,.
3. Features That Make You Feel “Woah”
The “New Age” Glanza isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B; it’s about doing it in style. The interior has received a massive upgrade with a dual-tone black and beige theme.
Cool Tech Highlights:
- Heads-Up Display (HUD): Keeps your eyes on the road by projecting speed and gears on a glass pane,.
- 360-Degree Camera: A blessing for parking in tight Indian spots,.
- Smart Playcast: A 9-inch touchscreen that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Toyota i-Connect: Features like Find My Car, remote lock/unlock, and even smartwatch connectivity,.
4. Glanza vs. Baleno: Why Pick Toyota?
If the cars are identical mechanically (same 1.2L DualJet engine and Heartect platform), why choose Toyota?
The Warranty Advantage: This is the biggest differentiator.
- Toyota Glanza: Comes with a standard warranty of 3 years / 1,00,000 km.
- Maruti Baleno: Typically offers a standard warranty of 2 years / 40,000 km.
For many buyers, that extra year and 60,000 km of peace of mind, combined with Toyota’s legendary after-sales service experience, justifies the choice,. As one owner put it, the buying experience and the extended warranty were key reasons they chose the Glanza over its cousin.
5. The Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Toyota Glanza is a fantastic package of comfort, high fuel efficiency, and solid safety.
- Buy it if: You want a reliable city car with great mileage, a premium service experience, and a long standard warranty coverage.
- Skip it if: You want a diesel engine (there is no diesel option) or if you prefer the specific service network of Maruti.
The Bottom Line: It might be a Baleno at heart, but the Toyota badge brings a “cool” factor, better warranty coverage, and a safety-first approach that makes it a winner in 2026
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes