Maruti Suzuki Hustler 2026 – India’s Most Fuel-Efficient Compact SUV?

The Maruti Suzuki Hustler 2026 is creating a buzz in the Indian compact SUV segment with its bold design, fuel-efficient engine, and feature-packed interior. Designed for city roads and small families, it promises to deliver comfort, practicality, and modern tech at an affordable price. With rivals like the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter in the market, the Hustler stands out for its exceptional mileage, stylish SUV stance, and Maruti Suzuki’s trusted service network. Whether it’s city commuting or weekend trips, this compact crossover aims to combine economy and versatility, making it a practical choice for first-time buyers and urban professionals.

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Key Highlights of Maruti Suzuki Hustler 2026

Engine & Performance

The 2026 Hustler is powered by a 1.2-liter DualJet petrol engine producing 89 PS of power and 113 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency is impressive, with the manual variant delivering around 22–25 km/l, making it one of the most economical SUVs in its class. The engine is optimized for urban driving, providing smooth acceleration, low NVH levels, and easy maneuverability in city traffic.

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Exterior Design – Bold & Functional

The Hustler features a boxy, tall-boy design that maximizes interior space while giving it a distinctive SUV appearance. Its key exterior highlights include:

• LED headlamps and DRLs

• Dual-tone paint options

• Rugged wheel arches

• 15-inch alloy wheels on higher trims

The design balances urban-friendly dimensions with a rugged SUV stance, appealing to young professionals and small families who want style and practicality.

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Interior & Technology

Inside, the Hustler delivers modern comfort and convenience:

• 9-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• Automatic climate control and push-button start on higher trims

• Ample storage compartments and foldable rear seats

• Semi-digital instrument cluster and steering-mounted controls

The cabin focuses on user-friendly layouts, making long drives and daily commutes more enjoyable.

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Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki emphasizes safety with standard and optional features including:

• Dual front airbags and ABS with EBD

• Rear parking sensors and ISOFIX child seat mounts

• Rearview camera and hill-hold assist in top trims

These features make the Hustler a family-friendly choice, ensuring peace of mind while driving in busy city traffic.

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Variants & Pricing

The Hustler is competitively priced to appeal to budget-conscious buyers:

With these prices, it competes effectively against the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter, offering a value-for-money proposition with superior fuel efficiency.

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Competitor Comparison – Tata Punch & Hyundai Exter

Hustler vs Tata Punch:

• Hustler: Better fuel economy, larger touchscreen, lower starting price

• Punch: Higher boot capacity, stronger safety ratings, rugged feel

Hustler vs Hyundai Exter:

• Hustler: Economical and competitively priced, excellent mileage

• Exter: Premium interiors, refined engine, advanced tech features

The Hustler is ideal for buyers prioritizing economy and urban practicality, while rivals focus on premium features and robust build.

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Maruti Suzuki Hustler 2026 – Detailed Specifications Table

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Mileage Analysis – Is the Hustler Really Efficient?

The Maruti Suzuki Hustler 2026 excels in fuel economy, one of its strongest selling points:

• Manual variants: 22–25 km/l, ideal for city commuting and daily use

• CVT Automatic: ~22 km/l, still competitive among automatic compact SUVs

• Comparison: Tata Punch averages 20–23 km/l; Hyundai Exter 21–24 km/l.

• Implication: Lower running costs make the Hustler perfect for budget-conscious urban buyers.

💡 Tip: Driving style and AC usage may slightly reduce actual mileage, but the Hustler consistently remains one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class.

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In-Depth Pros & Cons

Pros

1. Exceptional Fuel Efficiency: Among the highest in the compact SUV segment.

2. Bold & Distinctive Design: Boxy, tall-boy styling stands out in traffic.

3. Feature-Rich Cabin: 9-inch touchscreen, climate control, push-button start, foldable rear seats.

4. Affordable Pricing: Entry-level models start at ₹6.49 lakh (ex-showroom).

5. Maruti After-Sales Network: Widest service network in India ensures peace of mind.

6. Urban-Friendly Dimensions: Compact size makes it easy to maneuver and park.

Cons

1. Limited Boot Space: 257 L might feel small compared to rivals (Tata Punch: 366 L).

2. Less Premium Features in Base Trims: Automatic climate control and infotainment are limited to mid-to-top trims.

3. Engine Power: While efficient, the 1.2 L engine is adequate for city drives but may feel strained on highways with full load.

4. Ground Clearance Concerns: Standard 180 mm clearance is sufficient for urban roads but not ideal for off-road terrain.

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FAQ – Maruti Suzuki Hustler 2026

Q1: What is the starting price of the Maruti Suzuki Hustler 2026?
A1: The base LXI manual variant starts at ₹6.49 lakh ex-showroom, with the top ZXI+ CVT priced at ₹8.99 lakh ex-showroom.

Q2: What is the mileage of the Maruti Suzuki Hustler 2026 in India?
A2: The manual variants deliver 22–25 km/l, while the CVT automatic delivers around 22 km/l (ARAI certified).

Q3: How many airbags does the Hustler have?
A3: The Hustler comes standard with dual front airbags, with ISOFIX mounts for child safety. Higher trims may include more safety features.

Q4: Is theMaruti Suzuki Hustler 2026 suitable for highway drives?
A4: Yes, it can handle highway speeds up to ~140 km/h, but it’s optimized for city and suburban commuting.

Q5: What are the main rivals of the Maruti Suzuki Hustler 2026 in India?
A5: Key rivals include Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, and Renault Kiger. The Hustler stands out for fuel efficiency and affordability.

Q6: Does the Hustler come with automatic transmission?
A6: Yes, CVT automatic is available on VXI+ and ZXI+ trims.

Q7: What are the color options available?
A7: The Maruti Suzuki Hustler 2026 offers dual-tone and single-tone colors, including vibrant city-friendly options.

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Final Verdict

The Maruti Suzuki Hustler 2026 emerges as a well-rounded compact SUV offering style, comfort, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It’s perfect for first-time buyers, young professionals, and small families seeking a practical yet modern vehicle for city and occasional highway drives. With Maruti Suzuki’s trusted network, the Hustler delivers both value and reliability, making it a strong contender in India’s growing compact SUV segment.