The CNG hatchback segment in India has become increasingly competitive, and two popular options for buyers are the Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG and Tata Altroz CNG. Both cars offer affordable running costs, practical features, modern designs and factory-fitted CNG technology.
However, both vehicles are designed for slightly different types of buyers. The Swift CNG focuses on fuel efficiency, smooth engine performance and affordable ownership, while the Altroz CNG offers a more spacious cabin, better boot practicality and a premium driving experience.
So, which one should you buy in 2026? Is the Maruti Swift CNG better for mileage, or does the Tata Altroz CNG offer better overall value?
In this detailed comparison, we will compare the Maruti Swift CNG vs Tata Altroz CNG based on price, mileage, engine performance, exterior design, interior, features, boot space, safety and comfort.Maruti Swift CNG
1. Maruti Swift CNG vs Tata Altroz CNG: Price Comparison
Price is one of the most important factors when purchasing a CNG hatchback.
Both Maruti and Tata offer multiple CNG variants, giving buyers different options according to their budgets.
Price details | Maruti Swift CNG | Tata Altroz CNG |
|---|---|---|
Starting price | ₹7.57 lakh | ₹7.30 lakh |
Top CNG variant | ₹8.86 lakh | ₹10.77 lakh |
Manual transmission | Yes | Yes |
Automatic transmission | 5-speed AMT | 5-speed AMT |
Prices are indicative ex-showroom prices in India, based on the latest available variant information for November 2026.
The Tata Altroz CNG has a lower starting price, making it attractive for buyers looking for an affordable CNG hatchback.
However, the Swift CNG has a more affordable range of higher variants. The Altroz offers more premium equipment in its expensive variants.
Another important update is that both cars now offer CNG automatic options, making them more convenient for city driving.
Winner: Tata Altroz CNG for its lower entry price; Swift CNG for a more affordable top variant
2. Exterior Design Comparison
Maruti Swift CNG
Maruti Swift CNG
Both hatchbacks have attractive exterior designs, but their styling approaches are different.
Maruti Swift CNG Exterior
The Maruti Swift CNG retains the familiar Swift design with a sporty and youthful appearance. Its rounded headlamps, bold grille and sculpted body lines give it a modern look.
Exterior highlights:
Sporty front grille.
Stylish headlamps.
LED DRLs.
Attractive alloy wheels on selected variants.
Sculpted body design.
Sporty rear styling.
Tata Altroz CNG Exterior
The Tata Altroz CNG features a wider and more premium-looking design. Its sharp front styling, modern LED lighting and distinctive body lines give it a stronger road presence.
Exterior highlights:
Modern front grille.
Stylish LED headlamps.
Connected LED tail-lamp design.
Attractive alloy wheels.
Sporty roofline.
Premium hatchback appearance.
The Altroz looks more like a premium family hatchback, while the Swift has a youthful and sporty character.
Winner: Tata Altroz CNG for its premium exterior design and road presence.
3. Engine and Performance Comparison
Engine performance is another important factor when choosing between these two CNG hatchbacks.
Both cars use a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, but their power and torque figures are slightly different.
Specifications | Maruti Swift CNG | Tata Altroz CNG |
|---|---|---|
Engine | 1.2L Z12E | 1.2L Revotron |
Engine capacity | 1197cc | 1199cc |
Cylinders | 3 | 3 |
Maximum CNG power | 70 PS | 73.5 PS |
Maximum CNG torque | 102 Nm | 103 Nm |
Manual transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
Automatic transmission | 5-speed AMT | 5-speed AMT |
The Tata Altroz CNG produces slightly more power and torque than the Swift CNG.
However, the Maruti Swift has a smoother and more refined engine. Its gearbox also offers a lighter and more enjoyable manual driving experience.
The Altroz has stronger peak power figures, but its engine feels less refined compared with the Swift.
Winner: Maruti Swift CNG for engine refinement; Tata Altroz CNG for slightly higher power and torque.
4. Mileage Comparison: Which CNG Hatchback Is More Fuel Efficient?
Mileage is one of the biggest reasons buyers choose CNG cars. Both models promise low running costs, but there is a noticeable difference in their claimed and tested fuel efficiency.Maruti Swift CNG Maruti Swift CNG
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| Maruti Swift CNG |
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| Maruti Swift CNG |
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| Maruti Swift CNG |
Mileage details | Maruti Swift CNG | Tata Altroz CNG |
|---|---|---|
Claimed mileage (manual) | 32.85 km/kg | 27.8 km/kg |
Claimed mileage (automatic) | 35.34 km/kg | Variant-dependent |
Tested overall mileage (manual) | 27.87 km/kg | 25.10 km/kg |
Tested city mileage (manual) | 24.35 km/kg | 20.56 km/kg |
Tested highway mileage (manual) | 31.38 km/kg | 29.65 km/kg |
The Maruti Swift CNG is the clear winner in fuel efficiency.
In Autocar India's real-world mileage comparison, the Swift delivered an overall average of 27.87 km/kg, while the Altroz returned 25.10 km/kg.
The newer Swift CNG AMT also has a claimed efficiency of 35.34 km/kg, making it an interesting option for buyers who want both convenience and fuel savings.
Winner: Maruti Swift CNG.
5. Interior and Cabin Comfort Comparison
Maruti Swift CNG
Maruti Swift CNG
Both cars offer five-seat cabins, but the Tata Altroz has an advantage in terms of cabin width and rear-seat space.
Maruti Swift CNG Interior
The Swift CNG features a sporty dashboard with a black interior theme and a driver-focused layout.
Interior highlights:
9-inch touchscreen infotainment system on selected variants.
Digital instrument display elements.
Automatic climate control.
Rear AC vents.
Wireless smartphone connectivity.
Wireless charging on selected variants.
Comfortable front seats.
The Swift is easy to drive in city traffic, and its controls are user-friendly.
Tata Altroz CNG Interior
The Altroz CNG offers a more premium-looking cabin with a modern dashboard and improved passenger space.
Interior highlights:
10.25-inch touchscreen on selected variants.
7-inch digital driver display on selected variants.
Automatic climate control.
Rear AC vents.
Wireless charging on selected variants.
Front and rear armrests on selected variants.
Sunroof on selected variants.
Premium audio system on selected variants.
The Altroz offers more room for rear passengers, especially when three people are travelling together.
Winner: Tata Altroz CNG for cabin space and premium interior experience.
6. Boot Space and Practicality
Maruti Swift CNG
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One of the biggest differences between these two cars is their CNG tank arrangement.
Boot space | Maruti Swift CNG | Tata Altroz CNG |
|---|---|---|
Usable luggage capacity | Very limited | 210 litres |
CNG tank arrangement | Single tank | Twin-cylinder |
Spare wheel | Yes | Yes |
Family luggage practicality | Limited | Better |
The Maruti Swift CNG uses a single CNG tank placed inside the boot, which significantly reduces luggage space.
On the other hand, Tata uses its twin-cylinder CNG technology, placing the cylinders beneath the boot floor. This arrangement allows the Altroz to offer approximately 210 litres of usable luggage space.
For people who regularly travel with family luggage, the Altroz has a significant advantage.
Winner: Tata Altroz CNG.
7. Features Comparison
Modern features are important for buyers who want a comfortable and convenient driving experience.
Features | Maruti Swift CNG | Tata Altroz CNG |
|---|---|---|
Touchscreen | 9-inch | Up to 10.25-inch |
Digital driver display | Display elements | 7-inch on selected variants |
Automatic climate control | Yes | Yes |
Rear AC vents | Yes | Yes |
Wireless charging | Selected variants | Selected variants |
Sunroof | No | Selected variants |
Wireless Android Auto | Yes | Variant-dependent |
Wireless Apple CarPlay | Yes | Variant-dependent |
Alloy wheels | Selected variants | Selected variants |
Cruise control | Yes | Variant-dependent |
Automatic transmission | Yes | Yes |
The Tata Altroz offers a more premium feature package in its higher variants, including a larger touchscreen, sunroof and digital instrument display.
The Swift focuses on essential convenience features and affordability.
Winner: Tata Altroz CNG.
8. Safety Comparison
Maruti Swift CNG
Safety is an important consideration, especially for people purchasing a family hatchback.
Safety features | Maruti Swift CNG | Tata Altroz CNG |
|---|---|---|
Airbags | 6 | 6 |
ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
Electronic stability control | Yes | Yes |
Hill-hold assist | Yes | Yes |
Rear parking sensors | Yes | Yes |
Rear camera | Variant-dependent | Variant-dependent |
Tyre pressure monitoring | Variant-dependent | Variant-dependent |
The Tata Altroz has an established 5-star Global NCAP rating from its earlier tested model. However, this should not automatically be treated as a rating for every updated 2026 variant.
The Swift offers six airbags and important electronic safety systems.
Both cars provide useful safety equipment, but buyers should check the exact variant's safety features before purchasing.
Winner: Tata Altroz CNG for its established crash-test credentials.
9. Dimensions Comparison
Dimensions play an important role in passenger comfort, road presence and overall practicality.
Dimensions | Maruti Swift | Tata Altroz |
|---|---|---|
Length | 3,860 mm | 3,990 mm |
Width | 1,735 mm | 1,755 mm |
Height | 1,520 mm | Approx. 1,523 mm |
Wheelbase | 2,450 mm | 2,501 mm |
Seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
The Tata Altroz is longer and wider than the Maruti Swift. It also has a longer wheelbase, which helps provide better cabin space.
The Swift is smaller and easier to manoeuvre in crowded city streets.
Winner: Tata Altroz CNG for overall dimensions and passenger space.
10. Driving Experience and Ride Quality
Maruti Swift CNG Driving Experience
The Swift CNG offers a smooth engine, light steering and easy-to-use gearbox. It feels comfortable in city traffic and is particularly attractive for people who drive long distances regularly.
Its smaller dimensions also make parking and driving through narrow roads easier.
Tata Altroz CNG Driving Experience
The Altroz CNG offers a more planted driving experience. Its suspension provides better stability at highway speeds, and the car feels more substantial on rough roads.
However, its CNG engine is not as refined as the Swift's engine.
The Altroz's new AMT option also makes it more convenient for buyers who regularly drive in traffic.
Winner: Maruti Swift for engine refinement and Tata Altroz for ride comfort and highway stability.
11. Which CNG Hatchback Should You Buy?
Maruti Swift CNG – Best for Mileage and Affordable Ownership
Choose the Swift if you want excellent fuel efficiency, a refined engine, affordable pricing and easy city driving. Its new CNG AMT option is also useful for people who drive in heavy traffic.
Tata Altroz CNG – Best for Space and Family Practicality
Choose the Altroz if you want a spacious cabin, usable boot space, premium features, better highway comfort and a more substantial hatchback.
12. Final Verdict: Maruti Swift CNG vs Tata Altroz CNG
After comparing both hatchbacks, it is clear that each car has its own strengths.
The Maruti Swift CNG is a better choice for buyers who prioritise fuel efficiency, smooth engine performance and affordable ownership. Its impressive mileage makes it particularly attractive for people with high daily running.
On the other hand, the Tata Altroz CNG is a better family-oriented option. It offers more cabin space, a practical 210-litre boot, premium features and a comfortable highway driving experience.
Category-wise winners
Category | Winner |
|---|---|
Starting price | Tata Altroz CNG |
Top variant affordability | Maruti Swift CNG |
Exterior design | Tata Altroz CNG |
Engine refinement | Maruti Swift CNG |
Engine power | Tata Altroz CNG |
Claimed mileage | Maruti Swift CNG |
Real-world mileage | Maruti Swift CNG |
Interior space | Tata Altroz CNG |
Boot space | Tata Altroz CNG |
Premium features | Tata Altroz CNG |
City driving | Maruti Swift CNG |
Highway comfort | Tata Altroz CNG |
Automatic convenience | Tie |
Overall family practicality | Tata Altroz CNG |
Our recommendation: If mileage and low running costs are your biggest priorities, go for the Maruti Swift CNG. But if you want a comfortable family car with more luggage space, a spacious cabin and premium features, the Tata Altroz CNG is worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is better, Maruti Swift CNG or Tata Altroz CNG?
The Maruti Swift CNG is better for mileage and engine refinement, while the Tata Altroz CNG is better for boot space, cabin comfort and family practicality.
2. What is the mileage of Maruti Swift CNG?
The Maruti Swift CNG manual has a claimed mileage of 32.85 km/kg, while its new AMT version claims 35.34 km/kg.
3. What is the mileage of Tata Altroz CNG?
The Tata Altroz CNG has a claimed mileage of approximately 27.8 km/kg.
4. Which car has better real-world mileage?
The Maruti Swift CNG delivered 27.87 km/kg in Autocar India's real-world test, compared with 25.10 km/kg for the Tata Altroz CNG.
5. Does Maruti Swift CNG have an automatic transmission?
Yes. The Maruti Swift CNG is now available with a 5-speed AMT automatic gearbox in selected variants.
6. Does Tata Altroz CNG have an automatic transmission?
Yes. Tata offers the Altroz CNG with a 5-speed AMT gearbox in selected variants.
7. Which car has more boot space?
The Tata Altroz CNG offers approximately 210 litres of usable boot space, while the Swift CNG has very limited luggage capacity because of its single CNG tank.
8. Which car has a more powerful CNG engine?
The Tata Altroz CNG produces approximately 73.5 PS, while the Maruti Swift CNG produces 70 PS.
9. Which CNG car is better for long-distance driving?
The Tata Altroz CNG offers better luggage practicality and highway ride comfort. The Swift CNG offers better fuel efficiency.
10. Which is the best CNG hatchback for family use?
The Tata Altroz CNG is a strong family choice because of its spacious cabin, twin-cylinder technology, usable boot space and comfortable ride quality.
