New Maruti Baleno vs Old Baleno: The 2026 Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift has been introduced with significant updates. Instead of just cosmetic changes, the new Baleno features upgrades like a new 3-cylinder engine, CNG-AMT, Level 2 ADAS, and premium features.
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The introductory price of the new Baleno is Rs. 6.10 lakh (ex-showroom). But the question is, how much has the new model actually changed compared to the old Baleno?
Let’s do a direct comparison of the New Maruti Baleno vs Old Baleno.
Also Read: 2026 Maruti Baleno Facelift vs Rivals: Price & Specs Detailed Comparison
1. Engine: 3-Cylinder vs 4-Cylinder
The biggest mechanical change in the new Baleno is under the hood.
The old Baleno was powered by a 1.2-liter K-Series 4-cylinder petrol engine, known for its refinement and smoothness.
Maruti has replaced this with a 1.2-liter Z-Series 3-cylinder petrol engine in the 2026 Baleno facelift. This is the same engine family that also powers the new-generation Swift and Dzire.
New vs Old Engine
| Feature | New Baleno | Old Baleno |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L Z-Series | 1.2L K-Series |
| Cylinders | 3-Cylinder | 4-Cylinder |
| Character | Better low-end response | Smoother refinement |
| Fuel Efficiency | Around 10% better | Benchmark |
With the 3-cylinder setup, peak power is reduced by around 7 PS, and slight vibration may be felt during low-speed operation. However, the new Baleno may be easier to drive in city traffic due to higher low-end torque.
The biggest advantage is fuel efficiency, where the new model offers roughly 10% better efficiency.
2. A Big Upgrade for CNG Buyers: CNG-AMT
The new Baleno has also taken a significant step forward in transmission options.
The old Baleno was available with manual and automatic options with petrol, while the CNG variant was limited to a manual gearbox.
Maruti has introduced a CNG-AMT option in the new Baleno facelift.
This means buyers now have the convenience of an automatic transmission along with the lower running costs of CNG. This combination can be particularly useful in heavy city traffic.
The new Baleno’s CNG-AMT option is one of the biggest practical upgrades in this comparison.
3. Safety: A Major Upgrade with Level 2 ADAS
The new Baleno also significantly advances the older model in terms of safety technology.
Features like six airbags, ESP, and a 360-degree camera were available in the older Baleno. Maruti has introduced Level 2 ADAS in the new model.
This package includes features like:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keep Assist
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- High Beam Assist
- Advanced driver assistance functions
This technology can provide the Baleno with additional assistance during highway driving.
Also Read: 2026 Maruti Baleno Facelift Launched: Check Price, Engine, ADAS & Full Details
4. New Baleno Gets Ventilated Seats
Speaking of comfort and premium features, the equipment list in the facelifted Baleno has been noticeably upgraded.
Ventilated front seats have been added to the new model, which is a very useful feature considering Indian summers.
In addition, the new Baleno also offers features like:
- Premium Clarion sound system
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Wireless charging pad
- Cooling function for wireless charger
Features like ventilated seats and TPMS were not available in the old Baleno.
5. Exterior Design: New Baleno Looks Sharper
The facelifted Baleno has also received a more aggressive design treatment.
The most noticeable changes are in the front profile. The new Baleno features a redesigned front grille, sharper chrome elements, and an updated bumper design.
A fresh Enigmatic Teal color option has also been introduced with the facelift.
Changes to the side and rear profile are relatively subtle. The overall silhouette remains familiar from the old Baleno, but the new model has been given a fresh look through updated details.
The new Baleno also gets a shark-fin antenna, which gives the exterior a slightly more premium appearance.
New Maruti Baleno vs Old Baleno: Quick Comparison
| Feature | New Baleno (2026 Facelift) | Old Baleno |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L Z-Series, 3-Cylinder | 1.2L K-Series, 4-Cylinder |
| Fuel Efficiency | ~10% higher | Benchmark |
| CNG-AMT | Yes | No |
| Level 2 ADAS | Yes | No |
| Ventilated Front Seats | Yes | No |
| TPMS | Yes | No |
| Wireless Charger | Cooling function | Standard/Not available |
| Sound System | Clarion premium system | Standard setup |
| Front Design | Redesigned | Older design |
| Antenna | Shark-fin | Conventional |
New Maruti Baleno vs Old Baleno: Which is Better?
Just considering the exterior facelift, the new Baleno is an evolutionary update, not a complete design transformation. However, considering the mechanical and technology upgrades, the 2026 model is a very different proposition from the old Baleno.
The 3-cylinder engine may compromise on refinement compared to the old 4-cylinder unit, but better low-end response and improved efficiency are its advantages.
The most important upgrades are the CNG-AMT, Level 2 ADAS, ventilated seats, and TPMS. These features make the new Baleno more modern and feature-rich.
Auto India Daily Verdict
The biggest difference between the New Maruti Baleno and the Old Baleno is more about the engine, technology, and features than the looks. The New Baleno’s 3-cylinder Z-Series engine offers better efficiency and stronger low-end response, but the old Baleno’s 4-cylinder engine may still feel better in terms of refinement.
While the CNG-AMT, Level 2 ADAS, ventilated front seats, TPMS, and upgraded infotainment make the new Baleno a clearly more modern package. The design is also sharper, although changes to the side and rear profile are limited.
Overall, if refinement is a priority, the old Baleno’s 4-cylinder engine will remain appealing, but for technology, efficiency, safety, and everyday convenience, the 2026 Baleno facelift is our clear pick.
Image source- @AUTOINTELIN
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Discounts September 2026: Up To Rs 1.35 Lakh Off
Raj Prajapati is a Senior Automotive Content Writer at AutoIndiaDaily. A B.Tech graduate in Computer Science and Engineering, he leverages over four years of experience covering Indian car and bike launches, EV tech, and market dynamics to break down complex automotive regulations into simple consumer guides. Specialising in Indian motor vehicle laws, IRDAI updates, and ownership costs, Raj translates technical auto policies into actionable advice for everyday drivers.