The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has long been one of India’s most popular premium hatchbacks, celebrated for its remarkable balance of style, performance, and efficiency. As we enter 2026, the Baleno continues to dominate this segment, owing to its updates in mileage efficiency and specifications. With customers growing increasingly mindful of fuel efficiency as a key factor in their car-buying decisions, the Baleno mileage remains a strong talking point. This guide will explore the mileage performance of Maruti Suzuki Baleno’s petrol and diesel variants in 2026, comparing them across various driving conditions and diving into other significant specifications.
Baleno Mileage Overview
Baleno Mileage has always been one of the top reasons why Baleno enjoys immense popularity. Maruti Suzuki is renowned for producing fuel-efficient vehicles, and the Baleno is no exception. The 2026 upgraded model assures improved engine performance while keeping fuel consumption optimal. Whether you’re navigating urban traffic or cruising on highways, the Baleno delivers impressive fuel economy.
For 2026, Maruti Suzuki has continued to offer two key engine types for the Baleno: Petrol and Diesel (only available under BS6 Phase 2 compliance). Let’s break down the performance of each variant.
Petrol Variant: Efficient Urban Functionality
The petrol-powered Baleno has been the go-to choice for families and daily commuters who want low maintenance costs and a smooth driving experience. With Maruti Suzuki’s advanced Dual Jet Dual VVT petrol engine technology, the 2026 Baleno strikes a fine balance between power and mileage.
Key Features of the 2026 Baleno Petrol Engine:
- Engine Specifications: 1.2-liter Dual Jet Dual VVT Petrol Engine
- Power Output: 90 PS @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 113 Nm @ 4400 rpm
- Transmission Options: 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) and Advanced Auto Gear Shift (AGS)
- Mileage (ARAI Certified):
- Manual Transmission: 22.35 km/l
- Automatic Transmission (AGS): 22.94 km/l
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 37 liters
Real-World Performance:
While ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) certifies an approximate fuel efficiency of over 22 km/l for the petrol variant, real-world mileage often depends on driving conditions and habits. In congested city traffic, users can expect mileage ranging between 18-20 km/l, while long highway drives yield better mileage figures of 21-23 km/l.
For the eco-conscious or budget-focused consumer, the petrol variant provides excellent mileage without compromising on the driving experience. Its lightweight construction and low maintenance ensure the petrol Baleno remains an excellent all-rounder, particularly for urban use.
Diesel Variant: A Highway Performer
The diesel-powered Maruti Suzuki Baleno is tailored for individuals who rack up significant highway miles regularly, thanks to its superior mileage efficiency and punchy mid-range performance. Diesel engines typically outshine petrol in terms of mileage, and that trend remains true for the Baleno 2026 model.
Key Features of the 2026 Baleno Diesel Engine:
- Engine Specifications: 1.3-liter DDiS Diesel Engine (BS6 Phase 2 Compliant)
- Power Output: 75 PS @ 4000 rpm
- Torque: 190 Nm @ 2000 rpm
- Transmission Option: 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
- Mileage (ARAI Certified): 27.39 km/l
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 37 liters
Real-World Performance:
The diesel Baleno truly shines when it comes to highway driving. Commuters and long-distance travelers can achieve mileage between 24-26 km/l on highways. In city traffic, where diesel engines are slightly less efficient, you can still expect 20-23 km/l, making it ideal even for urban use.
The robust diesel engine delivers excellent torque at lower RPMs, ensuring smooth overtaking and effortless cruising on highways even with a full passenger load. This makes the diesel Baleno a preferred choice for those prioritizing mileage over initial acquisition costs.
Baleno Mileage: Petrol vs Diesel Comparison
| Specification | Petrol Baleno | Diesel Baleno |
| Engine Size | 1.2 liters | 1.3 liters |
| ARAI Mileage (MT) | 22.35 km/l | 27.39 km/l |
| ARAI Mileage (AGS) | 22.94 km/l (automatic available) | N/A |
| City Mileage | 18-20 km/l | 20-23 km/l |
| Highway Mileage | 21-23 km/l | 24-26 km/l |
From the table, it is evident that while the diesel variant boasts better fuel efficiency overall, the petrol option remains competitive, especially with its advanced AGS system that further optimizes mileage for those who prefer automatic transmissions.
Other Key Baleno Specifications in 2026
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is more than just a mileage king — it offers a host of features and modern additions to suit the evolving needs of Indian consumers. Here’s a quick rundown of notable Baleno specifications:
Exterior & Design:
- Striking LED projector headlamps with DRLs
- Chrome accents on the grille for a premium touch
- 16-inch precision-cut alloy wheels
Interior:
- Luxurious cabin with dual-tone upholstery
- 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Head-up Display (HUD) for added convenience
Safety Features:
- 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist
Dimensions:
- Length: 3990 mm
- Width: 1745 mm
- Wheelbase: 2520 mm
- Boot Space: 318 liters
The 2026 Baleno upholds its tradition of being a value-for-money hatchback with generous features, all at a competitive price point.
Choosing Between Petrol and Diesel: Key Takeaways
When deciding between the petrol and diesel variants of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, consider:
Driving Requirements:
- Petrol is perfect for city dwellers with occasional highway trips.
- Diesel suits frequent travelers who spend long hours on highways.
Mileage Expectations:
- Diesel Baleno offers marginally higher mileage, especially on highways.
Long-Term Costs:
- Diesel variants cost more initially but offer lower running costs in the long term, provided you drive extensively.
- Petrol variants are cheaper upfront and have lower maintenance.
Conclusion
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno mileage has always been one of its greatest strengths, and 2026 brings enhanced performance and efficiency for both petrol and diesel variants. Ultimately, the choice between petrol and diesel depends on your driving habits and budget. Whether you pick petrol for its smooth and versatile operation or diesel for its stellar efficiency on long drives, the 2026 Baleno promises unmatched fuel economy and a feature-packed driving experience.
So, if you’re seeking a car that combines premium styling, practical specifications, and unbeatable mileage, the Baleno should undoubtedly top your list in 2026!
