Hyundai Bayon vs Maruti Victoris: Which midsize SUV costs less to run?

The Hyundai Bayon is the newest entry in the midsize SUV segment. It costs between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom). It suits buyers who want a Creta-like SUV at a lower price. On price and positioning, its direct rival is the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, which costs Rs 10.50 lakh to Rs 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Here is how the two compare on mileage and running cost.

Powertrain options
The Bayon gets a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. The engine makes 115bhp and 144Nm. You can pick a 6-speed manual or a CVT (iVT). On the other hand, the Victoris offers more choice. You can get a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol, a strong hybrid or a CNG version. Notably, Hyundai has also announced the CNG version of the Bayon, which will be launched in January 2027.

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ARAI mileage
Hyundai claims an ARAI figure of 18.6 km/l for the Bayon CVT. It hasn’t announced the manual's figure yet. The Victoris 1.5-litre petrol returns a claimed 21.18 km/l mileage with the manual and 21.06 km/l with the automatic. The petrol AllGrip AWD automatic returns 19.07 km/l. The CNG version promises 27.02km/kg. The strong hybrid with e-CVT is the most efficient. It delivers an impressive 28.65 km/l. On paper, the Victoris clearly wins on fuel efficiency.

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Fuel cost per km and per year
Let's assume. Petrol costs Rs 100 per litre. CNG costs Rs 90 per kg. Each SUV covers 12,000km a year. Fuel prices differ by city, so your costs may vary. We used ARAI figures, so real-world bills will differ for both SUVs.

The Victoris petrol automatic saves about Rs 7,500 a year over the Bayon CVT. The strong hybrid saves nearly Rs 22,600 a year. That adds up to around Rs 1.1 lakh over five years. The Victoris CNG has the lowest cost per km of all.

Overall, the Victoris hybrid and CNG versions give you lower fuel bills than the Bayon. But they cost more to buy. Keep that in mind when you work out the total cost of ownership.