Choosing the right car can be overwhelming, especially when you have three excellent options from the same manufacturer. Hyundai offers three compelling choices in the compact segment—the rugged Exter, the practical Grand i10 Nios, and the sporty i20 N Line. Each vehicle caters to different lifestyles and preferences, making the decision even more challenging. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down everything you need to know about these three popular Hyundai models to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Market Context: Why These Three Matter in 2025
The Indian automotive market in 2025 has become increasingly competitive, with buyers demanding more features, better technology, and superior value for money. Hyundai has responded brilliantly by offering vehicles that cater to distinct buyer personas. The micro-SUV segment, dominated by models like the Exter, continues to gain momentum among young professionals and small families. Traditional hatchbacks like the Grand i10 Nios remain popular for their practicality and affordability. Meanwhile, performance-oriented variants like the i20 N Line appeal to driving enthusiasts who want excitement without stepping into expensive hot hatchback territory.
Price Comparison: Understanding the Investment
Price is often the first consideration for most buyers, and understanding what you get at each price point is crucial.
The Hyundai Exter starts at Rs. 6.12 Lakh (ex-showroom), positioning itself as an affordable entry into the micro-SUV segment. The S+ variant with manual transmission is priced at Rs 7.86 lakh, while the S(O)+ variant with AMT is priced at Rs 8.43 lakh. This pricing makes the Exter accessible to first-time SUV buyers who want commanding road presence without breaking the bank.
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios starts from Rs. 5.92 Lakh (ex-showroom), making it the most budget-friendly option in this trio. This aggressive pricing, combined with Hyundai’s reputation for reliability and features, makes it an attractive proposition for families and first-time car buyers who prioritize value.
The Hyundai i20 N Line commands a premium starting at Rs. 9.99 Lakh (ex-showroom). While significantly more expensive, this price reflects its enhanced performance credentials, superior features, and sportier appeal. The i20 N Line targets buyers who view their car as more than just transportation—it’s a statement of personality and driving passion.
What’s important to note is that the price difference between the base Exter and top-end i20 N Line can be substantial, potentially reaching over Rs. 5 lakh depending on variant selection. This difference buys you performance, features, and prestige, but whether it’s worth it depends entirely on your priorities and usage patterns.
Design Philosophy: Three Distinct Characters
Each vehicle projects a unique personality that attracts different buyer demographics.
Exter: Adventure-Ready Micro-SUV
The Exter embraces the current micro-SUV trend with its boxy, upright stance and SUV-inspired design elements. The front fascia features Hyundai’s parametric jewel pattern grille with distinctive H-shaped LED daytime running lights that create a modern, tech-forward appearance. The raised ground clearance, prominent wheel arches with black cladding, and roof rails emphasize its adventure-ready character.
The boxy proportions aren’t just for show—they maximize interior space while giving the Exter a commanding presence on the road. The H-shaped LED tail lamps mirror the front DRL design, creating visual consistency. Available in vibrant dual-tone color combinations with contrasting roofs, the Exter appeals to young buyers who want their vehicle to stand out. The Knight Edition variant adds blacked-out elements for those preferring a more aggressive, stealth-like appearance.
Grand i10 Nios: Sophisticated Practicality
The Grand i10 Nios takes a more refined approach with its cascading grille, swept-back headlamps, and flowing character lines. It’s designed to look premium and sophisticated without being overly aggressive or flashy. The proportions are balanced and harmonious, with a slightly elongated profile compared to the standard i10, suggesting spaciousness and maturity.
Chrome accents on the grille and around the windows add touches of elegance, while the wraparound tail lamps create a modern rear profile. The Grand i10 Nios doesn’t try to be something it’s not—it’s an honest, well-proportioned hatchback that prioritizes function over form. This conservative styling appeals to families, professionals, and mature buyers who value timeless design over trendy statements.
i20 N Line: Performance Meets Aggression
The i20 N Line is unmistakably the sportiest of the three, with aggressive styling cues that signal its performance intentions. The front bumper features larger air intakes, a distinctive honeycomb grille pattern with red accents, and bold N badging. The entire vehicle sits lower with a more planted stance, enhanced by sporty alloy wheels and lowered suspension.
Red accents throughout the exterior—including the grille surround, side skirts, and rear diffuser—create visual excitement and distinguish it from the standard i20. Dual exhaust tips and a subtle rear spoiler complete the sporty aesthetic. The i20 N Line looks fast even when standing still, appealing to enthusiasts who want their vehicle to reflect their driving passion.
Interior Space and Practicality
How these vehicles accommodate passengers and cargo reveals important differences in everyday usability.
The Hyundai Exter offers 391 litres of boot space, which is exceptional for its class and significantly more than either of its siblings. This cargo capacity makes it practical for weekend getaways, grocery runs, and daily hauling needs. Despite its compact footprint, the Exter’s boxy design maximizes interior headroom and creates an airy cabin feel. Front passengers enjoy excellent visibility and comfortable seating, while rear passengers get adequate space for short to medium journeys.
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios has a boot space measuring 260 litres, which is adequate for regular use but noticeably less generous than the Exter. The slightly longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor improves rear legroom, making it more comfortable for families with children. The cabin feels well-proportioned with large windows providing good natural light and visibility. Storage spaces throughout the cabin are thoughtfully placed for phones, bottles, and small items.
The i20 N Line offers around 311 litres of boot space, falling between its siblings. However, the interior quality and refinement are noticeably superior, with better materials, improved sound insulation, and more premium finishes throughout. The sporty seats provide excellent support during spirited driving, though rear passengers might find legroom slightly compromised compared to the Grand i10 Nios. The overall cabin ambiance is more upscale and driver-focused.
Feature Comparison: Technology and Convenience
Modern buyers expect their vehicles to be loaded with technology and convenience features, and all three Hyundai models deliver, albeit at different levels.
The Exter comes equipped with an impressive array of features including sunroof, dash cam, 8 inches infotainment system, Android Auto, wireless charging, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), auto AC and cruise control. Higher variants include Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car technology, allowing remote vehicle monitoring and control through smartphone apps. The sunroof is particularly popular among Indian buyers and adds to the premium feel.
The Grand i10 Nios offers a well-rounded feature set including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, rear AC vents for passenger comfort, and a digital instrument cluster in higher variants. The focus is on practical, family-friendly features that enhance everyday convenience. Wireless smartphone charging, multiple USB ports, and steering-mounted audio controls ensure all passengers stay connected and comfortable.
The i20 N Line leads the pack with its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system—the largest in this comparison. The fully digital instrument cluster offers customizable displays including performance-oriented readouts like turbo boost pressure and G-force meters. Sports seats with red stitching, metal pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel with N badging, and ambient lighting create a premium, sporty cabin environment. The BlueLink connected car technology is more comprehensive in the i20 N Line, offering advanced features like remote climate control and vehicle health monitoring.
Safety Features: Protecting Your Loved Ones
Safety has become a top priority for Indian car buyers, and all three vehicles offer comprehensive protection.
The Hyundai Exter is designed with safety as a priority, featuring over 40 advanced safety options. Notably, Exter safety features include Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) to prevent rolling back on slopes. Standard equipment includes dual airbags (expandable to six in higher variants), ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, high-speed alert, and seatbelt reminders. The strong body structure and strategically placed crumple zones provide occupant protection in collision scenarios.
The Grand i10 Nios comes with dual front airbags as standard, with six airbags available in top variants. Additional safety features include ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, impact-sensing auto door unlock, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. The CNG variants include specific safety measures for the compressed gas system, ensuring peace of mind for alternative fuel users.
The i20 N Line offers the most comprehensive safety package with six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability management (VSM), hill-assist control, burglar alarm, and rear parking camera with sensors. Higher variants add tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and other advanced features. The superior build quality and refined engineering provide enhanced crash protection.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
Long-term ownership costs significantly impact the overall value proposition of any vehicle.
The Grand i10 Nios diesel variant leads in fuel efficiency with real-world figures of 22-24 kmpl, making it ideal for high-mileage users. The Exter delivers 19.2 kmpl with its petrol engine, offering a good balance between efficiency and capability. CNG variants of both the Exter and Grand i10 Nios provide the lowest per-kilometer running costs, particularly attractive given rising fuel prices.
The i20 N Line’s 14.6 kmpl is the trade-off for its performance-oriented nature. While lower than its siblings, this efficiency is still reasonable for a turbocharged engine delivering 120 PS. Enthusiasts will gladly accept this compromise for the driving excitement the i20 N Line provides.
Maintenance costs remain similar across all three models thanks to Hyundai’s extensive service network and readily available spare parts. Insurance premiums are lowest for the Grand i10 Nios and highest for the i20 N Line, reflecting their respective market values.
The Final Verdict: Which One Is Right for You?
Choose the Hyundai Exter if you want SUV-like styling with a commanding driving position, need maximum cargo space for an active lifestyle, prefer the latest micro-SUV trend, require good ground clearance for rough roads, want modern features at an accessible price, and value the youthful, adventure-ready aesthetic.
Choose the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios if affordability is your top priority, you need multiple engine options including diesel and CNG, family comfort and refinement matter most, you prefer traditional hatchback proportions, fuel efficiency is critical for daily commuting, and you want the most versatile and practical choice.
Choose the Hyundai i20 N Line if driving excitement and performance are paramount, you desire the most premium cabin experience, sporty styling and N-performance branding appeal to you, better transmission options are important, you’re willing to invest more for enhanced features, and slightly lower fuel efficiency isn’t a concern.
Conclusion
The Hyundai Exter, Grand i10 Nios, and i20 N Line represent three excellent choices within the compact vehicle segment, each excelling in different areas. The Grand i10 Nios is the practical, value-focused family choice. The Exter brings SUV aspirations within reach with impressive space and modern appeal. The i20 N Line delivers genuine driving thrills for enthusiasts who want more from their daily driver.
Your final decision should align with your lifestyle, driving needs, and budget constraints. We strongly recommend visiting your nearest Hyundai dealership to experience each vehicle firsthand through test drives. Nothing replaces the feeling of sitting behind the wheel and experiencing how each car suits your specific requirements. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a quality vehicle backed by one of India’s most trusted automotive brands.
