Hyundai Bayon vs Maruti Suzuki Victoris: how the two SUVs compare around the Rs 10 lakh mark

Hyundai has launched its new SUV, the Bayon. For buyers with a budget of around Rs 10 lakh, it competes directly with the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, so a comparison of the two is useful.

The Bayon emphasises digital technology, a modern cabin and advanced safety features. The Victoris is sold with petrol, CNG and strong hybrid engine options. The Bayon's starting ex-showroom price is Rs 9.99 lakh, while the Victoris starts at Rs 10.49 lakh, making the Bayon Rs 50,000 cheaper at the entry level. Both have good design and new features, but differ significantly in engine, gearbox and cabin comforts.

On the outside, the Bayon has a modern, sporty look. It has a split headlamp set-up with slim LED DRLs and the main headlamps mounted low. Black-and-silver bumper cladding, petal-design alloy wheels and flared wheel arches make its side profile striking. At the rear it has connected-style tail-lamps, a roof spoiler and a dual-tone bumper.

The Victoris combines a traditional SUV design with modern touches. Roof rails, an aero-inspired body design and connected LED tail-lamps are its highlights. Depending on the variant, buyers can get LED headlamps, machine-finished alloy wheels and a dual-tone exterior.

Inside, the Bayon's cabin has two 12.3-inch screens. Its generative AI voice assistant uses Perplexity technology and SoundHound AI voice processing. Hyundai Bluelink offers more than 70 connected features, and over-the-air software updates are available for up to 19 vehicle controllers.

The higher variants of the Victoris get a 10.1-inch SmartPlay Pro X touchscreen and an optional 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. It also has an 8-speaker Infinity sound system with Dolby Atmos support, ventilated front seats, an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a PM2.5 air quality display and a gesture-controlled power tailgate. Suzuki Connect allows remote functions and vehicle status information to be viewed. Some of these features are available only on certain variants.

On the engine, the Bayon has a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 113.4 bhp and 143.8 Nm of torque. Gearbox options are a 6-speed manual and an iVT automatic. The iVT model also has paddle shifters and Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes.

The Victoris has a 1.5-litre K15C Smart Hybrid petrol engine producing 102 bhp and 139 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The factory-fitted CNG version produces 99 bhp in petrol mode and 86.5 bhp in CNG mode. There is also a strong hybrid option with a 1.5-litre M15D engine, an electric motor and an e-CVT gearbox. Select petrol automatic variants get AllGrip Select AWD, an all-wheel-drive system.

So which to choose? The Bayon may suit those who want two digital screens, an AI voice assistant and a more powerful petrol engine. Those who want petrol, CNG, strong hybrid and, in select variants, AWD options can look at the Victoris. Before making a final decision, buyers should compare price, features and their own driving needs variant by variant.