Introduction: A Close Battle in the Premium Hatchback Segment
When it comes to premium hatchbacks in India, the Toyota Glanza and the Hyundai i20 are two names that consistently attract buyers. Both models pack style, technology, and performance, making them top contenders in their category. But the real question many buyers ask is—Toyota Glanza Vs i20: Which Car Is Better? This blog dives deep into their design, features, performance, safety, mileage, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.

Exterior Styling and Road Presence
The Toyota Glanza sports a sleek, sophisticated look with a wide front grille, LED projector headlamps, and attractive alloy wheels. Its design is understated yet elegant, appealing to those who prefer a refined appearance. On the other hand, the Hyundai i20 embraces a sportier and more aggressive design, with its parametric jewel-pattern grille, LED DRLs, and sharp body lines. If elegance is your style, Glanza is the choice; for a youthful, sporty vibe, i20 takes the crown.

Interior Comfort and Design
Inside the Toyota Glanza, you get a dual-tone dashboard, a spacious cabin, and plush seating with ample legroom and headroom. The flat-bottom steering wheel and intuitive layout make it driver-friendly. The Hyundai i20, however, has a more premium feel, with soft-touch materials, ambient lighting, and a cockpit-like design that feels modern and stylish. While Glanza focuses on comfort and practicality, i20 leans toward a more luxurious and tech-loaded cabin experience.

Technology and Infotainment
The Glanza features a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, voice commands, and Toyota’s i-Connect features. The sound system, tuned by Arkamys, offers an immersive listening experience. The Hyundai i20 offers a slightly smaller 8-inch unit in most trims but adds premium extras in higher variants, such as a Bose 7-speaker sound system, BlueLink connected car tech, and wireless charging with cooling function. For those who want a bigger screen and ease of use, Glanza works well; for advanced sound and tech integration, i20 shines.

Engine Performance and Transmission Options
The Toyota Glanza comes with a 1.2L K-series petrol engine producing 89 hp and 113 Nm torque. It offers smooth power delivery with a choice of a 5-speed manual or AMT, and there’s also a Smart Hybrid version for higher fuel efficiency. The Hyundai i20 offers three engine options: a 1.2L petrol, a 1.0L turbo-petrol, and a 1.5L diesel. Transmission options include manual, iMT, CVT, and a 7-speed DCT in the turbo variant. The i20 clearly offers more engine variety and sportier performance in its turbo version, while the Glanza focuses on refinement and everyday usability.

Ride Quality and Handling
The Toyota Glanza delivers a smooth, comfortable ride that absorbs bumps well, making it ideal for daily commutes. Its light steering is perfect for city driving but not as engaging for spirited highway runs. The Hyundai i20 offers a slightly firmer suspension setup, giving it better stability at higher speeds. Its steering feels more connected, making it fun for driving enthusiasts. If comfort is the top priority, Glanza takes the lead; for driving thrill, i20 has the edge.

Fuel Efficiency
The Glanza Smart Hybrid variant is one of the most fuel-efficient hatchbacks in India, offering over 30 km/l under ARAI conditions. Even the standard petrol variant delivers 22–23 km/l. The Hyundai i20 petrol models provide around 19–21 km/l, while the diesel variant offers around 25 km/l. This means Glanza is the clear winner in petrol efficiency, but the i20 diesel is better for high-mileage drivers.

Safety Features and Ratings
Toyota equips the Glanza with up to 6 airbags, ESP, Hill Hold Assist, ABS with EBD, and a strong body structure. The Hyundai i20 also offers 6 airbags, ESC, VSM, TPMS, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. While both cars are loaded with safety tech, the i20 scored a 3-star Global NCAP rating, and the Glanza’s crash test rating (shared with Maruti Baleno) is also in the same range. Safety-wise, it’s a close tie, with both offering ample driver and passenger protection.

Practicality and Boot Space
The Toyota Glanza offers a 318-liter boot, which is good for weekend luggage and grocery runs. The Hyundai i20 slightly beats it with a 311-liter boot but with better depth and loading convenience. In terms of in-cabin practicality, both have multiple storage spaces, bottle holders, and well-placed USB charging ports.

Price and Value for Money
The Glanza is priced between ₹6.8 lakh and ₹10 lakh (ex-showroom), offering strong value with Toyota’s reliability and low maintenance. The Hyundai i20 ranges from ₹7.0 lakh to ₹11.2 lakh, offering more variants and engine choices but at a slightly higher cost for the top trims. If your focus is on long-term ownership and low running costs, Glanza stands out. If you want performance variety and more premium features, i20 might be worth the extra spend.

After-Sales Service and Reliability
Toyota has a reputation for exceptional after-sales service and reliability. Its maintenance costs are low, and resale value remains high. Hyundai also has a strong service network in India, offering decent reliability and competitive service packages. However, Toyota’s bulletproof dependability gives the Glanza an edge for long-term peace of mind.

Conclusion: Which Car Should You Choose?
Choosing between these two premium hatchbacks depends on your priorities. The Toyota Glanza excels in comfort, fuel efficiency, and long-term reliability. The Hyundai i20 wins in performance variety, sportiness, and premium features. For those asking, Toyota Glanza Vs i20: Which Car Is Better, the answer is simple—if you want efficiency and easy ownership, go for the Glanza; if you crave features, style, and performance, the i20 is your match. In the end, both deliver exceptional value in their own ways, making this one of the most exciting rivalries in the hatchback segment.