The Suzuki Fronx is one of the new models unveiled recently by the Japanese carmaker at the Auto Expo 2023 in India. While there’s still no official word if the new subcompact crossover will be launched locally, it could potentially be a hit for the brand here. It’s also worth noting that Suzuki Philippines dropped two subcompact models from its lineup in 2022—the Ciaz sedan and the Vitara SUV—so an additional mainstream model would be welcome.
For this size comparison, we’ll be pitting the Fronx against the popular Raize. Let’s see how the new Suzuki stacks up against the more established Toyota model—particularly their high-trim variants.
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The Fronx is 3,995mm long, 1,765mm wide, and 1550mm tall, making it 35mm shorter, 55mm wider, and 55mm lower than the Raize. The Suzuki crossover rides on a 2,520mm wheelbase, which is 5mm shorter than that of its Toyota rival. It’s equipped with 195/60 R16 tires that have a diameter of 25.2 inches; the Raize 1.0 Turbo, on the other hand, comes standard with 205/60 R17 tires that have a diameter of 26.7 inches, making the Suzuki tires’ diameter 1.5 inches smaller than the ones mounted on the Toyota.
At first glance, you might think the Fronx is a longer vehicle than the Raize because of its lower sleeker silhouette combined with its smaller-diameter tires and smaller wheel arches. One reason the Suzuki crossover looks more car-like is its roots: The new model is essentially a crossover version of the similar-sized Baleno hatchback. The Toyota, on the other hand, was designed from the beginning to be an upright crossover with a more traditional squarish SUV profile.
Both the Fronx and the Raize have 1.2-liter naturally aspirated base gasoline engines and optional 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline mills, and both produce similar power and torque. The Suzuki goes a step further by adding a mild-hybrid system to the 1.0 turbo variants. These little subcompacts have proportionally small fuel tanks: The Fronx has a 37-liter tank, which is one liter more than that of the Raize.
Both front-wheel-drive crossovers use a lightweight monocoque body construction, and like most subcompacts, they’re equipped with independent MacPherson struts up front and a compact torsion beam setup at the back.
If Suzuki Philippines brings in the more car-like Fronx crossover, would you consider it over the Toyota Raize? Let us know in the comments.
