The Indian compact sedan market has never been more competitive. With the arrival of the New Honda Amaze 2026 and the latest-generation Maruti Suzuki Dzire, car buyers are faced with a difficult choice. Both cars have recently undergone massive transformations, shedding their “entry-level” image for a more premium, tech-heavy persona.
While the Maruti Dzire has long held the crown as India’s best-selling sedan, the new Honda Amaze is fighting back with segment-first ADAS technology and a sophisticated 4-cylinder engine. In this detailed comparison, we break down every aspect—from performance and safety to real-world mileage—to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your garage.
1. The Comparison Table: At a Glance
To kick things off, let’s look at the technical specifications side-by-side.
| Feature | Honda Amaze 2026 | New Maruti Suzuki Dzire |
| Engine | 1.2L i-VTEC (4-Cylinder) | 1.2L Z12E (3-Cylinder) |
| Max Power | 90 PS @ 6000 rpm | 82 PS @ 5700 rpm |
| Max Torque | 110 Nm @ 4800 rpm | 112 Nm @ 4300 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-MT / 7-Step CVT | 5-MT / 5-Speed AMT |
| ARAI Mileage | 18.65 – 19.46 kmpl | 24.79 – 25.71 kmpl |
| Safety Rating | 5-Star (Bharat NCAP) | 5-Star (Bharat NCAP/GNCAP) |
| ADAS | Yes (Honda Sensing – Level 2) | No |
| Sunroof | No | Yes (Electric) |
| Boot Space | 416 Litres | 382 Litres |
| Fuel Tank | 35 Litres | 37 Litres |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹7.99 – ₹10.89 Lakh | ₹6.79 – ₹10.14 Lakh |
2. Design and Curb Appeal
Honda Amaze: The Mini-City
The 2026 Amaze follows Honda’s global design language. It looks more like a “shrunken” Honda City than a sub-4-meter car. With its sleek LED projector headlamps, a bold hexagonal grille, and a clean side profile, it exudes an aura of maturity. The rear features C-shaped LED lamps that give it a wider, more planted look.
Maruti Dzire: Sporty and Sharp
The new Dzire has moved away from its bubbly past. It now looks significantly more aggressive with a massive front grille, sleek LED DRLs, and a “ducktail” spoiler integrated into the boot lid. It is shorter in wheelbase but taller than the Amaze, giving it a more compact but upright stance.
3. Engine, Performance, and Driveability
This is where the two cars differ fundamentally.
- The Honda Edge (Refinement): The Amaze continues to use a 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine. This translates to a vibration-free idle and a smooth power delivery across the rev range. If you enjoy driving or prefer a quiet cabin, the Amaze is the winner. The CVT gearbox is also far superior to Maruti’s AMT, offering seamless “gear” changes without the typical “head-nod” effect.
- The Maruti Edge (Efficiency): The Dzire uses the new Z-Series 3-cylinder engine. While Maruti has done a great job with NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), you can still feel a slight thrum at idle compared to the Honda. However, it offers better low-end torque, making it very punchy for city commutes.
4. Interior Features and Technology
Both cars are now packed with features that were once reserved for luxury sedans.
- Technology: The Dzire takes the lead with a larger 9-inch touchscreen and a 360-degree camera, which is incredibly helpful for tight parking. It also offers an electric sunroof, a feature highly coveted by Indian buyers.
- Premium Feel: The Amaze counters with a more “European” interior layout. It features an 8-inch screen but feels more solidly put together. The Amaze’s biggest trump card is Honda Sensing (ADAS), providing features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist—technologies not found in any other car in this price bracket.
5. Safety: A New Era
For the first time in history, both top contenders in this segment boast a 5-star safety rating.
- Maruti Dzire: Secured a 5-star rating in both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP. It comes with 6 airbags as standard across all variants, which is a massive leap for Maruti.
- Honda Amaze: Also carries a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. While it scored slightly lower than the Dzire in child occupant protection (4-star), it offers Active Safety (ADAS), which can prevent accidents before they happen.
6. Mileage and Total Cost of Ownership
If your primary concern is the monthly fuel bill, the Maruti Dzire is the undisputed king.
- Dzire: With a staggering 24.79 kmpl (MT) and an even higher 25.71 kmpl (AMT), it is nearly 30% more fuel-efficient than the Amaze. Furthermore, the Dzire is available in CNG, offering a running cost that the petrol-only Amaze simply cannot match.
- Amaze: Returns a respectable 18-19 kmpl, but in heavy city traffic, this can drop to 12-13 kmpl. However, Honda’s service intervals are predictable, and their engines are known to last decades with minimal maintenance.
Pros and Cons
Honda Amaze 2026
Pros:
- Superior 4-cylinder engine refinement.
- Level 2 ADAS (Honda Sensing) for enhanced safety.
- Smooth-shifting CVT gearbox.
- Massive 416-litre boot.
Cons:
- Lower fuel efficiency than Dzire.
- No Sunroof or 360-degree camera.
- Higher starting price.
New Maruti Dzire
Pros:
- Best-in-class fuel efficiency (25+ kmpl).
- Comes with a Sunroof and 360-degree camera.
- Available in CNG variants.
- Cheaper base price and higher resale value.
Cons:
- 3-cylinder engine is not as smooth as Honda’s 4-cylinder.
- AMT transmission lacks the smoothness of a CVT.
- Smaller boot space.
FAQs: Honda Amaze 2026 vs Maruti Dzire
Q1. Which car is better for highway driving?
The Honda Amaze is better for the highway due to its stable 4-cylinder engine, smooth CVT, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ADAS).
Q2. Does the 2026 Honda Amaze have a CNG option?
As of now, no. The Honda Amaze is only available with a 1.2L Petrol engine. If you need CNG, the Maruti Dzire is your only choice.
Q3. Which car has more legroom?
Both cars are very similar, but the Amaze offers a slightly more “airy” feel due to its larger window area and longer wheelbase.
Q4. Is the Maruti Dzire’s AMT better than Honda’s CVT?
No. A CVT (Amaze) is technically superior as it provides a continuous, step-less power delivery. The AMT (Dzire) is essentially a manual gearbox with a robot shifting for you, which results in a slight pause during shifts.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
The choice between these two icons boils down to your priorities:
- Choose the Honda Amaze 2026 if: You want a premium driving experience, value mechanical refinement, and want the most advanced safety technology (ADAS) available in a compact car. It is the “connoisseur’s choice.”
- Choose the Maruti Dzire if: Fuel economy is your top priority, you want a sunroof, or you require a CNG option for high-mileage running. It remains the most practical and pocket-friendly choice for the average Indian family.
