The automobile industry is highly capital-intensive, and developing a car from the ground up can take considerable time. By sharing features, powertrains and more, brands can cut costs and even benefit from economies of scale. And when the partnership clicks, badge engineering works just fine. For instance, Maruti Suzuki-rebadged models accounted for 53 percent of Toyota India sales in FY2025. Listed below are the popular badge-swap models under Rs 30 lakh in India.
Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger
Rs 5.62 lakh-10.76 lakh, Rs 5.76 lakh-10.34 lakh
The most affordable models in this set, the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger differ in design and features, but their engine and gearbox options are identical. Both compact SUVs are offered with a 1-litre engine in 72hp NA petrol and CNG (via retrofitment) and 100hp turbo-petrol guises.
Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun
Not yet announced, Rs 10.58 lakh-19.19 lakh
Next in line is the midsize SUV pair of Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun. There is no naturally aspirated petrol option on offer here, with the lineup limited to two direct-injection turbo-petrol engines: a 115hp 1.0-litre and a 150hp 1.5-litre unit. The 2026 Kushaq facelift introduces a new 8-speed torque converter automatic, and the VW sibling is expected to receive the same upgrade as part of its mid-cycle update.
Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Virtus
Rs 10 lakh-17.70 lakh, Rs 10.5 lakh-19 lakh
Standing out as the only sedan pair on this list, the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus get the same powertrain setups as the Kushaq and Taigun SUVs, respectively. This also means there isn’t a single mass-market diesel sedan on sale right now, as even rivals like the Honda City and Hyundai Verna are offered only with petrol engines.
Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder
Rs 10.77 lakh-19.72 lakh, Rs 10.99 lakh-20.19 lakh
The second half of this list is largely dominated by badge-engineered Maruti and Toyota SUVs, MPVs and hatchbacks. Talking about the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder midsize SUVs, these are the powertrain options: an 88hp CNG, a 103hp mild hybrid and a 116hp strong hybrid. It should be noted that the the 5-speed manual gearbox choice introduced initially with the AWD mild hybrid version is no longer on offer.
Toyota Innova Hycross, Maruti Invicto
Rs 19.15 lakh-32.38 lakh*, Rs 24.97 lakh-28.61 lakh
*Some variants cost more than Rs 30 lakh.
Maruti Baleno, Toyota Glanza
Rs 5.99 lakh-9.1 lakh, Rs 6.46 lakh-9.44 lakh
Not a lot differs between the Maruti Baleno and Toyota Glanza, with only subtle changes to the exterior and interior design. Even the powertrains are identical, including the 90hp 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 77hp CNG setups.
Renault Triber, Nissan Gravite
Rs 5.76 lakh-8.6 lakh, Rs 5.65 lakh-8.93 lakh
The Renault Triber and the Nissan Gravite are built on the same CMF-A+ platform, and apart from minor cosmetic differences to the lights, grille, bumpers and wheels, there's very little to visually distinguish one from the other. Like the Kiger and the Magnite, the MPV twins use a 1-litre three-cylinder NA petrol engine, producing identical outputs of 72hp and 96Nm. The Triber can be retrofitted with a CNG kit, and the Gravite is set to offer the same soon.
Maruti Fronx, Toyota Taisor
Rs 6.85 lakh-11.98 lakh, Rs 7.25 lakh-12.39 lakh
Like the Baleno and Glanza hatchbacks, there is very little that differentiates the Maruti Fronx and Toyota Taisor. The compact SUVs come with the familiar 90hp 1.2-litre NA petrol and 77hp CNG options, but they add a 100hp 1-litre turbo-petrol choice, too. The more sophisticated torque converter automatic gearbox option is offered solely with the latter engine, while the NA petrol can be had with an AMT unit.
Maruti Ertiga, Toyota Rumion
Rs 8.8 lakh-12.94 lakh, Rs 10.51 lakh-13.86 lakh
Rounding off this list at number 10 is the MPV duo of the Maruti Ertiga and the Toyota Rumion. As with other Maruti and Toyota badge-swapped models, design differences are subtle and may even go unnoticed at first glance. The Rumion has a relatively higher entry price due to its more feature-equipped base variant. Powertrain choices here are the familiar 103hp 1.5-litre NA petrol and 88hp CNG setups.
Saptarshi Mondal
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Saumil Shah
