Two peas in a pod is a term generally used to describe something that are similar to each other, the term goes well with certain latest cars that we get to see on the roads every day. Ever noticed that the humble Baleno from Maruti looks like Glanza from the popular Japanese auto major Toyota? Except for the different in the badge, you might not be able to find another major difference between the cars. This story is about cars on Indian roads which look similar and share same platform in terms of technology, design, performance etc and cars which ape the looks of other brands without any similarity in technology or performance.
Let’s first talk about cars born out of partnerships between two companies. These cars share the same platform with regards to technology, performance, interior, exterior, specs etc. The only difference between these cars would be different badges, minor cosmetic changes etc. Two auto majors ie Toyota and Maruti have come together to produce some amazing machines. Let’s take a sneak peek at these brands.

The latest car to launch under the Toyota-Maruti partnership is the Fronx-based 2024 Taisor. Like the Baleno, the Fronx is completely engineered by Maruti Suzuki and Toyota sells it via their outlets as the Taisor. Here too, the price differences between the 2 cars are comparable. Both the cars share the 1.0L turbo petrol with 5-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, 1.2L normal petrol engine with manual and AMT automatic transmission, and even the 1.2L CNG bi-fuel powertrain option.

Baleno and Glanza
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a B2-segment hatchback. It was completely engineered by Maruti Suzuki and Toyota sells it via their outlets as the Glanza. The price differences between the 2 cars are comparable. Both the cars share the 1.2L normal petrol engine with manual and AMT automatic transmission and get the 1.2L CNG bi-fuel powertrain option. the specs of these cars are similar to an extent that both the cars give the same kind of mileage under test conditions.

Rumion and Ertiga
The Toyota Rumion is a rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Both the Rumion and Ertiga share the same platform and powertrain options. In this case, Maruti Suzuki developed the MPV as well as its engine and transmission options. Both MPVs come with a 1.5L normal petrol engine with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed TC automatic transmission, and a 1.5L CNG engine with a 5-speed manual.

Urban Cruiser and Grand Vitara
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, or simply Toyota Hyryder, also shares the platform and powertrain options with the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. In this case, Maruti Suzuki didn’t entirely engineer the car on their own. The 1.5L mild-hybrid petrol engine comes with Maruti’s expertise while Toyota contributed with their expertise with the 1.5L strong hybrid petrol-automatic powertrain.

Innova Hycross and Invicto
Maruti Suzuki launched the Invicto, which is a rebadged version of the Toyota Innova Hycross, in July 2023. Just like the Glanza and the Hyryder sharing their platform and powertrains with their Maruti Suzuki siblings, the Invicto shares the body and platform with the Innova Hycross
Would not like to touch upon the cars that just look alike but are totally different in terms of performance, technology etc however to site an example we can safely mention Mahindra Thar is one such brand that looks strikingly alike the Jeep Wrangler.