The Ultimate Used Hatchback Comparison: Second Hand Tata Altroz vs Hyundai i20

In the premium hatchback segment in India, the Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz frequently top the list of popular choices. This is hardly a surprise given that they’re both stylish, safe, comfortable and feature-rich offerings. Their appeal goes up considerably once you factor in a used Hyundai i20 or a pre owned Tata  Altroz, and how they fare in the second hand market.

Used cars have the advantage of lower prices compared to new models, but used car buyers must also factor resale value, running costs, and depreciation rates. While the i20 and Altroz share a segment, one commands a better resale value than the other. In this article, we analyse which of the two premium hatchbacks gives you the best value for money in the used market.

Resale Value comparison: Used Tata Altroz vs Hyundai i20

At first glance, you’d assume the Hyundai i20, with its longer market presence and established reputation, would easily outperform the Tata Altroz in terms of resale value. But the data tells a different story. Despite being the newer player, a used Tata Altroz often commands higher prices on the second hand market.

Note: Prices shown are for model years 2014 and newer with mileage under 1 lakh kilometers

Key Talking Points from the Resale Value Data

• Altroz holds a resale value premium of nearly ₹1 lakh over the i20: Thanks to its five-star Global NCAP safety rating and solid build quality, the Tata Altroz enjoys stronger demand in the second hand market.
   
• The i20’s broader model history offers more budget options: A second hand Hyundai i20, particularly one launched before 2017, often starts as low as ₹1.20 lakh, giving entry-level buyers more choices. On average, a pre owned i20 is worth around ₹5.85 lakh when including older models.
   
• Altroz resale value remains consistent across variants: Since the Altroz is relatively new, most examples on sale are no older than 2020, keeping the price range tighter and in better condition. As a result, a used Tata Altroz has a higher ₹6.79 lakh average selling price.
   
• Top-end variants of both models depreciate slower: Features like sunroofs, larger infotainment systems, alloy wheels, and automatic gearboxes help higher trims maintain stronger resale value.
   
• Safety plays a big role in Altroz resale performance: The Altroz’s crash safety credentials have made it a preferred choice for family buyers, especially in metro cities where safety awareness is higher.

What This Means for You as a Buyer

If you're in the market for a used premium hatchback and resale value is high on your list of priorities, the Tata Altroz makes a strong case—especially if you’re looking for a newer, well-maintained example with fewer kilometers on the clock. The Altroz tends to fetch higher resale prices because buyers are willing to pay extra for its safety credentials and newer design.

On the other hand, if your budget is tight and you’re open to buying older models, the Hyundai i20 provides excellent flexibility. With used prices starting from as low as ₹1.20 lakh for older generations, the i20 allows buyers to access this segment without stretching their finances too much.

Either way, understanding these price dynamics will help you decide which car fits your financial plan better—whether you're buying to keep or planning to resell within a few years.

Depreciation Rates for Used Tata Altroz vs Hyundai i20 Over Five Years

The resale value of any car is directly influenced by how quickly it depreciates. Depreciation is the silent killer of car investments, quietly eating away at your car’s worth year after year. Here’s how the Altroz and i20 compare in terms of depreciation rates over the first five years.

Key Insights from the Depreciation Comparison

• Altroz experiences slightly steeper depreciation in the first two years: The first-year value drop for the Altroz stands at 27%, just a fraction higher than the i20’s 26.09%. This is common for newer models that face initial market corrections.
   
• By the third year, depreciation rates level out: Both hatchbacks settle into similar patterns by Year 3, with depreciation hovering around 37%.
   
• i20 edges out for short-term flips: If you plan to resell within the first two years, the i20 holds a marginally better resale value early on.
   
• Altroz matches the i20 over long-term ownership: By Year 5, the gap between the two cars effectively disappears, with both losing about 44% to 45% of their initial value.
   
• Safety as a factor helps Altroz stay competitive in resale value: Buyers in the used market are increasingly considering safety ratings, and this plays in favour of the Altroz.

Engine Options and Driving Experience: Tata Altroz vs Hyundai i20

Engine and transmission options significantly affect both your ownership experience and your car’s resale value. Here’s what each of these hatchbacks offers under the hood.

Tata Altroz Engine and Transmission Options

• 1.2-litre Petrol – 5-speed manual / 5-speed AMT
   
• 1.2-litre iTurbo Petrol – 5-speed manual / 6-speed DCT
   
• 1.5-litre Diesel – 5-speed manual

Hyundai i20 Engine and Transmission Options

• 1.2-litre Petrol – 5-speed manual / CVT automatic
   
• 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol – 6-speed iMT / 7-speed DCT automatic
   
• 1.4-litre Diesel (discontinued) – 6-speed manual

Driving Feel and Performance Insights

• The Hyundai i20 turbo petrol is the more engaging option if you're after a fun driving experience, especially with its DCT gearbox.
   
• The Altroz diesel scores high on long-distance comfort and highway efficiency.
   
• Ride quality favours the Altroz for stability at higher speeds, while the i20 feels zippier in urban conditions.
   
• The Altroz iTurbo variant narrows the performance gap but still leans more toward comfort than outright sportiness.

Maintenance Cost Comparison: Service Expenses for Tata Altroz vs Hyundai i20

Resale value isn’t the only number that matters. Maintenance costs can quietly chip away at your wallet over the years. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of what you can expect to spend on service for both the Altroz and i20.

Hyundai i20 Service Schedule and Maintenance Costs

Tata Altroz Service Schedule and Maintenance Costs

Maintenance Cost Insights

• Hyundai i20 petrol is the cheapest to maintain at ₹15,616 over five years.
   
• Altroz diesel costs the most to maintain, crossing ₹31,000.
   

• Petrol Altroz maintenance sits between i20 petrol and i20 diesel costs.

   

• Longer service intervals on the Altroz (15,000 km vs. i20’s 10,000 km) help ease the cost burden slightly.
   
• Hyundai’s larger service network may offer easier part availability and quicker turnarounds.

Conclusion

The Tata Altroz holds a slight edge over the Hyundai i20 when it comes to resale value, thanks to its newer market presence and strong safety credentials, including a five-star Global NCAP rating. Although the i20 enjoys a longer track record and a broader market presence, the Altroz commands higher used prices on average, particularly across well-maintained newer models.

However, the i20 counters effectively with its lower maintenance costs, especially for the petrol variant, which totals ₹15,616 over five years—substantially lower than the Altroz petrol’s ₹24,061.5 and the Altroz diesel’s ₹31,358. Depreciation rates for both cars even out after the third year, but the i20 edges ahead for buyers looking at short-term ownership or lower running expenses. Overall, while the Altroz generally holds its value better, the i20 is the sensible choice for those seeking lower upkeep, wider engine options, and easier serviceability.

Both hatchbacks originally come with a 3-year/1,00,000 kilometers standard warranty from the manufacturer. CARS24 has a standard 30-day warranty policy for all used cars sold through the platform. However, used car buyers have the option for a 12-month extended warranty package for a nominal fee.