The automotive industry is now focusing on providing well-balanced commercial vehicle models based on performance and efficiency. The pressure from the environmental impacts and the increase in oil prices have led to the increased economy from both engines as well as outer car body over time. The aerodynamics of a vehicle was not substantial until the 1960s when the models were noisy and less efficient. However, with the arrival and advancement of fast-moving vehicles, it was highly essential to protect the vehicle from the effects of air drag and lift forces, which may cause loss of control at high speeds. This paper shows a comparative CFD analysis on Maruti Suzuki Alto models by highlighting the improvements done on aerodynamics in 2005 and 2012 models, respectively. The Alto is chosen as the subject of study in order to demonstrate the extent to which the fluid dynamic forces affect a commercial vehicle. The paper provides both 2D and 3D analysis on cruising conditions simulated on ANSYS® software and a qualitative study on the importance and significance of streamlining a vehicle in the present time. © 2021, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.