Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter – Micro SUV Battle in India 2025

The Indian micro-SUV market has been thriving with offerings such as the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter attracting buyers. These small-scale cars offer fierce competition with a rugged look, functionality, and a relatively cheap price tag. The Exter goes up against the Punch’s distinct design flair. In this article, we will take a close comparison of the Tata Punch vs. Hyundai Exter to help you decide which is ultimately the best micro SUV, including topics such as Design, Performance, features, Safety, and Price.

Compare the looks and dimensions: Punch vs Exter

The Tata Punch has this tall, muscular stance, which gives it a mini-Harrier street presence. Its split LED headlamps, tri-arrow grille, and 16-inch alloy wheels give it better road presence. On the other hand, the Hyundai Exter chooses a more streamlined, crossover format. And in that regard, designers get it right with H-shaped DRLs, a parametric grille, and a boxy silhouette, though its 15-inch wheels let it down a bit.

In terms of dimensions, the Punch measures longer at 3,827 mm and wider at 1,742 mm than the Exter, but shorter at 1,631 mm than the latter. The Exter’s 2,450 mm wheelbase marginally surpasses the Punch’s 2,445 mm, providing slightly more cabin space. In terms of boot space, Exter wins with a 391-liter capacity over Punch’s 366 liters. That is why the Punch is ruggedly charming, but the Exter is more sophisticated.

Engine and Performance: Powering The Micro SUV Battle

The Tata Punch is powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder Revotron petrol engine under the hood. The engine delivers 86.5 bhp of power and 115 Nm of torque, matched to a five-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. One for fuel-conscious drivers, a CNG variant offers 73.5 bhp and pulls 103 Nm. In comparison, the Hyundai Exter gets a 1.2-liter four-cylinder Kappa petrol engine that makes 81.86 bhp and 113.8 Nm. It gets manual and AMT versions, as well as a CNG variant with 68 bhp and 95.2 Nm.

Owing to a refined engine, in real-world tests, the Exter is quicker to 0-100 kmph than the Punch. But the Punch is good at ride quality, too, swallowing up potholes with only minimal complaint from its tuned suspension. In terms of mileage, the Exter’s CNG variant offers the best mileage of 27.1 km/kg, and the Punch follows closely with 26.99 km/kg. So performance seekers will prefer the Exter, but for ride comfort, the Punch has the upper hand.

Comparison Review: Features and Comfort- Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter

On the inside, the Tata Punch welcomes the driver with a colourful cabin that comes with a white fascia and body coloured accents. Its tech offerings are headlined by a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless charger, and sunroof. On the contrary, the Hyundai Exter is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, paddle shifters (AMT) and rear AC vents in its offer. Its premium cabin, with an electric sunroof and dual dashcam, is segment best.

Both SUVs have seating for five easily, though raised seats in the Punch make getting in easier. Make no mistake, the Exter is going to entice families with its better headroom and larger boot. The Exter has better fit-finish compared to the Punch, and the Punch gets a center armrest. The Exter has tech-savvy buyers on its side, while the Punch is practical in nature.

Punch vs. Exter Protection Overview

Safety is our priority, and Tata Punch scored with a 5-star Global NCAP rating for adult protection. The CVT with dual airbags is standard, but traction control and ESP are available on higher variants. The effect on the other hand, all Hyundai Exter trims are equipped with six airbags, which is rarer in the segment. And while it still needs to be tested in a crash, features such as TPMS, ISOFIX anchors and a rear parking camera add to its safety net.

Where the Punch’s proven crashworthiness should be reassuring for buyers, it’s the Exter’s wide array of safety kit that impresses. The Punch’s rugged design suits its rating, for instance, while the Exter’s airbag edge attracts safety-conscious consumers. So both of these SUVs prioritize protection, albeit in different ways.

Pricing and Value: Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter Price List

In terms of pricing, the Tata Punch is priced from ₹6.13 lakh to ₹9.60 lakh (ex-showroom). The Hyundai Exter starts from the same ₹ 6.13 lakh but goes up to ₹9.38 lakh. Their CNG derivatives are similarly priced, where the Punch’s iCNG comes in a smidgen below the Exter’s Hy-CNG Duo prices. Further, the Punch’s lower maintenance costs make it an attractive offering for budget buyers, while the Exter’s higher trims are well-positioned to justify a premium.

In terms of value, the Punch offers ruggedness and safety for the money. But the Exter’s cutting-edge tech and refinement convince those who can afford to splurge. As always budget is a deciding factor, and the Punch has an edge here as well.

Final Verdict: Which Micro SUV Is King?

We know the Tata Punch vs. Hyundai Exter fight is one that contests rugged reliability against modern sophistication. With its bold design, superior ride, and proven safety, the Punch is the winner. On the other hand, the Exter impresses in terms of performance, features, and cabin quality. For urban explorers looking to save cash, the Punch is nothing short of ideal. Still, the Exter is the vehicle of choice for tech enthusiasts and comfort seekers.

In the end, neither SUV wins in absolute terms — the champ is determined by your needs. After all, test drives are best, and you want to choose the micro SUV that suits your lifestyle!

Source: Car Dekho

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