Choosing between the Hyundai Exter and the Tata Punch? You’re not alone — both are popular, pocket-friendly SUVs that aim to give Indian buyers the SUV look and feel without stretching the budget. Below I compare them across price, engines, space, features, safety and ownership costs to help you pick the one that fits your needs. Read on, then book a test drive or order online — both models have attractive variants and festive offers at dealers right now. Hyundai+1
Quick snapshot (what each brings to the table)
- Hyundai Exter — Modern styling, fuel-efficient 1.2L petrol (also available with a CNG option), multiple trims including techy “Knight” and connected trims, and very competitive starting pricing that undercuts some rivals. Hyundai+1
- Tata Punch — Built like a mini-SUV with a sturdy feel, strong safety credentials (Global NCAP rating), comfortable cabin and well-sorted driving manners. Punch has a clear value-for-money positioning with a wide variant spread. cars.tatamotors.com+1
Price and variants — which is cheaper to buy?
Both cars are aimed at the budget SUV buyer, but their price positioning and variant lists differ slightly:
- Hyundai Exter: Ex-showroom starting price hovers in the lower ₹5-6 lakh band, with top trims going up toward the high ₹8-9 lakh region depending on options and CNG vs petrol choices. Hyundai offers many trims (including features and “Knight” packs) so you can pick a basic, well-equipped, or tech-rich variant. Hyundai+1
- Tata Punch: Tata positions the Punch similarly — base prices also sit around the mid-₹5 lakh bracket while mid and top variants move into the ₹7–9 lakh band. Punch also offers petrol and iCNG choices and has several trim levels, sometimes with special editions (camo, sunroof packs, etc.). cars.tatamotors.com+1
Bottom line: on sticker price the two are very comparable. Your final on-road cost will depend on the variant, transmission (manual vs AMT), any factory-fitted CNG, dealer discounts and current festive offers — so check local dealer offers before you book. The Economic Times
Engines, efficiency and running cost
Both use modern 1.2-litre petrol engines that balance city driveability with decent mileage.
- Hyundai Exter: Offers a 1,197 cc petrol motor (around ~82 bhp/114 Nm depending on tune) with ARAI-certified fuel efficiency in the ~19.2–19.4 kmpl range for petrol. There’s also a factory CNG option (dual-fuel) that claims powerful fuel economy numbers (above 25 km/kg in official figures), making it attractive if you want very low fuel bills. Hyundai+1
- Tata Punch: Uses Tata’s 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine (about ~87 bhp depending on tune) with competitive real-world economy. Punch also offers iCNG variants that make it cheaper to run for high kilometre users. Exact ARAI figures vary by variant; expect similar fuel costs to Exter in city driving with slight differences depending on transmission and usage pattern. CarWale+1
If low running cost is a priority and you do long daily distances, consider the CNG versions (both brands offer factory-fitted options) — these typically reduce fuel cost per km substantially.
Space, packaging and comfort
- Interior & seats: Both cars seat five but are best for four adults on longer trips. Punch often feels a touch more rugged and upright (beneficial for headroom), while Exter favours a slightly modern, car-like layout with HYUNDAI’s usual attention to fit-and-finish.
- Boot & practicality: Expect useful boot space for shopping and weekend luggage — neither is a full-size SUV but both punch above their weight for city and short highway travel. Choose based on what interior ergonomics you prefer (test drive both to feel seat comfort and driving position).
Features and connectivity
Hyundai and Tata have been aggressive with features at this price point:
- Exter tends to emphasise connected car tech and convenience (connected infotainment in higher trims, multiple USB ports, projector lamps in select trims, and comfort features in higher variants). Hyundai’s variant structure lets you pick a very basic city commuter or a tech-loaded urban cruiser. CarDekho+1
- Punch focuses on user-friendly features and perceived quality — touchscreen infotainment, climate control, sunroof on select variants, and a simple, well-built dash. Tata also occasionally bundles popular features in special editions. CarWale
If you want tech like a large touchscreen, head-up connectivity and driver aids, compare the mid and top trims specifically — features can shift significantly between the base and top spec.
Safety — a key differentiator
Safety is where you should pay careful attention:
- Tata Punch has earned strong safety praise and a high Global NCAP rating (5-star adult occupant protection), which is a standout plus for family buyers who prioritise crashworthiness. Tata’s structural focus and passive safety kit make Punch a class leader in occupant safety. cars.tatamotors.com+1
- Hyundai Exter has been positioned as a safe small SUV with multiple airbags and electronic aids on higher trims (ESC, ABS with EBD, tyre pressure monitoring on select variants). Manufacturer specs and independent reviews suggest good passive and active safety equipment, but the NCAP score and exact kit depend on the variant you choose — verify the specific trim’s safety list before buying. Bajaj General Insurance Limited+1
Tip: opt for variants with at least 4-6 airbags and ESC if safety is important to you. These features often appear in mid-to-top trims.
Driving feel and ownership
- Driving: Punch tends to feel a bit more SUV-like — upright driving position and composed suspension — while Exter delivers a slightly softer, more car-like ride with easy steering and good city manners. Transmission options (manual vs AMT) will impact around-town convenience — both brands’ AMTs are useful for heavy city driving.
- Maintenance & resale: Hyundai and Tata both have widespread service networks in India. Historically, Hyundai has strong service reliability and resale values in many cities, while Tata has improved significantly in quality and network reach. Ownership cost will depend on service plan, warranty packs, and how you use the car.
Which one should you choose?
- Pick the Tata Punch if safety (Global NCAP rating), a rugged SUV feel and a solid build are your top priorities. Great for buyers who want a robust little SUV for family use. cars.tatamotors.com+1
- Pick the Hyundai Exter if you prefer modern styling, slightly better connected-car tech, attractive CNG/petrol fuel economy figures and Hyundai’s feature packaging. It’s a fine choice for urban buyers who want a feature-rich small SUV. Hyundai+1
Final tips before you book
- Decide your must-haves: safety kit (airbags + ESC), sunroof, AMT/MT, and CNG availability.
- Compare on-road price at local dealers (festive discounts can be substantial). The Economic Times
- Test drive both in the variant you intend to buy — seats, visibility and cabin comfort are personal.
- Inspect safety & warranty: check which airbags and aids are standard on the exact variant you want.
- Book now if you find a variant with the features and dealer offer you want — both models are competitively priced, and seasonal discounts or exchange offers can make booking attractive.
If you want, I can prepare a concise checklist for dealer negotiation, or compare two exact variants (e.g., Exter SX Opt Connect vs Punch Accomplished Plus AMT) with on-road price estimates from your city — tell me the variants and your city and I’ll pull the numbers.
