Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch – Which SUV Should You Buy?

Latest Update: Tata Punch has recently been updated with a CNG powertrain and a host of new features. Click here for details.

The Hyundai Exter micro-SUV has finally been launched in India, with prices ranging between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10.09 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom India). The Exter goes up against the already-established Tata Punch. So here we have compared both these offerings to see which model offers the best value.

Engine Specifications

	Hyundai Exter	Tata Punch
Engine	1.2-litre petrol	1.2-litre petrol
No of Cylinders	4	3
Max Power	83PS	86PS
Peak Torque	114Nm	113Nm
Gearbox	5-speed MT / AMT	5-speed MT / AMT
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD
Claimed Mileage	19.4 kmpl (petrol-manual), 19.2 kmpl (petrol-AMT), 27.1 km/kg (CNG)	18.97 km/l (Manual), 18.82km/l (AMT), 26.99 km/kg (CNG)

• Both the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch come with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine; however, the Korean SUV has a more sophisticated 4-cylinder unit which we have already seen in the Grand i10 Nios and Aura. This engine is known for its reliability and butter-smooth operations. On the other hand, the Punch’s 3-cylinder unit has NVH issues.
• Both the SUVs get manual and AMT transmission choices.
• The Exter CNG offers an impressive fuel efficiency of 27.1 km/kg, while the Punch CNG claims 26.99 km/kg.
• Unlike Exter which gets a huge single CNG tank in the boot, the Punch CNG benefits from the carmaker’s twin-cylinder technology that provides useable luggage space.

Dimensions

	Hyundai Exter	Tata Punch
Length	3,815mm	3,827mm
Width	1,710mm	1,742mm
Height	1,631mm	1,615mm
Wheelbase	2,450mm	2,445mm
Ground Clearance	TBU	187mm
Boot Capacity	TBU	366 litres (as per ISO V215)

Dimension-wise, the Tata Punch is slightly longer and wider than the Hyundai Exter. However, the difference isn’t significant enough. Both the SUVs also share almost similar length of wheelbase.

Also Read: Maruti Fronx Vs Tata Punch vs Citroen C3: Price Comparison

Features

Features	Hyundai Exter	Tata Punch
Automatic headlamps	✅	✅
LED DRLs	✅	✅
Alloys	15-inch	16-inch
Fog Lamps	❌	✅
Cornering Function	❌	✅
Sharkfin Antenna	✅	✅
Sunroof	✅ (Single-pane)	✅ (Single-pane)
Dash-Camera	✅ (Dual Dashcam)	❌
Touchscreen infotainment	8-inch	7-inch
Apple Carplay and Android Auto	✅	✅
Connected Car Tech	✅	✅
Wireless Smartphone Charger	✅	❌
Premium Sound System	❌	✅ (Harman Sound System)
Instrument Cluster	Digital	Semi-digital with 7-inch TFT
Paddle Shifters	✅	❌
Auto Climate Control	✅	✅
Rear AC Vents	✅	❌
Cruise Control	✅	✅
Steering Mounted Controls	✅	✅
Height Adjustable Driver Seat	✅	✅
Keyless Entry With Push Button Start	✅	✅
Front Armrest	❌	✅ (Individual type)
Rear Armrest	❌	✅
Rear Parking Camera	✅	✅
No of Airbags	6 (standard)	2
ESC	✅	❌
Hill Hold Assist	✅	❌
Seat Belt Reminder For All Seats	✅	❌
3-Point Seat Belts For All	✅	❌
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System	✅	❌

Both the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch are well-loaded. However, the Exter has an edge with its plethora of additional comfort, safety and convenience offerings, surpassing the Punch in terms of features.

Ex-Showroom Price

Hyundai Exter	Petrol: Rs 6 – 9.99 lakh CNG: Rs 8.24 – 8.97 lakh
Tata Punch	Petrol: Rs 6 – 10.10 lakh CNG: Rs 7.10 – 9.68 lakh

Conclusion

On paper, the Hyundai Exter appears highly promising and competitive. Compared to the Punch, the Exter boasts tons of additional features and more sophisticated engine options with higher fuel efficiency. It is definitely worth exploring before making a final decision.