Hyundai Exter vs Tata Altroz

The compact hatchback segment in India is buzzing with new launches and updated models. Two of the latest entrants in this space are the Hyundai Exter and Tata Altroz. Both are fresh and modern premium hatchbacks that offer a good mix of style, comfort, features and performance.

But which one is better and worth buying? Let us find out in this detailed comparison review of the Hyundai Exter and Tata Altroz.

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Altroz - Variants & Price

The Exter is available in 7 variants priced Rs 50,000 to Rs 1.5 lakhs cheaper than comparable Altroz variants. However, Tata dealers are known to offer higher discounts, which help bridge this gap.

Both the Exter and Altroz are competitively priced in their segment. On-road prices in Delhi for the Altroz XE variant cost approximately Rs. 7.17 lakhs, whereas the top 1.5 XZ Plus S Dark Edition costs around Rs. 12.43 lakhs.

The Hyundai Exter has an on-road price range of Rs. 7.00 lakhs for the base EX variant to Rs. 11.18 lakhs for the 1.2 SX(O) Connect AMT in Delhi.

While Tata's introductory pricing seems higher, the company offers substantial discounts to reduce the effective on-road price. It makes the pricing of comparable variants close between the two models.

For example, the mid-spec XT variant of Altroz has an on-road price of Rs. 10.36 lakhs, but after a discount, the effective price comes down to Rs. 10 lakhs approximately. Similarly, the Exter S variant costs around Rs. 8.42 lakhs on-road in Delhi.

So, when you plan to buy Exter, try negotiating with Tata dealers to match the prices variant-to-variant. It will give you more options to choose from for your budget. Moreover, you must test drive both models extensively before finalising your buying decision.

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Altroz - Exteriors

The Exter and Altroz are among the best-looking cars in their segment. Both boast a sporty design language but have distinct styling cues. The following table showcases a comparison between the overall exterior details of the Exter and Altroz.

Hyundai Exter:

• The Exter follows Hyundai's latest 'Sensuous Sportiness' design language. The front has a wide cascading grille with chrome surrounds, and the split headlamp setup with LED DRLs looks premium.

• In profile, it gets a coupe-like sloping roofline, sharp body lines and 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.

• At the rear, the wrap-around LED taillamps with Z-shaped graphics and a skid plate on the bumper give it a sporty look. Certainly, the Exter looks more vibrant and youthful than its sibling, the Hyundai i20.

Also, check: Hyundai Exter Dimensions

Tata Altroz:

• The Altroz has an understated yet attractive design. It gets Tata's 'Impact 2.0' design language highlighted by the slim grille flanked by sleek headlamps.

• The side profile is clean, with a distinctive crease from the front wheel arch to the taillights. The rear gets wrapped around LED tail lamps, giving it a unique look.

• With balanced proportions, the Altroz looks mature and poised, and the Harbour Blue shade further accentuates its stylish design.

In terms of dimensions, the Altroz is slightly longer and wider than the Exter, while the Exter is a bit taller when it comes to height. The Altroz definitely looks more compact, while the Exter appears more vibrant and youthful.

Also, check: Tata Altroz Dimensions

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Altroz - Interiors

The Exter and Altroz offer spacious and well-laid-out interiors, having modern gadgetry and premium upholstery.

Hyundai Exter:

• The Exter's interior layout follows a minimalist theme with a clean dashboard design. It has a dual-tone black-beige cabin that looks inviting and airy.

• It gets a large 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 60+ connected car features, a digital driver's display, ambient lighting and wireless phone charging.

• The seats are comfortable with a 6-way adjustable driver seat. In addition, the rear seat space is adequate but best suited for two adults.

• You get more storage spaces inside the cabin, which are adequate with door bins, cup holders and a reasonable 391-litre boot.

Tata Altroz:

• The Altroz also gets a minimalist dashboard layout in an all-black theme. It has a 7-inch infotainment screen paired with a semi-digital instrument cluster.

• It misses out on some premium features like ambient lighting, wireless charging, and an electric sunroof, which the Exter offers.

• The front seats are more spacious and supportive. Three adults can sit comfortably at the rear thanks to better knee room, headroom and shoulder room.

• With 345 litres, the Altroz offers pretty decent boot space. The overall cabin space feels more airy and roomy in the Altroz.

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Altroz - Engine & Performance

Both cars come with petrol engines tuned for efficiency and driveability rather than outright performance. The Exter offers the added flexibility of an AMT gearbox and CNG fuel option.

Hyundai Exter: 

• It comes with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated 1197cc petrol engine producing 83bhp and 114Nm, paired with 5-speed MT or AMT gearboxes.

• The same engine is offered in factory-fitted CNG form, producing 69bhp and 95Nm with a 5-speed MT.

• Performance is adequate for urban commuting with smooth drivability, and the AMT gearbox makes driving in stop-go traffic easier.

• The 1197cc CNG version sacrifices some performance but offers a great fuel economy of 27.1km/kg.

Tata Altroz:

• The Altroz petrol gets a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine (86bhp/113Nm) mated to a 5-speed MT.

• It also offers a more powerful 1.2-litre turbo-petrol (110bhp/140Nm) paired with a 6-speed DCT automatic.

• A 1.5-litre diesel engine (90bhp/200Nm) is also on offer if you are looking for a higher fuel efficiency.

• The performance of both engines is satisfactory for everyday use. You can opt for the DCT automatic, which makes the driving experience smoother.

• The turbo-petrol offers an exciting drive experience with smooth power delivery and strong mid-range punch.

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Altroz - Comfort Handling

The Exter and Altroz have a specific design to offer a comfortable ride rather than sharp handling. However, both cars have predictable handling with decent dynamics.

Hyundai Exter:

• The suspension offers a pliant ride quality, soaking up undulations nicely. It easily takes care of the bad roads and speed breakers.

• The steering feels light at low speeds, making it easy to manoeuvre. However, it lacks feedback at higher speeds.

• It has a controlled body roll and offers good high-speed stability. The grip from the 16-inch tyres is adequate.

• Overall, the Exter focuses more on ride comfort than sporty handling, making it well-suited to daily city commutes.

Tata Altroz:

• With its better chassis balance and tuning, the Altroz offers slightly sharper handling than the Exter. Its suspension absorbs bumps reasonably well.

• The steering weighs up well as speeds increase. There is less body roll around corners. Moreover, it has good high-speed stability.

• While not an out-an-out driver's car, the Altroz does offer a more engaging driving experience than the Exter.

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Altroz - Safety

Hyundai and Tata have equipped the Exter and Altroz well when it comes to safety. Both cars get essential safety features right.

Hyundai Exter:

• 6 airbags as standard (driver, passenger, side and curtain), ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors are standard across variants.

• Further safety tech includes electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, hill assist control, tyre pressure monitoring system and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Tata Altroz:

• It has dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts, corner stability control, and rear parking sensors as standard.

• The top variants come with additional side and curtain airbags, taking the total airbag count to four.

While both cars score well on safety, the Exter offers more airbags and active safety tech on range-topping variants.

Which One Should You Buy?

The Exter and Altroz excel in different aspects that buyers should evaluate based on their priorities.

Buy the Hyundai Exter if you:

• Want a vibrant, youthful compact SUV with stylish looks and many colour options

• Prefer a feature-loaded cabin with the latest tech and conveniences

• Require the flexibility of an AMT gearbox and CNG fuel option

• Have a tighter budget but want good features and acres of peace of mind

Buy the Tata Altroz if you:

• Seek understated elegant styling that will age gracefully

• Want roomier and more comfortable cabin space, especially at the rear

• Desire better high-speed dynamics and a more engaging driving experience

• Need maximum fuel economy from a diesel engine (23.64kmpl)

• Want peace of mind about Tata's excellent after-sales service experience

Final Word

Both the Exter and Altroz are excellent options in the premium car segment. While the Exter will appeal more to young urban buyers, the Altroz offers superior interior space and comfort. You must test drive both models extensively before making a final decision to determine which one suits your priorities and requirements better.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to Hyundai Exter vs Tata Altroz

Which car is better than Altroz?

Tata Altroz rivals Toyota Glanza, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, and Hyundai i20. All these cars have comparable features and specifications. 

What are the disadvantages of Tata Altroz?

It is important to note that a car's advantages and disadvantages are based on personal preferences. What one user may like in a car may not be appreciated by another. Nevertheless, many users have complained about the low power and torque output of Altroz’s turbo petrol engine. 

Is the Hyundai Exter a safety car?

Hyundai has built exceptional customer confidence by offering 26 robust safety features on its Exter model. This includes six airbags on all variants as standard, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) and HAC (Hill Assist Control), among others. 

Does Exter have a sunroof?

Yes, the sunroof option is available in selected Hyundai Exter variants.