Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch

India's sub-4 metre SUV segment is buzzing with options for buyers looking for a compact SUV with rugged styling and loaded features. Two of the newest entrants in this space are the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch, aiming to sway urban buyers with their blend of style, space and value.

The Exter marks Hyundai’s foray into the micro SUV arena, while Tata already has experience with the Punch, launched in 2021. Both pack compact dimensions suited for congested streets and the high seating and ground clearance that Indian customers love.

This blog will analyse how the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch stack against each other across crucial parameters. We will compare their exterior design, interior space and features, engine performance and mileage, ride and handling qualities, safety rating and equipment, pricing and more. Read on to find out which micro SUV is the better choice for your daily commuting needs.

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch - Pricing and Variants

Hyundai Exter is available in E, S, SX and SX(O) variants priced between Rs. 7.49 lakh and Rs. 11.37 lakh. Tata Punch comes in Pure, Adventure, Accomplished and Creative trims ranging from Rs. 6.63 lakh to Rs. 11.83 lakh.

Variants roughly align as follows:

• Tata Punch Pure vs Hyundai Exter E

• Tata Punch Adventure vs Hyundai Exter S

• Tata Punch Accomplished vs Hyundai Exter SX

• Tata Punch Creative vs Hyundai Exter SX(O)

The base variants offer an affordable entry point to each model range. Mid-spec trims add essential features, while top-end variants include more premium equipment. At similar prices, the Punch has a value advantage. However, those who want more features may pay extra for the Hyundai. Overall, both brands have priced variants well across budgets.

Check out:

• Hyundai Exter Variants

• Tata Punch Variants

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch - Exterior Design and Styling

The Exter and Punch follow different design philosophies that are apparent at first glance. Hyundai opts for sharp lines and a more crossover-inspired look, while Tata leans into the traditional boxy SUV silhouette.

Upfront, the Exter sports Hyundai’s new parametric grille design that integrates with the LED headlamps and DRLs. The front skid plate, fog lamps and Exter badging add to the styling, over to the Punch, where Tata’s Impact 2.0 design philosophy is on display via the sleeker headlamps flanking a 3D honeycomb grille. Both SUVs get stylish DRLs, too.

In profile, the Exter’s forward-sloping roofline and blacked-out pillars give it a sportier edge than the Punch’s straight and upright roofline. The Tata does counter with more flair via the 16-inch dual-tone alloys, contrast roof and muscular haunches. 

At the rear, the Exter’s roof spoiler, shark fin antenna and wraparound LED tail lamps make their presence felt. The Punch keeps things simpler yet striking with tri-arrow-inspired LED tail lamps and a roof-mounted spoiler on higher trims. Both models sport skid plates at either end to add some ruggedness.

Check out:

• Hyundai Exter Dimensions

• Tata Punch Dimensions

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch - Interior Space and Comfort

Stepping inside, the Exter’s dual-tone black cabin looks premium and is familiar with other Hyundai models. The Punch opts for an all-black interior with blue accents on the air vents, adding some colour. Both cabins appear well laid out, with a minimalist yet modern dashboard design.

The Exter feels roomier up front, with a wider cabin and slightly better headroom. Rear seat space is nearly on par, with adequate headroom and legroom for two adults. However, the Punch squeezes in an extra middle seat, making it a proper 5-seater, compared to the Exter’s 4-seater layout with a centre armrest.

Tata manages to carve out an impressive 366-litre boot space, which shades the Exter’s 354-litre storage. Though Hyundai claws back some practicality points via 60:40 split rear seats. Overall, the Punch has a small edge in the interior room and is versatile.

Hyundai Exter offers front seats with extendable cushions, while the Punch gets fabric upholstery for comfort. Both models provide key adjustability, like height and recline. However, only Tata adds a height-adjustable driver’s seat, an important factor given Indian height preferences.

Overall comfort for four passengers is quite good in either SUV, supported by dedicated AC vents and charging points for rear occupants, too. For the driver, Hyundai edges ahead with features like an electric sunroof, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, air purifier and rear window sunshades.

Check out:

• Hyundai Exter Interior

• Tata Punch Interior

Features and Equipment

Both SUVs gain plenty of features as you move up the variant range. Nevertheless, Hyundai pulls ahead in terms of feel-good and segment-first equipment. Unique bits in the Exter include:

• Electric sunroof

• Paddle shifters (AMT only)

• Multi-colour ambient lighting

• Drive modes

• Air purifier

• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

• Rear window sunshades

• Premium sound system by Bose

Some key features of the Tata Punch include:

• Height-adjustable driver’s seat

• Automatic headlamps

• Cruise control

• Rain sensing wipers

• Auto-fold ORVMs

• Push button start/stop

• Rear washer and wiper

Both SUVs deliver basics like touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, steering controls, automatic climate control, cooled glovebox, rear parking camera, etc. But the Exter goes further in spoiling buyers with comfort and convenience-based features.

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch - Engine Performance and Mileage

The Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch are only available with 1.2-litre petrol engines, though both offer CNG options as well. Exter’s 1.2l unit makes 83bhp and 114Nm, while the Punch’s motor develops 87hp and 113Nm. The difference on paper is minor - expect similar driveability from both.

Transmission choices include 5-speed manuals and AMT gearboxes. The AMT enhances city drivability thanks to effortless stop-start driving and crawling functions. But, keen drivers may still prefer the greater control that conventional manuals offer. The Exter’s AMT also gets steering-mounted paddle shifters, allowing manual gear changes when desired.

Also check out:

• Hyundai Exter Mileage

• Tata Punch Mileage

Regarding fuel efficiency, the Exter petrol manual is rated 19.4 kmpl by ARAI, while the Punch returns 20.1 kmpl. With CNG, the Exter claims 27.05 km/kg against the Punch’s 26.1 km/kg. The Tata has a minor advantage, while both return respectable economy figures.

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch - Safety 

Safety is paramount for Indian car buyers today. So, on this front, the Punch clearly emerges ahead. Last year, it was awarded a full 5-star adult safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests, with child occupant protection rated 4 stars. The Exter is yet to be tested, but as a newer model of Hyundai, we expect it to perform well too.

Both SUVs get dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors as standard. With top variants, you can get side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control, hill hold control and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Only the Punch offers a reverse camera, even on mid variants, while Hyundai reserves it for range-topping trims.

Additional safety kit in the Exter includes a vehicle stability management system, tyre pressure monitoring and safety power windows. But the Punch counters with drowsy driver detection, cornering fog lamps, panic brake alert and brake sway control. Overall, the Tata edges ahead on standard safety equipment.

Which One Should You Buy?

While both SUVs have their pros and cons, Hyundai does edge ahead with its premium positioning and feel-good factor. However, the Punch cannot be discounted as a smart urban runabout with Tata’s frugal engines and lower maintenance. Test drives should help indicate which model aligns more closely with your needs.

Overall, the Exter covers all the bases as a trendy micro SUV that could sway Hyundai loyalists and new buyers alike. But the Punch’s value, genuine 5-seat flexibility and impressive safety make it a serious contender, too. Either way, the urban SUV space just got more exciting for Indian customers thanks to these capable new entrants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few common questions and their answers related to the Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch

 What are the features of the Hyundai Exter?

The Hyundai Exter has more feel-good features like an electric sunroof, ambient lighting, paddle shifters, an air purifier and a premium sound system. 

 Which SUV is safer - the Hyundai Exter or the Tata Punch?

The Tata Punch is clearly the safer option, having received a 5-star rating in Global NCAP crash tests. The Hyundai Exter has yet to be tested but is expected to perform respectably based on Hyundai’s safety standards. 

Who has more powerful engines?

Engine performance from the 1.2-litre units in both SUVs is closely matched. The Exter makes 83bhp while the Punch is slightly ahead at 87bhp. But the real-world difference is marginal, and engine responsiveness should feel on par.

 Which model is more spacious and comfortable?

The Exter is marginally roomier up front and has better headroom, but the Punch counters with a rear middle seat, making it a 5-seater vs. Exter’s 4-seater. 

 Which SUV offers the best value and lower running costs?

Factor in Tata’s typically lower maintenance plus similar 20+ kmpl mileage, and the Punch has an advantage in terms of overall running costs and value.