Buying a new car is always an emotional as well as practical decision, especially for middle class families looking for the perfect balance between affordability, comfort, and safety. The growing popularity of compact SUVs has given buyers more choices, but selecting the right option within a tight budget can still feel confusing. If your budget is around ₹7 lakh, this detailed ₹7 lakh SUV comparison Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter will help you understand which model suits your family and driving needs better.
Both SUVs are designed for first time buyers, small families, and daily commuters who want a stylish yet practical vehicle. Let us break down this ₹7 lakh SUV comparison Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter in simple and buyer friendly language.
Design and Road Presence
In this ₹7 lakh SUV comparison Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter, design plays an important role because SUV buyers often look for strong road presence along with modern styling.
Tata Punch Smart
The Tata Punch comes with a bold and muscular design. The upright stance, high ground clearance, and SUV inspired styling give it a strong presence on Indian roads. It looks rugged and tough, which makes it attractive for buyers who want a powerful looking compact SUV.
Hyundai Exter EX
The Hyundai Exter showcases a contemporary design language that is clearly inspired by city friendly styling and modern visual appeal. It looks clean, stylish, and slightly more premium in appearance. The design appeals to buyers who prefer a classy city friendly SUV with a modern touch.
Features Comparison
Features are extremely important in the entry level SUV segment. This ₹7 lakh SUV comparison Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter shows that both cars offer essential features despite being base variants.
Tata Punch Smart Features
- Six airbags as standard
- LED headlamps
- 10.61 inch digital driver information display
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Front power windows
- Central locking
Hyundai Exter EX Features
- Six airbags as standard
- Digital driver information display
- LED tail lamps
- Power steering
- Front power windows
- Central locking
In this ₹7 lakh SUV comparison Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter, the Punch gains a slight advantage by offering extra features such as LED headlamps and TPMS, which improve convenience and safety.
ALSO READ: Best SUV Cars Under ₹10 Lakh in India 2025 | Tata Punch to Hyundai Venue
Engine and Performance Comparison
Performance plays a major role in daily driving satisfaction. This ₹7 lakh SUV comparison Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter shows that both SUVs offer reliable petrol engines suitable for city and occasional highway usage.
Tata Punch Smart Engine
The Punch comes with a 1.2 liter Riverton petrol engine producing approximately 85.4 hp. It comes mated to a five speed manual gearbox. The engine offers good drivability and is suitable for city traffic as well as rough road conditions.
Hyundai Exter EX Engine
The Exter is powered by a 1.2 litre Kappa petrol engine producing around 82 hp. Hyundai engines are known for their smooth and refined performance, making the Exter comfortable for city driving.
Mileage
Both SUVs deliver fuel efficiency above 18 kmpl under favourable driving conditions. This makes both cars economical options for budget conscious buyers.
Safety Comparison
Safety is now one of the top priorities for Indian car buyers. This ₹7 lakh SUV comparison Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter clearly highlights the safety strengths of both SUVs.
Tata Punch Smart Safety
- Six airbags
- Electronic Stability Control
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Five star Bharat NCAP crash safety rating
The crash safety rating gives the Punch a strong advantage for family buyers.
Hyundai Exter EX Safety
- Six airbags
- Electronic Stability Control
- Speed sensing door lock and unlock
- Keyless entry
- Twenty six safety features as standard
While the Exter offers multiple safety features, it does not currently have an official crash test rating.
ALSO READ: Hyundai EXTER – The Stylish, Smart SUV and Complete features
Price Comparison
Pricing is a crucial factor in this ₹7 lakh SUV comparison Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter.
- Tata Punch Smart ex showroom price is approximately ₹5.59 lakh
- Hyundai Exter EX ex showroom price is approximately ₹5.64 lakh
The price difference between both SUVs is minimal. The estimated on road price for both models remains under ₹7 lakh in most Indian cities.
Pros & Cons
Tata Punch Smart Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Five star crash safety rating
- Strong and rugged SUV styling
- High ground clearance suitable for Indian roads
- Additional safety features
Tata Punch Smart Cons
- Interior quality feels average
- Engine refinement is slightly less smooth compared to Hyundai
Hyundai Exter EX Pros
- Smooth and refined petrol engine
- Premium cabin design
- Reliable service network
- Comfortable driving experience in city traffic
Hyundai Exter EX Cons
- No official crash safety rating yet
- Slightly less rugged road presence compared to Punch
Expert Opinion
According to market trends and customer feedback, the Tata Punch Smart is ideal for buyers who prioritise safety, durability, and strong SUV styling. It is especially suitable for families and buyers who frequently drive on uneven roads.
The Hyundai Exter EX is better suited for buyers looking for refined performance, smooth city driving, and premium interior feel. Hyundai’s strong service network also adds confidence for long term ownership.
Important Information for Buyers
Both brands provide reliable service support and decent resale value
First time buyers looking for maximum safety may prefer the Punch
Buyers who mainly drive in cities may find the Exter more comfortable
For mixed road usage including rural areas, Punch offers better practicality
Conclusion
This detailed ₹7 lakh SUV comparison Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter shows that both SUVs offer excellent value in the affordable compact SUV segment. The Tata Punch stands out with its strong build quality, safety rating, and rugged styling. The Hyundai Exter impresses with its refined engine, premium feel, and comfortable city driving experience.
Your final decision should depend on your personal priorities. Buyers focused on safety and durability may find the Punch a better option. Buyers looking for smooth performance and urban comfort may prefer the Exter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which is the best SUV under ₹7 lakh?
A: Tata Punch is better for safety and rugged usage, while Hyundai Exter offers better refinement and comfort.
Q2. What mileage does Tata Punch deliver?
A: Tata Punch usually delivers around 18 to 20 kmpl depending on driving conditions.
Q3. Is Hyundai Exter suitable for family usage?
A: Yes, the Exter provides comfortable seating and smooth driving, making it suitable for small families.
Q4. Which SUV is safer between Punch and Exter?
A: Tata Punch has a five star crash safety rating, making it a stronger safety option.
Q5. Are maintenance costs affordable?
A: Both SUVs have affordable maintenance costs, with Hyundai slightly known for smoother service experience.
