Planning to Buy an SUV This August? Tata Punch vs. Hyundai Exter vs. Maruti Fronx
The compact SUV segment in India continues to be one of the most competitive and fast-evolving categories. For buyers looking to bring home a feature-loaded, stylish, and safe SUV in August 2025, three names dominate the conversation — Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, and Maruti Suzuki Fronx.
All three are sub-4-meter SUVs offering aggressive styling, premium interiors, impressive mileage, and compelling tech features. But which one truly deserves your money?
This guide offers a head-to-head comparison across on-road price, engine performance, mileage, features, and practicality, followed by verdicts tailored for different types of buyers.
Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter vs Maruti Fronx: On-Road Price Comparison (Delhi, August 2025)
Tata Punch
Base Variant Price: ₹6.90 lakh
Top Variant Price: ₹11.35 lakh
Hyundai Exter
Base Variant Price: ₹6.80 lakh
Top Variant Price: ₹11.25 lakh
Maruti Fronx
Base Variant Price: ₹7.90 lakh
Top Variant Price: ₹13.25 lakh
Engine & Performance Comparison
Tata Punch
Engine: 1.2L Revotron Petrol
Power: 88 PS
Transmission: 5-speed MT / AMT
Hyundai Exter
Engine: 1.2L Kappa Petrol
Power: 83 PS
Transmission: 5-speed MT / AMT
Maruti Fronx
Engines: 1.2L DualJet Petrol (90 PS), 1.0L Turbo Petrol (100 PS)
Transmission: 5-speed MT / AMT, 6-speed AT (Turbo)
Best Performance: Maruti Fronx Turbo wins with 100 PS output.
Best Urban Drive: Hyundai Exter is smooth and refined in traffic.
Balanced Choice: Tata Punch offers sufficient city performance.
Mileage Comparison (ARAI Certified)
Tata Punch
Manual: 20.1 kmpl
AMT: 18.8 kmpl
Hyundai Exter
Manual: 19.4 kmpl
AMT: 19.2 kmpl
Maruti Fronx
1.2L Manual: 22.9 kmpl
1.2L AMT: 20.1 kmpl
1.0L Turbo Manual: 21.5 kmpl
1.0L Turbo AT: 20.0 kmpl
Mileage King: Maruti Fronx (especially 1.2L petrol variant).
Punch & Exter fall slightly behind but still respectable.
Boot Space Comparison
Tata Punch: 366 litres
Hyundai Exter: 391 litres
Maruti Fronx: 308 litres
- Hyundai Exter offers the most usable luggage space.
- Tata Punch strikes a middle ground.
- Fronx compromises on boot space for style and cabin tech.
Features & Tech Comparison
Let’s look at key features across the top variants:
Infotainment & Controls
Tata Punch: 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, semi-digital instrument cluster.
Hyundai Exter: 8-inch touchscreen, fully digital cluster, in-built navigation, voice commands.
Maruti Fronx: 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Arkamys audio.
Sunroof & Interiors
Exter is the only model to offer an electric sunroof, even in mid variants.
Fronx offers a sportier dashboard with chrome accents and a leather-wrapped steering.
Punch interiors feel durable and minimalistic but lag behind in premium appeal.
Safety Tech
Tata Punch
Safety Rating: 5-Star (Global NCAP)
Airbags: 2 (standard), 6 (top variants)
Features: ESP, Hill Hold, Rear View Camera
Hyundai Exter
Safety Rating: 3-Star (expected)
Airbags: 6 (standard)
Features: ESP, Hill Hold, Rear View Camera
Maruti Fronx
Safety Rating: 4-Star (expected)
Airbags: 6 (top variants)
Features: ESP, Hill Hold, 360° Camera
- Punch remains the safety leader with a solid 5-star rating.
- Exter provides 6 airbags as standard, a big plus for base buyers.
- Fronx shines in tech with a 360° camera and HUD display.
Official websites
Tata Punch
https://cars.tatamotors.com/punch/ice.html
Hyundai Exter
https://www.hyundai.com/in/en/find-a-car/exter/highlights
Maruti Fronx
Verdict for Different Buyer Types
Best for Safety-Conscious Buyers: Tata Punch
1. Global NCAP 5-star rated.
2. Strong build quality.
3. Now offers 6 airbags on top variants.
Best for Feature Lovers: Hyundai Exter
1. Sunroof available even in lower trims.
2. Best-in-class infotainment and voice control features.
3. Premium design and interior layout.
Best for Mileage and Performance: Maruti Fronx
1. Highest fuel efficiency (up to 22.9 kmpl).
2. Turbo engine option is ideal for highway users.
3. Great cabin tech and comfort for city + weekend drives.
Spec Sheets Snapshot
Tata Punch (Top Variant – Creative AMT)
Engine: 1.2L Revotron Petrol
Power: 88 PS
Torque: 115 Nm
Transmission: AMT
Boot Space: 366L
Mileage: 18.8 kmpl
Safety: 5-star rating, up to 6 airbags
Price (On-road Delhi): ₹11.35 lakh
Hyundai Exter (Top Variant – SX(O) Connect AMT)
Engine: 1.2L Kappa Petrol
Power: 83 PS
Torque: 113.8 Nm
Transmission: AMT
Boot Space: 391L
Mileage: 19.2 kmpl
Safety: 6 airbags (standard), ESC, TPMS
Price (On-road Delhi): ₹11.25 lakh
Maruti Fronx (Top Variant – Alpha Turbo AT)
Engine: 1.0L BoosterJet Turbo Petrol
Power: 100 PS
Torque: 147.6 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed AT
Boot Space: 308L
Mileage: 20.0 kmpl
Safety: 6 airbags, 360° camera, HUD
Price (On-road Delhi): ₹13.25 lakh
Which One Should You Buy This August?
1. Go for the Tata Punch if safety is your top priority and you want a strong, value-for-money SUV.
2. Choose the Hyundai Exter if you desire the latest features, a sunroof, and tech-rich interiors at a competitive price.
3. Pick the Maruti Fronx if mileage, highway driveability, and modern infotainment are what you value most.
In the end, all three SUVs offer a compelling deal, but your needs and lifestyle should drive the final decision.
You can also read: https://khabarkhabri.com/new-maruti-invicto-car/