2026 Tata Punch vs Rivals: How It Stacks Up Against Fronx, Exter And Magnite

Tata Motors has recently launched the 2026 Punch at Rs 5.59 lakh (ex-showroom). With a bold new look, larger screens, advanced safety tech and even a turbo-petrol engine now on offer, the Punch is clearly aiming higher than before. But how well does it really hold up against strong rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Hyundai Exter and Nissan Magnite? Here's a closer look at where the new Punch stands. But before, make sure to join the 91Wheels WhatsApp community to never miss out on any automotive updates.

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Design

Design is always subjective; what appeals to me may not necessarily appeal to you. Everyone has their own taste, so rather than trying to call one car objectively better-looking than another, it makes more sense to talk about how they make you feel on the road. That said, the 2026 Tata Punch facelift is a clear improvement over the outgoing model. The new styling gives it a more pronounced SUV stance, with sharper lines, a bolder front end and a more confident road presence. Compared to the older Punch, it looks far more mature and purposeful.

If I had to pick just one car from this group purely on design, the new Punch would be my choice. It simply looks more solid, more distinctive and more like a proper small SUV than before, and in this segment, that visual confidence goes a long way.

Interior And Features

This is where the 2026 Punch has made its biggest leap. The cabin now feels significantly more premium thanks to the new 10.25-inch infotainment screen and 7-inch digital instrument cluster, both of which are among the largest in this segment. Add to that features like a 360-degree camera, auto-dimming IRVM, 65W USB Type-C fast charging, wireless smartphone connectivity, ambient lighting and 90-degree opening doors, and the Punch suddenly feels more like a car from a higher segment.

The Fronx offers a well-finished and refined cabin, but its 8-inch touchscreen and more conventional feature list don't match the Punch's new tech-heavy feel. The Exter is known for packing a lot of features into a small car, but again, it falls short of the Punch's screen size, charging capability and premium touches. The Magnite fights back with value, offering things like a 360-degree camera in top trims and a spacious interior, but its infotainment and overall tech experience still feel a step behind the Punch's newest setup.

Powertrains

Under the bonnet, Tata has expanded the Punch's appeal in a big way. Alongside the familiar petrol and CNG options, the 2026 Punch now gets a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 120 PS and 170 Nm, which puts it in the same performance league as the more powerful versions of the Magnite and Kiger. For buyers who care more about running costs and convenience, the Punch also stands out by offering AMT with CNG, making it the only SUV in this segment to combine an automatic gearbox with factory-fitted CNG.

The Fronx and Magnite do offer turbo-petrol engines that feel punchy and enjoyable on the highway, but neither provides the low-cost, traffic-friendly CNG-automatic combination that the Punch now offers. The Exter remains more city-focused, prioritising ease of use over outright performance.

Pricing

In terms of pricing, the 2026 Tata Punch is positioned between 95.59 lakh and Rs 8.99 lakh (ex-showroom), making it one of the more affordable options in the segment despite its big tech upgrades. The Hyundai Exter starts slightly lower at Rs 5.49 lakh and goes up to Rs 9.61 lakh, while the Nissan Magnite covers a wider range from Rs 5.62 lakh to Rs 10.90 lakh, thanks to its turbo and CVT options. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx sits at the higher end of the group, priced between Rs 6.85 lakh and Rs 11.84 lakh, reflecting its more premium positioning.

Read More: 2026 Tata Punch Launched At Rs. 5.59 Lakh (Ex-sh): All Details Here!