Tata Punch vs. Tata Nexon: Which SUV is Better in 2025?
June 17th, 2025
When it comes to compact SUVs in India, Tata Punch and Tata Nexon are two top contenders offering unique value in this segment. Both are prime and quite famous offerings from the renowned brand, Tata. Talking about the Tata Punch, it’s ideal for buyers seeking a bold design, high ground clearance, and city-friendly performance on a restrained budget.
In contrast, the Tata Nexon offers more powerful engine options, better safety features, and advanced tech, making it suitable for long drives and family use. When comparing the two, you would see that Punch excels in affordability and compactness, while Nexon leads in versatility and premium features.
Both models uphold Tata’s safety reputation with impressive crash test ratings. If you are a potential buyer, choosing between these two outstanding options could be a tough decision. Nonetheless, your choice depends on your priorities. Let’s dive into an in-depth comparison to decide between urban agility and price with Punch or more space and power with Nexon.
Tata Punch Vs. Tata Nexon Comparison
As we are here to compare the two best-selling SUVs, the Tata Nexon and the Tata Punch, it’s worth mentioning that they both cater to different segments with the same reliability. While the Punch offers affordability and city-friendly performance, the Nexon delivers more power, premium features, and versatility. This comparison highlights key differences in performance, features, safety, and overall value for buyers to make an informed choice.
Feature | Tata Punch | Tata Nexon |
Starting Price | ₹6.88 Lakh (ex-showroom) | ₹8.00 Lakh (ex-showroom) |
Engine Options | 1.2L Petrol | 1.2L Turbo Petrol / 1.5L Diesel |
Transmission | Manual, AMT | Manual, AMT, DCT |
Mileage (ARAI) | 20.09 – 26.99 km/l | 17.33 – 24.08 km/l |
Boot Space | 366 Litres | 382 Litres |
Safety Rating | 5-Star (Global NCAP) | 5-Star (Global NCAP) |
Infotainment System | 7-inch Touchscreen | 10.25-inch Touchscreen (Top Variants) |
Best For | City commutes, first-time buyers | Family use, highway drives |
Overview of Tata Punch
The Tata Punch is a compact SUV designed for urban use. It comes equipped with rugged styling, high ground clearance, and efficient performance. It features a 1.2L Revotron petrol engine and also offers a CNG variant for fuel-conscious buyers.
Its compact dimensions make it easy to navigate through city traffic. Moreover, some outstanding features like a 7-inch infotainment screen, dual airbags, and a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating enhance its overall appeal. If you’re a first-time SUV buyer seeking style, safety, and affordability, the Tata Punch is all you need.
What to Know About Tata Nexon
The Tata Nexon is a feature-rich sub-compact SUV. It is quite popular in the Indian automotive market as it balances power, style, and safety. Available in petrol, diesel, and EV options, it suits a wide range of needs. You can prefer it for daily commutes and even long highway drives.
It has a bold design, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, premium interiors, and advanced safety features like six airbags and ESP. Nexon’s 5-star Global NCAP rating further enhances its reliability and credibility among car enthusiasts. It’s perfect for buyers wanting more space, performance, and versatility in a compact SUV. Multiple variants and transmission options also make the Tata Nexon highly popular.
Engine and Performance
The Tata Punch and Tata Nexon have significant differences in engine power and driving dynamics. The Tata Punch is ideal for daily commutes on urban roads, whereas the Tata Nexon is renowned for its strong performance, particularly through its turbo-petrol and diesel engines. Let’s have a look at the major differences between these two vehicles in real-world power and efficiency:
Feature | Tata Punch | Tata Nexon |
Engine Options | 1.2L Revotron Petrol | 1.2L Turbo Petrol / 1.5L Turbo Diesel |
Power Output | 88.5 PS | Up to 120 PS (Petrol) / 115 PS (Diesel) |
Torque | 115 Nm | 170 Nm (Petrol) / 260 Nm (Diesel) |
Transmission | 5-speed Manual / AMT | 6-speed Manual / AMT / 7-speed DCT |
Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
Mileage (ARAI) | Up to 26.99 km/l (CNG) | Up to 24.08 km/l |
Interior and Features
Both the Tata Punch and the Nexon offer a feature-rich cabin and interior. However, the Nexon goes ahead in this with a more premium layout and advanced technology. The interior features may vary as per the variant you choose and the price range you go for. Here’s a quick comparison of what you get inside both SUVs.
Feature | Tata Punch | Tata Nexon |
Touchscreen Display | 7-inch (Floating) | 10.25-inch (with connected tech) |
Instrument Cluster | Semi-digital | Fully digital (top variants) |
Climate Control | Manual / Automatic (top trims) | Automatic Climate Control |
Upholstery | Fabric (Dual-tone in top trims) | Premium Fabric / Leatherette |
Rear AC Vents | Not Available | Available |
Sunroof | Not Available | Electric Sunroof (top variants) |
Air Quality Control | Available | Available |
Wireless Charging | Not Available | Available (top variants) |
Ventilated Seats | Not Available | Available (top variants) |
Safety Features
When you talk about the safety features, both these SUVs have earned a 5-star Global NCAP rating. However, you’ll get some additional and highly advanced safety features in higher variants of the Tata Nexon. Let’s break down the safety features and the high-end technologies used in these cars to make your drive comfortable and safer:
Feature | Tata Punch | Tata Nexon |
Global NCAP Safety Rating | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
Airbags | Dual Front | Dual Front + Side & Curtain (higher trims) |
ABS with EBD | Standard | Standard |
ESP & Traction Control | Not Available | Available (top variants) |
Rear Parking Camera | Available | HD Rear Camera with Guidelines |
ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts | Standard | Standard |
Hill Hold Control | Not Available | Available (select variants) |
Tyre Pressure Monitoring | Not Available | Available (top variants) |
Reverse Parking Sensors | Standard | Standard (with display in higher variants) |
Pricing Details: Tata Punch Vs. Tata Nexon
Pricing plays an important role when you have to choose between these two most popular SUVs. Punch is an ideal option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the Tata Nexon targets those who are seeking more power and advanced features. The following comparison highlights variant-wise pricing and the value for money each SUV brings to the purchasers.
Variant Type | Tata Punch (ex-showroom) | Tata Nexon (ex-showroom) |
Starting Price | ₹6.88 Lakh | ₹8.00 Lakh |
Top Variant Price | ₹10.10 Lakh (Creative AMT IRA) | ₹15.60 Lakh (Fearless+ S DCT) |
CNG Variant | ₹7.29 Lakh – ₹9.85 Lakh | Not Available |
Diesel Variant | Not Available | ₹10.70 – ₹14.35 Lakh |
EV Variant | Tata Punch.ev: ₹9.99 Lakh – ₹15.33 Lakh | Tata Nexon.ev: ₹12.49 – ₹17.19 Lakh |
Value for Money | High for city usage and CNG lovers | High for features and versatility |
Maintenance and After-Sales Support
Tata vehicles have garnered positive response and huge praise for reliability and wide service support. Being true to this statement, both the Tata Punch and the Nexon have excellent maintenance and after-sales support. The costs and service experiences may slightly differ. Have a look at the annual maintenance cost, warranty coverage, and overall support for the Tata Nexon and the Tata Punch.
Feature | Tata Punch | Tata Nexon |
Average Annual Maintenance Cost | ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 | ₹5,500 – ₹8,000 |
Service Interval | 6 months or 7,500 km | 6 months or 7,500 km |
Warranty | 2 Years / 75,000 km (Standard) | 3 Years /1,00,000 km (Standard) |
Extended Warranty Option | Up to 5 Years | Up to 5 Years |
Service Network | Wide Tata dealership access | Same Tata network, more Nexon-specialized |
Spare Parts Availability | Easily available | Easily available |
READ ALSO: New Tata Nexon Spied completely undisguised with all new looks
FAQs
Ques 1. Which SUV is more affordable: Tata Punch or Tata Nexon?
Ans. Tata Punch is more affordable with low pricing, suitable for budget-friendly buyers.
Ques 2. Does Tata Nexon offer a diesel engine option?
Ans. Yes, Tata Nexon is available with a 1.5L turbo diesel engine.
Ques 3. Which SUV is better for city driving?
Ans. The Tata Punch is more suitable for city driving and highly packed spaces.
Ques 4. Are both the Tata Punch and Nexon safety rated?
Ans. Yes, both SUVs have received a 5-star rating from Global NCAP.
Ques 5. Is the electric version available for both SUVs?
Ans. Yes, both the Tata Punch and the Tata Nexon are available as EVs with multiple variants.
Final Verdict: Which SUV Wins the Battle?
Well, to sum it up, the choice between the Tata Punch and the Tata Nexon majorly depends on your needs and budget. Being a first-time buyer, you must get your hands on the Tata Punch. It is a perfect option for city driving because of its features like compact design, great mileage, and affordability.
On the other hand, the Nexon delivers more power, premium features, and better comfort for highway trips and family use. This makes it a better option for those who don’t have budget issues and want more power and performance from their vehicle. The Tata Nexon also offers more variant choices, including diesel and EV.
However, when it comes to safety, both SUVs excel in advanced safety features and are highly reliable. If you want a budget-friendly and urban SUV, definitely go for Punch, but if you seek versatility and performance, the Nexon is the better all-rounder.