The Indian CNG car market is becoming increasingly competitive, and two popular choices in the affordable SUV segment are the Tata Punch CNG and Hyundai Exter CNG. Both cars offer impressive fuel efficiency, practical interiors, modern features and affordable running costs.
But which one is better? Does the Tata Punch CNG offer better performance and safety? Or is the Hyundai Exter CNG a better choice because of its features, comfort and practicality?
In this detailed comparison, we will compare the Tata Punch CNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG on the basis of price, mileage, engine performance, design, interior, boot space, features, safety and overall value for money.
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| Tata Punch CNG |
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| Hyundai Exter CNG |
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| Tata Punch CNG |
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| Hyundai Exter CNG |
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| Tata Punch CNG |
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| Hyundai Exter CNG |
1. Tata Punch CNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG: Price Comparison
Price is one of the most important factors when buying a budget-friendly CNG SUV.
Both Tata and Hyundai offer multiple CNG variants to suit different budgets.
Price details |
Tata Punch CNG |
Hyundai Exter CNG |
|---|---|---|
Starting price |
Check latest variant |
Check latest variant |
Top variant price |
Check latest variant |
Check latest variant |
Fuel type |
Petrol + CNG |
Petrol + CNG |
Transmission |
Manual |
Manual |
The exact price depends on the variant and model year. Buyers should also consider the on-road price, insurance and registration charges before making a decision.
Updated price reference: November 2026
Price details |
Tata Punch CNG |
Hyundai Exter CNG |
|---|---|---|
Starting ex-showroom price |
₹7.86 lakh |
₹8.03 lakh |
Top CNG variant |
₹12.52 lakh |
₹10.86 lakh |
Transmission |
Manual / AMT |
Manual |
The Tata Punch has a lower entry price and now offers a CNG AMT option. The Hyundai Exter CNG is available with a manual gearbox.
2. Exterior Design and Looks
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| Tata Punch CNG |
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| Hyundai Exter CNG |
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| Tata Punch CNG |
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| Hyundai Exter CNG |
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| Tata Punch CNG |
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| Hyundai Exter CNG |
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| Tata Punch CNG |
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| Hyundai Exter CNG |
Both SUVs have attractive designs, but their styling approaches are different.
Tata Punch CNG Exterior
The Tata Punch CNG gets a muscular SUV-inspired design. Its high bonnet, bold front styling, attractive LED lighting and strong body cladding give it a rugged appearance.
Key exterior highlights:
Bold front grille.
LED DRLs.
Stylish headlamps.
High ground clearance.
Roof rails on selected variants.
Attractive SUV-inspired styling.
Hyundai Exter CNG Exterior
The Hyundai Exter CNG features a modern and youthful design. Its H-shaped LED DRLs, distinctive front grille and squared wheel arches give it a unique road presence.
Key exterior highlights:
H-shaped LED DRLs.
Projector headlamps on selected variants.
Stylish front grille.
Roof rails.
Modern rear design.
Attractive SUV-inspired proportions.
Winner: Tata Punch CNG for its muscular SUV appearance, while the Exter offers more distinctive styling.
3. Engine and Performance Comparison
Engine performance is important because CNG engines generally produce less power than petrol engines.
Specifications |
Tata Punch CNG |
Hyundai Exter CNG |
|---|---|---|
Engine |
1.2L Revotron |
1.2L Kappa |
Engine capacity |
1199cc |
1197cc |
Cylinders |
3 |
4 |
Maximum CNG power |
73.5 PS |
69 PS |
Maximum CNG torque |
103 Nm |
95.2 Nm |
Transmission |
5-speed MT / AMT |
5-speed MT |
Fuel type |
Petrol + CNG |
Petrol + CNG |
The Tata Punch CNG produces more power and torque than the Hyundai Exter CNG.
However, the Hyundai Exter has a four-cylinder engine, which provides smoother and quieter performance.
In city traffic, the Exter feels more refined and easier to drive. The Punch feels more stable on highways and offers a stronger SUV-like driving experience.
Winner: Tata Punch CNG for power and torque; Hyundai Exter CNG for engine refinement.
4. Mileage Comparison: Which CNG SUV Is More Fuel Efficient?
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| Tata Punch CNG |
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| Hyundai Exter CNG |
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| Hyundai Exter CNG |
Mileage is one of the biggest reasons people choose CNG vehicles.
Both SUVs offer a factory-fitted dual-cylinder CNG system and claim approximately 27 km/kg.
Mileage |
Tata Punch CNG |
Hyundai Exter CNG |
|---|---|---|
ARAI claimed mileage |
26.99 km/kg |
27.1 km/kg |
Real-world city mileage |
20.7 km/kg |
22.8 km/kg |
Real-world highway mileage |
31 km/kg |
30.3 km/kg |
Tested overall average |
25.85 km/kg |
26.55 km/kg |
According to Autocar India's real-world mileage test, the Hyundai Exter CNG delivered a slightly better overall average than the Tata Punch CNG.
The Exter performed better in city driving, while the Punch delivered better highway mileage.
Winner: Hyundai Exter CNG for overall real-world mileage.
5. Interior and Cabin Comfort
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| Tata Punch CNG |
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| Hyundai Exter CNG |
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| Tata Punch CNG |
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| Hyundai Exter CNG |
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| Tata Punch CNG |
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| Hyundai Exter CNG |
Both cars offer practical five-seater cabins, but there are some differences in comfort and interior design.
Tata Punch CNG Interior
The Tata Punch offers a modern dashboard, comfortable seating and a relatively high driving position.
Interior highlights:
Large 10.25-inch touchscreen on selected variants.
Digital instrument cluster on selected variants.
Automatic climate control.
Rear AC vents.
Front armrest.
Cruise control on selected variants.
Electric sunroof on selected variants.
Hyundai Exter CNG Interior
The Hyundai Exter features a user-friendly dashboard with a modern design and good cabin ergonomics.
Interior highlights:
8-inch touchscreen on selected variants.
Digital instrument cluster.
Automatic climate control on selected variants.
Rear AC vents.
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Electric sunroof on selected variants.
Dashcam on selected variants.
The Punch offers a larger infotainment screen in its higher variants, while the Exter provides a polished cabin experience and convenient controls.
Winner: Tie – Punch for its larger touchscreen and Exter for cabin refinement and usability.
6. Boot Space and Practicality
One of the biggest advantages of both cars is their dual-cylinder CNG technology.
Unlike traditional CNG cars, which use a large single cylinder that occupies much of the luggage compartment, these SUVs use two smaller cylinders positioned beneath the boot floor.
Boot space |
Tata Punch CNG |
Hyundai Exter CNG |
|---|---|---|
Usable boot space |
210 litres |
Not officially specified in the comparison |
CNG setup |
Twin-cylinder |
Twin-cylinder |
Spare wheel |
Full-size spare |
Tyre repair kit |
The Tata Punch CNG offers 210 litres of usable boot space. In Autocar India's comparison, the Punch's luggage area was found to be slightly more practical than the Exter's.
The Punch also has an advantage because it provides a full-size spare tyre.
Winner: Tata Punch CNG.
7. Features Comparison
Features |
Tata Punch CNG |
Hyundai Exter CNG |
|---|---|---|
Touchscreen |
10.25-inch (selected variants) |
8-inch (selected variants) |
Sunroof |
Yes |
Yes |
Digital instrument cluster |
Yes |
Yes |
Wireless smartphone connectivity |
Yes |
Yes |
Rear AC vents |
Yes |
Yes |
Automatic climate control |
Yes |
Yes |
Cruise control |
Yes |
Not available |
Dashcam |
Variant dependent |
Yes, selected variants |
360-degree camera |
Selected variants |
Not listed |
Wireless charging |
Selected variants |
Selected variants |
The Tata Punch CNG offers a bigger touchscreen and cruise control, while the Hyundai Exter CNG provides useful equipment such as a dashcam and other convenience features.
Winner: Tata Punch CNG for its feature package in higher variants.
8. Safety Comparison
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| Tata Punch CNG |
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| Hyundai Exter CNG |
Safety is an important factor for families purchasing a compact SUV.
Safety features |
Tata Punch |
Hyundai Exter |
|---|---|---|
Airbags |
6 |
6 |
ABS with EBD |
Yes |
Yes |
Electronic stability control |
Yes |
Yes |
Hill-start assist |
Yes |
Yes |
TPMS |
Variant dependent |
Selected variants |
Rear parking sensors |
Yes |
Yes |
Rear camera |
Selected variants |
Selected variants |
Bharat NCAP rating |
5 stars |
No Bharat NCAP rating established in this comparison |
The updated Tata Punch has a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, with six airbags offered across its range according to the current model information.
The Hyundai Exter also offers six airbags and several electronic safety features.
However, the Tata Punch has the advantage of an established five-star Bharat NCAP result.
Winner: Tata Punch CNG for independently established crash-test credentials.
9. Dimensions Comparison
Dimensions |
Tata Punch |
Hyundai Exter |
|---|---|---|
Length |
3,876 mm |
3,815 mm |
Width |
1,742 mm |
1,710 mm |
Height |
1,615 mm |
1,631 mm |
Wheelbase |
2,445 mm |
2,450 mm |
Ground clearance |
193 mm |
Approx. 185 mm |
The Tata Punch is longer and wider, while the Hyundai Exter is slightly taller and has a marginally longer wheelbase.
The Punch's greater ground clearance makes it attractive for buyers who frequently drive on rough roads.
Winner: Tata Punch for its wider body and higher ground clearance.
10. Which CNG SUV Should You Buy?
Tata Punch CNG – Best for Overall Practicality
Choose the Punch if you want stronger CNG power, better highway stability, a larger touchscreen, more practical boot space and a higher ground clearance.
Hyundai Exter CNG – Best for City Driving
Choose the Exter if you want a smoother four-cylinder engine, better tested city mileage, refined driving experience and a good set of safety features.
11. Final Verdict: Tata Punch CNG vs Hyundai Exter CNG
After comparing both SUVs, the Hyundai Exter CNG is a better choice for buyers who mainly drive in the city. It offers a smoother engine, better tested city mileage and a user-friendly cabin.
On the other hand, the Tata Punch CNG is a strong option for buyers who want a rugged SUV design, better highway stability, more power, practical boot space and a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating.
Category-wise winners
Category |
Winner |
|---|---|
Affordable starting price |
Tata Punch CNG |
Exterior design |
Tata Punch CNG |
Engine power |
Tata Punch CNG |
Engine refinement |
Hyundai Exter CNG |
City mileage |
Hyundai Exter CNG |
Highway mileage |
Tata Punch CNG |
Overall tested mileage |
Hyundai Exter CNG |
Boot practicality |
Tata Punch CNG |
Infotainment screen |
Tata Punch CNG |
City driving comfort |
Hyundai Exter CNG |
Safety credentials |
Tata Punch CNG |
Our recommendation: The Tata Punch CNG is the better all-round choice for buyers who want a practical family SUV with stronger safety credentials. However, if your daily driving is mostly in city traffic and you value refinement and fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Exter CNG is worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is better, Tata Punch CNG or Hyundai Exter CNG?
The Tata Punch CNG is better for overall practicality, highway driving and safety credentials, while the Hyundai Exter CNG is better for city driving and engine refinement.
2. What is the mileage of Tata Punch CNG?
The Tata Punch CNG has a claimed mileage of approximately 26.99 km/kg.
3. What is the mileage of Hyundai Exter CNG?
The Hyundai Exter CNG offers a claimed mileage of approximately 27.1 km/kg.
4. Which CNG SUV has better real-world mileage?
The Hyundai Exter CNG delivered a better overall tested average of 26.55 km/kg compared with 25.85 km/kg for the Tata Punch CNG.
5. Which car has more engine power, Punch CNG or Exter CNG?
The Tata Punch CNG produces 73.5 PS, while the Hyundai Exter CNG produces 69 PS.
6. Does Tata Punch CNG have an automatic transmission?
Yes. The updated Tata Punch CNG is available with a 5-speed AMT transmission in selected variants.
7. Does Hyundai Exter CNG have an automatic transmission?
No. The Hyundai Exter CNG is currently offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
8. Which car has more boot space?
The Tata Punch CNG offers 210 litres of usable boot space and has a slight practicality advantage over the Exter CNG.
9. Which car is safer, Tata Punch or Hyundai Exter?
The Tata Punch has a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. Both vehicles offer six airbags in their updated ranges.
10. Which CNG SUV is best for family use?
The Tata Punch CNG is a strong family choice because of its safety credentials, ground clearance and practical luggage space. The Exter is also a good option for families prioritising city comfort.
