Hyundai Exter vs Nissan Magnite vs Tata Punch (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (August 2026):
- Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 27 kmpl), the biggest boot (391 L).
- Pick the Nissan Magnite if you want the most power (99 bhp).
- Pick the Tata Punch if you want the lowest starting price (₹5.70 Lakh), the best crash-test score (5 stars).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Hyundai Exter | Nissan Magnite | Tata Punch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹6.21 Lakh – ₹10.51 Lakh | ₹6.00 Lakh – ₹11.30 Lakh | ₹5.70 Lakh – ₹10.67 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.2L Kappa petrol / 1.2L bi-fuel CNG | 1.0L NA petrol / 1.0L turbo-petrol | 1.2L Revotron 3-cylinder petrol / iCNG |
| Max power | 82 bhp | 99 bhp | 87 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, CNG | Petrol | Petrol, CNG |
| Transmissions | Manual, AMT | Manual, AMT, CVT | Manual, AMT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 19–27 kmpl | 17.4-19.7 kmpl (claimed, powertrain dependent) | 18.8-20.09 kmpl (petrol), 26.99 km/kg (CNG) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | 4 stars | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 2 |
| Boot space | 391 L | 336 L | 366 L |
Hyundai Exter in short
The Exter is Hyundai's entry SUV and the direct answer to the Tata Punch, blending hatchback running costs with a high-riding stance. It packs segment-first kit such as a dashcam with dual cameras, a sunroof and six airbags as standard. The dual-cylinder CNG option keeps boot space usable, a clever touch rivals lack.
Full Exter prices & variants →Nissan Magnite in short
The Magnite is Nissan India's sole volume model and the price-warrior of the sub-4m SUV segment, with the 2024 facelift adding a plusher cabin, an AMT option and up to six airbags while retaining rock-bottom pricing. The 1.0 turbo-petrol with CVT remains an unusually affordable pairing for the class. It fights the Renault Kiger, Tata Punch, Maruti Fronx and entry variants of the Nexon and Venue.
Full Magnite prices & variants →Tata Punch in short
The Punch is Tata's micro SUV that regularly tops India's monthly sales charts, blending hatchback pricing with genuine SUV stance and 187 mm ground clearance. Built on the ALFA platform, it scored 5 stars at Global NCAP and takes on the Hyundai Exter and Maruti Fronx-lite end of the market. The twin-cylinder iCNG variant even offers a sunroof, a segment first at launch.
Full Punch prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Exter vs Magnite vs Punch — which should I buy?
Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 27 kmpl), the biggest boot (391 L). Pick the Nissan Magnite if you want the most power (99 bhp). Pick the Tata Punch if you want the lowest starting price (₹5.70 Lakh), the best crash-test score (5 stars). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Exter, Magnite, Punch?
The Tata Punch starts lowest at ₹5.70 Lakh, against ₹6.00 Lakh for the Magnite and ₹6.21 Lakh for the Exter (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Hyundai Exter: not yet NCAP-tested; Nissan Magnite: 4 stars; Tata Punch: 5 stars.