Both 2026 Tata Punch and Maruti Fronx are much better options in the sub-4 meter compact SUV segment of the Indian market. Tata Punch has recently received a facelift update, which includes a new turbo engine, more features and stronger safety, while Maruti Fronx offers sporty looks and better mileage with crossover styling. Let us look at the details related to their design, interior, features, safety, engine and performance.
2026 Tata Punch vs Maruti Frontex: The new Punch gets an updated front grille, new LED DRLs, projector headlamps, connected LED tail lamps and bold SUV cladding. It offers a tall-boy stance with high ground clearance (193 mm), which is a perfect option for Indian roads. Bumper and wheel arches give a strong look.
On the other hand, Maruti Fronx is in the crossover style. With a long, sloping roofline, sporty front and rear design, it looks more modern and has youth appeal. However, the ground clearance is low (around 190 mm). The road presence of the Punch is more SUV-like, while the Fronx feels more like a car. The design of Punch looks more rugged and practical.
Interior
The interior of the new Punch has become premium. It has a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, 7-inch TFT digital cluster, ambient lighting, ventilated seats (in some variants), height adjustable driver seat and better material quality. Space is good, but headroom and leg room at the rear may seem a little less than the Frontx. Boot space is 366 litres.
The interior of Fronx feels more spacious and premium. There are features like long cabin, better rear leg room, head-up display (HUD) and cooled glove box. Boot space is 308 litres, but becomes more useful with foldable seats. The cabin of the Fronx looks more refined and family-friendly.
Features
Both the cars are feature-rich. The 2026 Tata Punch gets a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitor, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, sunroof, auto climate control, rear AC vents, JBL audio, cruise control and voice commands. The Maruti Fronx comes with a head-up display, 360-degree camera (top variant), sunroof, wireless charging, Arkamys sound system and connected car tech.
Safety
It has 6 airbags as standard, ESP, iTPMS, hill hold, 360-degree camera, 5-star Bharat NCAP rating (both adult and child) and strong body structure. Tata's safety image is very strong. The Frontx also gets 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP and 360-degree camera, but the NCAP rating is around 4-stars. Punch is a clear winner in safety, it is especially better for family users.
Engine and Performance
There are three engine options in 2026 Tata Punch 2026. It has the first 1.2L NA petrol (88 PS, 115 Nm), new 1.2L Turbo petrol (120 PS, 170 Nm) and CNG (73 PS, but AMT option). At the same time, 1.2L NA petrol (89-90 PS, 113 Nm), 1.0L Turbo petrol (100 PS, 148 Nm) and CNG options are also available in Fronx.
Who is better: If you want safety, rugged SUV looks, high ground clearance and powerful turbo performance, then 2026 Tata Punch is a better choice. This can be a better option especially for family and safety-conscious buyers. If you want sporty design, more space, refined driving and better mileage, then choose Maruti Fronx. Maruti is also ahead in service network and resale value.