Tata Punch vs Maruti Fronx: India’s subcompact SUV space is heating up, and two names are leading the charge – the ruggedly styled Tata Punch and the feature-loaded Maruti Suzuki Fronx. While both are positioned under ₹10–13 lakh bracket, they target very different buyer mindsets. So which one deserves your garage space in 2025?
Let’s settle this face-off with an in-depth, practical comparison.
1. Design & Dimensions: Compact vs Crossover
| Aspect | Tata Punch | Maruti Fronx |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3827 mm | 3995 mm |
| Width | 1742 mm | 1765 mm |
| Height | 1615 mm | 1550 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 187 mm | 190 mm |
| Boot Space | 366 L | 308 L |
Punch has a boxy, SUV-like stance with higher height and boot space, making it feel more rugged. Fronx, on the other hand, is sleeker and wider – it’s essentially a crossover derived from the Baleno, but with SUV styling cues.
Winner: Punch for SUV presence, Fronx for sleek road presence.
2. Engine & Performance
| Engine Option | Tata Punch | Maruti Fronx |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 1.2L NA (86 PS, 113 Nm) | 1.2L NA (90 PS, 113 Nm) 1.0L Turbo (100 PS, 148 Nm) |
| Transmission | 5MT / AMT | 5MT / AMT / 6AT (Turbo only) |
| CNG Option | Yes | Yes (1.2L) |
Tata Punch offers a peppy NA petrol with a city-friendly AMT. Fronx gives you a choice – a balanced NA petrol or a more exciting turbo-petrol with a 6-speed torque converter.
Winner: Fronx for performance options and better gearbox range.
3. Fuel Efficiency (ARAI Claimed)
| Variant | Mileage |
|---|---|
| Punch Petrol MT | 20.1 kmpl |
| Fronx Petrol 1.2 MT | 21.8 kmpl |
| Fronx AMT | 22.9 kmpl |
| Turbo Petrol | ~20 kmpl |
Maruti’s Fronx easily wins this round with higher fuel efficiency, thanks to its light weight and smart hybrid tech.
Winner: Fronx
Also Read: 5 Upcoming Hyundai Cars in India- Venue, Creta, EVs & More
4. Features & Technology
Tata Punch Highlights:
- 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
- Harman audio system
- Sunroof
- Cooled glovebox
- Traction Pro (AMT only)
- Cruise control
Maruti Fronx Highlights:
- 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Head-Up Display (HUD)
- 360-degree camera
- Wireless charger
- 6 airbags (top variants)
Winner: Fronx offers more modern tech and segment-first features.
5. Safety & Build Quality
- Tata Punch has a 5-star GNCAP rating with solid build quality and safety kit including dual airbags, ABS, and ISOFIX.
- Fronx hasn’t been crash-tested yet but offers more airbags, ESC, and hill-hold assist.
While Fronx may win on safety features, Punch wins on proven crash performance.
Winner: Punch for build; Fronx for active safety.
6. Pricing & Value
| Model | Price Range (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Tata Punch | ₹6 – ₹9.5 lakh |
| Maruti Fronx | ₹7.46 – ₹13.13 lakh |
Punch undercuts the Fronx in pricing, offering solid value for budget buyers. But if you’re okay with stretching your budget, Fronx brings more features and performance.
Winner: Punch for value, Fronx for overall package
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
| If You Want… | Buy This |
|---|---|
| Solid build & safety rating | Tata Punch |
| Better fuel efficiency | Maruti Fronx |
| More premium features | Maruti Fronx |
| Budget-friendly pricing | Tata Punch |
| Turbo performance | Maruti Fronx |
| Proven city SUV | Tata Punch |
Conclusion
The Tata Punch is a tough, well-built, and budget-friendly SUV ideal for first-time buyers and city dwellers. But if you want better mileage, more powertrain options, and premium features, the Maruti Fronx offers a more complete experience — at a higher price.
Choose wisely based on what matters most to you: value and ruggedness vs tech and refinement.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is based on publicly available data, official specifications, and automotive reports as of June 2025. Actual features, prices, and mileage may vary based on variant, location, and updates from the manufacturer. Readers are advised to check with the nearest dealership or official website before making a purchase decision. This article reflects an independent comparison and is not sponsored by Tata Motors or Maruti Suzuki.