Micro SUVs are very popular in India now. They are stylish, give good mileage, and are easy to drive in cities. Two of the top choices in this segment are the Maruti Fronx and Tata Punch. If you’re planning to buy a small SUV under ₹10 lakh, this comparison will help you decide which one suits your needs best.
Size and Design
Both the Fronx and Punch look modern and bold. But they are different in size.
| Feature | Maruti Fronx | Tata Punch |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,995 mm | 3,827 mm |
| Width | 1,765 mm | 1,742 mm |
| Height | 1,550 mm | 1,615 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,520 mm | 2,445 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 190 mm | 187 mm |
| Boot Space | 308 litres | 366 litres |
Verdict: Fronx is longer and wider, offering better road presence. Punch is taller and has more boot space.
Engine and Performance
Both cars come with petrol engines that are great for city driving and highways.
| Engine Option | Maruti Fronx | Tata Punch |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.2L Petrol & 1.0L Turbo | 1.2L Petrol only |
| Power (Normal Petrol) | 89 bhp (1.2L) | 86 bhp |
| Turbo Option | 100 bhp (1.0L Turbo) | No turbo |
| Mileage (claimed) | 20–22 kmpl | 18.8–20.1 kmpl |
| Transmission | Manual / AMT / Automatic (1.0L) | Manual / AMT |
Verdict: Fronx has more engine choices and better mileage. If you want turbo power, Fronx is the only option.
Features and Comfort
Both SUVs offer a lot of features, but Fronx feels more premium.
| Feature | Maruti Fronx | Tata Punch |
|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen | 9-inch | 7-inch |
| Android Auto / Apple CarPlay | Yes (Wireless) | Yes (Wired) |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Climate Control | Yes | Yes |
| Push Start Button | Yes | Yes |
| Heads-Up Display | Yes | No |
| 360-Degree Camera | Yes (Top variant) | No |
Verdict: Fronx clearly wins in terms of modern features, especially on top variants.
Safety Ratings and Equipment
Safety is very important when buying a car. Let’s see how they compare.
| Safety Feature | Maruti Fronx | Tata Punch |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 2 (up to 6 in top variants) | 2 |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts | Yes | Yes |
| Safety Rating | Not yet tested (based on Baleno) | 5-Star (Global NCAP) |
Verdict: Tata Punch has a 5-star safety rating, which is great for families. Fronx has more safety features in top models but no official crash test yet.
Price Comparison
Let’s look at their prices in 2025.
| Variant Level | Maruti Fronx | Tata Punch |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ₹7.52 lakh (ex-showroom) | ₹6.13 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Top Variant Price | ₹13.04 lakh | ₹10.20 lakh |
Verdict: Punch is more affordable, especially in lower and mid variants. Fronx costs more but gives more features.
Which One Should You Choose?
If your budget is tight and you want a safe, stylish, and reliable city SUV, Tata Punch is the better pick. It offers solid safety and a bold design at a lower price. But if you can spend more and want a premium feel, Maruti Fronx gives better performance, modern features, and turbo power. Both are great for daily use, but your final choice should depend on whether you want better safety and savings (Punch) or more power and features (Fronx).
