The Tata Altroz recently underwent a facelift and the update has given it a refreshed avatar. It packs in upgrades to the powertrain, features and the overall design of the hatchback, giving it freshly sharpened teeth in its battle against similarly priced hatchbacks and SUVs. One such SUV that it goes up against comes from its very own stable in the form of the Tata Punch.
The Punch was first launched in 2021, and since then the small SUV is yet to undergo any major update. It features aggressive SUV styling, multiple powertrain choices and a high ground clearance, all of which make it a great option for budget car buyers looking to bring home one car that can do it all.
The Altroz and the Punch are then trying to entice budget buyers looking for a small and safe new car. But, which of the two will work better for you? We have put together this comparison between the two Tata cars comparing their dimensions, powertrains, features, safety quotient and price to give you a definitive answer.
Tata Altroz vs Tata Punch: Dimensions
Comparing the dimensions of the Altroz and Punch throws up some interesting facts about both cars.
| Tata Altroz | Tata Punch | |
| Length | 3990 mm | 3827 mm |
| Width | 1755 mm | 1742 mm |
| Height | 1523 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2501 mm | 2445 mm |
| Boot space | 345 litres, 210 litres (CNG) | 366 litres, 210 litres (CNG) |
| Ground clearance | 165 mm | 187 mm |
The Tata Altroz and Punch are based on the same ALFA-ARC platform. It is flexible and can be adapted to different body styles and cars of different sizes. In fact, despite featuring similar underpinnings, the Altroz is considerably longer than the Punch. It is also wider and has a longer wheelbase. Due to its length advantage, the Altroz offers better leg space inside the cabin, especially for rear passengers. Furthermore, it accommodates three passengers more easily in the second row due to its width advantage.
However, the Punch also has a couple of aces up its sleeve. For starters, the Punch is a lot taller than the Altroz and offers more space for passengers above six feet. While the Altroz isn’t particularly lacking in this area, the Punch simply does a better job of offering an increased sense of space for taller passengers. This can be crucial for reducing fatigue build up over longer journeys. The Punch also offers marginally better boot space than the Altroz, however, this is only true for the non CNG variants. When equipped with CNG tanks, both cars offer the same amount of boot space. Lastly, the Punch offers an impressive ground clearance of 187 mm that can take on most broken roads and will offer more peace of mind compared to the 165 mm clearance of the Altroz.
Choosing between the Altroz and Punch based on their dimensions comes down to your usage pattern. If most of your drives are with a full load of five passengers, the Altroz will offer better comfort. However, if you live in an area where the roads are often broken, then, the Punch will suit your needs better.
Tata Altroz vs Tata Punch: Engine & Transmission
Despite being based on the same platform, the Altroz and Punch differ when it comes to their engine and transmission options.
| Tata Altroz | Tata Punch | |
| Engine options | 1.2 litre petrol engine, 1.5 litre diesel engine | 1.2 litre petrol engine |
| Transmission options | 5 speed MT, 6 speed DCT (petrol), 5 speed AMT (petrol) | 5 speed MT, 5 speed AMT |
| Power | 88 PS (petrol), 73.5 PS (CNG), 90 PS (diesel) | 88 PS (petrol), 73.5 PS (CNG) |
| Torque | 115 Nm (petrol), 103 Nm (CNG), 200 Nm (diesel) | 115 Nm (petrol), 103 Nm (CNG) |
| Mileage | 19.33 km/l (petrol), 26.2 km/kg (CNG), 23.64 km/l (diesel) | 20.09 km/l (petrol), 26.99 km/kg (CNG) |
The Altroz is offered with petrol and diesel engines whereas the Punch is only available with one petrol engine. However, the petrol engines of both cars are available with a factory fitted CNG kit. When it comes to the choice of transmission, it is the Altroz that takes a clear lead. The petrol engine is available with not one, but two automatic transmission options. The petrol engine in the Altroz and the Punch are the same and thus have a similar output. This is true for their CNG counterparts as well. In terms of fuel efficiency, it is the Punch that has a small advantage over the Altroz when comparing their petrol and CNG powertrains.
The diesel engine of the Altroz makes slightly more power compared to the petrol engines of both cars, however, the real gains come in the form of torque, which is substantially more than that of the petrol engines in both cars. The diesel engine is quite fuel efficient as well and can be a great option for those who are leaning towards the Altroz and want a lower running cost at the same time.
Ultimately, the Altroz is the better option here. It’s offering all the powertrain options one would find on the Punch and does one better by offering an additional transmission (dual clutch transmission) option for the petrol engine, and a diesel engine as well.
Tata Altroz vs Tata Punch: Features & Comfort
Despite being based on the same platform and being positioned in a similar price bracket, the Altroz and Punch have some feature differences.
| Tata Altroz | Tata Punch | |
| Infotainment system | 10.25 inch touchscreen | 10.25 inch touchscreen |
| Music system | 8 speaker sound system | 6 speaker sound system |
| Climate control | Automatic Climate Control | Automatic Climate Control |
| Ventilated seats | No | No |
| Adjustable steering | Tilt adjustable steering | Tilt adjustable steering |
| Drive modes | Yes | Yes |
| Instrument cluster | 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster | Digital instrument cluster with 4 inch screen |
| Sunroof | Electric sunroof | Electric sunroof |
| Adjustable seats | Height adjustable driver seat | Height adjustable driver seat |
| Rear AC vents | Yes | Yes |
| 60:40 split rear seat | No | No |
| Cruise control | Yes | Yes |
Both cars in this comparison feature a 10.25 inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, tilt adjustable steering, drive modes, sunroof, height adjustable driving seat, rear AC vents and Cruise Control. Furthermore, ventilated seats and 60:40 split rear seats are missing on both cars. Previously, the Altroz did use to feature ventilated seats but they were only offered on the performance oriented Altroz Racer. While the Altroz underwent a facelift in 2025, the Altroz Racer is yet to get the same treatment.
The Altroz also gets a 8 speaker sound system compared to the 6 speaker setup found on the Punch. The instrument cluster of the Punch is a semi digital unit compared to the modern 10.25 inch digital screen found on the Altroz facelift.
The Tata Altroz, having been recently updated, also features the latest design touches found on bigger Tata cars such as the illuminated steering wheel and new switches for the HVAC panel. These updates give the Altroz a more modern outlook compared to the Punch. However, while the Punch is currently soldiering on without an major update since its launch in 2021, a facelift for the SUV is around the corner and will end up bringing its interior and exterior design in line with that of the updated Altroz.
Tata Altroz vs Tata Punch: Safety Features
Tata is one Indian car maker that has doubled down on safety over the last decade. While both cars get most of the same features, there are a few differences between the safety net of the Altroz and the Punch.
| Tata Altroz | Tata Punch | |
| GNCAP safety rating | 5 star GNCAP rating | 5 star GNCAP rating |
| Airbags | 6 airbags | 2 airbags |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes |
| Traction control | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic headlamps | Yes | Yes |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Yes | Yes |
| Hill-hold assist | No | No |
| Hill descent control | No | No |
| Rear sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Rear parking camera | Yes | Yes |
| ISOFIX child seat anchor points | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS | No | No |
Starting with their safety rating, the Altroz and the Punch have both been tested by Global NCAP. In the case of the Altroz, it was tested in 2020 and received the maximum 5 star rating from the crash test agency. It is yet to be tested after receiving a facelift in 2025, however, Tata Motors says that it has upgraded the structure of the Altroz meaning it will perform better in a crash. When it is tested, we expect the updated Altroz to bag a 5 star safety rating as well. The Tata Punch also received a 5 star rating from Global NCAP when it was launched in 2021.
Both cars get ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers, rear parking camera and ISOFIX mounting points for child seats. However, features like hill-hold assist and hill descent control are missing on both cars. Furthermore, the Altroz gets a total of six airbags whereas the Punch is only limited to two airbags across all variants.
From a safety perspective, it is the Tata Altroz that offers more compared to the Tata Punch. That said, the safety package of the Punch is pretty comprehensive on its own.
Tata Altroz vs Tata Punch: Price Comparison
| Tata Altroz | Tata Punch | |
| Base Variant | Rs. 6.89 lakh to Rs. 7.89 lakh | Rs. 6.20 lakh to Rs. 7.30 lakh |
| Mid Variant | Rs. 7.69 lakh to Rs. 9.15 lakh | Rs. 7.17 lakh to Rs. 9.17 lakh |
| Upper Mid Variant | Rs. 8.69 lakh to Rs. 10.35 lakh | Rs. 8.42 lakh to Rs. Rs. 10.17 lakh |
| Top Variant | Rs. 9.99 lakh to Rs. 11.49 lakh | Rs. 9.12 lakh to Rs. 10.32 lakh |
The variants of the Altroz and Punch are positioned in similar price brackets. The Punch offers a significantly lower entry price for its base variant.The theme remains the same for the mid, upper mid and top variants of the Punch. The upper end prices for these brackets are also more for the Altroz, except for the mid variant, in which case the Punch is positioned slightly higher.
The higher cost of the Altroz is justified by the fact that it offers more powertrain options (including a diesel engine), is bigger than the Punch, offers better features and also has a more comprehensive safety net.
Ultimately, once the Punch is also updated, we expect the price gap between it and the Altroz to become smaller.
Summary
The Altroz has always been positioned as a premium hatchback and with the 2025 facelift, it continues to be a benchmark for other premium hatchbacks in the segment. The Tata Punch has been selling well since its launch and once of the biggest reasons is its SUV-ish appearance, great safety package and a comfortable ride quality. However, apart from the SUV body style, all the other traits are present in the Altroz as well.
Thus, picking between the two cars will come down to the body style of your choice or requirement. Apart from personal preferences, if you drive over broken roads frequently, then, buying the Punch will prove to be the better option. Also, if you are floored by the new design of the Altroz but also like the SUV stance of the Punch, we suggest you wait it out for a few months for the Punch facelift.
FAQs about Tata Punch vs Tata Altroz
Q. Which is the better car, Tata Altroz or Tata Punch?
The Tata Altroz is a premium hatchback and offers comfortabe seating for five, along with premium features, a range of engine and transmission options and a comprehensive safety package. The Tata Punch is a small SUV that offers better head room for taller passengers, better ground clearance and more boot space. If you want a small car which feels premium, the Altroz is the better choice. However, if you live in area where the road conditions aren’t all that good, then, the SUV capabilities of the Punch will suit you better.
Q. What are the engine options for the Tata Altroz?
The Tata Altroz is offered with a 1.2 petrol engine that makes 88 PS and 115 Nm. It can be paired to a 5 speed manual transmission, a 5 speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) and a 6 speed DCT (dual clutch transmission). Tata also offers the option of CNG (73.5 PS and 103 Nm) with this engine, however, it can only be had with the manual transmission. There is also a 1.5 litre diesel engine on offer and it makes 90 PS and 200 Nm. It can only be paired with a 5 speed manual transmission.
Q. What are the engine options for the Tata Punch?
The Tata Punch is offered with a 1.2 litre petrol engine and it makes 88 PS and 115 Nm. It can be mated to a 5 speed manual transmission or a 5 speed AMT. Tata also offers a factory fitted CNG kit with this engine, although it can only be specced with the manual transmission. There is no diesel engine offer with the Tata Punch.
Q. What is the safety rating of the Tata Altroz?
The Tata Altroz has a 5 star safety rating from Global NCAP. The test was conducted in 2020, when the Altroz was first launched. In 2025, the Altroz underwent a facelift and Tata has upgraded the structure of the Altroz to offer better crash protection. It has not yet been crash-tested after the facelift.
Q. What is the safety rating of the Tata Punch?
The Tata Punch has a 5 star safety rating from Global NCAP. It achieved this rating in a crash conducted in 2021 around the time of its launch in the Indian market.
Q. Do the Tata Altroz and Tata Punch share the same platform?
Yes, the Altroz and the Punch are both based on the ALFA-ARC platform from Tata Motors. It can underpin cars of different body styles and sizes.
