Tata Punch ICE vs EV: Similarities and differences explained

The 2026 Tata Punch facelift marks the first major mid-lifecycle update for the sub-compact SUV. It adds several new features over its predecessor, a turbo-petrol engine option, and an AMT for the CNG. We have already compared the old and new Tata Punch ICE models, but here, we put the latter head-to-head with its EV counterpart, comparing their respective top variants' exterior and interior features, as well as their prices.

Tata Punch ICE vs EV: Exterior

Similar overall design.

The overall design is similar, and angular LED headlights, gloss black-finished ORVMs with turn indicators, plastic body cladding all around, and pull-type front door handles and rear ones mounted on the C-pillar are common between the two cars. However, the zero-emission Punch differentiates itself with connected DRLs at the front, arrow-like elements for the LED tail-lights, and different designs for the front and rear faux skid plates and the 16-inch alloy wheels. The ICE version gets a connected light bar at the rear, as well as slightly tweaked DRLs, tail-lights and bumpers.

Punch ICE offers more ground clearance.

Tata Punch ICE vs EV: interior

10.25-inch driver's display only on the EV.

With the 2026 facelift, the ICE SUV has received a lot of feature upgrades, most of which are shared with its electric counterpart, like the 10.25-inch touchscreen, 2-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo, auto-dimming IRVM and a 360-degree camera setup. That said, the Punch EV gets a bigger, fully digital 10.25-inch driver's display – compared to the ICE sibling's 7-inch part-digital unit – as well as a ventilation function for the front seats.

The EV's centre console features a rotary drive mode selector and an electronic parking brake switch, whereas a traditional gear shifter and handbrake lever are available on the ICE model. For audio, both versions get four speakers, but while the ICE has four tweeters, the EV makes do with two.

Tata Punch ICE vs EV: Prices

Electric SUV is significantly more expensive.

The top-spec Punch Accomplished Plus (S) models, priced between Rs 8.99 lakh and Rs 10.54 lakh, are offered with 88hp 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol (MT/ AMT), 120hp 1.2-litre turbo-petrol (MT), and 73hp CNG (AMT) powertrain options. By contrast, the range-topping Punch EV Empowered Plus S line-up sits in a much higher Rs 13.14 lakh to Rs 14.44 lakh bracket, available with either a 25kWh battery with 315km of claimed range or a larger 35kWh pack rated at 421km of claimed range, both powering an electric motor at the front.

The Punch EV has a much higher upfront cost than the ICE SUV, but its running costs will definitely be cheaper. Given the fact that the top-spec Punch ICE models are already well equipped and missing only a handful of features available on the EV, it comes across as the more practical buy overall.