The Indian SUV market has something for everyone — from compact, city-friendly models to premium, feature-rich mid-size offerings. Two vehicles that sit on opposite ends of this spectrum are the Tata Punch and the Kia Seltos.

While the Tata Punch delivers micro-SUV practicality, affordability, and robust safety, the Kia Seltos brings in premium features, strong performance, and cutting-edge technology. This blog takes a closer look at how these two popular SUVs compare in terms of performance, features, and overall value.

Engine and Performance

Both SUVs are designed with different audiences in mind, but each offers impressive engineering for its segment.

Tata Punch

The Tata Punch is powered by a 1.2-litre Revotron Petrol Engine producing 87.8 PS at 6,000 RPM and 115 Nm of torque at 3,250 RPM, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox.

For eco-conscious buyers, Tata also offers the Punch CNG, which combines petrol and CNG power modes with Tata’s Twin Cylinder Technology. It delivers 73.5 PS in CNG mode and offers excellent fuel economy.

The Idle Stop Start (ISS) and Eco/City driving modes make it ideal for daily urban commutes. With a ground clearance of 187 mm and a suspension setup tuned for Indian roads, the Punch feels stable and sure-footed even on rough terrain.

Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos, on the other hand, offers multiple engine options designed for enthusiasts and long-distance travellers.

Engine Type	Displacement	Power	Torque	Transmission
1.5L Smartstream Petrol	1,497 cc	115 PS @ 6,300 RPM	144Nm@ 4,500 RPM	6MT / IVT
1.5L Turbo Petrol (T-GDi)	1,482 cc	160 PS @ 5,500 RPM	253Nm@1,500–3,500 RPM	6iMT / 7DCT
1.5L Diesel (CRDi VGT)	1,493 cc	116 PS @ 4,000 RPM	250Nm@1,500–2,750 RPM	6MT / 6AT

The Seltos offers Drive and Traction Modes (Eco, Normal, Sport / Sand, Mud, Snow) and features All-Wheel Disc Brakes for superior control.

Dimensions and Practicality

Specification	Tata Punch	Kia Seltos
Length	3,827 mm	4,365 mm
Width	1,742 mm	1,800 mm
Height	1,615 mm	1,645 mm
Wheelbase	2,445 mm	2,610 mm
Ground Clearance	187 mm	190 mm
Boot Space	366 L	433 L

The Tata Punch is compact yet spacious, offering generous headroom and clever cabin storage with over 25 utility spaces. Its 90-degree opening doors make ingress and egress effortless.

The Kia Seltos, being a mid-size SUV, offers far more interior space and luggage capacity, making it ideal for families and long-distance travel.

Interior Comfort and Features

Tata Punch

Despite being a micro-SUV, the Punch is packed with comfort and convenience features:

• Voice-assisted electric sunroof.
• Automatic climate control with Xpress Cool.
• Cooled glove box and rear AC vents.
• Floating 26.03 cm touchscreen infotainment system by Harman with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
• 4 speakers + 2 tweeters for an immersive sound experience.
• Push Start/Stop button and cruise control.

The leather-wrapped D-cut steering wheel, premium upholstery, and spacious console with an armrest elevate the cabin experience.

Kia Seltos

The Seltos takes comfort to a higher level with:

• Ventilated front seats and an 8-way powered driver’s seat.
• Dual-zone automatic climate control.
• Smart Pure Air Purifier with virus and bacteria protection.
• Panoramic sunroof.
• 31.12 cm (12.25”) touchscreen infotainment with BOSE Premium 8-speaker sound system.
• 31.12 cm digital cluster, wireless charging, and Smartphone connectivity via Kia Connect with 80+ features.

Safety

Both SUVs prioritise safety, but their offerings reflect their respective price segments.

Tata Punch Safety Highlights

• 5-star Global NCAP rating (for adult protection).
• Dual airbags (standard).
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
• ISOFIX mounts and a fortified cabin structure.
• Auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.
• Reverse parking camera and cornering fog lamps.

Kia Seltos Safety Highlights

• 15 standard safety features, including:
  • 6 airbags.
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).
  • Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).
  • All-wheel disc brakes.
  • ABS with EBD, Brake Assist System (BAS), and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS).
     
• ADAS Level 2 features:
  • Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA).
  • Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go.
  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Blind Spot Monitoring (BCW).

Price and Value

Model	Price Range (Ex-showroom)
Tata Punch	₹5.50 lakh – ₹9.30 lakh
Kia Seltos	₹10.79 lakh – ₹19.81 lakh

The Tata Punch offers excellent value for first-time buyers or urban users seeking a compact, fuel-efficient SUV. The Kia Seltos, while priced higher, justifies its cost with segment-leading tech, safety, and comfort features.

Final Thoughts

Both the Tata Punch and Kia Seltos are impressive SUVs, but they serve very different purposes.

• Choose the Tata Punch if you want an affordable, safe, and compact SUV that’s perfect for city driving and occasional getaways.
• Choose the Kia Seltos if you’re looking for a larger, more powerful SUV with premium features and long-distance comfort.

In essence, the Tata Punch is about simplicity and safety, while the Kia Seltos is about performance and sophistication. Each offers unbeatable value in its respective segment — proving that no matter your budget, there’s an SUV built just for you.