2026 Tata Punch EV Facelift Review: 2 Steps Ahead, 1 Step Back – Price, Range & Performance

The Evolution of India’s Favorite Micro-SUV: 2026 Tata Punch EV Facelift

Driving through the lush, humid corridors of Cochin, Kerala, provides the ultimate testing ground for any electric vehicle. The 2026 Tata Punch EV Facelift arrives at a crucial time when the competition is heating up with the likes of MG and Citroen. Priced between ₹10.99 Lakh and ₹15.49 Lakh (ex-showroom), the new Punch EV promises to bridge the gap between a city runabout and a tech-laden highway cruiser. But does it deliver? After an extensive first drive, we concluded it represents a ‘2 steps ahead, 1 step back’ evolution.

Exterior Design: A Mini-Harrier Aesthetic

The 2026 facelift brings the Punch EV closer to Tata’s premium ‘New Forever’ design language seen on the Curvv and Harrier. The front fascia is now dominated by a full-width LED DRL bar that offers welcome and goodbye sequences. The charging port is still centrally located at the front, which is convenient for tight parking spots. New 16-inch aero-optimized alloy wheels not only look futuristic but claim to add 2% to the overall range efficiency. However, the ‘1 step back’ here is the excessive use of piano black plastics on the bumpers, which are prone to scratches in heavy city traffic.

Interior, Technology, and The Frunk

Step inside, and you are greeted by a cabin that punches far above its weight class. The 10.25-inch Harman infotainment system is crisp, and the new Arcade.ev app suite allows you to stream videos or play games while charging. The addition of ventilated front seats is a godsend for the Indian climate. The 14-liter ‘Frunk’ (front trunk) remains a segment-first feature, perfect for storing the charging cable. However, the ergonomics of the touch-based HVAC controls can be distracting while driving, requiring the driver to take their eyes off the road—a classic case of over-engineering.

Technical Specifications and Battery Performance

The 2026 model continues to be built on the Acti.ev architecture. It is available in two battery sizes: the 25 kWh Medium Range (MR) and the 35 kWh Long Range (LR). The LR variant now offers a realistic real-world range of approximately 280-300 km, despite the MIDC claim of 421 km.

Driving Dynamics: Two Steps Ahead in Power

On the winding roads of Kerala, the Punch EV LR felt incredibly peppy. The instant torque makes overtaking a breeze. Tata has also reworked the suspension tuning; it feels more planted at high speeds than the previous iteration. The ‘2 steps ahead’ are clearly visible in the refined regenerative braking levels, which can now be controlled via paddle shifters, allowing for near-one-pedal driving in city traffic.

The ‘1 Step Back’: Ride Quality and Software

Where the vehicle falters is the low-speed ride quality. To compensate for the heavy battery pack, the suspension has been stiffened, leading to a jittery ride over sharp potholes. Furthermore, our test unit experienced minor software glitches in the infotainment system, a recurring theme that Tata needs to address to truly compete with global players.

2026 Tata Punch EV vs. The Competition

How does the Punch EV stack up against its newest rivals in 2026? Let’s look at the data.

Variant-Wise Pricing (Ex-Showroom)

The Punch EV is offered in multiple personas to suit different budgets. Below is the 2026 price list.

People Also Ask (FAQ)

1. What is the real-world range of the 2026 Tata Punch EV? The Long Range (35kWh) version provides about 280-300 km, while the Medium Range (25kWh) provides about 180-200 km in real-world city conditions.
2. Does the Tata Punch EV have a spare wheel? No, it comes with a puncture repair kit to save weight and space for the battery.
3. Is Tata Punch EV safe? Yes, it has received a 5-star rating from Bharat NCAP, making it one of the safest cars in its segment.
4. Can I charge the Punch EV with a 15A home socket? Yes, it comes with a portable 3.3kW charger that can be plugged into any 15A socket.
5. How long does it take to charge from 0 to 100% at home? On a standard 3.3kW AC charger, the LR version takes about 13.5 hours. A 7.2kW wall box reduces this to 5 hours.
6. Does it have ADAS? The 2026 facelift includes basic ADAS features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Lane Departure Warning in the top trim.
7. What is the ground clearance? It boasts a best-in-class unladen ground clearance of 190 mm.
8. Are there any common problems with the Punch EV? Some users report laggy infotainment screens and a slightly stiff rear suspension.
9. Does it have a sunroof? Yes, the higher ‘Empowered Plus S’ trims come with a voice-assisted electric sunroof.
10. Is it better than the MG Windsor EV? The Punch EV is better for tight city parking and safety, while the Windsor EV offers a more lounge-like rear seat experience.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The 2026 Tata Punch EV Facelift remains the most sensible entry point into the world of electric SUVs. It is 2 steps ahead in terms of safety, tech features (like the 360-degree camera and ventilated seats), and performance. However, it is 1 step back due to inconsistent software reliability and a ride that can feel punishing on broken roads.

Pros:

• Unmatched 5-star B-NCAP safety.
• Feature-loaded cabin with segment-first frunk.
• Excellent compact dimensions for city driving.

Cons:

• Stiff low-speed ride quality.
• Software bugs in the infotainment system.
• Rear seat space is tight for three adults.

If you prioritize safety and tech over outright rear-seat comfort, the 2026 Punch EV is the clear winner in the sub-15 lakh EV space.