Choosing the right SUV often comes down to where you drive the most — the city, the highway, or a mix of both. In India’s rapidly expanding SUV market, the Tata Curvv and the Hyundai Exter stand out for very different reasons. The Curvv enters as a premium coupe-SUV with strong performance and long-distance capability, while the Exter remains a micro-SUV built around convenience, fuel efficiency, and city practicality.
So which one is better for daily city commutes, and which excels on open highways? Here’s a detailed comparison based on design, handling, engines, comfort, and real-world usability.
Dimensions & Road Presence: Manoeuvrability vs Stability
Tata Curvv – Bigger, Wider, Better Highway Stability
- Length: 4,308 mm
- Width: 1,810 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,560 mm
- Larger 17-inch/18-inch wheels (variant dependent)
The Tata Curvv’s larger footprint, wider stance, and extended wheelbase provide it with superior high-speed stability, reduced body roll, and confident cornering — making it perfect for highway travel.
Hyundai Exter – Compact, Easy to Manoeuvre
- Length: 3,815 mm
- Width: 1,710 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,450 mm
- 15-inch alloy wheels
The Hyundai Exter’s compact footprint makes it incredibly easy to navigate traffic, park in tight spaces, and perform quick U-turns.
Engine Performance: Urban Efficiency vs Long-Drive Capability
Tata Curvv – More Powerful Engines for the Highway
The Curvv offers three engine options (petrol, GDi turbo-petrol, and diesel):
- 1.2L Revotron Petrol: 88.2 kW, 170 Nm
- 1.5L Hyperion GDi Petrol: 91.9 kW, 225 Nm
- 1.5L Kryojet Diesel: 86.7 kW, 260 Nm
These outputs make the Curvv far more capable at:
- High-speed cruising
- Quick overtakes
- Maintaining stability over long distances
Hyundai Exter – Light, Efficient Urban Powertrains
- 1.2L Kappa Petrol: 61 kW, 113.8 Nm
- 1.2L Bi-Fuel (Petrol + CNG): 50.5 kW, 95.2 Nm
While not highway-focused, these engines provide:
- Smooth low-speed drivability
- Excellent fuel economy
- Easy acceleration in dense traffic
Ride & Handling: Comfort in Traffic vs Stability at Speed
Tata Curvv – Tuned for High-Speed Comfort
Thanks to its coupe-SUV body, long wheelbase, and larger wheels, the Curvv offers:
- Minimal body roll
- Excellent mid to high-speed stability
- Strong braking feel
- Better suspension travel for uneven highway stretches
This makes long journeys smoother and more controlled.
Hyundai Exter – Perfectly Suited to City Streets
The Exter’s suspension setup prioritises:
- Low-speed comfort
- Quick direction changes
- Soft damping for potholes and speed breakers
Its steering is lighter than the Curvv’s, making it effortless for daily commuting.
Comfort & Cabin Experience: Short Trips vs Long Journeys
Tata Curvv – Premium Comfort for Long Drives
The Curvv offers:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated front seats
- 26.03 cm infotainment screen
- 26.03 cm digital cluster
- Large 500-litre boot
Its rear seat space and boot capacity make it ideal for:
- Weekend road trips
- Family vacations
- Carrying luggage or gear
Hyundai Exter – Perfect for Compact Usability
The Exter offers:
- Voice-enabled smart sunroof
- Rear AC vents
- Segment-leading 6 airbags standard
- Dual dashcam on higher trims
- Compact rear seat layout for short trips
Its cabin is well-equipped for small families and daily short-distance travel.
Safety & Technology for Real-World Driving
Tata Curvv – ADAS Level 2 Makes Highway Travel Safer
Curvv’s ADAS suite includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keep Assist
- Auto Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Detection
- 360° Surround View Camera
Ideal for long-distance highway travel, ensuring convenience and safety.
Hyundai Exter – Outstanding City-Focused Safety
The Exter offers:
- 6 airbags are standard across all variants
- ESC, VSM, HAC
- TPMS
- Rear camera + parking sensors
Perfect for everyday city driving and navigating tight parking spaces.
Final Verdict: Which SUV Is Better for City vs Highway?
Best for City Driving — Hyundai Exter
Choose the Exter if your priorities are:
- Easy maneuverability
- Parking convenience
- Fuel efficiency
- Lower running costs
- Daily office–home commuting
- Affordable purchase price
The Exter is the perfect micro-SUV for busy urban environments.
Best for Highway Driving — Tata Curvv
Choose the Curvv if you want:
- Strong performance for long drives
- More cabin space & 500L boot
- Better high-speed stability
- ADAS Level 2 safety
- Premium comfort & tech
The Curvv fits buyers who travel frequently or prefer a bigger, more powerful SUV.
