2026 Tata Tiago EV Review: The “Petrol Killer” That Still Rules the Indian Streets

In the fast-evolving world of electric vehicles, many come and go, but the Tata Tiago EV has firmly planted its flag as the “People’s EV.” Originally launched as the most affordable electric car in India, the 2026 model continues to dominate the entry-level segment with subtle yet meaningful updates. It isn’t just a car; for many Indian middle-class families, it is the first step away from the rising costs of petrol and the frustration of city traffic.

With an Ex-showroom starting price of ₹7.99 Lakh, it offers a package that’s hard to ignore. Whether you are looking for a secondary city runabout or a primary car for a small family, the Tiago EV promises to slash your running costs to less than ₹1 per km. But does it hold up against newer rivals and the grueling Indian summer? Let’s dive in.

QUICK SPECS TABLE (Key Highlights)

Feature	Medium Range (MR)	Long Range (LR)
Battery Pack	19.2 kWh	24 kWh
Power (BHP)	60 BHP	74 BHP
Torque (NM)	110 NM	114 NM
0-60 kmph	6.2 Seconds	5.7 Seconds
Transmission	Single Speed Automatic	Single Speed Automatic
Ground Clearance	165 mm	165 mm
Boot Space	240 Litres	240 Litres

EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

The 2026 Tiago EV doesn’t scream “I’m an Electric Car,” and that’s part of its charm. It maintains the familiar, sharp silhouette of the standard Tiago but adds premium EV-specific touches.

• The Grille: A closed-off front grille with a signature Tri-arrow pattern and the blue “EV” branding.
• Wheels: It comes with 14-inch Hyperstyle wheels (wheel covers that look like alloys) which help in reducing weight and increasing efficiency.
• Lighting: The 2026 update brings Full-LED Multi-reflector headlamps on the top trims, replacing the older projectors.
• Road Presence: It’s a compact hatchback, so it won’t “bully” other cars on the road, but the Teal Blue and Chill Lime colors definitely turn heads at traffic signals.

INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES

Step inside, and you’ll notice that Tata has prioritized a premium feel over “budget” aesthetics.

• Dashboard: The 2026 model gets a new 10.25-inch Touchscreen by HARMAN, which is light-years ahead of the older 7-inch unit. It supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
• Space: Legroom and headroom at the front are excellent. At the back, two adults can sit comfortably, but three is a squeeze.
• Missing Features: While it gets cruise control and auto-climate control, the Tiago EV still misses out on a sunroof and rear AC vents—though the AC is powerful enough to chill the cabin in minutes.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS

• City Drive: This is where the Tiago EV is king. The instant torque from the motor makes it feel “zippy.” The steering is light, making it a breeze to park in tight spots.
• Highway Drive: It feels stable at 80-100 kmph. However, crossing 110 kmph makes the range drop significantly. There is a slight body roll due to the extra weight of the batteries under the floor, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
• Suspension: The suspension is tuned for Indian conditions. It absorbs potholes easily and handles “unscientific” speed breakers without bottoming out.

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SAFETY: THE TATA TRUST

Safety is a non-negotiable for Tata.

• NCAP Rating: It holds a solid 4-star Global NCAP rating for adult protection.
• Build Quality: The body shell is rated as stable, and the battery pack is IP67-rated (Dust and Water-resistant).
• Safety Net: It comes with Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD, and Corner Stability Control as standard.

REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Range Truth)

Don’t be fooled by the ARAI numbers. Here is what you will actually get:

Variant	ARAI Claimed	Real World City	Real World Highway
Medium Range	250 km	150 – 165 km	130 – 140 km
Long Range	315 km	190 – 210 km	160 – 180 km

Pro Tip: Driving in ‘Eco Mode’ with Regen level 3 can extend your city range by another 10-15 km.

THE COMPETITION

Feature	Tata Tiago EV	MG Comet EV	Citroen eC3
Battery	24 kWh (LR)	17.3 kWh	29.2 kWh
Range (Real)	~200 km	~150 km	~210 km
Safety	4-Star	Not Rated	0-Star (Global NCAP)
Price (Start)	₹7.99 Lakh	₹6.99 Lakh	₹12.76 Lakh

Winner: Tata Tiago EV remains the VFM king because it offers the best balance of safety, range, and brand service network.

FINAL VERDICT

Buy it if:

• You want the safest hatchback in the segment.
• Your daily commute is less than 80-100 km.
• You want a “proper” car feel (unlike the MG Comet).

Skip it if:

• You do frequent 400km+ highway trips (charging time is a pain).
• You need a massive boot (the spare wheel takes up space here).
• You want the fastest charging (it’s slower than the Punch EV).

FAQs (People Also Ask)