3 reasons to buy Tata Tiago EV; 2 reasons to skip it

Tata Motors has executed a comprehensive makeover for the Tiago EV (and Tiago ICE) for the 2026 model year. The new model brings in a whole set of design and equipment updates, alongside minor increments to the car's electric powertrain while retaining the old model's 19kWh and 24kWh battery options. The Tiago EV is still the brand’s most affordable electric offering, but there is a caveat, which we will get to a little later in this story. That being said, here are important pointers to keep in mind before buying the Tata Tiago EV. Let’s start with the positives first.

City-focused performance and conveniences

Manoeuvrability and forward progress in urban settings is a doddle

The 2026 Tata Tiago EV’s well-calibrated steering is light at low speeds, so filtering through slow-moving traffic is a non-issue. It weighs up progressively as you pick up pace, thus inspiring confidence at higher speeds. The relatively large glass area improves visibility, while a blind-view monitor and a 360-degree camera system (both available on the top variant) enhance situational awareness. Aiding everyday practicality are the physical AC controls, a centre armrest, rear AC vents and improved seats that offer better comfort and support.

The Tiago EV’s aptly named ‘City’ mode offers about 75 percent of the electric motor’s total output. We found this to be adequate for ambling around the city, with the onset of speed being gradual and relaxed from the get-go. This makes regular commuting easy, even more so for new drivers who may not be expecting the instant acceleration usually associated with EVs. While forward progress is quicker in ‘Sport’ mode, the Tiago EV’s throttle response remains linear.

Polished ride across the speed range

The Tiago EV’s ride shines through in the city and the highway

Tata has tweaked the suspension of the Tiago EV whilst keeping it mechanically similar to the old model. The result is better compliance across different speed regimes, allowing for a plush ride in the city without compromising high-speed stability. The suspension soaks up minor bumps and shocks on the road effortlessly, preventing the harshness from entering the cabin.

Usable range and fast charging 

The Tiago EV’s charging speed has improved noticeably with the 2026 update

Among the three trim levels on offer, all but the base variant come with a 24kWh LFP battery pack. During our preliminary real-world test, this Tata EV offered about 200km of range, which is sufficient for a city-focused electric hatchback. The 2026 update also introduced faster DC charging compared to the old model. The Tiago EV can now be fast-charged from 20 percent to 80 percent in a claimed 30 minutes – that’s roughly 15 minutes quicker.

With the positives covered, let’s now look at some of the not-so-positive attributes of the 2026 Tata Tiago EV.

Missing some basic features

While equipment levels have gone up, some omissions are obvious

The digital driver’s display looks good and provides plenty of information, but the steering wheel can block some parts of it quite easily. The Tiago EV now gets 6 airbags, hill-start assist and electronic stability control as standard, but the base variant misses out on a rear defogger, and all of them miss adjustable headrests and weight sensors for the rear seats. Tata Motors no longer offers the Tiago EV with a Harman audio system, and wireless phone charging is noticeable in its absence. Then there’s the woven fabric for the headliner, which looks too rudimentary in an otherwise urbane interior.

Overlaps with the Punch EV at the top

The Tiago EV’s top variant crosses into Punch EV territory

The fully-loaded Creative+ 24 variant of the 2026 Tiago EV is priced at Rs 9.69 lakh, which makes it Rs 30,000 more expensive than the entry-level Punch EV. The latter not only gets the more popular ‘SUV’ styling and a much larger boot, it also offers a larger 30kWh battery pack that delivers more range.

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