Tata Nexon: In the fiercely competitive landscape of India’s compact SUV market, one vehicle has consistently carved out a distinct identity for itself through a combination of striking design, comprehensive safety features, and value-oriented packaging.
The Tata Nexon, first introduced in 2017 and substantially refreshed in 2023, has become not just a cornerstone of Tata Motors’ passenger vehicle lineup but a benchmark for what Indian consumers can expect from a sub-4-meter SUV.
Tata Nexon: A Design Evolution That Turns Heads
The Tata Nexon’s visual journey reflects the brand’s growing design confidence. The latest iteration, with its thoroughly modern aesthetic, has moved far beyond the somewhat conservative styling of the original model.
The front fascia now features a distinctive LED light bar that stretches across the width of the vehicle, flanked by sleek projector headlamps that are neatly integrated into a redesigned bumper.
This lighting arrangement creates a signature nighttime presence that’s instantly recognizable on Indian roads.
The side profile maintains the coupe-like silhouette that has become a Nexon trademark, with a floating roof design accentuated by contrast color options on higher variants.
The 16-inch alloy wheels, while not the largest in the segment, feature aerodynamic inserts that add visual interest while contributing to improved efficiency.
At the rear, connected LED taillights mirror the front light bar theme, creating cohesive design language that feels thoroughly modern.
Available in a palette that includes both understated options like Pure Grey and Daytona Grey as well as more expressive colors like Grassland Beige and Royal Blue, the 2025 Nexon offers notable personalization opportunities.
The recently introduced Dark and Red Dark editions further expand these options with blacked-out elements and distinctive red accents respectively, allowing buyers to tailor the vehicle to their personal aesthetic preferences.
The overall design philosophy balances urban sophistication with subtle ruggedness – the raised stance and 208mm ground clearance communicate SUV capability, while the clean lines and precise detailing suggest a premium positioning that transcends the vehicle’s price point.
Cabin Experience: Balancing Technology with Usability
Step inside the Nexon, and you’re greeted by an interior that has evolved significantly since the model’s debut.
The dashboard follows contemporary horizontal design principles, creating a sense of width that makes the cabin feel more spacious than its compact exterior dimensions might suggest.
Material quality varies throughout the interior, with soft-touch surfaces on frequent touch points and more durable plastics in lower sections – a sensible approach for a vehicle in this price category.
The centerpiece of the interior technology suite is a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a matching 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster on higher variants.
This dual-screen setup creates a tech-forward impression without overwhelming the overall cabin design.
The infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, addressing modern connectivity expectations, while physical controls for climate functions maintain ease of use while driving.
Seating comfort has been a consistent Nexon strength, with well-bolstered front seats that provide good support during longer journeys.
The rear bench accommodates three passengers more comfortably than many competitors, thanks to thoughtful contouring and a nearly flat floor.
Leatherette upholstery on premium variants adds a touch of luxury, though some users note that the light-colored options require careful maintenance in India’s dusty conditions.
Practical considerations haven’t been overlooked – the 382-liter boot, while not class-leading, offers sufficient space for weekend luggage or grocery runs.
The 60:40 split-folding rear seats expand cargo capacity when needed, though the load floor isn’t completely flat when seats are folded – a minor compromise in an otherwise well-thought-out package.
Powertrain Options: Something for Everyone
Understanding that one powertrain doesn’t fit all needs, Tata offers the Nexon with multiple engine and transmission combinations.
The base powerplant is a 1.2-liter turbocharged Revotron petrol engine producing 120 PS (88.2 kW) and 170 Nm of torque.
This engine can be paired with either a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed automated manual (AMT), or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the latter being a recent addition that significantly improves refinement over the older AMT option.
For those prioritizing efficiency or long-distance driving, the 1.5-liter Revotorq diesel remains a compelling option. With 115 PS (84.5 kW) and 260 Nm of torque, it delivers strong mid-range punch that makes highway overtaking effortless.
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or 6-speed AMT. The diesel variant typically delivers 20-22 km/l in mixed driving conditions, making it a favorite among high-mileage users despite the price premium.
A relatively new addition to the lineup is the 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol with factory-fitted CNG capability.
This variant maintains strong performance even in CNG mode, addressing a common concern with aftermarket CNG installations.
Efficiency in CNG mode is impressive at around 24 km/kg, offering a compelling economic proposition for urban users.
All variants feature multi-drive modes (Eco, City, and Sport) that adjust throttle response and, on automatic variants, shift patterns to favor efficiency or performance based on driving conditions.
The Sport mode, in particular, transforms the driving character, with noticeably sharper responses and more immediate power delivery.
While not offering all-wheel drive (a rarity in this segment), the Nexon’s 208mm ground clearance and robust suspension tuning provide confidence when tackling rough roads or occasional light off-road excursions – important considerations in India’s varied and sometimes challenging road conditions.
Safety: Setting New Standards
Perhaps the Nexon’s most significant contribution to the Indian automotive landscape has been in normalizing high safety standards in mass-market vehicles.
The model made history in 2018 as the first Indian-made car to achieve a 5-star Global NCAP crash safety rating, a distinction it has maintained with the latest generation also securing 5 stars in both Global NCAP and the newly established Bharat NCAP testing protocols.
This impressive safety performance stems from a combination of structural integrity – with extensive use of high-strength steel in critical areas – and comprehensive active and passive safety features.
Six airbags (front, side, and curtain) come standard across all variants, as do electronic stability control, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Higher trim levels add features like a blind view monitor that displays the vehicle’s blind spots in the instrument cluster when turn signals are activated, a 360-degree surround-view camera system with front parking sensors, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror.
This safety suite is comparable to vehicles costing significantly more, reflecting Tata’s commitment to democratizing safety technology.
Emergency assistance features further enhance peace of mind, with an SOS button for summoning help in emergencies and built-in connectivity that can automatically notify emergency services in case of a severe collision.
These thoughtful additions address real-world safety concerns beyond the standard crash test scenarios.
While the Nexon doesn’t currently offer advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like some competitors, its fundamental safety architecture – both passive and active – remains among the most robust in its class, earning the trust of safety-conscious Indian consumers.
Technology and Connectivity: Modern Expectations Met
Modern vehicle ownership extends beyond the physical driving experience, and the Nexon addresses this through Tata’s iRA connected car technology.
This smartphone-based ecosystem enables remote monitoring of vehicle parameters, geofencing capabilities for fleet or family vehicles, remote operation of functions like climate control, and even voice commands through natural language processing.
The infotainment experience has been refined with each update, with the current 10.25-inch system offering good resolution and reasonable response times.
The integrated JBL audio system in top variants delivers impressive sound quality, with customizable equalizer settings to suit different musical preferences.
Convenience features like wireless phone charging, multiple USB ports (including Type-C with fast charging capability), and customizable ambient lighting enhance the day-to-day ownership experience.
The voice-activated panoramic sunroof – an unexpected feature at this price point – has proven particularly popular with Indian buyers, offering a premium touch that elevates the overall cabin ambiance.
While some users report occasional software glitches or interface lag in the infotainment and digital instrument systems, Tata has shown commitment to addressing these issues through regular over-the-air updates – a relatively new approach for mainstream Indian manufacturers that suggests a more software-focused future.
Ownership Experience: Value Beyond the Purchase Price
The Nexon’s value proposition extends beyond the initial purchase, with Tata Motors making significant strides in improving the ownership experience.
Standard warranty coverage is 3 years or 100,000 kilometers, with extended warranty packages available for up to 5 years or 150,000 kilometers.
Maintenance costs are generally competitive, with service intervals set at 15,000 kilometers or one year, whichever comes first.
Tata’s service network has expanded considerably in recent years, now covering most major cities and many smaller towns across India.
The company has also introduced digital service booking, transparent service pricing, and service quality monitoring to address historical concerns about after-sales support.
The Nexon’s strong resale value – bolstered by its safety reputation and overall reliability – further enhances the long-term ownership proposition.
Even with the relatively rapid pace of updates and new variants, older Nexon models tend to retain their value well in the used car market, an important consideration for value-conscious Indian buyers.
The Variant Strategy: Choice Without Confusion
The Nexon’s variant structure has been streamlined in 2025, with clearly delineated trim levels that balance features against cost.
The lineup now begins with the Smart variant, which despite being the entry point, includes essentials like six airbags, electronic stability control, power windows, and multi-drive modes.
The mid-range options – particularly the Creative trim – hit a sweet spot of features versus value, offering the 10.25-inch infotainment system, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and a rear-view camera. This variant typically represents the volume seller in the range.
For those seeking maximum equipment, the Fearless+ PS (Panoramic Sunroof) variants include the dual 10.25-inch screens, ventilated front seats, the JBL audio system, 360-degree camera, voice commands, and additional convenience features.
While pricing for these top variants overlaps with larger SUVs like the Tata Harrier’s base variants, they offer a compelling alternative for buyers who prioritize features over size.
Special editions like the Dark and Red Dark variants add distinctive visual elements and occasional equipment upgrades, creating periodic interest spikes without fundamentally altering the core variant structure.
This approach maintains clarity while allowing for marketing-driven special models that keep the lineup feeling fresh.
Market Position and Competition
The Nexon competes in India’s hotly contested sub-4-meter SUV segment, going up against established players like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and the recently introduced Mahindra XUV 3XO and Skoda Kylaq.
Within this competitive set, the Nexon has carved out a distinct position through its combination of design, safety credentials, and feature content.
Compared to the Brezza, the Nexon offers more powertrain options and a more premium-feeling interior, though the Maruti counters with its well-established service network.
Against the Korean competitors (Venue and Sonet), the Nexon leads with superior safety ratings and competitive pricing, though some may prefer the Koreans’ infotainment interfaces and overall polish.
The new XUV 3XO presents perhaps the most direct challenge, matching many of the Nexon’s safety and feature highlights while adding some segment-first elements like ADAS.
Pricing for the 2025 Nexon starts at ₹8 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base Smart petrol variant and extends to approximately ₹15.60 lakh for top-spec diesel automatic variants.
This pricing strategy positions the Nexon slightly above some competitors at the entry level but generally on par or slightly below rivals when comparing similarly equipped variants – a reflection of Tata’s value-focused approach.
The Nexon’s sales performance reflects its strong market position, consistently ranking among the top sellers in its segment and occasionally topping the charts.
With monthly volumes typically exceeding 15,000 units, it represents a significant portion of Tata Motors’ passenger vehicle sales and has contributed substantially to the brand’s market share growth in recent years.
The Electric Evolution: Nexon.ev
No discussion of the Nexon would be complete without acknowledging its electric variant, the Nexon.ev.
Launched in 2019 and substantially updated alongside the ICE model in 2023, the electric version has become India’s best-selling passenger EV, bringing zero-emission mobility into the mainstream at a relatively accessible price point.
The latest iteration comes in two battery sizes – Medium Range with a 30kWh pack offering around 325km of ARAI-certified range, and Long Range with a 40.5kWh battery extending range to approximately 465km.
Power outputs range from 129PS in the Medium Range to 167PS in the Long Range, delivering surprisingly spirited performance that often exceeds ICE variants.
While sharing most of the design and feature set with conventional Nexon models, the EV variant incorporates distinctive electric-specific elements like blue accents throughout the exterior and interior, a unique gear selector, and EV-specific instrumentation and connectivity features focused on range optimization and charging management.
Currently priced between ₹12.49 lakh and ₹17.19 lakh (ex-showroom), the Nexon.ev represents a price premium over equivalent ICE variants but offers significantly lower running costs – typically 1-1.5 rupees per kilometer versus 5-7 rupees for petrol variants.
Government incentives in some states further reduce the effective price gap, making the electric option increasingly viable for urban users with access to home charging.
As India’s charging infrastructure develops and battery costs continue to decline, the Nexon.ev is positioned to play a pivotal role in the country’s electric mobility transition, building on the solid foundation established by its conventional counterparts.
Tata Nexon: The Benchmark Evolves
The Tata Nexon’s journey from being just another entrant in a crowded segment to establishing itself as a benchmark for affordable safety and style represents one of the more remarkable success stories in India’s recent automotive history.
By consistently prioritizing safety, embracing bold design choices, and responding to evolving consumer preferences, Tata has transformed both the Nexon’s market position and broader perceptions of the brand.
Looking ahead, the Nexon appears well-positioned to maintain its relevance. The diverse powertrain lineup addresses immediate market needs, while the established electric variant provides a future-focused alternative as the market gradually shifts toward electrification.
Ongoing refinements to feature content and technology integration suggest that Tata understands the importance of keeping the product fresh in a highly competitive segment.
For consumers, the Nexon offers a compelling proposition – the security of class-leading safety, the satisfaction of distinctive design, and the practicality of a versatile compact SUV, all delivered at price points that remain accessible to a broad swath of India’s growing middle class.
That combination has resonated strongly in the marketplace and seems likely to continue doing so as both the model and segment evolve.
In an automotive landscape often dominated by global platforms with minimal local adaptation, the Nexon stands as a testament to the potential of India-focused product development – not just meeting but often exceeding international standards while remaining attuned to the specific needs and preferences of Indian consumers.
It’s a formula that has served both Tata Motors and Nexon owners well, establishing a solid foundation for the model’s continued evolution in the years ahead.