Tata Nexon: has carved a significant niche in India’s competitive compact SUV market since its introduction in 2017.
With its distinctive design language, robust safety features, and value proposition, the Nexon represents Tata Motors’ successful foray into the sub-4-meter SUV segment that has captured the imagination of Indian consumers.
This article explores the evolution, features, performance, and market position of the Tata Nexon in 2025.
The Evolution of Tata Nexon
The journey of the Tata Nexon began as a concept vehicle at the 2014 Auto Expo, eventually making its commercial debut in September 2017.
The SUV was designed under Tata’s IMPACT design philosophy, introducing a coupe-like silhouette that distinguished it from boxy competitors.
The most significant evolution came in early 2020 with the first major facelift, bringing the Nexon in line with Tata’s IMPACT 2.0 design language.
This update transformed the SUV’s appearance with a more aggressive front fascia, modernized lighting elements, and refined interior components.
In 2023, Tata introduced another substantial update, further refining the exterior design while significantly upgrading the technology and powertrain options.
The consistent evolution demonstrates Tata Motors’ commitment to keeping the Nexon contemporary in an increasingly competitive market segment.
By 2025, the Nexon has established itself as not just a survivor but a trendsetter in its category. The vehicle that once entered as a challenger has become a benchmark that competitors measure themselves against, particularly in the critical area of safety.
Design Philosophy and Exterior Features
The current iteration of the Tata Nexon showcases the maturation of the brand’s design language. The SUV’s front profile features a bold, upright stance with a distinctive high-mounted LED headlamp setup complemented by sleek daytime running lights.
The honeycomb grille with its chrome embellishments creates a premium yet sporty appearance.
The Nexon’s side profile retains the coupe-inspired sloping roofline that has become its signature, distinguishing it from the more conventional boxy designs common in the segment. The contrast roof option continues to be a popular styling element, enhancing the vehicle’s visual appeal.
The prominent wheel arches housing alloy wheels up to 16 inches contribute to the SUV’s planted stance.
At the rear, the LED taillights connected by a light bar create a modern and distinctive appearance. The sculpted tailgate and bumper with silver skid plates reinforce the SUV’s rugged appeal while maintaining visual coherence with the overall design.
The dimensions have been carefully calibrated to maximize interior space while staying within the crucial sub-4-meter length that brings tax benefits in the Indian market.
At 3993mm long, 1811mm wide, and 1606mm tall, the Nexon strikes an impressive balance between compact external dimensions and generous interior room.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The interior of the Tata Nexon has evolved significantly from its initial offering. The 2025 model features a cleanly designed dashboard centered around a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The material quality has seen consistent improvement with each update, now featuring soft-touch materials on frequently contacted surfaces and contrast stitching on the leatherette upholstery in higher variants.
The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice commands, and connected car technology through the iRA (Intelligent Real-time Assist) system.
This technology allows owners to remotely monitor vehicle statistics, control certain functions, and receive security alerts through a smartphone application.
The Nexon’s interior space utilization is impressive for a sub-4-meter vehicle. The 2637mm wheelbase provides adequate legroom for rear passengers, while the 350-liter boot capacity offers practical utility for weekend getaways.
Thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin, including a cooled glovebox, door pockets, and a center console with multiple compartments, enhance everyday usability.
The driving position is commanding, with good visibility complemented by a 360-degree camera system in top variants.
The flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated controls for audio, phone, and cruise control functions adds a sporty touch while improving functionality.
Powertrains and Performance
The Tata Nexon offers a diverse range of powertrain options catering to different consumer preferences:
Petrol Engine: The 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces 120 horsepower and 170 Nm of torque. This responsive unit delivers a good balance of performance and efficiency, with the ability to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in approximately 11.5 seconds.
Diesel Engine: The refined 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine generates 110 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque. The substantial torque output makes it particularly suitable for highway cruising and fully loaded conditions.
Electric Version (Nexon EV): The all-electric variant has been a game-changer in India’s nascent EV market. The latest iteration offers over 450 km of claimed range with improved acceleration and charging capabilities.
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual gearbox, a 6-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), and a newer 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for select variants.
The driving dynamics have been tuned for Indian conditions, with a suspension setup that effectively balances ride comfort and handling.
The inclusion of drive modes (Eco, City, and Sport) allows drivers to prioritize fuel efficiency or performance based on their requirements and driving conditions.
The electric variant similarly offers multiple driving modes along with different levels of regenerative braking.
Safety Features and Crash Worthiness
The Tata Nexon’s most laudable achievement is arguably in the realm of safety. It made history as the first Indian-made car to receive a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP in 2018, setting a new benchmark for vehicle safety in the price-sensitive Indian market.
The 2025 model continues this safety-first approach with:
A robust structural cage using high-strength steel
Six airbags as standard across all variants
Electronic stability program (ESP) with roll-over mitigation
Hill hold assist and hill descent control
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Tire pressure monitoring system
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control in top variants
The commitment to safety has resonated strongly with increasingly safety-conscious Indian consumers, giving the Nexon a significant competitive advantage and influencing other manufacturers to improve safety standards across the segment.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Considerations
In a market where running costs significantly influence purchase decisions, the Tata Nexon delivers competitive fuel efficiency across its powertrain options:
The petrol variants deliver approximately 17-18 km/l under mixed driving conditions
Diesel models return around 22-24 km/l
The electric variant offers a cost per kilometer that is approximately one-third that of the petrol version
All internal combustion engine variants comply with BS6 Phase 2 emission norms, incorporating systems like selective catalytic reduction and diesel particulate filters in the diesel variant.
The petrol engine features direct injection technology to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
The Nexon EV represents Tata’s most significant step toward sustainable mobility, aligning with India’s push toward electric vehicle adoption.
The company has also implemented eco-friendly manufacturing processes at its production facilities, reducing the environmental impact across the vehicle’s lifecycle.
Market Position and Competition
The Tata Nexon occupies a strong position in India’s compact SUV segment, consistently ranking among the top three best-selling models in its category.
Its primary competitors include the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300, and Renault Kiger.
The Nexon differentiates itself through its combination of distinctive styling, comprehensive safety features, and diverse powertrain options.
While some competitors may excel in specific areas—the Venue and Sonet in technology, the Brezza in fuel efficiency and service network, or the XUV300 in driving dynamics—the Nexon’s well-rounded package has earned it a loyal customer base.
The pricing strategy positions the Nexon competitively within the segment, offering strong value proposition especially when safety features are considered.
The extensive variant lineup allows the Nexon to cater to a broad spectrum of budget ranges within the compact SUV segment.
Owner Experiences and Reliability
Owner feedback indicates high satisfaction with the Nexon’s build quality, safety features, and driving experience. The improved fit and finish in newer models has addressed some of the concerns raised with earlier iterations.
Reliability has been generally positive, with the powertrain components showing good durability.
The initial concerns about the complexity of the turbocharged engines have largely been mitigated through improved service training and parts availability.
Tata Motors has also made significant strides in after-sales service quality, though regional variations still exist.
The company’s warranty package, which includes 3 years/100,000 km standard coverage with options to extend, provides additional peace of mind to buyers.
Future Outlook
The future roadmap for the Tata Nexon appears focused on increased electrification, connected technology, and autonomous features.
Tata Motors has announced plans to expand the electric variant lineup with different battery size options to cater to varied usage patterns and price points.
The company is also investing in battery technology research to improve energy density and reduce charging times.
The next major update is expected to introduce a higher level of autonomous driving capabilities and enhanced connected features.
Tata Nexon
The Tata Nexon represents a success story in India’s automotive landscape, demonstrating that domestic manufacturers can create world-class products that meet global safety standards while understanding local consumer preferences.
Its evolution from a promising newcomer to a segment stalwart illustrates Tata Motors’ commitment to continuous improvement and customer-centric innovation.
As Indian consumers become increasingly discerning, demanding vehicles that don’t compromise on safety, features, or design, the Nexon’s balanced approach positions it well for continued success.
In a market traditionally dominated by foreign brands, the Nexon stands as a testament to the potential of Indian engineering and design capabilities.
Whether in its conventional internal combustion engine form or as the pioneering Nexon EV, Tata’s compact SUV has earned its place as a significant milestone in India’s automotive journey.
As the industry navigates the transition toward sustainability and advanced technology, the Nexon’s trajectory offers valuable insights into successfully balancing innovation with market realities in an emerging automotive powerhouse like India.