Tata Nexon Review 2026: The “Tank” of India, But At What Cost

In the Indian automobile market, the Tata Nexon isn’t just a car; it’s a phenomenon. It was the first Indian car to score 5 Stars in Global NCAP, teaching an entire nation that “Safety > Mileage.”

Now, with the heavy facelift (often called the Nexon 2.0 or 3.0), Tata has gone all out. It looks like a concept car that escaped the design studio. But with prices touching ₹15 Lakh+ on-road for the top model, it is no longer a “budget” compact SUV.

I drove the Fearless+ S DCA (Petrol) and the Diesel Manual for over 2000 kms in Mumbai traffic and on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Is it still the segment king, or has the Mahindra XUV 3XO stolen its crown? Let’s find out.

Quick Specs: The Numbers Game

Specification	1.2L Turbo Petrol	1.5L Revotorq Diesel
Power	120 PS @ 5500 RPM	115 PS @ 3750 RPM
Torque	170 Nm @ 1750 RPM	260 Nm @ 1500 RPM
Transmission	5MT, 6MT, 6AMT, 7DCA	6MT, 6AMT
Ground Clearance	208 mm (Best in Class)	208 mm
Boot Space	382 Litres	382 Litres
Fuel Tank	44 Litres	44 Litres

Exterior Design: A Head-Turner

Read more: Jaguar 2026

Tata Motors designers deserve a raise. The Nexon used to look like a “frog” in its first generation, but this facelift is sharp, futuristic, and aggressive.

• The Face: The split headlamp setup and the connected LED DRL strip (which dances when you unlock the car) give it a premium EV-like vibe.
• The Rear: The “X-Factor” taillights are integrated neatly, and the hidden rear wiper (tucked under the spoiler) is a clever touch usually found in Range Rovers.
• Stance: With 208mm of ground clearance, it stands tall. You don’t just drive over speed breakers; you glide over them.

Interior, Comfort & Features: A Mixed Bag

Stepping inside the Nexon feels like entering a gaming cockpit.

• The Steering Wheel: It’s a 2-spoke design with an illuminated Tata Logo. It looks stunning at night, though the piano black finish is a fingerprint magnet.
• The Dashboard: The purple inserts (in the Fearless variant) are bold. You get a massive 10.25-inch infotainment screen by Harman, which is crisp and responsive.
• Touch AC Controls: This is where function loses to form. The AC controls are on a touch panel. While it looks cool, you have to take your eyes off the road to adjust the fan speed. Tactile buttons were better!
• Space: The rear seat comfort is legendary. Three average-sized Indians can sit comfortably. The cushions are soft, and the recline angle is perfect.

Engine Performance & Driving Dynamics

The 1.2L Turbo Petrol (DCA)

The 7-speed Dual Clutch Automatic (DCA) is a huge improvement over the jerky AMT. It shifts smoothly in city traffic. However, the engine is a 3-cylinder unit, and you can feel the vibrations at idle. It’s not as silent as the Maruti Brezza’s 4-cylinder engine.

• City: Punchy and eager.
• Highway: It runs out of breath post 120 kmph.

The 1.5L Diesel (The Real Gem)

If you drive more than 1500 km a month, buy the Diesel. The 260 Nm of torque is addictive. You put your foot down in 6th gear, and it pulls like a train. It is undoubtedly the best diesel engine in this segment (since Maruti and Brezza don’t offer diesel anymore).

Ride & Handling

Tata has nailed the suspension. It swallows Indian potholes for breakfast. At high speeds (100+ kmph), the car feels planted and heavy (in a good way). There is some body roll due to the height, but it’s manageable.

Safety: The “Iron Man” Suit

This is why you buy a Tata.

• Standard Safety: 6 Airbags, ESP, ABS with EBD, and Hill Hold Control are standard across ALL variants (even the base model).
• Crash Test: It has scored a 5-Star Rating in both Global NCAP and the new Bharat NCAP.
• Build Quality: The doors close with a reassuring “thud.” You feel safe inside.

Real World Mileage: The Bitter Truth

Let’s keep it real. Tata engines are performance-oriented, not mileage-oriented.

Variant	ARAI Claimed	Real City Mileage	Real Highway Mileage
Petrol Manual	17.44 kmpl	11 – 12 kmpl	15 – 16 kmpl
Petrol DCA	17.01 kmpl	9 – 10.5 kmpl	14 – 15 kmpl
Diesel Manual	23.23 kmpl	16 – 17 kmpl	20 – 22 kmpl

The Competition: Nexon vs The World

We auto-detected the strongest rivals: Maruti Brezza and Mahindra XUV 3XO.

Feature	Tata Nexon	Maruti Brezza	Mahindra XUV 3XO
Price (Top Model)	₹15.50 Lakh	₹14.14 Lakh	₹15.49 Lakh
Engine	Turbo Petrol / Diesel	N.A. Petrol Only	Turbo Petrol / Diesel
Power	120 PS	103 PS	130 PS (Zoom!)
Features	360 Camera, Ventilated Seats	HUD, 360 Camera	Panoramic Sunroof, ADAS Level 2
Mileage	Average	Excellent	Good
Verdict	Safety King	Efficiency King	Performance King

• Vs Brezza: Buy Brezza if you want peace of mind, high resale value, and 18 kmpl in the city. Buy Nexon for build quality and fun.
• Vs XUV 3XO: The XUV 3XO is faster and has a Panoramic Sunroof (segment first). But its boot space is smaller than the Nexon, and its rear design is… polarizing.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The Tata Nexon 2026 is a car that appeals to the heart more than the head. It looks fantastic, keeps your family safe, and the diesel engine is a highway mile-muncher.

Buy it if:

• Safety is Priority #1: You travel on highways often with family.
• You want a Diesel: It’s one of the few cars left offering a punchy diesel engine.
• Road Presence: You want a car that looks premium and expensive.

Skip it if:

• You want City Mileage: The Petrol version will hurt your wallet
• You hate Panel Gaps: Fit and finish are improved but still not at Hyundai/Kia levels.
• Service Center Anxiety: Tata’s after-sales service is still a hit or miss depending on your city.

FAQs (People Also Ask)