Tata Nexon has established its foothold as one of India’s favourite sub-4 meter SUVs, with its aggressive design, five-star Global NCAP rating for safety, and dominating road presence. A significant contributor to its success is its unprecedented powertrain selection. The Nexon appeals to an extremely wide array of buyers with its turbocharged petrol, budget-friendly CNG, fuel-sipping diesel, and state-of-the-art electric versions. So much so, selecting the correct one becomes an arduous process, and the final choice in most cases depends on real-world Nexon mileage and cost of ownership.
This ultimate 2025 guide aims to assist you in this multi-dimensional decision. We shall carefully dissect the ARAI figures, examine the costs incurred on the roads, and debate the performance nuances, running expenses, and long-term usability of each variant. As an urban commuter and value-driven buyer who regularly uses highways, and an environmentalist poised to transition into a greener future, you must understand each engine’s true nature to enjoy your ownership experience fully.
Understanding the Four Powertrains on the Tata Nexon
The Nexon’s strength lies in its ability to offer four distinct technologies, each with its character and purpose.
1.2-litre Turbo Petrol
This is the most popular engine variant, a 1.2L turbo, three-cylinder Revotron engine. It is tuned to provide an excellent balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It generates a healthy 120 PS of power and 170 Nm of torque, which is well more than what you need for city and highway use. It can be paired with a 5-speed manual, 6-speed AMT, and 7-speed DCA (Dual Clutch Automatic), offering a range of transmission options.
1.2-litre iCNG
Nexon iCNG employs a tuned 1.2L turbo petrol engine, which makes it India’s first turbo-powered CNG vehicle. The dual-fuel variant is tuned for ultimate cost-saving. Tata’s revolutionary “twin-cylinder” tech places the CNG tanks discreetly beneath the boot floor, without losing much storage space. Its power output and torque are 99bhp and 170 Nm, respectively, and it only comes with a manual transmission.
1.5-litre Turbo Diesel
Nexon’s diesel version gets a 1.5L turbocharged, all-four Revotorq engine. It is a power-driven horse that generates tremendous power and impressive fuel efficiency. It produces 113.31bhp power and a class-leading 260 Nm torque. Its torque power gives it an edge over competitors, which makes it perfect for high-speed cruising and pulling even upwards with ease. It comes with both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed AMT transmission.
Nexon EV
All-electric Nexon EV is a complete game-changer. Developed on Tata’s future-ready Ziptron technology, it offers a silent, powerful, and zero-emission drive experience. In two battery trims, a Medium Range (MR) with a 30kWh battery and a Long Range (LR) with a 46.08kWh battery, this EV offers instant torque and plenty of future-ready features. The Nexon EV is for customers who want to experience tomorrow’s world of mobility today.
Official vs. Real-World Mileage (as of 2025)
The ARAI figures provide a standardized benchmark, but real-world performance is what truly matters. The figures below are a compilation of owner feedback and professional tests.
| Variant | ARAI Mileage | Real-World City | Real-World Highway | Combined Average |
| Petrol Manual | 17.44 km/l | ~11-12 km/l | ~15-16 km/l | ~13-14 km/l |
| Petrol Automatic | 17.18 km/l | ~10-11 km/l | ~14-15 km/l | ~12-13 km/l |
| CNG Manual | 17.44 km/kg | ~14-15 km/kg | ~18-19 km/kg | ~16-17 km/kg |
| Diesel Manual | 23.23 km/l | ~16-17 km/l | ~20-21 km/l | ~18-19 km/l |
| Diesel Automatic | 24.08 km/l | ~15-16 km/l | ~19-20 km/l | ~17-18 km/l |
| Nexon EV (MR) | 275 km (claimed) | ~220-240 km (range) | ~200-220 km (range) | ~230 km (range) |
| Nexon EV (LR) | 489 km (claimed) | ~330-370 km (range) | ~300-340 km (range) | ~350 km (range) |
The table reveals a couple of important points. Diesel is by far the undisputed fuel efficiency king across the ICE variants, particularly on highways. The CNG variant provides an excellent balance of economy and cost-effectiveness. The petrol variants, although powerful, are considerably thirstier in real-world scenarios. For the EV, real-world range is an important number, and it’s a considerable dip from the claimed figures, yet considerably more than enough for typical day-to-day use.
Financial Breakdown: Cost per Km and Break-Even Analysis
The most crucial part of the comparison is the long-term running cost. Let’s use approximate mid-2025 fuel and electricity prices in Delhi.
- Fuel Prices:
- Petrol: ₹94.77/litre
- CNG: ₹76.09/kg
- Diesel: ₹87.67/litre
- Electricity: ₹8/kWh (home charging)
- Cost per Km (Based on Real-World Averages):
- Petrol Manual: ₹94.77 / 13.5 km/l = ₹7.02/km
- CNG Manual: ₹76.09 / 16.5 km/kg = ₹4.61/km
- Diesel Manual: ₹87.67 / 18.5 km/l = ₹4.74/km
- Nexon EV (MR): (30 kWh * ₹8/kWh) / 230 km = ₹1.04/km
- Nexon EV (LR): (40.5 kWh * ₹8/kWh) / 350 km = ₹0.92/km
Nexon EV holds undisputed dominance in cost of ownership, its cost being only a tiny proportion of its ICE counterparts. CNG and diesel variants are extremely close in cost per kilometre, and both are highly cost-advantaged solutions for high-kilometre operators.
Let us now look at the original cost of purchase, which forms a large component of break-even analysis.
- Price Premium (Ex-showroom, approximate):
- CNG vs Petrol: Approximately ₹1.00 lakh higher.
- Diesel vs Petrol: Approximately ₹2.00 lakh higher.
- Nexon EV (MR) vs Petrol: Approximately ₹4.49 lakh higher.
The break-even point is the distance you need to drive to recover the higher upfront cost through fuel savings.
- CNG vs Petrol: Price Gap: ₹1.00 lakh | Savings per km: ₹2.61 | Kilometers to Break Even: ~38,000 km.
- Diesel vs Petrol: Price Gap: ₹2.00 lakh | Savings per km: ₹2.68 | Kilometers to Break Even: ~74,600 km.
- Nexon EV vs Petrol: Price Gap: ₹4.49 lakh | Savings per km: ₹6.26 | Kilometers to Break Even: ~71,700 km.
All three alternative powertrains have a practical break-even point for a high-mileage driver, with the EV’s savings being the most significant.
Performance, Practicality, and the Driving Experience
Tata Nexon Petrol
The 1.2L turbo petrol is a peppy engine with a punchy mid-range. It’s an excellent all-rounder, but its fuel efficiency is its weakest point. The 7-speed DCA is smooth and responsive in its shifts, and the AMT is all about convenience, not performance.
Tata Nexon CNG
Whereas the CNG variant inherits the turbo, its power is dialed down a bit. It’s more than adequate for city duty, but less responsive on the highway. The large real-world advantage is Tata’s twin-cylinder tech, which provides a 321-litre usable boot capacity.
Tata Nexon Diesel
The 1.5L diesel is the performance king of the ICE variants, and its powerful torque makes it a car that is fun to drive on highways. It is an effortless cruiser and an ideal vehicle for long-haul drivers. It also boasts an uncompromised 382-litre boot.
Tata Nexon Electric
Nexon EV provides a quiet and instantaneous power surge that none of its ICE counterparts can match. Its smooth, gearless motoring is ideal for city traffic. It boasts a 350-litre boot and a robust feature profile, making it the most contemporary and refined variant.
The Verdict: Which Nexon is for You?
For the All-Rounder (Moderate Use):
- Best Pick: Tata Nexon Petrol.
- Why: If your daily average commute is moderate and you’re after an inexpensive upfront cost and a car that is enjoyable to drive, then you need to choose the petrol Nexon. In several different transmission versions, it is extremely versatile.
For the High-Mileage, Cost-Conscious Driver:
- Best Pick: Tata Nexon CNG or Diesel.
- Why: There is a strong financial argument for both CNG and diesel. The CNG is perfect for city passengers who travel long distances, and the diesel is ideal for passengers who travel long distances frequently and want a punchy, effortless drive.
For the Eco-Conscious, Tech-Savvy Urbanite:
- Best Pick: Tata Nexon EV.
- Why: EV is the future. It provides unmatched running costs, silent and luxurious motoring, and a raft of contemporary features. The real-world capability is more than sufficient for city travel and even frequent weekend getaways, making it an intelligent and progressive purchase.
FAQs about Tata Nexon Mileage
Q. What is the real-world range of the Nexon EV?
The Medium Range variant typically gives a range of ~275 km, while the Long Range variant gives ~489 km.
Q. Does the CNG variant have boot space?
Yes, Tata’s twin-cylinder technology provides a usable boot space of 321 litres in the Nexon CNG.
Q. Why is the diesel Nexon a good choice for long drives?
Its strong torque and superior fuel efficiency make it an effortless cruiser on the highway, and its cost per kilometer is highly competitive.
Q. Which variant is the cheapest to run per kilometer?
The Nexon EV is the cheapest, with a running cost of under ₹1 per km when charged at home.
Q. How does the Nexon’s petrol engine compare to the diesel in terms of performance?
The petrol engine is sporty and exciting to drive, above all in urban settings. But a diesel engine, with its greater torque, provides a smoother and stronger performance, and that makes it a better choice for highway travel and hauling weights.
