Tata Nexon is a subcompact crossover SUV with a 5-star safety rating. The Maruti Fronx, in contrast, is a subcompact crossover that gets a punchier turbo engine and a coupe-like roofline. The Nexon was launched in 2017, and the Fronx is a new entrant launched in 2023. Both these sub-4-meter cars are in their first generation. The Tata Nexon offers wider choices for powertrains, and the Maruti Fronx excels in delivering higher fuel efficiency. According to ARAI claims, the best mileage for the Nexon is delivered by the diesel variant, 24.08 km/l and that for the Maruti Fronx is 28.51 Km/Kg by its CNG variant.
Tata Nexon is available with a 1.2L turbo petrol engine for its petrol and petrol+CNG variants. Its diesel version has a 1.5L turbo engine. The Maruti Fronx uses a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.0L Boosterjet turbo petrol engine. It does not have a diesel engine, and the CNG variants use the 1.2L dualjet petrol engine. The Nexon comes with a manual, AMT or a DCT gearbox. The Fronx has a manual, AMT and an automatic transmission. This article compares the mileage delivered by these powertrains to see which one is more fuel-efficient and how economical they can be in the real world.
Table of Contents
Tata Nexon vs Maruti Fronx Specs
The table below shows the basic specifications of the Tata Nexon and Maruti Fronx.
| Specification | Tata Nexon | Maruti Fronx |
| Engine | 1.2L Turbo Petrol1.2L Turbo petrol+CNG1.5L Diesel | 1.2 L Naturally Aspirated Petrol1.0L Boosterjet Turbo Petrol1.2 L Dualjet Petrol with CNG |
| Displacement | Petrol: 1199Diesel: 1497 ccCNG: 1199 cc | Petrol: 1197 ccTurbo: 1197 ccCNG: 998 cc |
| Power | Petrol: 113-158 bhpDiesel: 114 bhpCNG: 99 bhp | Petrol: 89.73 PSTurbo: 100.06 PS CNG: 77.5 PS |
| Torque | Petrol: 170 NmDiesel: 260 NmCNG: 170 Nm | Petrol: 113 NmTurbo: 147.6 NmCNG: 98.5 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT (CNG)6-speed MT 6-speed AMT (diesel) 7-Speed DCT | 5-Speed Manual5-Speed AMT6-Speed AT |
| Drive layout | Front Wheel Drive (FWD) | Front Wheel Drive |
| Kerb weight | Petrol: 1225 kgDiesel: 1346 kg | Petrol MT: 960-970 KgPetrol AMT: 965-975 KgTurbo MT: 1015 – 1030 KgTurbo AT: 1055- 1060 kgCNG: 1050Kg – 1060 Kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | Petrol: 44 litres Diesel: 44 litresCNG: 60 litres | Petrol and Turbo: 37 litresCNG: 55L |
The Tata Nexon seems to have an upper hand when comparing the basic specifications with the Maruti Fronx. The Nexon has all three fuel options like petrol, diesel and CNG, while the diesel variant is not available with the Fronx. The Nexon has more powerful engines and more options for transmissions. It also has a 7-speed DCT, while the highest Fronx can offer is a 6-speed automatic. The Fronx has two types of petrol engines, while the Nexon has only one option.
Tata Nexon vs Maruti Fronx: ARAI Mileage Figures
The ARAI mileage is the benchmark figure for the fuel efficiency of cars. The Automotive Research Association of India provides this after testing the cars in the lab under controlled conditions. The purpose of the ARAI figure is to establish a baseline mileage for each car so that it is easier to compare efficiency under identical conditions.
| Engine & Transmission | Fuel Type | Tata Nexon – ARAI Mileage (km/l) | Maruti Fronx – ARAI Mileage (km/l) |
| 1.2L Turbo– 5MT | Petrol | 17 km/l | — |
| 1.2L Turbo – 6MT | Petrol | 17.55 km/l | — |
| 1.2L Turbo – 6AMT | Petrol | 17.18 km/l | — |
| 1.2L Turbo – DCA | Petrol | 17.01 km/l | — |
| 1.5L Turbo – 6 MT | Diesel | 23.23 km/l | — |
| 1.5L Turbo – 6 AMT | Diesel | 24.08 km/l | — |
| 1.2L Turbo CNG- 6MT | Petrol+CNG | 24 km/kg | — |
| 1.2 L NA MT | Petrol | — | 21.79 km/l |
| 1.2 L NA AMT | Petrol | — | 22.89 km/l |
| 1.2 L S-CNG MT | Petrol+CNG | — | 28.51 Km/Kg |
| 1.0L Boosterjet Turbo MT | Petrol | — | 21.50 km/l |
| 1.0L Boosterjet Turbo AT | Petrol | — | 20.01 km/l |
Since the Maruti Fronx is lighter than the Tata Nexon, it can easily get a much higher mileage. The ARAI figures of Fronx exceed those of Nexon for its CNG. But for the petrol variant, the turbo petrol engine with AMT has a higher mileage, while the turbo manual variant shows the best fuel economy for the Fronx. The Nexon diesel variant also delivers high mileage.
Also Read: Maruti Fronx Mileage Comparison: Petrol vs CNG
Tata Nexon vs Maruti Fronx: Real-World Fuel Efficiency
In the real world, the mileage of cars differs because of the varying environmental conditions, driving style, road conditions, etc. The table below shows a comparison of the real-world mileage of the Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Fronx for their different powertrains.
| Tata Nexon (Petrol) | Maruti Fronx (Petrol) | Maruti Fronx (Turbo) | |
| City | Manual: 13.3km/lAMT: 10 to 12 km/lDCA: 8 to 11 km/l | Manual: 14 to 16 km/lAutomatic: 11 to 15 km/l | Manual: 14 to 19 km/lAutomatic: 16 to 17.5 km/l |
| Highway | Manual: 15 to 18 km/lAMT: 14.5 to 17 km/lDCA: 14.5 to 17.7 km/l | Manual: 18 to 22 km/lAutomatic: 17 to 20 km/l | Manual: 19 to 21.5 km/lAutomatic: 16 to 18 km/l |
| Average | Manual: 14.9 km/lAMT:13.38 km/lDCA: 12.80 km/l | Manual: 13 km/lAutomatic:18.5 km/l | Manual: 20 km/lAutomatic: 17 km/l |
| Tank range | 600 to 750 km | 700 to 800 Km | 700 to 740 Km |
In the real world, it is the Maruti Fronx that delivers a higher fuel efficiency than the Tata Nexon. It is the same for both manual and automatic transmission for their petrol variants. Whether it is in the city or on highways, the Fronx scores very well against the Nexon.
| Tata Nexon (Diesel) | Maruti Fronx (Diesel) | |
| City | MT: 11 to 13 km/lAMT: 9 to 11.5 km/l | — |
| Highway | MT: 15 to 17 km/lAMT: 14 to 16.5 km/l | — |
| Average | MT: 14 km/lAMT: 12.75 km/l | — |
| Tank range | 620 to 850 km | — |
Only the Nexon has a diesel variant, and it has a mileage that is much lower than what the ARAI claims.
| Tata Nexon (CNG) | Maruti Fronx (CNG) | |
| City | 13.4 km/kg | 20-22 Km/Kg |
| Highway | 22.5 km/kg | 25-28 Km/Kg |
| Average | 17.95 km/kg | 24 Km/Kg |
| Tank range | 800 to 950 km | Combined 900-1000 Km |
Similar to their petrol variants, the CNG variants of the Maruti Fronx show better fuel efficiency than the Nexon. Although the Nexon has excellent mileage on the highways that is close to the ARAI claims, the Maruti Fronx delivers better mileage, almost the same as the ARAI claims.
Also Read: How to Increase Tata Nexon Mileage
Tata Nexon vs Maruti Fronx: Fuel Cost Comparison
You will see a full picture only when you compare the fuel cost of these cars and see how much you need to spend monthly, yearly and over a period of five years. The table below calculates these figures based on an average distance travelled of 1500 Km. Petrol, diesel, and CNG prices are calculated at an average of Rs. 110, Rs. 100, and Rs. 90, respectively.
| Nexon Petrol | Fronx Petrol | Nexon CNG | Fronx CNG | Nexon Diesel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Running | 1500 km | 1500 km | 1500 km | 1500 km | 1500 km |
| Monthly Fuel Use | 113 L | 96L | 85Kg | 64 Kg | 100L |
| Avg. Monthly Fuel Cost | ₹ 12,543 | ₹ 10,656 | ₹ 7225 | ₹ 5440 | ₹ 9800 |
| Average Yearly Fuel Cost | ₹ 1.50 lakhs | ₹ 1.27 lakhs | ₹ 86,700 | ₹ 65,280 | ₹ 1.17 lakhs |
| 5-Year Fuel Cost | ₹ 7.52 lakhs | ₹6.39 lakhs | ₹ 4.33 lakhs | ₹3.26 lakhs | ₹ 5.88 lakhs |
For fuel economy, the CNG variants of the Tata Nexon and Maruti Fronx are the best options. If you prefer petrol or diesel, the best option is the diesel variant of the Nexon. Still, it can cost almost double annually compared to the Fronx CNG variant. Petrol variants of both Nexon and Fronx can be expensive, since their yearly cost is much higher than the CNG and diesel options.
Also Read: Tata Nexon Mileage Guide: Real vs ARAI & Best Variant Pick
Tata Nexon vs Maruti Fronx Price
Now that we have seen the running cost of Tata Nexon and Maruti Fronx, let’s see what their ex-showroom price is.
| Model | Variant (Base to Top) | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
| Tata Nexon | Smart Petrol to Fearless+PS | ₹ 7.40 to ₹ 14.35 lakhs |
| Maruti Fronx | Sigma to Alpha | ₹ 6.85 lakhs to 12.88 lakhs |
The ex-showroom price of the Maruti Fronx is lower than the Nexon.
Summary
Both Maruti Fronx and Tata Nexon can deliver better fuel efficiency on the highways than on city roads. Maruti Fronx has a lighter body, which helps it deliver much higher real-world fuel efficiency. This higher fuel efficiency reduces fuel expenses and can help you save more. The Fronx’s naturally aspirated petrol engine makes more sense for everyday city drives than the Nexon’s turbo engine. Nexon has more powerful engines. If you want more safety features, then Nexon is a good option. If your budget is tight, opt for the Maruti Fronx. It is more fuel-efficient and has lower running costs. But if you need a diesel variant and more options for transmission, go for the Nexon.
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FAQs About Tata Nexon vs Maruti Fronx Real-World Mileage Comparison
Q. Which is more fuel efficient for short daily drives Nexon or Fronx?
On shorter daily trips, the engines can be hard on the brakes and during acceleration. The heavier body of the Nexon can consume more fuel than the lighter body of the Fronx. The naturally aspirated petrol engine of the Maruti Fronx will be a better choice for such city rides, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Q. How does the Fronx AMT perform in the city and on highways?
The Fronx AMT variant’s mileage is likely to dip in real-world usage, more so in city traffic conditions. It can deliver an average of 11 to 15 km/l on city roads. With moderate traffic and some open stretches, its fuel efficiency can be better at an average of 13-14 km/l. On highways, it can easily deliver 17 to 22 Km/l if you can maintain a steady speed.
Q. Which Nexon powertrain suits buyers focused on mileage?
If your focus is mainly on getting the best mileage, then the CNG or the diesel variants are the better choices. The CNG gives an excellent mileage of anywhere between 14 and 17 Km/Kg while the diesel automatic variant can perform well at 14 to 16 km/l and around 18-20 km/k on the highways. Its petrol variants are not very fuel-efficient due to the sensitive engine and have lower mileage in the city.
Q. How much can stop-and-go traffic reduce the Fronx’s mileage?
In stop-and-go traffic, the sensitive engine of the turbo-petrol variant consumes more fuel and therefore its mileage drops drastically to around 9-11 km/l. In moderate traffic, it can achieve up to 14 to 15 km/l. When the traffic is less, as seen on the highways, it can get a mileage of anywhere between 20-24 km/l. The same applies to the Fronx’s dualjet petrol engine: the drop in mileage during stop-and-go situations is lower, so it has better mileage than the boosterjet engine.
Q. Does the choice of transmission make a big difference to the mileage of either car?
In the case of the Tata Nexon and Maruti Fronx, there is no significant difference between the mileage of the manual and automatic transmission. However, their manual transmission has slightly better mileage than the automatic one. But this difference is just 1-2 km/l. Among the automatic transmissions, the AMT variants are better for the Fronx, and the DCT version is better for the Nexon.
