Tata Nexon and Nissan Magnite are two subcompact SUVs designed for buyers who want low running costs without sacrificing SUV practicality. While Nexon’s official mileage figures are 23.23 km/l for diesel and 24 km/kg for CNG, Magnite’s petrol mileage is claimed at 19.9 km/l. However, which of the two delivers better real-world efficiency on Indian roads?
The Nexon first launched in India in 2017, with its current major update arriving in 2023. It offers turbo-petrol, diesel and factory-fitted CNG powertrains. The Magnite arrived in 2020 and was facelifted in 2024, retaining naturally aspirated and turbo-petrol engines while adding an authorised CNG retrofit option. The Magnite has an advantage in petrol efficiency, while the Nexon counters with diesel and factory-CNG choices that can significantly reduce running costs.
Tata Nexon vs Nissan Magnite Specs
The main difference between the two SUVs is the engines. While all petrol variants of the Tata Nexon are powered by a 1.2-litre turbo motor that produces 120hp and 170Nm of torque, the Magnite petrol engine options include a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing only 72PS, as well as a 1.0-litre turbo petrol producing 100PS. In addition to the turbo petrol engine, the Nexon also offers a 1.5-litre diesel engine and a turbo CNG engine.
Weight also influences efficiency. Depending on the version, the Magnite weighs roughly 1.0–1.1 tonnes and is noticeably lighter than many Nexon variants. This helps the Magnite achieve competitive petrol mileage even with its more powerful turbo engine.
| Specification | Tata Nexon | Nissan Magnite |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel / 1.2L turbo-CNG | 1.0L NA petrol / 1.0L turbo-petrol / retrofit CNG |
| Displacement | 1,199cc petrol/CNG / 1,497cc diesel | 999cc |
| Power | 120hp petrol / 115hp diesel / 100hp CNG | 72PS NA / 100PS turbo |
| Torque | 170Nm petrol/CNG / 260Nm diesel | 96Nm NA / 160Nm turbo MT / 152Nm CVT |
| Transmission | 5MT / 6MT / 6AMT / 7DCT | 5MT / 5AMT / CVT |
| Drive layout | FWD | FWD |
| Kerb weight | Around 1.2–1.35 tonnes depending on version | Approx. 1,019–1,103kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 44 litres | 40 litres |
Tata Nexon vs Nissan Magnite ARAI Mileage Figures
The mileage figures for the Tata Nexon, as per official claims, vary by engine and transmission type. Turbo petrol engines are claimed to do about 17.44 km/l in manual mode, but AMT and DCT deliver less. The Nexon diesel is claimed to do 23.23 km/l, while the CNG variant is stated to do around 24 km/kg.
The Nissan Magnite petrol range is more efficient on paper. Its naturally aspirated manual claims 19.4 km/l, the AMT 19.7 km/l and the turbo manual peaks at 19.9 km/l. The Turbo CVT drops to 17.9 km/l. Nissan does not publish an official mileage figure for the authorised CNG retrofit system.
| Car | Engine & Transmission | Fuel Type | ARAI Mileage |
| Tata Nexon | 1.2L turbo, manual | Petrol | 17.44 km/l |
| Tata Nexon | 1.2L turbo, AMT | Petrol | 17.18 km/l |
| Tata Nexon | 1.2L turbo, DCT | Petrol | 17.01 km/l |
| Tata Nexon | 1.5L diesel, manual | Diesel | 23.23 km/l |
| Tata Nexon | 1.2L turbo-CNG, manual | CNG | 24 km/kg |
| Nissan Magnite | 1.0L NA, 5MT | Petrol | 19.4 km/l |
| Nissan Magnite | 1.0L NA, AMT | Petrol | 19.7 km/l |
| Nissan Magnite | 1.0L turbo, 5MT | Petrol | 19.9 km/l |
| Nissan Magnite | 1.0L turbo, CVT | Petrol | 17.9 km/l |
| Nissan Magnite | CNG retrofit | CNG | Official figure not published |
When comparing petrol variants, Magnite seems better on paper; however, the mileage figures claimed for the diesel and CNG variants of Nexon are considerably better than alternatives.
Tata Nexon vs Nissan Magnite Real-World Fuel Efficiency
For the petrol-manual comparison, current user-reported combined data places the Nexon petrol manual at around 16.03 km/l, while the naturally aspirated Magnite manual averages approximately 17.53 km/l. This means the Magnite retains its efficiency advantage in everyday petrol driving. Despite this, the Nexon’s larger 44-litre tank means its theoretical full-tank ranges are very similar.
In the automatic versions, the Nexon DCT gets around 9.1 km/l in the city and 16.6 km/l on highways, while the Magnite Turbo CVT gets around 9.5 km/l in the city and 15.22 km/l on highways. While Magnite seems to be stronger in all figures tested, Nexon manages to outdo Magnite on highways as far as mileage is concerned.
| Tata Nexon Petrol MT | Nissan Magnite NA MT | Tata Nexon DCT | Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT | |
| City | Varies | Varies | 9.1 km/l | 9.5 km/l |
| Highway | Varies | Varies | 16.6 km/l | 15.22 km/l |
| Average | ~16.03 km/l | ~17.53 km/l | ~10.83 km/l | ~12.36 km/l |
| Tank range | ~705 km | ~701 km | ~477 km | ~494 km |
Unlike the Nexon diesel variant, the Magnite has no directly comparable variant. The diesel Nexon achieved 16.5 km per litre in cities and 19.4 on highways with an overall combined mileage of approximately 17.95 km per litre. The CNG Nexon, on the other hand, recorded 15.1 km per kg in the city and 23.7 km per kg on the highway before being tested, achieving an overall fuel efficiency of around 19.4 km per kg. Reports from owners of Magnite CNG indicate fuel efficiency figures in the range of 16-21 km per kg in cities and close to 27 km per kg on the highways. Still, these figures have not undergone testing as elaborated for the Nexon.
Also Read: Complete Guide on Buying a Nissan Magnite
Tata Nexon vs Nissan Magnite Fuel Cost Comparison
For the fuel-cost calculation, we have assumed 1,500 km of driving per month, equivalent to 18,000 km annually. Fuel prices are based on New Delhi rates on September 10, 2026, at approximately ₹102.12 per litre for petrol, ₹95.20 per litre for diesel, and ₹86.98 per kg for CNG. Real-world combined mileage, rather than ARAI figures, has been used.
Petrol Fuel Cost
| Nexon Petrol MT | Magnite NA MT | Nexon DCT | Magnite Turbo CVT | |
| Monthly Running | 1,500 km | 1,500 km | 1,500 km | 1,500 km |
| Monthly Fuel Use | 93.6 litres | 85.6 litres | 138.5 litres | 121.4 litres |
| Average Monthly Fuel Cost | ₹9,556 | ₹8,738 | ₹14,144 | ₹12,393 |
| Average Yearly Fuel Cost | ₹1.15 lakh | ₹1.05 lakh | ₹1.70 lakh | ₹1.49 lakh |
| 5-Year Fuel Cost | ₹5.73 lakh | ₹5.24 lakh | ₹8.49 lakh | ₹7.44 lakh |
Manual buyers who opt for a petrol variant will be able to save approximately ₹820 per month and around ₹9,800 annually with the Magnite’s figures used in this calculation. In terms of automatic transmissions, the petrol automatic is also cost-effective, with the Magnite Turbo CVT estimated to save around ₹1,750 per month in fuel costs compared to the Nexon DCT.
The Magnite also starts at a lower price, which means the Nexon does not recover its higher purchase cost through petrol savings. The Nexon’s running-cost advantage becomes much stronger only when diesel or CNG enters the comparison.
Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Tata Nexon
Diesel and CNG Fuel Cost
| Nexon Diesel | Nexon CNG | Magnite CNG | |
| Monthly Running | 1,500 km | 1,500 km | 1,500 km |
| Monthly Fuel Use | 83.6 litres | 77.3 kg | 72.3 kg |
| Average Monthly Fuel Cost | ₹7,955 | ₹6,725 | ₹6,285 |
| Average Yearly Fuel Cost | ₹95,465 | ₹80,703 | ₹75,416 |
| 5-Year Fuel Cost | ₹4.77 lakh | ₹4.04 lakh | ₹3.77 lakh |
*Magnite CNG calculation uses an owner-reported 20.76 km/kg reference rather than an official or instrumented figure.
The Nexon diesel considerably reduces fuel expenses compared to its petrol automatic counterparts. Meanwhile, the Nexon CNG comes down to approximately ₹6,725 in monthly fuel costs. The figures for the Magnite CNG are lower, but they should be taken as approximate, as they come from ownership experience rather than standardised figures.
Tata Nexon vs Nissan Magnite Price
The Nissan Magnite has a clear entry-price advantage. Its range begins at approximately ₹5.68 lakh, while the Tata Nexon starts around ₹7.40 lakh ex-showroom. Upper Magnite turbo variants overlap with mid-range Nexon models, but the Nexon stretches higher because of its broader engine, transmission and equipment range.
| Model | Variant | Price (ex-showroom) |
| Tata Nexon | Smart Petrol MT | ₹7.40 lakh |
| Tata Nexon | Smart CNG | ₹8.37 lakh |
| Tata Nexon | Smart+ Diesel MT | ~₹9.01 lakh |
| Tata Nexon | Creative Petrol DCT | ~₹11.42 lakh |
| Nissan Magnite | Visia Petrol MT | ₹5.68 lakh |
| Nissan Magnite | Visia AMT | ₹6.27 lakh |
| Nissan Magnite | N-Connecta Turbo MT | ₹8.77 lakh |
| Nissan Magnite | Acenta Turbo CVT | ₹9.26 lakh |
| Nissan Magnite | Tekna+ Turbo CVT | ₹10.99 lakh |
The CNG modification kit for the Magnite costs about ₹74,999. Also, while the petrol manual option of the Magnite is the less expensive option and gets better ratings in this comparison, there is no traditional cost break-even for the Nexon petrol. Instead, the premium on the Nexon is justifiable because of its better performance, more engine-configuration options, and the availability of factory diesel and CNG.
Also Read: Why India Loves the Tata Nexon
Summary
For petrol mileage, the Nissan Magnite comes out ahead. Its smaller engine, lower kerb weight and efficient gearing help it achieve better official and real-world economy than comparable Nexon petrol versions. The naturally aspirated Magnite manual averages around 17.53 km/l in current user-reported data, compared with approximately 16.03 km/l for the Nexon petrol manual.
In addition, higher running distances make the Nexon an even more appealing option. The diesel version of the Nexon has fuel efficiency ratings of 16.5 km/l in the city and 19.4 km/l on highways, making it one of the best models for frequent long drivers. The CNG factory model is also known for improved fuel efficiency and an integrated system from the manufacturer.
Overall, choose the Nissan Magnite if petrol efficiency and lower purchase price are priorities. Choose the Tata Nexon if you want more powertrain flexibility, especially diesel or factory-fitted CNG for lower long-term running costs.
FAQs About Tata Nexon vs Nissan Magnite Real-World Mileage Comparison
Q. Which has better petrol mileage, Tata Nexon or Nissan Magnite?
The Nissan Magnite has the advantage. Its naturally aspirated manual claims 19.4 km/l and has a user-reported combined figure around 17.53 km/l, compared with 17.44 km/l claimed and approximately 16.03 km/l user-reported for the Nexon petrol manual.
Q. What is the real-world mileage of the Tata Nexon diesel?
The Nexon diesel manual has returned approximately 16.5 km/l in the city and 19.4 km/l on highways, with a combined test average of about 17.95 km/l.
Q. What is the real-world mileage of the Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT?
The Magnite Turbo CVT has returned around 9.5 km/l in city driving and 15.22 km/l on highways, with an overall tested reference of approximately 12.36 km/l.
Q. Which automatic is more fuel-efficient, Nexon DCT or Magnite CVT?
Based on the tested overall figures used here, the Magnite Turbo CVT is more efficient at approximately 12.36 km/l, compared with around 10.83 km/l for the Nexon DCT.
Q. Which is cheaper to run, Nexon diesel or Nexon CNG?
The Nexon CNG is cheaper based on the mileage and fuel prices used here. At 1,500 km per month, estimated fuel expenditure is approximately ₹6,725 for CNG versus ₹7,955 for diesel.
Q. Does the Nissan Magnite have factory-fitted CNG?
No. The Magnite uses an authorised CNG retrofit kit installed through approved channels. The Tata Nexon iCNG, in comparison, comes with its CNG system integrated at the factory.
