The Indian compact SUV market is a fierce battleground, and for the last few years, the Tata Nexon has been its undisputed king. It’s the highest-selling SUV in the country, a title it has guarded with a winning combination of bold design, 5-star safety, and a long list of features. But rivals like the Maruti Brezza and Hyundai Venue have been catching up.
To defend its crown, Tata has given the Nexon its most significant update yet for 2025. This isn’t just a minor nip and tuck; it’s a comprehensive overhaul of the design, interior, and technology. We got behind the wheel to see if the king has what it takes to stay on top.
A Radical New Look
The first thing you’ll notice is the design. It’s a huge departure from the old model, drawing heavy inspiration from Tata’s futuristic “Curvv” concept. The soft, rounded look is gone, replaced by sharp, aggressive lines. The front end is completely new, featuring a split-headlamp design with sleek LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) at the top and the main projector headlamps lower on the new, sportier bumper.
The rear is equally dramatic, with a new connected LED tail lamp that spans the width of the car, giving it a much wider and more premium stance. It’s a bold, modern look that makes the outgoing model look dated overnight.
A Cabin from the Future
If you thought the exterior was a big change, the interior will astound you. Tata has completely redesigned the cabin, and it feels like it’s from a car two segments above. The old, cluttered dashboard is replaced by a clean, horizontal layout dominated by premium materials.
The highlights are the two new screens: a large, 10.25-inch (or 12.3-inch on top trims) floating touchscreen infotainment system and a stunning 10.25-inch configurable digital driver’s display. The new two-spoke steering wheel, with its illuminated Tata logo, feels fantastic to hold. Tata has also replaced the old climate controls with a new touch-based panel, which looks slick, though it may take some getting used to.
The Drive: Polished and Punchy
Under the hood, the Nexon retains its two tried-and-tested engines: the 1.5-litre diesel and the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol. The big news, however, is the new transmission. The much-maligned AMT gearbox is finally gone from the top-end petrol models, replaced by a new 7-speed DCA (Dual-Clutch Automatic).
This new gearbox is a game-changer. It’s smooth, quick, and intelligent. In city traffic, the jerks of the old AMT are a distant memory. On the highway, it shifts down quickly for overtakes. This, combined with the punchy 120 PS turbo-petrol engine, makes the Nexon a genuinely fun-to-drive SUV. The ride and handling remain a strong point, soaking up bumps with ease while feeling stable and confident at high speeds.
Safety and Features
Tata hasn’t compromised on safety, with 6 airbags, ABS, and ESP now standard across all variants. The top models are loaded with tech, including a 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, and a premium JBL sound system.
The Verdict
The 2025 Tata Nexon is more than just a facelift; it’s a complete transformation. Tata has addressed the old model’s biggest weaknesses—a dated interior and a jerky automatic—and has doubled down on its strengths of safety and design. It’s more premium, more high-tech, and better to drive. The king hasn’t just defended its crown; it has built a stronger fortress.