[New EV SUV] vs. [New Petrol SUV]: Which Family SUV is the Smarter Buy in 2025?

The decision for a new family SUV in 2025 is more complicated than ever. It’s no longer just about brand, features, or design. The biggest question is: Petrol or Electric? On one hand, you have the proven, go-anywhere convenience of a petrol car like the Hyundai Creta. On the other, you have the futuristic, low-running-cost appeal of an EV like the Tata Nexon.ev.

Many buyers get stuck comparing the sticker price, where the EV almost always looks more expensive. But the purchase price is only part of the story. To find the smarter buy, we need to compare the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over a typical 5-year period.

Let’s break it down.

1. The Upfront Cost (The Sticker Price)

• Hyundai Creta (Petrol Auto, Mid-Trim): Approx. ₹15 lakh
• Tata Nexon.ev (Long Range, Mid-Trim): Approx. ₹17 lakh

Right away, the petrol Creta has a ₹2 lakh advantage. For many, this is where the comparison ends. But this is where it should begin. Government subsidies and state-level EV policies (which can waive road tax and registration) can shrink this gap significantly, so check your local regulations.

Winner: Hyundai Creta (Petrol)

2. The Running Cost (Fuel vs. Electricity)

This is where the entire game changes. Let’s assume an average daily run of 50 km (18,250 km per year).

• Hyundai Creta (Petrol):
  • Real-world mileage: ~13 km/l
  • Petrol Price: ~₹100/litre
  • Cost per km: ~₹7.69
  • Annual Fuel Cost: ~₹1,40,342
• Tata Nexon.ev (Electric):
  • Real-world range: ~300 km from a 40.5 kWh battery
  • Efficiency: ~7.4 km/kWh
  • Home Electricity Rate: ~₹8/kWh (Average)
  • Cost per km: ~₹1.08
  • Annual Charging Cost: ~₹19,710

The Nexon.ev saves you over ₹1,20,000 per year in running costs alone. Over 5 years, that’s a staggering ₹6,00,000 in savings.

Winner: Tata Nexon.ev (Electric)

3. The Maintenance Cost

EVs have far fewer moving parts than a petrol car. There are no engine oil changes, no spark plugs, no air filters, no complex gearboxes, and no exhaust systems to service.

• Hyundai Creta (Petrol): Requires annual servicing, including oil changes, filter replacements, and regular check-ups. Over 5 years, you can expect to spend approximately ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 on routine maintenance.
• Tata Nexon.ev (Electric): Requires minimal servicing. Checks are mostly for brake fluid, cabin filters, and battery health. Maintenance costs over 5 years are typically under ₹15,000 – ₹20,000.

Winner: Tata Nexon.ev (Electric)

4. The Resale Value

This is a major consideration. Historically, petrol cars like the Creta have held their value exceptionally well. The EV market is newer, and resale values have been uncertain due to rapidly evolving battery technology. However, as EV adoption grows and consumer confidence builds, the resale value of proven models like the Nexon.ev is stabilizing. The Creta is the “safer” bet today, but the gap is closing.

Winner: Hyundai Creta (Slight edge)

The Final Calculation: Who is the Smartest Buy?

Let’s add it all up for a 5-year, ~91,250 km ownership:

Cost Factor	Hyundai Creta (Petrol)	Tata Nexon.ev (Electric)
Purchase Price (Approx)	₹15,00,000	₹17,00,000
5-Year Fuel Cost	₹7,01,710	₹98,550
5-Year Maintenance	₹35,000	₹17,500
Total 5-Year Cost	₹22,36,710	₹18,16,050
(Before Resale)

The Verdict:

Even with a ₹2 lakh higher sticker price, the Tata Nexon.ev becomes the cheaper car to own after just 5 years, saving you over ₹4,20,000.

The “smarter buy” depends on your situation:

• Buy the Hyundai Creta (Petrol) if: You do not have a dedicated parking spot for home charging, or you frequently (weekly) take spontaneous, long-distance trips to remote areas with no charging infrastructure.
• Buy the Tata Nexon.ev (Electric) if: You have a home charging setup (this is essential) and your daily run is under 250-300 km. For the 95% of driving that involves commuting, school runs, and planned weekend trips, the EV is overwhelmingly the smarter financial choice.

For the average Indian family, the math is clear. The EV revolution isn’t just coming; it’s already the more intelligent financial decision.