The Nexon has been a game-changer for Tata Motors in the compact SUV market, consistently ranking among the top 10 selling cars in India. With the 2023 facelift, Tata Motors gave the Nexon a fresh lease of life, introducing sharper styling, advanced features, and improved performance, ensuring the Nexon appeals to young buyers who prioritise aesthetics without sacrificing functionality. But does it live up to expectations in real-world conditions?
I tested the 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine, paired with the 7-speed DCA gearbox, for two months across highways, city roads, and rough terrains, and here’s a detailed review of the Nexon’s strengths and areas for improvement. Reviews of other powertrains will follow soon.
A Design That Stands Out
The 2023 facelift brings significant aesthetic upgrades that give the Nexon a fresh, contemporary appeal. The split headlamp setup with sleek LED DRLs, and muscular creases on the bonnet exude a more aggressive stance, while the full-width LED taillight at the rear adds a premium touch, especially at night. Adding to the experience, the dynamic welcome and goodbye animations create a sophisticated touch every time you lock or unlock the vehicle.
The new 16-inch alloy wheels enhance its stance, and the muscular design elements make it look rugged yet modern. Build quality remains Tata’s strong suit, and the Nexon continues to feel solid and sturdy. However, while the overall design is striking, the plastic quality on the lower front bumper could have been improved.
What’s Good:
- Futuristic design with a split headlamp setup and LED DRLs
- Premium full-width LED taillight bar
- Strong build quality, staying true to Tata’s safety legacy
What Can Be Improved:
- Plastic quality on the front bumper
A High-Tech Cabin with Premium Feel
Step inside, and the story gets even better. The dual-tone dashboard, premium materials, and seamless integration of technology reflect Tata’s focus on quality and detail. The new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system (available in higher trims) is smooth and comes with improved responsiveness than before, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The fully digital instrument cluster feels premium, displaying a range of driving information in a crisp layout. A standout feature is the new two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo, which adds a futuristic touch.
Tata Nexon’s cabin strikes a perfect balance between comfort and practicality. The seats remain comfortable and well-cushioned, providing ample space for both front and rear passengers. Rear seat space, often a deciding factor for families, remains adequate with ample legroom and headroom.
Also, the inclusion of ventilated front seats in higher trims is a blessing, especially in India’s hot climate. Tata has also integrated premium touches such as a wireless charging pad with cooling, a premium JBL sound system, and ambient lighting, elevating the overall cabin experience.
However, the touch-sensitive climate control buttons may not be as user-friendly as traditional physical knobs, especially while driving. Additionally, the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sometimes experience minor lags, which can be frustrating.
What’s Good:
- New 10.25-inch infotainment system with improved responsiveness
- Modern two-spoke steering wheel with illuminated Tata logo
- Ventilated front seats enhance comfort in hot weather
- Spacious and well-cushioned seating for five passengers
What Can Be Improved:
- Touch-based climate controls could be more user-friendly
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto experiences occasional lag
Performance & Driving Experience
Well, it is the only car in the segment that offers multiple powertrain options- Petrol, Diesel, Electric and CNG. I tested the 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine producing 120 PS and 170 Nm of torque, paired with the 7 speed DCA gearbox, extensively.
In urban driving conditions, the petrol engine offers decent power and refinement, making city commutes effortless. The 7-speed DCT automatic offers quick and seamless gear shifts, further enhancing the driving experience. On highways, the Nexon holds its own, with stable high-speed manners and effortless overtaking capabilities. During my extensive test drive, the petrol variant demonstrated peppy acceleration, ideal for quick overtakes, particularly on steep inclines.
Ride quality continues to be a strong suit, thanks to Tata’s well-tuned suspension that absorbs bad roads with ease. The steering feels well-weighted, offering good feedback on highways while remaining light enough for easy maneuvering in city traffic. Ride comfort, long a Nexon hallmark, remains exemplary, absorbing potholes and uneven surfaces with ease.
However, fuel efficiency could have been better, especially in stop-and-go traffic conditions. Over two months, the petrol variant returned an average of around 11-13 km/l in mixed driving conditions.
For buyers looking for fuel efficiency, the diesel variant remains the best choice, especially for those who frequently travel long distances. The petrol DCT, while fun to drive, offers slightly lower mileage than expected.
What’s Good:
- Peppy petrol engine, well-suited for city drives
- Smooth and quick 7-speed DCT gearbox
- Well-tuned suspension absorbs rough patches effectively
What Can Be Improved:
- Fuel economy, especially in urban traffic conditions
Features – Fully Loaded but Some Misses
Feature-wise, the Nexon is fully loaded. From ventilated front seats and a wireless phone charger to a 360-degree camera and connected car tech, Tata has left no stone unturned. The air purifier and advanced voice assistant powered by Tata’s IRA technology add to the convenience.
However, while the top-end trims now offer a panoramic sunroof (introduced in September 2024), lower variants are still limited to a single-pane unit—something potential buyers may find disappointing. Additionally, electrically adjustable front seats would have added to the premium feel.
Top Features:
- 10.25-inch infotainment system with JBL speakers – great sound quality.
- Wireless charging with cooled Glove Box – practical in Indian weather.
- Voice commands, Alexa & Google Assistant support – convenient for tech lovers.
- Connected car tech (iRA app) for remote lock/unlock, car status, etc.
- Ventilated seats (top variant) – very useful in summers.
What Can Be Improved:
- Missing electrically adjustable front seats
Safety - Tata’s Strongest Selling Point
Safety has always been a major highlight of Tata Motors, and the Nexon Facelift 2023 continues that legacy. The Nexon facelift has earned a 5-star Global NCAP rating and comes equipped with six airbags as standard across all variant. Other safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Hold Assist, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. The 360-degree camera in top variants further enhances convenience while parking in tight spaces.
What’s Good:
- 5-star Global NCAP safety rating
- Six airbags as standard across all variants
Pricing – Value for Money?
The Tata Nexon Facelift 2023 is priced between ₹7.99 lakh and ₹14.69 lakh (ex-showroom), making it one of the most competitive offerings in the segment. Compared to rivals like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza, and Mahindra XUV 3XO, it offers better safety, premium features, and a bold design. However, the top-end variants feel slightly expensive, especially for petrol automatic buyers.
Price Range: ₹7.99 lakh - ₹14.69 lakh (ex-showroom)
Final Verdict – Should You Buy the Tata Nexon Facelift 2023?
After two months of rigorous testing, it’s clear that the Nexon Facelift 2023 remains a well-rounded package catering to modern-day demands without compromising on essentials. Its stylish design, comfortable interiors, feature-rich package, and commitment to safety make it an all-rounder that justifies every rupee spent.
Even two years after the launch of the facelift, the Nexon still remains a car that offers something for everyone, from first-time buyers to families seeking a dependable daily driver. So, if you’re in the market looking for a compact SUV that blends style, performance, and affordability, the Tata Nexon continues to be a choice that’s hard to overlook.
Overall, the Tata Nexon Facelift 2023 – Turbo Petrol gets a solid 4.5 out of 5, making it one of the best choices in the compact SUV segment today.
What’s Good:
- Feature Packed
- Top Notch Safety
- Comfortable Inside for 5 Passengers
- Engine Performance & smooth gearbox
What Needs to be Improved:
- Electronics can be glitchy
- Fuel economy could be better
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