Comparison: Tata Nexon vs Maruti Brezza

Compact SUVs have been hot commodities in the market these past several years. To seize the opportunity, Tata and Maruti, two of the most popular brands in the Indian market, have each launched their weapon of choice — the Nexon and Brezza. These compact SUVs have made a name for themselves in the sub-15 Lakh price category.

The two compact SUVs may be direct rivals, but they excel at different things, and hence, it’s much easier to choose which one to go for, depending on your specific needs and requirements. Here’s a thorough comparison of the two popular kids on the block — Tata Nexon vs Maruti Brezza to help you decide which one suits you better.

Tata Nexon vs Maruti Brezza: Dimensions

One of the things that make an SUV a compact SUV is its sub-4 meter length. In this case, both the Nexon and the Brezza undercut the threshold by 5 mm, but that’s where the dimensional similarities end. The Nexon gets a leg-up over the Brezza in terms of width, with 14 mm extra between the two horizontal ends.

While the Nexon is wider, the Brezza is taller, with a 65 mm difference. That much additional headroom can be a deal-maker for many. Both compact SUVs have similar wheelbases with just a 2 mm difference, but the Nexon runs around 10 mm higher ground clearance than its rival. The Nexon also offers extra boot space than the Brezza, though you might want to check the way the volume is distributed in both cars for effective luggage storage.

The Nexon received a facelift for its new model this year, and Tata went for a futuristic and curvy route for the new Nexon. Although, you’ll see it still retains the overall muscular stance, especially when viewed from the front. The Brezza, on the other hand, gets a slightly more subtle appearance with a more traditional SUV design if you look at it from the side. The overall shape is slightly boxy, and the fenders are higher– which are classic SUV characteristics. The Brezza does feature some modern and fresh design as well, especially in the headlights, taillights, and front bumper areas.

While both are sub-4 meter compact SUVs, the two excel in different areas, making it easier to choose between them depending on what you prefer. The Nexon offers slightly more shoulder room for three people in the second row and a futuristic outer shell. The Nexon offers more headroom and a fine-drawn appearance instead.

Tata Nexon vs Maruti Brezza: Engine & Transmission

Both Tata and Maruti offer their compact SUVs in two different engine options. Petrol is the common denominator here, with Tata offering a Diesel option while Maruti went for CNG. The Nexon comes with a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, which is turbocharged and generates 120 PS and 170 Nm of peak torque. The Brezza’s 1.5-litre engine has four cylinders and is naturally aspirated, but it still cranks out a decent 101 PS and 136 Nm.

The alternate engine option in the Nexon is a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline 4-cylinder that runs on diesel. The Revotorq engine churns out 115 PS and 260 Nm of max torque and offers 23.23 km/l. The Brezza, on the other hand, gives buyers an option to go for a factory-fitted CNG kit. The same K15C petrol engine can be switched to CNG here, where it makes 88 PS and 121 Nm of torque. The CNG is a great fit for someone looking for a more economical ride since it’s a bit low on power but claims around 25.51 km/kg ARAI mileage. For efficiency seekers, the Brezza’s engine in CNG mode provides a significant mileage boost over the Nexon’s 17.44 and 23.23 km/l for petrol and diesel motors, respectively. Even the Brezza’s engine in Petrol mode claims 17.38 km/l as per ARAI, which is a respectable figure but falls short in front of its CNG mode.

In terms of transmission choices, both SUVs offer a 5-speed manual with all engine options. Tata offers a 6-speed AMT with both engines as well, and if you select the petrol engine option, you can also get it with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Brezza, in addition to the manual, offers a 6-speed AMT with a torque converter, but only with the petrol engine. You will have to make do with the manual if you opt for the CNG kit.

Once again, the choices come down to a preference between power and efficiency. The Nexon’s turbocharged engines fare best for people who want more power out of their SUVs while still being comfortably efficient. The mild-hybrid Brezza makes more sense for people wanting a more conservative ride, though, without feeling underpowered in most cases.

Tata Nexon vs Maruti Brezza: Features and Comfort

In terms of features, both brands have their compact SUVs covered in all kinds of goodies. The Nexon’s cabin is full of straight lines and sharp edges. Everything from the AC vent outlines to the horn boss on the steering wheel looks clean and precise. The Nexon also features the slightly bigger infotainment screen of the two SUVs and offers some unique features such as ventilated seats that the Brezza misses out on.

The Brezza, however, is a feature-packed car as well, with stuff like cruise control, automatic climate control, and an electric sunroof. If you have been inside any of Maruti’s cars lately, the new Brezza’s dashboard will look familiar to you, especially the instrument cluster and the steering wheel. Both SUVs come with Android Auto and Apple Car Play, both have 60:40 rear split seats, four speakers, different driving modes, and rear AC vents. The upper trims of the Nexon feature a fully digital instrument cluster, while the Brezza sticks to the hybrid method.

Tata Nexon vs Maruti Brezza: Safety Features

Safety is and should be the top priority when checking out a new car. Thankfully, both cars have gathered a respectable score in this department.

The Brezza has achieved 4 stars out of 5 in the GNCAP crash test, and it comes with all the typical safety tech and gizmos but one. The Brezza checks the boxes of ABS, EBD, hill hold assist, auto headlamps and whatnot. However, it’s worth noting that it does not have traction control. Fortunately, the Brezza comes with 6 airbags as standard.

Tata proudly makes some of the safest cars in the country, and the Nexon is one of their shining stars in the safety department. The Nexon boasts a staggering 5 out of 5 stars in the GNCAP testing and comes with all the usual safety tech, including traction control. Like the Brezza, the Nexon also deploys 6 airbags on collision.

If safety is your primary concern, the Nexon comes out as a relatively safer choice. The 5-Star G NCAP score is a testament to a strong body, while the various driver-assist features make sure the Nexon is always stable and in the driver’s command. While the Brezza may not boast traction control or a 5-Star safety score, it comes equipped with lots of safety features and 6 airbags to keep the occupants safe.

Tata Nexon vs Maruti Brezza: Prices & Variants

While both companies offer competitive pricing on their respective cars, the Brezza tends to be slightly more affordable compared to the Nexon. The Tata Nexon’s ex-showroom prices range from around Rs. 8 Lakh to over Rs. 15 Lakh. On the other hand, Maruti squeezes the Brezza’s trims in the Rs. 8.30 to 14 Lakh area.

Tata has changed the nomenclature of the new Nexon along with its exterior and interior design. The Nexon’s various trims, from base to top, are now christened as Smart, Pure, Creative and Fearless, respectively. Maruti, while changing the Brezza’s outer looks, sticks with the familiar naming system with the base to top trims named LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi+, respectively.

All good things come at a price, and here, Nexon’s top variant justifies the phrase well. Both SUVs start with similar prices for their base models, but the Nexon’s top-trim demands roughly Rs. 1.50 lakh more than the Brezza’s counterpart. Here, you have the choice of either spending more and getting some unique luxury and tech or enjoying most of the required features of a new SUV while also saving some money.

Tata Nexon vs Maruti Brezza: Summary

Previously, the two SUVs were quite similar to each other, but today, we can see the different routes the two SUVs have ventured on in the path of evolution.

The Brezza remains a popular city SUV with good looks, plenty of features, decent mileage, and competitive pricing. All these things make the Brezza a value-for-money SUV that India knows and loves.

The Nexon, on the other hand, tries to cater to people who aren’t afraid to dish out a few extra bucks to enjoy segment-unique features and unmatched safety, especially in terms of chassis design and build quality. For the more budget-oriented folks out there, there might be a Nexon for you, too.

Overall, both SUVs offer plenty of things and little to no compromises for the price they sell for. We wouldn’t fault you if you were in a dilemma between the two handsome compact SUVs, but at the same time, once the main goal behind your new purchase becomes clear, the choice will become much simpler.