Tata Motors’ first compact SUV, the Tata Nexon, has achieved a remarkable milestone in the Indian market.
Launched in September 2017, this compact SUV has not only been a top seller for the company but also became the first Tata SUV to surpass 800,000 domestic sales.
With variants across petrol, diesel, electric, and CNG powertrains, the Nexon continues to be a popular choice for buyers across India.
Tata Nexon’s Journey to 800,000 Sales
From its launch in September 2017 until February 2025, the Tata Nexon has sold 804,491 units, according to SIAM and industry estimates.
This makes it one of the most successful SUVs in Tata Motors’ lineup. The journey of the Nexon has been extraordinary, with the model witnessing rapid growth in its sales figures.
- In June 2021, just 45 months after its launch, the Nexon crossed the 200,000 mark.
- By October 2022, it reached 400,000 units – a mere 16 months after hitting 200,000.
- The next 100,000 units were sold within just six months, marking the 500,000 milestone.
- By July 2024, the Nexon had reached 600,000 units.
- From July 2024 to February 2025, the last 100,000 units were sold in a span of just over seven months, bringing the cumulative total to 804,491 units by February 2025.
Tata Nexon’s Achievements: Best-Selling SUV in India
The Tata Nexon achieved the #1 spot as India’s best-selling SUV for three consecutive years: FY2022, FY2023, and FY2024.
In FY2023, the Nexon delivered its best-ever fiscal year performance, with 172,138 units sold, showing a 39% YoY growth (compared to 124,130 units in FY2022).
This accounted for 32% of Tata Motors’ total 373,138 passenger vehicle sales.
However, while Nexon’s sales growth was strong in the earlier years, demand has slightly slowed down in FY2025 due to increasing competition.
In the first 11 months of FY2025, Tata Motors has sold around 146,723 Nexons, representing a 7% YoY decline. This has dropped the Nexon to the seventh position in the Top 10 Utility Vehicles chart.
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The Competition in the Compact SUV Segment
The Tata Nexon faces stiff competition in the ultra-competitive compact SUV segment. Its current key rivals include:
- Hyundai Venue
- Kia Sonet
- Mahindra XUV300
- Kia Seltos
- Skoda Kushaq
Interestingly, the Tata Punch, another Tata Motors compact SUV, has been consistently outselling the Nexon since January 2024.
In FY2025, Punch’s sales have exceeded Nexon’s, making it a strong competitor in the market.
Multi-Powertrain Strategy: Nexon’s Popularity across Segments
The success of the Tata Nexon can also be attributed to its multi-powertrain strategy. As of February 2025, the Nexon is available in 85 variants, including:
- 34 Petrol Variants
- 28 Diesel Variants
- 15 Electric Variants
- 8 CNG Variants
The diverse options make it accessible to a wide range of customers with varying preferences and budgets.
The price range starts from ₹9.10 lakh for the petrol variant, with the Nexon CNG starting at ₹10.14 lakh and the Nexon EV priced from ₹15.80 lakh.
Comprehensive Facelifts and Updates
Over its seven years of existence, the Tata Nexon has received two significant facelifts. The first facelift came in January 2020, followed by the second facelift in September 2023.
The 2023 update brought enhanced styling, updated interiors, and tech improvements, making the vehicle more appealing to buyers.
One of the most notable updates to the Nexon is its Bharat NCAP crash test performance, which earned the SUV a 5-star rating, further boosting its appeal in the safety-conscious Indian market.
Tata Nexon EV: Leading the Affordable Electric SUV Market
The Nexon EV, in particular, has made a big impact in India’s affordable electric vehicle market.
According to Autocar India, the updated Nexon EV boasts a redone interior, new tech, and a powertrain update, positioning it as the benchmark among affordable EVs in the Indian market.
Nexon’s Contribution to Tata Motors’ Growth
Since its introduction, the Tata Nexon has played a pivotal role in Tata Motors’ growth in the passenger vehicle segment.
In FY2023, Tata Motors recorded its highest-ever passenger vehicle sales of 544,391 units, with the Nexon contributing 31% to the total sales.
- In FY2022, the Nexon accounted for 33% of Tata Motors’ sales, dropping slightly to 29% in FY2024 and continuing at 29% in FY2025.
The Nexon’s consistent performance has made it a key model in Tata Motors’ portfolio and one of the best-selling compact SUVs in India.
Looking Ahead: The Next-Generation Tata Nexon
Tata Motors is already working on the next-generation Nexon, expected to hit the market in 2027. Codenamed ‘Garud’, the next-gen Nexon will be built on an evolved version of the X1 platform and will feature an overhauled exterior and interior design.
Although it will likely retain its current petrol and CNG powertrains, there are speculations about the future of the 1.5-litre diesel engine given its declining popularity in the compact SUV segment.
The upcoming Nexon EV will also receive updates, though it remains to be seen if it will launch alongside the petrol and CNG variants or separately.
Conclusion: A Milestone Achieved, But Challenges Ahead
The Tata Nexon’s achievement of surpassing 800,000 sales is a testament to its enduring appeal and the success of Tata Motors’ compact SUV strategy.
However, the evolving competition, particularly from the Punch, the rise of new models, and shifting market trends indicate that Tata Motors will need to continue innovating and updating its product lineup to maintain its leadership in this segment.
Despite recent challenges, the Nexon’s versatile powertrain options, strong safety features, and affordable price range continue to make it a popular choice for Indian buyers.
