Tata Nexon vs Maruti Brezza 2024: Safety, Mileage, Price & Verdict

Introduction

The compact SUV segment in India is a battlefield, but two warriors consistently stand out: the Tata Nexon and the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. This isn’t just a comparison of two cars; it’s a clash of ideologies. On one side, the Tata Nexon represents the modern consumer’s desire for safety, premium features, and robust build quality. On the other, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza embodies the legacy of trust, unparalleled fuel efficiency, and a hassle-free ownership experience.

The Nexon, with its groundbreaking 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, changed the game for Indian car buyers. Its recent facelift added a more premium interior, larger screens, and refreshed styling, solidifying its position as a feature-packed and safe family vehicle. The Brezza, a household name, fought back with a complete redesign that brought a more butch stance, a new efficient engine, and the trusted Maruti Suzuki badge. It continues to be the default choice for millions seeking peace of mind and low running costs.

Choosing between these two segment leaders can be paralyzing. Do you prioritize the absolute safety of your family, or the long-term economy and reliability of your investment? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into every critical aspect—from the price you pay at the showroom to the cost you incur over years of ownership—to help you make a decision you won’t regret.

Price and Variant Analysis

Ex-Showroom Price Range (Pan-India):

• Tata Nexon: ₹ 8.15 Lakhs – ₹ 15.80 Lakhs
• Maruti Suzuki Brezza: ₹ 8.29 Lakhs – ₹ 14.14 Lakhs

Variant Strategy and Positioning:

Tata Nexon Variant Breakdown:

• Smart/Smart+: Entry-level variants focused on affordability, offering essential features and core safety (dual airbags, ABS).
• Pure: The gateway to modern amenities, adding a touchscreen infotainment system and improved interior fabrics.
• Creative: The value sweet spot, offering key features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, iRA connected car tech, and a sunroof.
• Fearless/Fearless+: The premium flagships with all bells and whistles, including ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, and a fully digital instrument cluster.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Variant Breakdown:

• LXi/VXi: Base and lower-mid variants that are spartan but reliable, targeting fleet operators and budget-first buyers.
• ZXi: The volume leader for private buyers, offering a good balance of features like a Smartplay Pro infotainment screen, steering controls, and alloy wheels.
• ZXi+: The feature-rich variant adding a sunroof, automatic climate control, and rear camera.
• ZXi+ DT/ZXi+ AGS DT: Top variants with all available features, including 360-degree camera, head-up display, and connected car tech.

Value Analysis:
The Brezza holds a slight price advantage, especially at the top end, with its range ending significantly lower than the Nexon’s. However, the Nexon fights back by offering more premium features as standard in its mid and top variants. For example, the Nexon Creative offers a larger screen and a more powerful turbocharged engine at a price point similar to the Brezza ZXi, which makes the Nexon appear more feature-rich for the money.

Exterior Design and Styling

Tata Nexon: Bold and Muscular
The Nexon’s 2023 facelift gave it a distinct, polarizing identity that commands attention.

• Front Design: Features a split-headlamp setup with sleek LED DRLs integrated high up and the main headlamp cluster positioned lower in the bumper. The humanity line grille adds a premium touch.
• Profile: Retains its iconic coupe-like silhouette with a floating roof design, sharp character lines, and pronounced wheel arches that emphasize its SUV credentials.
• Rear Design: The connected LED taillight bar is a modern touch that makes the vehicle look wider and more upmarket, especially at night.
• Key Differentiator: Its bold and unconventional design stands out in a crowd, appealing to those who want to make a statement.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza: Butch and Familiar
The Brezza’s redesign moved it from a conservative boxy shape to a more mature, SUV-like stance.

• Front Design: A more upright grille with chrome accents, flanked by larger LED headlamps. The overall look is clean, inoffensive, and widely appealing.
• Profile: Straight lines and a squared-off wheel arch design maximize interior space. The two-tone roof options continue to be popular.
• Rear Design: New C-shaped LED tail lamps connected by a light bar echo modern trends, giving it a fresh yet familiar appearance.
• Key Differentiator: Its design is smart, recognizable, and resonates with a broad audience who prefer a timeless look over radical styling.

Design Verdict:
The Nexon is for the bold—a design that you’ll either love or find too avant-garde. The Brezza plays it safe with a handsome, universally likable design that is less likely to age poorly. The choice is purely subjective, reflecting your personal style.

Interior and Cabin Experience

Tata Nexon: Tech-Focused and Premium
Stepping inside the Nexon reveals a cabin focused on delivering a modern, tech-savvy experience.

• Dashboard Design: Dominated by a free-standing 10.25-inch touchscreen and a new two-spoke steering wheel. The layered dashboard with different textures and ambient lighting feels a segment above.
• Material Quality: Extensive use of leatherette on the dashboard and doors in top variants, with soft-touch materials where it counts. The overall feel is premium, though some lower plastics remain.
• Infotainment System: The 10.25-inch touchscreen is responsive and features wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The iRA connected car tech offers a comprehensive suite of remote functions.
• Comfort Features: Ventilated front seats are a boon in Indian summers. The air purifier is another practical addition. The single-pane sunroof is standard in higher trims.
• Storage Solutions: Adequate storage with door pockets, a cooled glovebox, and a decently sized center console.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza: Practical and User-Friendly
The Brezza’s cabin is designed for simplicity, space, and ease of use.

• Dashboard Layout: A straightforward, functional layout with a 9-inch Smartplay Pro+ touchscreen positioned high for easy access. Physical buttons for AC controls are a welcome, practical touch.
• Material Selection: Focuses on durability over pure premiumness. Hard-wearing plastics are used extensively, which feel robust but less plush than the Nexon’s cabin.
• Infotainment Experience: The system is easy to use and comes with wired connectivity. Maruti’s connected car features are capable but not as extensive as Tata’s iRA.
• Comfort Elements: The seats are comfortable and supportive, especially for long drives. The single-pane sunroof is available in the ZXi+ and above variants.
• Storage Practicality: Excellent storage spaces, including large door bins and clever cubby holes, making it incredibly practical for daily use.

Space and Practicality Comparison:

• Front Space: Both offer generous headroom and legroom. The Brezza feels more airy due to its boxier design.
• Rear Seat Comfort: The Brezza has a slight edge with better knee-room and a more upright seating position, making it more comfortable for three adults.
• Boot Space: Nexon – 382 liters | Brezza – 328 liters. The Nexon’s boot is significantly larger and more usable for family trips.
• Overall Impression: The Nexon’s cabin feels more special and modern, while the Brezza’s is more practical and spacious for passengers.

Feature Comparison: Technology and Comfort

Infotainment and Connectivity:

• Nexon: 10.25-inch touchscreen, 7-inch/10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, iRA connected car tech with over 65 features, wireless phone pairing.
• Brezza: 9-inch touchscreen, semi-digital instrument cluster, Suzuki Connect, 9-speaker Arkamys sound system, wired phone pairing.
• Verdict: The Nexon has a clear edge with its larger, more modern screens and wireless connectivity, offering a more integrated tech experience.

Comfort and Convenience Features:

• Sunroof: Both offer a single-pane sunroof in their higher variants.
• Seating: The Nexon’s ventilated seats are a significant advantage. Both offer comfortable, adjustable seating.
• Climate Control: Both have automatic climate control, but the Brezza’s physical controls are easier to use on the move.
• Additional: Nexon offers an air purifier; Brezza offers a head-up display.

Premium and Safety Features:

• Nexon Exclusives: Ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, air purifier, fully digital cluster (top variant), and electronic parking brake.
• Brezza Exclusives: Head-up display, 9-speaker audio system, and rear AC vents (standard across more variants).

Feature Verdict:
The Tata Nexon is the undisputed feature king, offering more premium and tech-oriented features, especially in the areas of cabin comfort and digitalization. The Brezza focuses on practical, useful features that enhance daily driving without unnecessary complexity.

Engine Options and Performance

Petrol Engine Comparison:

Tata Nexon Petrol:

• Engine: 1.2L Turbo Revotron
• Power: 120 PS @ 5000 rpm
• Torque: 170 Nm @ 1750-4000 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed MT, 7-speed DCT, 5-speed AMT
• Performance: 0-100 km/h in ~11.5 seconds (MT). The turbocharged engine provides strong mid-range punch, making highway overtakes confident.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Petrol:

• Engine: 1.5L Dual-Jet with Mild Hybrid
• Power: 103 PS @ 6000 rpm
• Torque: 137 Nm @ 4400 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed MT, 6-speed AT (Torque Converter)
• Performance: 0-100 km/h in ~12.5 seconds (MT). The engine is refined and linear but lacks the low-end thrust of the turbocharged Nexon.

Performance Analysis and Driving Character:

• City Driving: The Brezza’s naturally aspirated engine is smooth and predictable in stop-start traffic. The Nexon’s turbo petrol has a slight lag but feels much more energetic once the turbo spools.
• Highway Driving: This is where the Nexon shines. Its superior power and torque make overtaking and high-speed cruising significantly more effortless. The Brezza requires more planning and downshifts for overtaking maneuvers.
• Automatic Options: The Brezza’s 6-speed torque converter is incredibly smooth and reliable, perfect for relaxed city commuting. The Nexon’s 7-speed DCT is quicker and more engaging but can be hesitant at very low speeds.

Ride and Handling Dynamics

Ride Quality Assessment:

Tata Nexon:

• Low-Speed Comfort: Arguably the best in segment. The suspension is tuned to effortlessly absorb potholes and broken roads, providing a plush, comfortable ride.
• High-Speed Stability: Remains composed and stable at highway speeds, though there is a slight floatiness over undulations.
• Overall Impression: The king of city ride comfort, making it ideal for our road conditions.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza:

• Urban Ride Quality: Firm but well-damped. It handles small bumps well but can feel a bit jittery over sharper imperfections compared to the Nexon.
• High-Speed Behavior: Excellent high-speed stability. The car feels planted and confident around corners, with less body roll than the Nexon.
• Comfort Focus: A balanced setup that is slightly biased towards stability over pure comfort.

Handling and Steering Feel:

• Nexon Dynamics: Light steering that is great for city parking but lacks feedback at higher speeds. Body roll is noticeable when pushed hard around corners.
• Brezza Handling Characteristics: The steering is more weighted and provides better feedback. The car feels more nimble and engaging to drive on a twisty road.
• Braking Performance: Both have capable brakes, but the Nexon’s disc brakes on all four wheels (in higher variants) provide better stopping power and feel.

Driving Verdict:
The Nexon is the comfort champion, perfect for those who prioritize a smooth ride over everything else. The Brezza is the better handler, offering a more connected and stable driving experience, especially at higher speeds.

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety Credentials and Crash Test Performance:

• Global NCAP Rating: Tata Nexon – 5 Stars (Adult Occupant) | Maruti Brezza – 4 Stars (Adult Occupant). This is the most significant objective differentiator between the two.
• Standard Safety Equipment: Both offer dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and rear parking sensors as standard.
• Structural Integrity: The Nexon’s high-strength steel structure has been proven in crash tests, giving it a tangible safety advantage.

Advanced Safety Features:

• Tata Nexon Safety Suite: Up to 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control, Hill Hold Assist, 360-degree camera, TPMS, and electronic parking brake.
• Maruti Brezza Safety Features: Up to 6 airbags, ESP, Hill Hold Assist, 360-degree camera, and TPMS.

Build Quality and Perceived Safety:

• Nexon: Feels solid and substantial, with a reassuring thud when closing doors. The 5-star rating provides concrete evidence of its safety.
• Brezza: Build quality is good and has improved significantly. The 4-star rating is respectable but falls short of the Nexon’s top marks.

Safety Verdict:
There is no debate here. The Tata Nexon is the safer car, both on paper and in perceived build quality. For buyers who prioritize safety above all else, the Nexon is the clear and only choice.

Fuel Efficiency Comparison

Official ARAI Mileage Figures:

Petrol Manual Transmission:

• Nexon: 17.30 km/l
• Brezza: 20.15 km/l

Petrol Automatic Transmission:

• Nexon (DCT): 17.01 km/l
• Brezza (AT): 19.80 km/l

Real-World Efficiency Expectations:

• Nexon Petrol: Typically delivers 12-14 km/l in city conditions and 15-17 km/l on highways. The turbocharged engine is less efficient in stop-start traffic.
• Brezza Petrol: The mild-hybrid system aids in city efficiency. Expect 14-16 km/l in the city and 17-19 km/l on the highway.

Efficiency Analysis:
The Brezza’s combination of a larger but naturally aspirated engine and a mild-hybrid system gives it a decisive victory in fuel efficiency. The mileage advantage is significant and will translate to substantial savings at the fuel pump over years of ownership, especially for high-mileage drivers.

Ownership Costs and Resale Value

Maintenance Costs and Service Intervals:

• Nexon: Service interval of 1 year/15,000 km. Annual maintenance costs are approximately ₹7,000-10,000 for the first 3-4 years.
• Brezza: Service interval of 1 year/10,000 km. Annual maintenance costs are lower, typically around ₹5,000-8,000, thanks to Maruti’s vast network and affordable parts.

Warranty Coverage:

• Both Vehicles: Standard 3 years/1,00,000 km warranty.

Resale Value Projections:

• Current Market Position: The Maruti Suzuki Brezza has one of the highest resale values in the Indian market, often 5-7% higher than a similarly aged Nexon.
• Future Projections: The Nexon’s strong brand perception and safety focus are improving its resale value, but it is unlikely to surpass the Brezza in the foreseeable future.

Service Network and Support:

• Tata: ~700+ sales and service touchpoints. Service quality has improved but can be inconsistent.
• Maruti Suzuki: The largest service network in India with over 4,000+ touchpoints. Hassle-free service and easy availability of parts even in remote areas.

Ownership Experience Verdict:
The Brezza is the undisputed king of ownership costs. It offers lower maintenance expenses, higher fuel efficiency, and the best resale value in the segment. The Nexon’s costs are higher but justifiable given its premium feature set and superior safety.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose Tata Nexon If:

• Safety is your #1 priority and the 5-star Global NCAP rating is non-negotiable.
• You want a more powerful engine for confident highway performance and overtaking.
• You value a premium, tech-loaded cabin with features like ventilated seats and a large touchscreen.
• Ride comfort is critical for you due to poor road conditions in your area.
• You need a larger boot space for family trips.

Choose Maruti Suzuki Brezza If:

• Low running costs and high fuel efficiency are your primary concerns.
• You want the peace of mind that comes with Maruti’s extensive service network and high reliability.
• High resale value is important for your long-term financial planning.
• You prefer a balanced, engaging driving dynamics over outright comfort.
• You are looking for a proven, dependable product with a strong reputation.

Best Value Variants Recommendation:

• Tata Nexon Creative: Offers the perfect blend of essential premium features (sunroof, 10.25″ screen) and safety at a competitive price.
• Maruti Brezza ZXi: The most popular variant, providing all the necessary features like a touchscreen, alloy wheels, and good safety kit, representing the core value of the Brezza.

Conclusion: The Verdict for 2024

The Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Brezza are both exceptional products, but they serve different masters.

The Tata Nexon is the modern, safety-conscious choice. It wraps a 5-star safety shell around a comfortable, feature-rich, and powerful package. It makes a compelling case for the evolved Indian car buyer who is no longer willing to compromise on safety or premium amenities. It is the emotionally appealing, sensible choice for the new-age family.

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is the rational, economic choice. It is a brilliantly executed product that excels in the fundamentals of ownership: fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, resale value, and network reach. It is the default, no-nonsense recommendation for anyone who views a car as a tool for dependable, cost-effective mobility.

Final Verdict: There is no single “best” car. There is only the car that is “best for you.” If your heart and mind prioritize safety and features, let the Nexon be your guardian. If your wallet and logic demand efficiency and hassle-free ownership, let the Brezza be your trusted companion. You can’t go wrong with either, but you must align your choice with your personal priorities.

FAQs

1. Which is safer, Nexon or Brezza?
   The Tata Nexon is objectively safer, having achieved a 5-star adult occupant protection rating from Global NCAP. The Maruti Brezza has a very respectable 4-star rating. Both are among the safer cars in the segment, but the Nexon has the highest possible score.
2. Which car has better mileage, Nexon or Brezza?
   The Maruti Brezza has significantly better fuel efficiency. As per ARAI, the Brezza petrol manual returns 20.15 km/l compared to the Nexon petrol manual’s 17.30 km/l. This advantage holds true in real-world driving conditions as well.
3. Is Nexon more expensive than Brezza?
   The starting prices are very close, but the Tata Nexon has a wider and more expensive variant range, with its top-end model costing about ₹1.5 lakhs more than the top-end Brezza. In the mid-variants, where most people buy, the prices are competitive, with the Nexon often offering more features for a similar price.
4. Which car has more features?
   The Tata Nexon generally offers more premium and tech-oriented features, especially in higher variants. This includes a larger touchscreen, ventilated seats, a fully digital instrument cluster (top variant), and an air purifier. The Brezza focuses on practical features and offers a head-up display, which the Nexon doesn’t have.
5. Which has better resale value, Nexon or Brezza?
   The Maruti Suzuki Brezza has a significantly higher resale value, a hallmark of the Maruti Suzuki brand. The Tata Nexon’s resale value has improved considerably but still lags behind the Brezza.
6. Which is more comfortable for rear seat passengers?
   The Maruti Brezza has a slight edge in terms of knee-room and a more upright, comfortable seating position for three adults. However, the Tata Nexon has a more plush seat and a better ride quality, which can be more comfortable on long journeys.
7. Is the Brezza’s engine underpowered compared to the Nexon?
   Yes, on paper and in feel, the Brezza’s 103 PS engine is less powerful than the Nexon’s 120 PS turbocharged unit. The Nexon feels much more energetic, especially during overtaking and highway driving. The Brezza’s engine is adequate but best suited for a relaxed, efficient driving style.

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