Looking to buy a compact or mid-size SUV in India? The Tata Nexon vs Hyundai Creta debate is one of the hottest topics in 2025. Both SUVs dominated Indian roads in October 2025, with Nexon selling 22,083 units and Creta close behind with 18,381 units. But which one should you buy?
In this detailed comparison, we’ll analyze price, features, mileage, safety, performance, and value for money to help you make the right choice.
🚗 Tata Nexon vs Hyundai Creta 2025: Quick Stats
| Feature | Tata Nexon | Hyundai Creta |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | ₹7.32 – ₹14.15L WINNER | ₹10.73 – ₹20.45L |
| Best Mileage | 24.08 kmpl WINNER | 21.8 kmpl |
| Ground Clearance | 208 mm WINNER | 190 mm |
| Boot Space | 382 Litres | 400 Litres WINNER |
| Airbags | 6 (All Variants) WINNER | 2-6 (Variant Based) |
1. Price Comparison: Which Offers Better Value?
Tata Nexon 2025 Price
The Tata Nexon starts at just ₹7.32 lakh for the base Smart petrol variant and goes up to ₹14.15 lakh for the top-end Fearless Plus PS diesel automatic variant. After the GST 2.0 reform in September 2025, Nexon prices dropped by up to ₹1.55 lakh, making it even more affordable.
Nexon Price Breakdown:
- Petrol Manual: ₹7.32 – ₹9.99 lakh
- Petrol Automatic: ₹8.78 – ₹12.89 lakh
- Diesel Manual: ₹9.01 – ₹12.34 lakh
- Diesel Automatic: ₹10.54 – ₹14.15 lakh
- CNG: ₹9.79 – ₹9.99 lakh
Hyundai Creta 2025 Price
The Hyundai Creta is positioned as a premium mid-size SUV with prices starting at ₹10.73 lakh and going up to ₹20.45 lakh for the top-end turbo petrol DCT variant.
Creta Price Breakdown:
- Petrol Manual: ₹10.73 – ₹13.78 lakh
- Petrol Automatic (IVT): ₹12.76 – ₹15.28 lakh
- Turbo Petrol DCT: ₹17.42 – ₹20.45 lakh
- Diesel Manual: ₹12.91 – ₹15.68 lakh
- Diesel Automatic: ₹14.69 – ₹18.32 lakh
Winner: Tata Nexon – Significantly more affordable with a price difference of ₹3.4 lakh for base variants.
2. Engine Performance & Mileage Comparison
Tata Nexon Engine Options
1.2L Turbo Petrol Engine:
- Power: 118 bhp @ 5,500 rpm
- Torque: 170 Nm @ 1,750-4,000 rpm
- Mileage: 17.44 kmpl (Manual), 17.18 kmpl (AMT)
- Transmission: 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, 6-speed AMT, 7-speed DCT
1.5L Diesel Engine:
- Power: 113 bhp @ 3,750 rpm
- Torque: 260 Nm @ 1,500-2,750 rpm
- Mileage: 24.08 kmpl (Diesel AMT – Best in segment)
- Transmission: 6-speed MT, 6-speed AMT
1.2L CNG Engine:
- Power: 100 bhp
- Torque: 170 Nm
- Mileage: 17.44 km/kg
- Transmission: 6-speed MT
Hyundai Creta Engine Options
1.5L MPi Petrol Engine:
- Power: 115 bhp @ 6,300 rpm
- Torque: 144 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
- Mileage: 17.4 kmpl (Manual)
- Transmission: 6-speed MT, IVT (CVT)
1.5L Diesel Engine:
- Power: 116 bhp @ 4,000 rpm
- Torque: 250 Nm @ 1,500-2,750 rpm
- Mileage: 21.8 kmpl (Best for Creta)
- Transmission: 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT
1.5L Turbo Petrol Engine:
- Power: 160 bhp @ 5,500 rpm
- Torque: 253 Nm @ 1,500-3,500 rpm
- Mileage: 17.7 kmpl
- Transmission: 7-speed DCT
Winner: Tata Nexon – Better diesel mileage (24.08 vs 21.8 kmpl) and offers CNG option for budget-conscious buyers.
3. Features & Technology Comparison
Tata Nexon 2025 Features
Exterior Features:
- LED headlights with DRLs
- 16-inch alloy wheels (top variants)
- Electric sunroof (Creative Plus onwards)
- Red Dark Edition with special black-red theme
- Ground clearance: 208 mm (class-leading)
Interior & Comfort:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Automatic climate control
- Cooled glovebox
- Voice-assisted electric sunroof
- 6-way adjustable driver seat
Safety Features:
- 6 airbags (standard across all variants)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Hill Hold Control
- Traction Control
- Rear parking sensors & camera
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- 5-Star Global NCAP rating (Adult: 16.49/17, Child: 43/49)
Hyundai Creta 2025 Features
Exterior Features:
- LED headlights & DRLs
- 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
- Panoramic sunroof (top variants)
- Connected LED tail lamps
- Ground clearance: 190 mm
Interior & Comfort:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment
- 10.25-inch digital cluster (top variants)
- Wireless charging
- Ventilated front seats (cooling seats)
- 8-speaker Bose premium sound system
- Air purifier with AQI display
- Ambient lighting (64 colors)
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
Safety & Driver Assistance:
- 6 airbags (top variants only, 2 in base)
- Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)
- Forward Collision Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keep Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Electronic Stability Control
- Hill Assist Control
- Rear parking camera with guidelines
- 3-Star Global NCAP rating (Adult: 11.6/17, Child: 38/49)
Winner: Mixed – Nexon wins on safety (5-star vs 3-star, standard 6 airbags). Creta wins on premium features (ADAS, ventilated seats, Bose sound).
4. Running Costs & Maintenance
💰 Calculate Your Annual Fuel Costs
Tata Nexon
Diesel: 24.08 kmpl
Hyundai Creta
Diesel: 21.8 kmpl
Maintenance Costs Comparison
| Maintenance Aspect | Tata Nexon | Hyundai Creta |
|---|---|---|
| Service Interval | 10,000 km / 12 months | 10,000 km / 12 months |
| Average Service Cost | ₹3,500 - ₹5,000 WINNER | ₹4,500 - ₹7,000 |
| Spare Parts Cost | Cheaper WINNER | Moderate |
| Warranty | 3 years / 1 lakh km | 3 years / Unlimited km WINNER |
Winner: Tata Nexon - Lower overall running costs and cheaper maintenance.
5. Pros & Cons: Nexon vs Creta
👍 Tata Nexon Pros
- ✓ Most affordable compact SUV
- ✓ 5-Star Global NCAP safety
- ✓ Best diesel mileage (24.08 kmpl)
- ✓ CNG option available
- ✓ Highest ground clearance (208 mm)
- ✓ 6 airbags standard
- ✓ Compact size for city driving
👎 Tata Nexon Cons
- ✗ Smaller cabin space vs Creta
- ✗ Less premium interiors
- ✗ No ADAS features
- ✗ Diesel engine can be noisy
- ✗ Lower resale value
- ✗ Limited boot space (382L)
👍 Hyundai Creta Pros
- ✓ Spacious cabin & legroom
- ✓ Premium interiors
- ✓ Level 2 ADAS technology
- ✓ Ventilated seats
- ✓ Better ride quality
- ✓ Strong resale value
- ✓ Powerful turbo petrol option
👎 Hyundai Creta Cons
- ✗ ₹3-6 lakh more expensive
- ✗ Only 3-Star safety rating
- ✗ Lower ground clearance (190 mm)
- ✗ Higher maintenance costs
- ✗ Base variant: only 2 airbags
- ✗ Bulkier for city traffic
💡 Consider an Electric Alternative?
If you're interested in eco-friendly alternatives to petrol SUVs, check out our guide on the best electric cars under 20 lakhs. Electric vehicles offer significantly lower running costs and zero emissions while providing similar features and comfort.
6. Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
🎯 Buying Decision Guide
Choose Tata Nexon If:
- Your budget is under ₹15 lakh
- Safety is top priority
- You drive mostly in city traffic
- You want lowest running costs
- You're a first-time car buyer
✅ Best Variant: Nexon Creative Plus S Diesel Manual (₹11.44 lakh)
Choose Hyundai Creta If:
- Your budget is ₹12-20 lakh
- You want a spacious family SUV
- Premium features matter to you
- You drive long distances on highways
- Brand value is important
✅ Best Variant: Creta SX Diesel Manual (₹15.68 lakh)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which is safer - Nexon or Creta?
A. Tata Nexon is safer with a 5-Star Global NCAP rating vs Creta's 3-Star. Nexon also offers 6 airbags standard across all variants.
Q2. Which has better mileage?
A. Tata Nexon diesel delivers 24.08 kmpl vs Creta diesel's 21.8 kmpl. Nexon also offers a CNG variant with 17.44 km/kg.
Q3. Is Creta worth ₹3 lakh more than Nexon?
A. Depends on needs. Creta offers more space, premium features (ADAS, ventilated seats), and better refinement. For families prioritizing comfort, it's worth the premium.
Q4. Which has lower maintenance cost?
A. Tata Nexon has lower service costs (₹3,500-5,000) vs Creta (₹4,500-7,000). Nexon spare parts are also cheaper.
Q5. Which is better for city driving?
A. Tata Nexon is better for cities due to compact size (3,995mm length), easy parking, and excellent ground clearance for speed breakers.
Conclusion
Both the Tata Nexon and Hyundai Creta are outstanding SUVs in 2025. Your choice should align with your budget, priorities, and usage pattern.
Bottom Line: If your budget allows, the Nexon Creative Plus S Diesel (₹11.44 lakh) offers the best overall package with safety, features, and mileage. If you're spending ₹15+ lakh, the Creta SX Diesel gives better comfort and premium feel.
Both are excellent SUVs - your choice depends on whether you prioritize safety & value (Nexon) or space & premium features (Creta).
💬 Have questions about Nexon vs Creta? Drop a comment below!
Last Updated: November 18, 2025 | Author: Mechanic37 Team