As India’s love for compact SUVs grows, two models frequently dominate the conversation: the Hyundai Venue and Tata Nexon. Both pack punch in terms of style, performance, features, and value‑for‑money. But which one should you pick in 2025? Here’s an in‑depth comparison, covering every angle—from engines to safety to cabins—targeted at Indian buyers.
Exterior & Dimensions📏
- Venue measures 3995 mm long × 1770 mm wide × 1617 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2500 mm. Its sharper, urban styling reflects Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design philosophy with cascading grille and sleek LED DRLs.
- Nexon is nearly similar in length (3993–3995 mm), but noticeably wider (1811 mm) and slightly taller at 1620 mm, giving it a muscular, rugged stance.
- Ground clearance favours the Nexon at ~209 mm vs Venue’s 190–195 mm—useful on uneven Indian roads.
- Boot capacity sits at around 350 L for both, with small variations in certain model spec sheets.
Verdict: If you want a broader footprint and higher ride height, the Nexon has a stronger presence. Venue feels more city‑compact and polished.
Powertrain & Fuel Efficiency
Petrol Options
- Hyundai Venue offers a 1.2L MPI petrol engine (~83 PS, 114 Nm) and a 1.0L Turbo GDi engine (~120 PS, 172 Nm), with transmission choices including 5‑speed manual, iMT/6‑speed manual, and a 7‑speed DCT automatic on the turbo variant.
- Tata Nexon is powered by a 1.2L turbo petrol Revotron engine delivering ~120 PS and 170 Nm, paired to 6‑speed manual or 6‑speed AMT automatic.
Mileage (ARAI figures):
- Venue turbo petrol (manual) ~18 km/l; AMT ~18.3 km/l.
- Nexon petrol ~17.5 km/l manual; AMT ~16.35 km/I.
Diesel Options
- Venue’s 1.5L turbo diesel (~115 PS, 240 Nm) with only a 6‑speed manual offers mileage around 23.3–23.7 km/l, with no automatic on offer.
- Nexon’s 1.5L Revotorq diesel (~110 PS, 260 Nm) comes with manual and AMT options. The manual gets ~21.2 km/l, while the AMT improves to ~22 km/l.
Verdict: Venue edges out the Nexon in fuel efficiency, especially in diesel and turbo‑petrol variants. However, Nexon offers slightly more torque and flexibility with AMT in both petrol and diesel.
Cabin & Features
Interiors
- Tata Nexon features a bold, spacious cabin with high‑grade materials, a layered dashboard, soft‑touch plastics, and generous head/legroom. The wide width also supports rear comfort for three better.
- Hyundai Venue brings a minimalist, premium cabin — two‑tone greige and black trims, brushed metal accents, and a refined layout. Fit‑and‑finish is segment‑leading.
Infotainment & Connectivity
- Venue boasts an 8‑inch touchscreen, BlueLink connected car tech (60+ features including remote start, geo‑fencing, OTA updates), ambient nature sounds, wireless charging, smart key, remote engine start, Alexa/Google Home integration.
- Nexon features a 10.25‑inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, ventilated seats, cooled glove box, voice commands, 360° camera, blind‑view monitor, and optional JBL audio system in higher variants .
Comfort & Convenience
- Nexon benefits include ventilated front seats, 6‑airbag layout standard, hill hold control, electronic stability control, and hill‑descent mitigation. It also offers a sunroof, keyless go, and cruise control in higher trims .
- Venue brings segment‑first features: 2‑step rear seat recline, power driver seat, rear AC vents, cooled glove box, cruise control, wireless charger, sunroof, TPMS, and over Android Auto + Apple CarPlay .
Verdict: Venue leans toward tech and comfort; Nexon specializes in safety and interior space.
Safety Ratings & Protection
- Tata Nexon holds a 5‑star Global NCAP crash safety rating, one of the highest in the segment. It comes standard with 6 airbags, ESC, traction control, hill‑hold, ISOFIX, and rear parking sensors/camera .
- Hyundai Venue scores 4‑star in ANCAP, features up to 6 airbags in upper trims, ABS with EBD, ESC, TPMS, rear camera and parking assist, and advanced ADAS Level 1 features like forward collision and lane‑keep assist in certain variants .
Verdict: Nexon takes the lead in crash safety credentials; Venue adds ADAS and smarter active safety aids.
Pricing & Value
- Venue ex‑showroom pricing ranges approximately from ₹7.6–13.4 lakh, while Nexon spans ₹7.8–14.2 lakh for petrol; diesel and top variants can push Nexon up to ₹18 lakh+ on‑road .
- In recent months, June 2025 sales show Nexon selling around 11,600 units, while Venue sales dipped to about 6,858 units, highlighting Nexon’s stronger market pull .
Verdict: Venue gives a modern urban package at a slightly lower price point, but Nexon offers more variants and trims, including top‑spec diesel and performance editions.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose the Hyundai Venue if you value:
- Tech‑heavy urban features like BlueLink, wireless charging, and smart connectivity.
- Better fuel efficiency (especially diesel/turbo‑petrol).
- Premium cabin feel, and a compact footprint suitable for city use.
Choose the Tata Nexon if you prioritize:
- Maximum safety with 5‑star crash rating.
- Larger cabin footprint with better rear‑seat comfort.
- Stronger torque and variant choice (diesel, turbo‑petrol with AMT).
- Rugged design and higher road presence.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Hyundai Venue | Tata Nexon |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Presence | Compact, sleek & urban | Bold, muscular, rugged |
| Dimensions | 3995 × 1770 × 1617; 343–350 L boot | Similar length, wider, higher ride; ~350–382 L |
| Petrol Engine | 1.2 L MPI / 1.0 L Turbo (120 PS) | 1.2 L Turbo (120 PS) |
| Diesel Engine | 1.5 L (115 PS) manual only | 1.5 L (110 PS) manual or AMT |
| Fuel Efficiency | ~18 km/l petrol, ~23.4 km/l diesel | ~17.5 km/l petrol, ~21–22 km/l diesel |
| Features & Tech | BlueLink, wireless charger, ambient sound etc. | EVA screen, cooled glove box, ventilated seats |
| Safety Rating | 4‑star ANCAP, ADAS features in top trims | 5‑star GNCAP, ESC, hill‑hold, 6 airbags |
| Price Range | ₹7.6–13.4 Lakh | ₹7.8–18 Lakh (wider variant spread) |
| Market Popularity | Modest, slipping | Strong, consistent best‑seller |
Conclusion
Both the Hyundai Venue and Tata Nexon make compelling cases as well-rounded, compact SUVs in India. Your ideal choice hinges on your priorities:
- Tech enthusiasts and city regulars will appreciate the Venue’s refinement, fuel economy, and comfort quotients.
- Safety-conscious buyers, family users and highway drivers may lean toward the Nexon’s build quality, space, and crash performance.
