Tata Motors is working on the next-generation Nexon, which is expected to arrive in India in 2027. Internally known as Project Garud, the upcoming compact SUV has now been spotted testing on Indian roads wearing heavy camouflage.
The new Tata Nexon is expected to receive substantial changes compared with the current model. The updates are likely to cover the exterior styling, cabin, technology and powertrain lineup. Petrol and CNG versions are expected to continue, while a new-generation Nexon EV could also join the range. The future of the diesel engine, however, remains unclear.
Next-gen Tata Nexon gets major design changes
The test vehicle may retain the overall compact proportions of the current Nexon, but several body elements appear noticeably different. The C-pillar looks more upright, while the rear doors also seem to feature a new design.
Another important change is the roofline. The present Nexon uses a relatively sloping roof that gives the SUV a coupe-inspired profile. The new test mule appears to have a flatter roof, which could create a more conventional SUV stance and potentially free up additional headroom for rear passengers.
The A-pillar also appears sharper and more angular than before. These changes indicate that Tata Motors could be making deeper structural and styling revisions instead of treating the upcoming model as another routine facelift.
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New Tata Nexon could get a more upright rear
The rear section of the upcoming Nexon appears to have been redesigned as well. The rear glass looks flatter, while the tailgate and roof spoiler seem to have different proportions compared with the current SUV.
The rear bumper and wheel-arch treatment are also expected to change. However, it is important to note that the prototype is still heavily camouflaged and uses temporary components, including tail lamps that appear to be borrowed from the existing model.
This suggests that development is still underway and the final production-spec Nexon could look considerably different from the test vehicle currently seen on public roads.
Tata Nexon 2027 powertrain options
The powertrain strategy is expected to remain one of the major talking points around the next-generation Nexon. Tata Motors is likely to retain petrol and CNG options, allowing the SUV to continue addressing customers looking for both conventional performance and lower running costs.
A flex-fuel version could also be considered, although there is currently no confirmation from Tata Motors regarding its availability.
The bigger question is the 1.5-litre diesel engine. Tata could decide to discontinue diesel from the next-generation Nexon if the cost of updating the engine for future emission requirements becomes difficult to justify. Earlier reports have also pointed towards uncertainty around the diesel powertrain.
For buyers who still prefer diesel for highway driving and high-mileage usage, this could become one of the biggest changes with the new-generation model.
New-generation Tata Nexon EV also expected
The Nexon EV is also expected to receive a major update around the next-generation model. Tata Motors has already established the Nexon nameplate as an important part of its electric SUV portfolio, and the company is likely to continue expanding its EV technology.
The upcoming electric SUV could receive a larger battery and updated technology, although exact battery capacity, motor specifications and claimed range have not yet been confirmed.
It is also possible that Tata Motors could launch the electric and internal-combustion versions separately rather than introducing the entire Nexon family at the same time. This would allow the company to position the EV independently as electric SUV competition becomes stronger in India.
Cabin expected to get a complete makeover
The interior of the next-gen Tata Nexon is expected to move significantly beyond the current cabin. Tata could introduce a redesigned dashboard with newer digital displays, an updated infotainment interface and additional connected-car functions.
More advanced driver-assistance and safety technology could also become part of the package. Reports have previously pointed towards the possibility of a Level 2 ADAS suite, although Tata Motors has not officially confirmed the feature for the 2027 Nexon.
The current Nexon already offers a strong technology and safety package. Tata’s 2023 model, for example, introduced features such as a 10.25-inch infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster and connected-car technology, while the ICE Nexon later secured a five-star Global NCAP rating.
The next-generation model is therefore expected to build on this foundation rather than simply adding a few cosmetic features.
New Nexon to face tougher competition
By the time the next-generation Tata Nexon reaches showrooms in 2027, the sub-4-metre SUV segment is likely to be even more competitive.
The new Nexon will continue to go up against established models such as the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and Mahindra XUV 3XO. Newer entrants and upcoming products could make the segment even more crowded.
The Nexon will therefore need more than a fresh exterior to maintain its position. A modern cabin, improved refinement, competitive engines, strong safety equipment and a capable EV option could all play an important role in its success.
2027 Tata Nexon: What to expect
The next-generation Tata Nexon is expected to make its Indian debut in 2027 under the Project Garud programme. The latest test vehicle indicates that Tata Motors is working on more than a cosmetic update, with changes visible around the pillars, roofline, doors and rear section.
Petrol and CNG powertrains are expected to remain part of the lineup, while the diesel engine could eventually be dropped. A new-generation Nexon EV is also expected, potentially bringing improvements in battery technology, range and features.
Tata Motors has not yet revealed the complete specifications, launch date or pricing of the new Nexon. More information should emerge as testing progresses and the SUV moves closer to its production stage.
For now, the 2027 Tata Nexon looks set to be one of the important new launches in India’s compact SUV segment, particularly if Tata combines its established safety focus with a substantially redesigned cabin, modern technology and a wider electrified powertrain strategy.
Note: Specifications, features, powertrain options and launch timing mentioned above are based on available reports and observations of test vehicles. Tata Motors is yet to officially announce the complete details of the next-generation Nexon.