Tata Nexon CNG vs Maruti Grand Vitara CNG – What To Buy?

India is witnessing a boom in the CNG market as more and more carmakers introduce new CNG vehicles offering a great range of options for buyers

I am comparing the Tata Nexon iCNG and Maruti Grand Vitara CNG in this post on the basis of specs, prices, features, design and dimensions. These are incredibly successful SUVs in their respective segments in ICE guise. On the one hand, there is Tata Nexon, which is among the highest-selling SUVs in the country. It has been around for many years. The main reason for its immense demand is the fact that it was the first Indian vehicle to score a full 5-star safety rating at the Global NCAP. It repeated that feat last year with the Bharat NCAP testing. On the other hand, the Grand Vitara is Maruti’s attempt to crack this brutally competitive space. It has been doing great on the sales charts as well. Let us delve into the specifics of this case.

Tata Nexon CNG vs Maruti Grand Vitara CNG – Price

Let us commence with the most important factor for choosing between these two for most customers. The Nexon CNG ranges from Rs 8.99 lakh to Rs 14.59 lakh, ex-showroom. What is interesting is that there are alternatives to choose between multiple variants. On the other hand, the Maruti Grand Vitara is available in two trims – Delta and Zeta. The prices are Rs 13.15 lakh and Rs 14.96 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, the top variants are priced close to each other which makes things interesting for the buyers.

Tata Nexon CNG vs Maruti Grand Vitara CNG – Specs Comparison

Next up, let us discuss what powers these vehicles. The Tata Nexon CNG is the first vehicle in the country to offer a CNG powertrain with a turbocharged configuration. The compact SUV comes with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol + CNG engine which produces a healthy 100 PS and 170 Nm of peak power and torque. Performing the transmission duties is a 6-speed manual transmission. One can expect a mileage of 24 km/kg. However, the most fascinating part of the Nexon iCNG is its dual-cylinder technology. The SUV gets two CNG cylinders underneath the boot floor. This frees up acres of usable space in the luggage compartment. Previously, there used to be one large CNG cylinder which ate all the boot space. This clever innovation makes the CNG cars from Tata Motors extremely practical.

On the other hand, the Maruti Grand Vitara draws power from the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder bi-fuel petrol engine. It churns out a handy 88 PS and 121.5 Nm of peak power and torque. This engine pairs with a 5-speed manual transmission. Note that Grand Vitara also comes with a strong hybrid mill for all those who want ultra-low running costs. In the CNG trim, the mileage is a decent 26.6 km/kg. It is extremely impressive for a vehicle of this size.

Let’s Compare the Features

In this modern age, customers want their vehicles to offer the latest tech, connectivity and convenience amenities. As a result, carmakers often offer these functionalities to woo potential consumers. Hence, it is an important criterion to choose the final product. The main highlights of the Tata Nexon CNG include:

• 10.25-inch Infotainment System by Harman
• 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• iRA Connected Car Tech
• Leatherette Ventilated Seats
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Air Purifier
• Wireless Phone Charging
• Height Adjustable Front Seats
• 8-Speaker Audio System
• Cooled Glovebox
• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Automatic Climate Control
• Voice Commands
• 360-degree Camera
• 6 Airbags
• Blind View Monitor
• Front Parking Sensors
• Auto-Dimming IRVM
• Steering Mounted Controls
• Electrically Adjustable ORVMs

Similarly, the Maruti Grand Vitara CNG offers:

• 9-inch Smart Play Pro+ Infotainment System with HD Display
• 4.2-inch TFT Colour Driver’s Instrument Cluster
• Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
• 360 View Camera
• Fully Digital Instrument Cluster
• Ambient Lighting
• Soft-Touch Materials
• Suzuki Connect Features
• Electrically Adjustable and Auto Folding ORVMs
• Keyless Entry
• Drive Mode Selector
• Reclining Rear Seats
• Premium Sound System by ARKAMYS
• In-built Voice Assist System
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Hill Descent Control
• 6 airbags
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Hill-Hold Assist
• Hill Descent Control
• Day & Night Adjustable IRVM
• Smartwatch Connectivity
• Alexa Skill Connectivity

What about the Design and Dimensions?

This is a major point of differentiation between these two SUVs. On the one hand, the Nexon is a compact SUV. It embodies the latest design philosophy from the Indian auto giant. At the front, the Nexon gets LED DRLs which are connected by a black panel containing the Tata logo. However, I find the lower section of the compact SUV quite compelling with that colossal radiator grille section and a rugged silver skid plate. On the extreme edges of the bumper, you will find the LED headlamps. Moving down the sides reveals a rather modern appearance with dual-tone stylish alloy wheels, black side pillars and ORVMs, black cladding on the door panels and prominent wheel arches. The rear section comprises of a connected LED taillamp cluster, roof-mounted spoiler, shark fin antenna and a rugged bumper.

On the other hand, the Maruti Grand Vitara is a mid-size SUV. Hence, it is evidently larger than the Nexon. At the front, the Grand Vitara gets a sleek LED DRL cluster on the bonnet with a thick chrome slab on the large radiator grille. The main headlamp cluster is located on the extreme edges of the bumper. In the lower section, the silver skid plate accentuates the sportiness of the SUV. On the sides, the prominent wheel arches with black cladding encapsulate the elegant alloy wheels. The black side pillars lend it a modern appearance. At the rear, the connected LED taillamps, vertical reflector lights, shark fin antenna, a sturdy bumper and roof-mounted spoiler complete the rear profile. All in all, both these SUVs are attractive in their own right.

My View on the Tata Nexon CNG vs Maruti Grand Vitara CNG Comparison

These two SUVs offer specific applications. Hence, it depends on the usage of the consumers to decide which one suits their needs better. For starters, if you have a tight budget and want to experience a CNG SUV at an affordable price range with all the necessary modern design and features, the Tata Nexon CNG makes a lot of sense. You even get the reliability of the 5-star safety rating of the Nexon. It should serve your requirements well. On the other hand, if you want a larger car with more practicality and budget is no constraint, going for the Maruti Grand Vitara CNG should be on your mind. I would advise our readers to visit their local dealerships to experience these two in the flesh. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these.

Also Read: Tata Nexon iCNG vs Punch iCNG – Which One is For You?