The battle between the Tata Nexon EV and the Mahindra XUV400 continues to be a significant rivalry in the electric vehicle (EV) market, especially for those seeking a family car. The latest updates to both models have refined their offerings, making this comparison more relevant than ever.
The Mahindra XUV400 maintains its impressive presence with a larger size compared to the Tata Nexon EV. Its flatter, blocky design exudes an SUV-like presence, complemented by striking copper highlights. Despite the desire for LED lighting at this price point, the unique plug motifs in the rear lighting add a stylish touch. The XUV400 offers more practicality with 200mm of ground clearance versus the Nexon EV’s 190mm, and its longer length provides an extra 378 litres of boot space compared to the Tata’s 350 litres. Both vehicles include a spare wheel, a feature not common in many EVs.
In contrast, the Tata Nexon EV stands out with its pearl-finish Empowered Oxide shade, giving it a premium and unique appearance. The new update introduces a sharper front design with a new bonnet and front fenders, along with full-width lighting that serves as a charging indicator. The chrome strakes in the air dam contrast beautifully with the body-coloured surfaces, enhancing its visual appeal. The rear design is also refreshed, with full-width lighting and updated bumpers that complement the front’s sharp theme.
Both vehicles have improved their cabin aesthetics, featuring contemporary dash designs, more gloss black accents, new steering wheels, and revised centre consoles. However, their execution differs significantly.
The Tata Nexon EV boasts a clean, minimal grey and white interior with a textured carbon fibre look and crisp angular air vents. The two-spoke steering wheel and capacitive touch panels for climate controls give it a modern vibe, though this can affect ease of use.
The Mahindra XUV400, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional aesthetic with extensive use of beige and rounded surfaces. Its steering wheel, similar in feel to the Nexon EV, features more conventional buttons that are easier to use on the move. The centre console also benefits from larger physical buttons, enhancing usability. The Mahindra also edges out the Tata in fit and finish, with fewer rough edges and a more cohesive build. Both models feature rich leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching.
In terms of practicality, the XUV400 offers more interior space, especially in the back seat where three adults can comfortably fit, unlike in the Nexon EV. The XUV400 also provides deeper storage bins and better-placed wireless chargers. However, the Nexon EV does have a large glove box and benefits from 45W Type C charging, which is faster than the XUV400’s Type A chargers.
Technologically, the Tata Nexon EV holds an advantage. Both vehicles feature 10.25-inch driver displays, but the Tata’s is more user-friendly with more vibrant colours and a logical layout. The Nexon EV also projects Google Maps directly from phone pairing onto its display. The main central touchscreen is larger in the Nexon EV at 12.3 inches compared to the XUV400’s 10.25 inches, and it offers a sharper touch response and more intuitive sub-menus. Additionally, the Tata provides more connectivity options, including the Arcade.ev suite of streaming apps, Alexa integration, and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.
Both SUVs come equipped with auto headlamps, wipers, wireless charging, a single-pane sunroof, 60:40 split back seats, and connected tech. The Mahindra XUV400 offers dual-zone climate control, while the Tata Nexon EV excels with ventilated seats, a 9-speaker JBL audio system with sound modes, a PM 2.5 air purifier, full LED lighting, and a V2V, V2L charging function.
Safety features are robust in both models, including six airbags, ESC, rear disc brakes, TPMS, and hill-hold. The Nexon EV adds hill-descent control and a 360-degree camera setup with blind view monitors. Despite these features, the XUV400 demonstrated better braking performance in tests, stopping in a shorter distance than the Nexon EV.
Mechanically, there are minimal changes to the batteries. The Nexon EV retains its 40.5 kWh LFP pack, while the XUV400 keeps its 39.5 kWh Ni-MH battery. The Nexon EV has become 2% more aerodynamically efficient and features a more efficient cooling system, giving it a real-world range edge over the XUV400. The