Mahindra Bolero vs Tata Nexon (2026)
Mahindra Bolero (₹9.80 Lakh – ₹11.20 Lakh) and Tata Nexon (₹7.37 Lakh – ₹14.22 Lakh) go head-to-head in the compact suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (July 2026).
- The Tata Nexon is more affordable — it starts ₹2.43 Lakh lower than the Mahindra Bolero.
- The Tata Nexon is the more powerful car, with 118 bhp against 75 bhp.
- The Tata Nexon is more efficient on paper — up to 24.08 kmpl vs 16 kmpl.
- Only the Tata Nexon has a published NCAP crash-test rating (5 stars).
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Mahindra Bolero | Tata Nexon |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹9.80 Lakh – ₹11.20 Lakh | ₹7.37 Lakh – ₹14.22 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L mHawk75 diesel | 1.2L turbo-petrol / 1.5L turbo-diesel / 1.2L turbo iCNG |
| Max power | 75 bhp | 118 bhp |
| Fuel options | Diesel | Petrol, Diesel, CNG |
| Transmissions | Manual | Manual, AMT, DCT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 16 kmpl (claimed) | 17.44 kmpl (petrol MT), 24.08 kmpl (diesel), 24 km/kg (CNG) |
| Seating | 7 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 2 | 6 |
| Boot space | — | 382 L |
Mahindra Bolero in short
The Bolero is Mahindra's evergreen workhorse, a ladder-frame 7-seater that has ruled rural and semi-urban India for over two decades. It sells on toughness, cheap maintenance and a vast service network rather than features or refinement. There is no direct rival at its price; buyers cross-shop it with the Bolero Neo and used Scorpios.
Full Boleroprices & variants →Tata Nexon in short
The Nexon is Tata's best-selling model and a perennial top-three player in India's cut-throat sub-4-metre SUV segment against the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. The 2023 facelift brought a dramatic Curvv-inspired design, twin digital displays and a 7-speed DCA automatic. It holds 5-star ratings from both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP, and is the only car in the class with turbo-petrol, diesel and turbo-CNG options.
Full Nexonprices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Bolero or Nexon?
The Tata Nexon is more affordable — it starts ₹2.43 Lakh lower than the Mahindra Bolero. (Ex-showroom prices, July 2026.)
Bolero vs Nexon — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: Mahindra Bolero — not yet tested; Tata Nexon — 5 stars.
Should I buy the Bolero or the Nexon?
The Tata Nexon is more affordable — it starts ₹2.43 Lakh lower than the Mahindra Bolero. The Tata Nexon is the more powerful car, with 118 bhp against 75 bhp. The Tata Nexon is more efficient on paper — up to 24.08 kmpl vs 16 kmpl. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.