Tata Nexon Dark vs Hyundai Venue Knight Edition: All-black Edition Of Both SUVs Compared

Car buyers in our market are embracing the introduction of all-black editions of their models, a trend that many carmakers are now acknowledging after being made more mainstream by Tata with the launch of the Dark editions. As recently, the Tata Nexon once again received the Dark edition, although now in its facelifted avatar. However, it's not the only sub-4m SUV in India with an all-black special edition; Hyundai offers the Venue in the 'Knight Edition' as a blacked-out version.

If you are eyeing any of the above special edition models, we provide a brief overview of the differences between the Nexon Dark and the Venue Knight Edition below.

Design

While both models exhibit their distinct appearances, the Nexon Dark boasts a split-LED headlight setup introduced with the 2023 Nexon facelift. In the Dark edition, all chrome elements you see on the bumper and the silver skid plate are completely blacked out. Conversely, the Venue Knight Edition features a gloss black grille and brass inserts on the bumper. Both the ‘Hyundai’ logo and the skid plate have been blacked out as well.

The two special edition SUVs also get revisions on their side profiles. With the Nexon Dark you get blacked-out ORVM housings and 'Dark' badges on the front fenders, while the SUV rides on 16-inch black alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the Venue Knight Edition boasts brass inserts on its alloy wheels, accompanied by red brake callipers, and blacked-out roof rails and ORVMs.

Moving on to the rear, the Nexon Dark showcases the 'Nexon' moniker and bumper, both finished in black. Similarly, the Venue Knight Edition features blacked-out ‘Hyundai’ and ‘Venue’ logos, along with the 'Knight' emblem. Additionally, the Hyundai SUV features brass inserts in the bumper.

Interior

To complement the overall character of their special editions, both SUVs feature an all-black cabin theme. The Nexon boasts black leatherette upholstery with the carmaker's distinctive tri-arrow pattern and 'Dark' branding on the headrests. 

On the other hand, the Venue Knight Edition incorporates brass-coloured inserts throughout the cabin, along with black seat upholstery adorned with brass accents. The Venue Knight Edition also gets metal-finished pedals and 3D designer mats which enhances the sporty feel inside.

Features

Both come loaded with features, with Nexon Dark you get a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a sunroof, ventilated front seats, and wireless phone charging. Its safety features include six airbags, a 360-degree camera, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

The Venue Knight Edition comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a sunroof, wireless phone charging, and an auto-dimming IRVM (new). Hyundai has also introduced dual-camera dashcam with the Knight Edition. Additionally, it offers safety features such as six airbags, a reversing camera, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Engine Options

Both SUVs offer a turbocharged petrol engine option, but with the Nexon you get a 1.5-litre diesel engine option as well, while the Venue provides a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine option. Here's a closer look at the powertrain options available for both SUVs.

Nexon Dark

*DCT- dual-clutch automatic transmission

Venue Knight Edition

*iMT - intelligent manual transmission

Price

Tata has priced the Nexon Dark from Rs 11.45 lakh to Rs 13.85 lakh, while the Hyundai Venue Knight Edition ranges from Rs 10.13 lakh to Rs 13.48 lakh. Apart from rivalling each other, they compete with the Kia Sonet X-Line and Nissan Magnite Red Edition.  Additionally, they lock horns with the Maruti Brezza, Mahindra XUV300, and Renault Kiger.