The Nissan Tekton completed a demanding 770-kilometre evaluation drive to Leh through Manali, Padum, Gonbo Rangjon and Shinku La, encountering highways, mountain roads, broken surfaces and high-altitude passes. The three-day journey offered a broad assessment of the midsize SUV’s design, comfort, performance, handling and fuel efficiency under conditions considerably tougher than routine urban driving.

Built on the CMF-B platform shared with the Renault Duster, the Tekton nevertheless carries a distinct Nissan identity inspired partly by the larger Patrol. Its exterior features a chrome-accented grille, C-shaped LED daytime running lights, slim headlamps, an upright bonnet and a prominent skid plate. Squared wheel arches, flush roof rails, 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, connected LED tail lamps and bold Tekton lettering further distinguish it from its platform sibling.

Inside, the SUV features a beige-and-burgundy colour scheme with rose-gold accents, a 10.1-inch touchscreen offering Google Built-in and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Equipment includes powered and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, ambient lighting and an Arkamys audio system. However, the seat ventilation felt mild, while rear sunshades, deeper front-door pockets and improved under-thigh support for taller rear passengers would enhance practicality. Boot capacity is rated at 700 litres and expands to 1,789 litres with the rear seats folded.

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The tested model used a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The powertrain remained refined and responsive, providing sufficient performance for highway overtaking and steep mountain climbs while delivering mostly smooth and timely gear changes. Supportive front seats and good outward visibility reduced fatigue during long driving periods and made it easier to judge the vehicle’s position on narrow mountain roads.

The suspension delivered a balanced combination of comfort and stability, absorbing damaged surfaces without making the Tekton feel excessively soft. It remained composed through winding sections and provided predictable handling rather than overtly sporty responses. Braking performance was similarly reassuring, with precise pedal feedback and sufficient stopping power during steep climbs, descents and encounters with unpredictable traffic along the route.

Fuel efficiency ranged from 11.5 to 12 kilometres per litre over the 304-kilometre Chandigarh–Manali section, while the 290-kilometre journey from Manali to Padum returned approximately 11 kilometres per litre. The final 175 kilometres to Leh produced 10.5 kilometres per litre with the air conditioning operating throughout. Despite several shortcomings, the Tekton emerged as a comfortable and capable long-distance SUV, though its eventual success will depend on pricing and competition within the crowded midsize segment.

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