New Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon – What to Buy?

The new Mahindra XUV 3XO is the facelift version of the XUV300 which rivals the likes of the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue.

This new Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon comparison should help a lot of potential car buyers looking for their next compact SUV. I will delve into the details of this comparison taking into consideration aspects like the prices, features and specifications. The Nexon is one of the best-selling SUVs in this category. It boasts a full 5-star safety rating at the latest Global NCAP test. It did it earlier in 2018 as well, which led to the immense popularity of safety conscious approach from buyers. Even the XUV300 boasts a full 5-star safety rating at the Global NCAP. Hence, there is little to choose between the two when it comes to safety ratings. But there are distinct variants between the two in other aspects.

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Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon Specs Comparison

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Let us commence this post with what powers the two compact SUVs. Under the hood of the new Mahindra XUV 3XO, you will find three powertrain options – 2 turbo petrol and 1 turbo diesel. This is the same as before. The 1.2-litre turbo petrol mill generates a decent 110 hp and 200 Nm, the 1.2-litre direct injection turbo petrol produces the best-in-segment 130 hp and 230 Nm and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel mill which puts out a healthy 115 hp and 300 Nm of peak power and torque. The petrol versions get the option of choosing between either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AISIN-sourced automatic transmission. On the other hand, the diesel engine can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT AutoShift gearbox. The more powerful turbo petrol mill is capable of offering the owners a decent mileage of 20.1 kmpl.

Tata Nexon

Even the Tata Nexon offers potential customers the alternative to choose between either a petrol or a diesel mill. Hence, all sorts of buyers get access to both these SUVs. The petrol mill is a 1.2-litre turbo engine which makes a respectable 120 hp and 170 Nm of peak power and torque. This is somewhere between the two turbo petrol engines in the XUV 3XO. Additionally, the 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine generates 115 hp and 260 Nm of peak power and torque. Both these engines can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed AMT. However, the turbo petrol engine further allows the buyers to choose between either a 5-speed manual (for the base model) or a sporty 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox. Therefore, both SUVs offer tons of options to cater to the needs of all kinds of buyers.

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Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon Price Comparison

This is the exciting part because India is a price-sensitive market. The major part of the decision for most potent buyers rests on this factor. The XUV 3XO retails between Rs 7.49 lakh and Rs 15.49 lakh, ex-showroom. On the other hand, the Tata Nexon ranges from Rs 8.15 lakh to Rs 15.80 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, the XUV 3XO has an evident edge over the Nexon for the base, as well as top variant.

Mahindra XUV 3XO Price List

Tata Nexon Price List

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Features Comparison

Mahindra XUV 3XO

The features list on both these SUVs is extensive. Let us commence with the new XUV 3XO. It was already one of the most loaded vehicles in its class. But with the update, the Indian auto giant has taken things to the next level. One much-needed improvement in the cabin is the boot space which now boasts 364 litres. The wheelbase is 2,600 mm, which is the best in the segment. Some of the top highlights include:

• A 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• AdrenoX Connected Car Tech with 80+ Features
• A 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• Largest Panoramic Sunroof in the Segment
• 7-Speaker Harman Kardon Audio System
• Powered Front Seats
• 6 Standard Airbags
• All Four Disc Brakes
• 3-point Seatbelts for all Passengers
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• 360-degree Camera
• Level 2 ADAS with Radar, Camera and Ultrasonic Sensors
• Connected LED Taillamps
• Electronic Parking Brake
• Dual-Layered Alloy Wheels
• Remote-Controlled Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Level 2 ADAS
• 364-litre Boot Compartment
• 65 W USB-C Fast Charging
• Auto-Dimming IRVM
• Leatherette Dashboard and Upholstery
• Steering Modes
• Electronic Parking Brake

Tata Nexon

Even the Nexon is full of new-age connectivity, convenience, safety and tech features. It has always been a feature-rich offering in this segment. But the latest version takes things up a notch. It is necessary to woo the new-age customers who look for convenience and connectivity features in their cars. The main amenities incorporate:

• Free-standing 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• Touch-operated HVAC Controls
• Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel
• Rotary Dials for Drive Mode Selection
• 360-Degree Camera
• Bling View Monitor
• JBL-Branded 9-Speaker Audio System with Subwoofer
• Premium Benecke-Kaliko Ventilated Leatherette Seats
• Wireless Charging
• Air Purifier
• Cooled Glovebox
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Navigation Display on Instrument Cluster
• Two-spoke Steering Wheel with Illuminated Tata Logo
• Voice-Assisted Electric Sunroof
• LED Cabin Light
• Premium Audio System
• iRA 2.2 Connected Car Tech
• 360-Degree Camera
• 6 Airbags
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

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Our View

Now, I must admit it is a difficult scenario to choose between these two capable and attractive compact SUVs. On one hand, we have the latest XUV 3XO which builds on the already popular and feature-rich XUV300. There are still tons of segment-first features like Level 2 ADAS and large Panoramic Sunroof (Skyroof). Apart from that, Mahindra has worked on making this SUV even safer with a stronger body structure. Also, the complaints of people about the small boot compartment have been addressed. Therefore, the XUV 3XO emerges as a compelling option, especially if you consider the prices.

On the other hand, even the Nexon is fresh from an update just a few months ago. Therefore, the customers get the latest and best of what Tata Motors has to offer. It continues to woo customers with its expansive list of amenities, high safety standards, powerful engines, exquisite styling and more. In fact, that is the reason why it has been at the top of the highest-selling cars list for such a long time in this segment. In all honesty, I would encourage you to go to the showrooms, experience the SUVs in the flesh, and feel the driving dynamics to make up your mind because you can’t go wrong with either of these.