The Mahindra XUV 3XO is the latest entrant into the overly populated compact SUV segment in our market.
The walkaround comparison of Tata Nexon vs Mahindra XUV 3XO brings out some key details. While we have already done a detailed comparison between the two, this latest video showcases the two in the flesh side-by-side. Both these are quite popular SUVs in India. In real life, things get clearer as to the kind of road presence these two command. Moreover, the host even takes the two out on a drive to compare the driving impressions and performance. Let us get into the details of these SUVs.
Tata Nexon vs Mahindra XUV 3XO – Design Comparison
On the outside, both these SUVs possess distinct road presence with unique design language. On one hand, the new Mahindra XUV 3XO comes with a layout which seems inspired by its larger sibling, the XUV700. It gets vertical slats on the grille with a chrome finish, C-shaped LED DRLs surrounding the stylish projector headlamp cluster, a sporty bumper with a large black grille area and an upright stance. On the sides, it gets elegant 17-inch alloy wheels with a layered pattern, black side body skirtings, a black roof for the dual-tone effect and pronounced wheel arches. At the rear, it gets a connected LED taillamp setup, roof rails, roof-mounted spoiler, a sporty bumper and a rugged skid plate. All in all, it has a distinct personality.
On the other hand, the Tata Nexon bears a striking personality with a modern outlook. At the front, there are sleek LED DRLs on the bonnet, a slim black element connecting them, a large and sporty bumper, vertically aligned LED headlamps on the bumper and a sturdy skid plate. On the sides, there are sporty alloy wheels, roof rails and a similar profile which we have been seeing since the pre-facelift version. At the rear, it gets a roof-mounted spoiler, a shark fin antenna, connected LED taillamps, a sporty bumper, vertical reflector lamps on the extreme edges of the bumper and a solid skid plate. Overall, both these SUVs have a distinct character.
Interior and Features
The host in this video from Gaadiwaadi.com sits inside both these SUVs one after the other to compare the kind of space inside the cabin. He feels that both these SUVs offer decent space for the occupants. However, the space feels slightly less generous in the Nexon in comparison to the XUV 3XO. In fact, the huge central transmission tunnel and the sunroof intrude into the personal space a bit too much. Also, squeezing three people abreast in the second row is a bit tough. The features list on the Nexon is quite lengthy.
- JBL-Branded 9-Speaker Audio System with Subwoofer
- Premium Benecke-Kaliko Ventilated Leatherette Seats
- Free-standing 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
- 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
- Touch-operated HVAC Controls
- Rotary Dials for Drive Mode Selection
- Bling View Monitor
- Wireless Charging
- Air Purifier
- Cooled Glovebox
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Navigation Display on Instrument Cluster
- iRA 2.2 Connected Car Tech
- 360-Degree Camera
- 6 Airbags
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
In comparison, the cabin of the new XUV 3XO feels slightly more airy and spacious. The light-themed upholstery and the largest panoramic sunroof could also be the reasons for that. Still, seating three passengers in the second row is relatively easy, the legroom is better than the Nexon and the sunroof doesn’t invade the private room as much as in the Nexon. Apart from that, the host even fits in travel bags in the boot compartment of the two SUVs. While on paper, the two SUVs have almost similar boot space figures, the reviewer was able to fit in more bags in the Nexon than in the XUV 3XO. The SUV also offers tons of convenience amenities to its owners.
- Level 2 ADAS with Radar, Camera and Ultrasonic Sensors
- A 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
- AdrenoX Connected Car Tech with 80+ Features
- A 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
- Powered Front Seats
- 6 Standard Airbags
- All Four Disc Brakes
- Largest Panoramic Sunroof in the Segment
- 7-Speaker Harman Kardon Audio System
- 364-litre Boot Compartment
- 65 W USB-C Fast Charging
- Auto-Dimming IRVM
- Leatherette Dashboard and Upholstery
- Steering Modes
- Electronic Parking Brake
Driving Impressions
The host then gets into the driving seat of the two SUVs. Firstly, he takes the Nexon out for a spin on the highway. As soon as the vehicle hits decent speeds, he mentions that there is loud cabin noise. This comes not just from the 3-cylinder engine, but also from the outside. After around 90 km/h, the noise seems to enter the cabin from around the A-pillar area. Apart from that, the compact SUV doesn’t feel all that fast. However, the steering feedback is really good and the ride quality is great as well. Hence, the occupants won’t feel too much shuffling around in the cabin even around the corners.
In comparison, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is, and feels the most powerful of the two. The acceleration is brisk and road noise is minimal. The reviewer also mentions that the seats of the XUV 3XO are much more comfortable in comparison to the Nexon. They offer better comfort and support to the body which is especially useful on long journeys. However, despite the steering modes, it feels slightly less engaging, according to the car reviewer. All in all, the performance of the XUV 3XO is definitely more engaging which is understandable since it has a significant advantage over the Nexon in terms of power and torque outputs.
Specs
In the top trim, the Mahindra XUV 3XO comes with the best-in-segment 1.2-litre direct injection turbo petrol engine which generates a decent 130 hp and 230 Nm (250 Nm with automatic transmission) of peak power and torque. There are options of choosing between either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AISIN-sourced automatic transmission. On the other hand, the Tata Nexon comes with a decent 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine which makes 120 hp and 170 Nm of peak power and torque. One can choose between either a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed AMT or a 7-speed DCT. In essence, both SUVs offer the flexibility of petrol, diesel, manual or automatic.
Specs | Mahindra XUV 3XO | Tata Nexon |
Engine | 1.2L Turbo Petrol Direct Injection / 1.2L Turbo Petrol / 1.5L Turbo Diesel | 1.2-litre (P), 1.5-litre (D) |
Power | 130 hp / 110 hp / 115 hp | 120 PS / 115 PS |
Torque | 230 Nm (250 Nm w/ AT) / 200 Nm / 300 Nm | 170 Nm / 260 Nm |
Transmission | 6MT / AT / 6AMT | 5MT, 6MT, 6AMT, 7-DCT |
Mileage | 20.1 kmpl (turbo petrol) | 17.44 kmpl (Turbo petrol) |
Tata Nexon vs Mahindra XUV 3XO Comparison Verdict
The difference in the top fully-loaded trims of these two capable urban SUVs is Rs 30,000. The XUV 3XO has the advantage. Apart from that, it even gets tons of more features than the Nexon including the segment-first Level 2 ADAS. Therefore, it has a distinct attraction for buyers looking for a modern value-for-money proposition. It offers a better driving performance, more active safety features, and tons of more in-cabin amenities at a slightly lower price than the Nexon. Still, even the Nexon is a great car and offers some additional features over the XUV 3XO like ventilated seats. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these.
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