Competition exists in the market but real competition is a rare sight. The Mahindra XUV 3XO and Tata Nexon have started a rivalry and we’re here to break down the fight.
As India’s compact SUV market gets exciting these two titans, battle for supremacy, both vehicles have captivated the nation’s SUV enthusiasts, blending style, performance, and innovation. Both cars boast a significant stature. Measuring 3990 x 1821 x 1647 mm, we have the Mahindra XUV 3XO and its opponent, the Tata Nexon, at 3995 x 1804 x 1620 mm. The presence of both cars is similar, but the majority prefer the looks of Nexon.
The appearance of the XUV 3XO has received mixed reactions, but looks, as they say, are entirely subjective. It indeed grows on you. The C shape DRL to diamond cut patterns on the piano black framing, the front end is interesting. It almost looks like a baby XUV700. The rear end resembles most modern cars, with a beam-shaped backlight identical to the Tata Nexon. Nexon, too, takes after its elder brother. The Harrier and Nexon are designed by Pratap Bose and share quite similar styling.
Technology and Driving Experience:
With many features, it’s easier to stand out in the Compact SUV market. Neither is lacking in that department. Digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, touch-screen infotainment, solid stereos, and wireless charging. They share the most modern luxuries. What sets them apart is XUV 3X0 segment-first features. It’s gifted with Level 2 ADAS, a panoramic sunroof (the largest in the segment), and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold along with some Harman Kardon audio system, beautiful white leather seats with piano black finishing and soft-touch materials instead of the usual hard plastics. It’s easy to dirty, but if maintained, it looks gorgeous.
The Nexon has a more continuing the theme futuristic vibe to its interior, with mostly touch screens and hard plastic. It looks clean and well-organized. The steering wheel has a black frame across its centre with the Tata logo, a bold styling choice that adds character. The steering wheel is illuminated at the centre and is lovely to hold. Feels premium. We finally get an all-new 10-inch infotainment display and a customizable all-digital instrument cluster. The fit and finish and overall inconsistent quality issues, unfortunately, persist.
Driving Experience:
The XUV 3XO is a driver’s car. You want to drive it. Mahindra’s XUV series has a trend of offering the best performance in their respective segments, and 3XO continues it with more power and torque in their petrol and diesel engines than Nexon. Both cars drive well, but the XUV 3XO is more punchy and fun. That is different from suggesting the Nexon doesn’t drive as well. It’s got a smooth drive, and there are no complaints whatsoever. The steering wheel is light and doesn’t tire you or sound leak into the cabin. In both cars, the cabin was quiet for the most part, except for the dreaded noise of wheels on concrete roads. Both machines have fantastic ride quality, but 3XO is undoubtedly more fun to throw around, thanks to a punchier engine and bigger wheels.
Specifications:
| Feature | XUV 3XO | Nexon |
| Max Power | 110 bhp @ 5000 rpm (Diesel), 128.73bhp@5000rpm (Petrol) | 108 bhp @ 6000 rpm (Diesel), 118bhp @ 5500 rpm Petrol) |
| Max Torque | 300Nm (Diesel), 230Nm (Petrol) | 260Nm (Diesel), 170Nm (Petrol) |
| Transmission | 6MT/AMT | 6MT/6-7AMT |
| Drive Type | FWD | FWD |
| Engine Displacement | 1497cc (Diesel)1197 cc (Petrol) | 1497 cc (Diesel)1199cc (Petrol) |
| Fuel Capacity | 42 Liters | 44 Liters |
| Wheels | 215/55 R17 | 215/60 R16 |
Mahindra XUV 3XO Launch Date
The XUV 3XO has been in the market since April 29, 2024, in a launch event that replaced the ongoing XUV 300. The car’s design was updated completely and featured many segment-first features like a panoramic sunroof and electronic brakes with auto-hold and dual-zone climate control. It boasts three engine types with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. It was launched at a competitive price of ₹7.49 lakh for the base model and up to ₹15.49 lakh for the top-end variant.
Mahindra XUV 3XO Price
The XUV 3XO has 25 variants across petrol and diesel engine options. The price range is going to vary depending on the variant you choose. However, for reference, the ex-showroom price will be between ₹7.49 to ₹15.49 lakh.
Here are the features you can find varying across models:
| MX1 | LED DRLs, Dual Airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Power Steering, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, Day/Night Rearview Mirror, Turn indicators on ORVM, Rear AC Ducts, Adjustable Head Lights, Tachometer |
| MX2 | All MX1 features + Rear Power Windows, Remote Central Locking |
| MX3 | All MX2 features + Sunroof, Steering Mounted Controls |
| MX3 Pro | All MX3 features + 10.25-inch Driver’s Display, 10.25-inch Central Infotainment System, 360-degree Camera, Harman Kardon 9-speaker Sound System |
| AX5 | All MX3 Pro features + Level 2 ADAS, Dual-zone Climate Control, Selectable Steering Modes, Electronic Parking Brake |
| AX7 | All MX3 Pro features + Level 2 ADAS, Dual-zone Climate Control, Selectable Steering Modes, Electronic Parking Brake |
| AX7 L Turbo AT | All AX7 features + 7-inch Touchscreen, Reverse Parking Camera, Front Fog Lamps with Cornering Assistance, Voice Alerts – Low Fuel, Door Open, etc., Navigation, 4 Tweeters, Height-adjustable Front Seats |
Mahindra XUV 3XO On-road Price
The exact on-road price of any variant of the XUV 3XO depends upon your location, but for instance, the base variant (W2 Petrol) costs ₹8.97 lakh in Delhi, whereas the top-of-the-line W8 (O) Diesel AMT goes up to ₹14.76 lakh.
Tata Nexon Launch Date
The current generation of Tata Nexon has been in the market since September 14 2023.
Number of Airbags and Safety Features in Tata Nexon
In recent times, Mahindra has taken several leaps and bounds to prioritize safety. The XUV 3XO is no different and is packed with safety features.
It has six airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side). Other safety features it includes are:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- High-beam Assist
- Flashing the Emergency Brake Light
- Lane Departure Warning
- Seat Belt Warning
- Child Lock
- Anchor Points for Child Seat
- Overspeed Warning
- Speed Sensing Door Lock
- Anti-theft Engine immobilizer
Tata Nexon Price:
The Nexon is priced between ₹7.99 lakh to ₹15.80 lakh and offers various variants. Tata has made four categories for Nexon variants: Smart, Pure, Creative, and Fearless.
The top trim for Nexon, the Fearless, has features like ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, paddle shifters (for DCT variants), a 9-speaker JBL sound system with subwoofer, cruise control, and much more.
Here is a chart displaying all the features of Tata Nexon across variants:
Tata Nexon On-Road Price:
The Tata Nexon’s on-road price would vary from location to location. If we take New Delhi as our base, the on-road price starts from ₹ 8.98 Lakh for the base model, Smart Opt (Petrol), and goes all the way up to ₹ 15.60 Lakh for the top model, Fearless Plus S Dark Diesel AMT.
Note: For both cars, the insurance cost depends heavily upon the variant you opt for, but a fair estimate is that it’ll add ₹15,000 to ₹24,000 to the total cost. Road taxes differ from state to state but are 7% and 14% of the car’s ex-showroom price.
Here is a chart displaying all the features of Tata Nexon across variants:
| Variant | Key Features |
| Smart Opt | LED DRLs, Dual Airbags, Electronic Stability Control |
| Smart | All Smart Opt features + Rear Power Windows, Remote Central Locking |
| Smart Plus | All Smart features + Sunroof, Steering Mounted Controls |
| XM | All Smart Plus features + Audio System, Roof Rails |
| XM (S) | All XM features + 7-inch Touchscreen, Reverse Parking Camera, Front Fog Lamps with Cornering Assistance, Voice Alerts – Low Fuel, Door Open, etc., Navigation, 4 Tweeters, Height-adjustable Front Seats |
| Pure | All XM (S) features + Leather-wrapped Steering, Cooled Gloveboxt, Rear AC Vents |
| Creative | All Pure features + LED Headlamps, Multi Drive Modes, LED Tail Lamps, Projector Headlamps, Electronic Stability Control, Digital Instrument Cluster, Traction Control, |
| Fearless | All Creative features + 10.25-inch Touchscreen, Wireless Phone Charging, Ventilated Seats, 9-speaker JBL Sound System with Subwoofer, |
Number of Airbags and Safety Features in Tata Nexon
In recent times, Tata has become the epitome of safety in India, and the title stands true with the all-new Tata Nexon. It’s built with high-strength steel and has safety features, allowing it to nab a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP.
The Nexon has six airbags as standard across all variants; they are placed as follows:
- Dual Front Airbags, located in the steering wheel and dashboard for driver and co-driver
- Side Airbags: These are positioned at the front as well to protect the torso from side impact
- Curtain Airbags: Located above the side windows and meant to deploy downwards, these protect both front and rear passengers’ heads in case of a side-impact or rollovers
Airbags alone won’t get you that 5-star rating; here are other features that contribute to it:
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- 360-Degree, Front and Rear Camera
- Blind Spot and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Parking Sensors
Final Verdict
Both machines are worthy of praise and are in fierce competition. Picking between the two can be daunting, but the decision ultimately boils down to looks, budget, and performance.
