Kia Sonet 2024 vs Mahindra XUV 3XO Tech Comparison: Best Entry-level Variant

Technology and gadgets are what drives the world today. As a tech-savvy gadget lover, you look for the best cars with advanced technology, or top cars with the latest features in India. But if you have a tight budget, and still want what’s best in the cars you can afford, you have come to the right place. Let’s look at the Kia Sonet 2024 and Mahindra XUV 3XO, and see how their entry-level variants compare in terms of their technology, features, and gadgets.

In this article, we will share

• What a tech-savvy gadget lover looks for in a car
• Kia Sonet 2024 vs Mahindra XUV 3XO – A comprehensive analysis of their budget variants, their technology, features and gadgets
• How to pick the right car for you

Do these cars have innovative gadgets? Are these the most feature-rich cars in the compact SUV segment? Let’s find out.

What a Tech-savvy gadget lover looks for in a car

Here’s what to look for in a car as a tech-savvy buyer:

• Hi-tech features: What advanced features such as infotainment system does the car have
• Driver assistance: Does the car have tech-driven features to assist you in driving
• Connectivity: Does the car have internet connectivity
• Convenience: What features does the car have to enhance convenience

A tech-savvy gadget enthusiast prioritizes cutting-edge technology features when shopping for a car. They appreciate a modern infotainment system with a large touchscreen, smartphone connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a premium sound system.

Advanced driver assistance and safety tech like parking sensors and cameras are also important. Conveniences like keyless entry, push-button start, and wireless charging appeal to their high-tech preferences.

Why the Kia Sonet 2024 and Mahindra XUV 3XO Are Popular

The Kia Sonet and Mahindra XUV 3XO have emerged as top choices in the competitive compact SUV segment, especially for tech-savvy buyers. Both offer stylish designs, feature-rich interiors, and advanced technology at attractive price points.

Kia made a grand entry into the segment with the Sonet in 2020. Its aggressive front end, athletic proportions, and upmarket cabin helped it win the coveted ICOTY award. For 2024, the Sonet gains ADAS safety features and an updated infotainment system. Engine options include efficient 1.2L petrol and 1.5L diesel units.

Mahindra positioned the XUV 3XO as a tech-forward urban SUV since its 2019 launch. Its chiseled body, funky interiors, and extensive safety kit appeal to gadget lovers. The 2024 model receives a larger touchscreen, connected car tech, and more. The punchy 1.2L turbo-petrol and torquey 1.5L diesel engines are retained.

Both models offer wide variant lineups catering to diverse budgets and preferences. Kia’s UVO connected car tech and Mahindra’s AdrenoX suite with Alexa built-in are sure to excite tech enthusiasts. With their head-turning design, extensive features, and attractive pricing, the Sonet and XUV 3XO resonate with gadget lovers looking for a tech-loaded compact SUV experience.

Kia Sonet 2024 and Mahindra XUV 3XO Entry-level Variants

For Kia Sonet 2024, we have:

For Mahindra XUV 3XO, we have:

Kia Sonet HTE and HTE (O)

The Kia Sonet HTE and HTE (O) are the base petrol variants powered by a 1.2L engine. While missing some feel-good features, they still get essentials like rear parking sensors, a 3.5-inch mono cluster, steering mounted audio controls, and front USB charging making them value-packed choices for budget-conscious tech-savvy buyers.

Kia Sonet HTK

One step up, the Sonet HTK adds an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a smart key with push-button start, and cruise control – appealing extras for gadget lovers willing to pay a premium.

Kia Sonet HTK (O)

The Sonet HTK (O) further adds LED headlamps and DRLs, 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear-view camera, and a sunroof over the HTK, elevating the feel-good factor while still being relatively affordable.

Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro

The Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro packs a serious tech punch for its price. Its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, AR-powered heads-up display, 7-speaker Sony sound system, connected car features, and steering modes are standout features sure to click with tech enthusiasts.

Mahindra XUV 3XO MX3

The range-topping XUV 3XO MX3 adds dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming IRVM, leatherette upholstery, and an electronic parking brake to the MX2 Pro’s tech bonanza.

Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro AT

The XUV 3XO MX2 Pro AT offers the same loaded kit with the convenience of a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Our Pick for the Best Variant Among the Kia Sonet 2024 and Mahindra XUV 3XO for the Tech-Savvy Gadget Lover

After carefully analyzing the Sonet and XUV 3XO variant lineups, we recommend the Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro as the top pick for the tech-savvy gadget lover persona. At Rs. 8.99 lakh, it optimally balances the budget consideration with the high-tech features that matter most to this buyer.

The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support is the XUV 3XO MX2 Pro’s headline feature, letting users seamlessly connect their smartphone to access navigation, music streaming, and communication apps on the go. The AR-enabled heads-up display, Alexa voice assistant, and connected car features like remote AC control further sweeten the deal for tech lovers.

In contrast, the base Sonet HTE sorely lacks a touchscreen or smartphone connectivity. The Sonet HTK’s 8-inch unit matches the XUV for features but is smaller. Notably, the Sonet misses out on the XUV’s segment-first heads-up display.

Other tech niceties on the XUV 3XO MX2 Pro include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, steering-mounted audio and phone controls, cruise control, dual-zone auto AC, a rear camera with dynamic guidelines, a 6-speaker premium sound system, a tire pressure monitor, and an electric sunroof. On the safety front, 7 airbags, ESP, hill-hold, and high-speed alerts are standard.

The XUV 3XO’s 1.2L turbo-petrol engine is also a tech showcase, featuring an aluminium block, dual variable valve timing, and direct injection to extract a segment-leading 110PS and 200Nm while delivering 18.89 kmpl. Three steering modes – Normal, Comfort and Sport – let drivers tailor the steering response to their liking.

With Mahindra’s focus on tech and safety and its aggressive pricing, the XUV 3XO MX2 Pro is our winner for the tech-savvy gadget lover seeking a fully loaded compact SUV experience.

The Top 3 Choices

2. Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro
3. Kia Sonet HTK
4. Mahindra XUV 3XO MX3

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• As described above, the Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro is the top choice.
• For tech lovers on a tighter budget, the Sonet HTK at Rs. 8.89 lakh is a well-equipped option. While it misses some of the XUV 3XO MX2 Pro’s high-end kit, it still packs in essentials like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a smart key with push-button start, and cruise control. The Sonet also benefits from Kia’s well-regarded UVO connected car tech.
• For gadget lovers willing to splurge for the ultimate tech experience, the XUV 3XO MX3 at Rs. 9.49 lakh builds on the MX2 Pro’s extensive features. Dual-zone auto AC, an auto-dimming IRVM, diamond-cut alloys, leatherette upholstery, and an electronic parking brake are exclusive to the MX3. Notably, it also gets Mahindra’s AdrenoX connected car suite with Alexa voice integration and smartwatch connectivity.

The Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro’s large touchscreen, first-in-segment heads-up display, extensive connected features, and powerful turbo-petrol engine give it an edge for tech-savvy buyers. The Kia Sonet HTK is a well-priced option for tech enthusiasts on a budget, with its crisp touchscreen and connected car suite. And the Mahindra XUV 3XO MX3 takes the tech quotient to the max with its AR display, smartwatch integration, and premium features. Together, they provide three compelling options for gadget lovers at different budget levels in the compact SUV segment.

If you’re interested in reading more such comparisons of popular car variants, head over to ourBuying Advice section.