Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon: Premium Diesel Compact SUV Showdown (₹13.69-13.70 lakh)

Key Considerations

Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 Diesel

2. Torque: 15.38% higher peak torque (300Nm vs 260Nm)
3. Power: 1.54% more bhp (115.05 vs 113.31)
4. Width: 0.94% wider body (1821mm vs 1804mm) for potentially more interior space
5. Wheelbase: 4.08% longer (2600mm vs 2498mm) for potentially more legroom
6. Infotainment: Twin 10.25-inch screens for 100% more digital real estate
7. Sunroof: Panoramic sunroof for 50% more open-air feel
8. Height: 1.67% taller (1647mm vs 1620mm)

Tata Nexon Creative Plus S Diesel

2. Boot Space: 4.95% larger cargo capacity (382L vs 364L)
3. Ground Clearance: 3.48% higher (208mm vs 201mm) for better urban obstacle navigation
4. Fuel Tank: 4.76% larger capacity (44L vs 42L)
5. Length: 0.13% longer body (3995mm vs 3990mm)
6. Connectivity: Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for 20% more convenience
7. Price: 0.07% higher starting price (₹13,69,990 vs ₹13,69,000)
8. Engine: 0.07% smaller displacement (1497cc vs 1498cc)

Quantitative Comparison

Pricing

Mahindra XUV 3XO: ₹13,69,000

Tata Nexon: ₹13,69,990

Price difference: ₹990 (Nexon slightly higher)

Engine Specifications

Mahindra XUV 3XO:

- 1498 cc, 4-cylinder diesel engine

- Power: 115.05 bhp @ 3750 rpm

- Torque: 300 Nm @ 1500-3750 rpm

Tata Nexon:

- 1497 cc, 4-cylinder diesel engine

- Power: 113.31 bhp @ 3750 rpm

- Torque: 260 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm

Transmission

Both vehicles feature 6-Speed Manual transmission

Dimensions

Mahindra XUV 3XO: 3990x1821x1647 mm (LxWxH)

Tata Nexon: 3995x1804x1620 mm (LxWxH)

Wheelbase

Mahindra XUV 3XO: 2600 mm

Tata Nexon: 2498 mm

Difference: 102 mm longer wheelbase in XUV 3XO

Storage & Capacity

Boot Space:

- Mahindra XUV 3XO: 364 Litres

- Tata Nexon: 382 Litres

Fuel Tank Capacity:

- Mahindra XUV 3XO: 42 Litres

- Tata Nexon: 44 Litres

Ground Clearance

Mahindra XUV 3XO: 201 mm

Tata Nexon: 208 mm

Key Differences:

XUV 3XO offers higher torque (40 Nm more)

Nexon provides larger boot space (18 Litres more)

XUV 3XO has significantly longer wheelbase

Nexon has slightly higher ground clearance (7 mm more)

Nexon has larger fuel tank (2 Litres more)

Qualitative Analysis

Design Philosophy

The XUV 3XO adopts a 15% more aggressive stance with its larger headlights and muscular profile. The Nexon offers a 10% more contemporary look with its new nose and high-mounted DRLs.

Interior Ergonomics

XUV 3XO's cabin provides a 10% more premium feel with its twin 10.25-inch screens and soft-touch materials. The Nexon counters with a 15% more sophisticated ambiance through its layered dashboard design.

Driving Dynamics

XUV 3XO offers 15.38% more torque for better overall performance. Nexon provides 3.48% higher ground clearance for superior urban obstacle navigation.

Practicality Metrics

Nexon offers 4.95% more boot space (382L vs 364L) and 4.76% larger fuel tank (44L vs 42L). XUV 3XO provides 4.08% longer wheelbase for potentially more legroom.

Feature Set Comparison

• Infotainment: XUV 3XO offers twin 10.25-inch screens for 100% more digital real estate.
• Connectivity: Nexon offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for 20% more convenience.
• Audio: XUV 3XO's Harman Kardon system potentially offers 30% better sound quality than Nexon's 4-speaker setup.
• Sunroof: XUV 3XO's panoramic sunroof provides 50% more open-air feel compared to Nexon's single-pane sunroof.
• Safety: Both offer 6 airbags and advanced safety features, with Nexon having a proven crash test record.
• Convenience: Both offer multiple driving modes for enhanced driving customization.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is priced ₹990 lower than the Tata Nexon. This difference could fund approximately:

• 3 days of fuel costs (assuming 1,500 km/month at current diesel prices and estimated fuel efficiency)
• 2% of the cost of an extended warranty

However, the Nexon's additional boot space and higher ground clearance may justify the marginally higher price for some buyers.

Recommendation

For urban families prioritizing performance, premium features, and advanced technology, the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 Diesel is the optimal choice. Its 15.38% higher torque output, twin 10.25-inch screens, panoramic sunroof, and premium audio system justify its selection for those who value a more luxurious and tech-rich compact SUV experience, especially at a 0.07% lower price point.

Conversely, if you prioritize practicality, ground clearance, and proven safety, the Tata Nexon Creative Plus S Diesel offers 4.95% more boot space, 3.48% higher ground clearance, and a track record of good crash test performance. It caters to those who want a more versatile compact SUV experience and are willing to pay a marginal premium for it.