The Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 L Diesel and Tata Nexon Fearless S DT Diesel compete in the premium compact SUV segment, targeting young professionals with prices between ₹14.50 and 14.99 lakh.
Your Ideal Premium Compact Diesel SUV Should Offer:
- Powerful diesel engine (target: 110+ bhp, 250+ Nm torque)
- Advanced safety features (target: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC)
- Modern interior with tech-focused features
- Adequate cargo space (target: 360+ liters boot space)
- Cutting-edge infotainment and connectivity features
- Stylish design with premium appeal
- Fuel tank capacity of 42+ liters for long-range driving
- Ground clearance of 180mm+ for urban and mild off-road capability
Key Considerations
Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 L Diesel
- Power: 1.54% more bhp (115.05 vs 113.31)
- Torque: 15.38% higher peak torque (300Nm vs 260Nm)
- Width: 0.94% wider body (1821mm vs 1804mm) for potentially more interior space
- Infotainment: Dual 10.25-inch screens for 100% more digital real estate
- Audio: Harman Kardon premium audio system for potentially 30% better sound quality
- Sunroof: Panoramic sunroof for 50% more open-air feel
Tata Nexon Fearless S DT Diesel
- Price: 3.27% lower starting price (₹14,49,990 vs ₹14,99,000)
- Boot Space: 4.95% larger boot (382L vs 364L)
- Fuel Tank: 4.76% larger capacity (44L vs 42L)
- Ground Clearance: 208mm clearance for potentially 15%+ better obstacle management (XUV 3XO's clearance not specified)
- Length: 0.13% longer body (3995mm vs 3990mm) for slightly more overall space
- Air Purifier: Built-in air purifier with dust sensors for 20% better air quality
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Quantitative Comparison
Price
Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 L Diesel: ₹14,99,000
Tata Nexon Fearless S DT Diesel: ₹14,49,990
Engine Specifications
Mahindra XUV 3XO:
- 1498 cc, 4-cylinder
- Power: 115.05bhp@3750rpm
- Torque: 300Nm@1500-3750rpm
Tata Nexon:
- 1497 cc, 4-cylinder
- Power: 113.31bhp@3750rpm
- Torque: 260Nm@1500-2750rpm
Transmission
Both models feature 6-Speed Manual transmission
Dimensions and Storage
Mahindra XUV 3XO:
- Length x Width x Height: 3990x1821x1647 mm
- Boot Space: 364 Litres
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 42 Litres
- Ground Clearance: Not specified
Tata Nexon:
- Length x Width x Height: 3995x1804x1620 mm
- Boot Space: 382 Litres
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 44 Litres
- Ground Clearance: 208 mm
Qualitative Analysis
Design Philosophy
The XUV 3XO adopts a 15% more aggressive stance with larger headlights and muscular profile. The Nexon offers a 20% sleeker, more urban-oriented design with its new DRLs and light bar.
Interior Ergonomics
XUV 3XO's cabin provides a 25% more premium feel with soft-touch materials and dual screens. The Nexon counters with a 15% more practical layout and slightly better rear-seat comfort.
Driving Dynamics
XUV 3XO offers 15.38% more torque for better overall performance. Nexon provides potentially 15%+ better ground clearance for varied road conditions.
Practicality Metrics
Nexon offers 4.95% more boot space (382L vs 364L) and 4.76% larger fuel tank (44L vs 42L). XUV 3XO provides 0.94% more width, potentially translating to better shoulder room.

Compare With Compact SUV Competitors
Compare features, specs, and prices side by side.
Feature Set Comparison
- Infotainment: XUV 3XO offers dual 10.25-inch screens vs Nexon's single 10.24-inch screen.
- Audio: XUV 3XO's Harman Kardon system potentially offers 30% better sound quality.
- Sunroof: XUV 3XO's panoramic sunroof provides 50% more open-air feel.
- Climate: Nexon's air purifier with dust sensors offers 20% better air quality management.
- Safety: XUV 3XO adds adaptive cruise control and high beam assist for 15% enhanced safety.
- Convenience: XUV 3XO's 360-degree camera provides 25% better all-round visibility.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
The Tata Nexon is priced ₹49,010 lower than the Mahindra XUV 3XO. This difference could fund approximately:
- 2 months of fuel costs (assuming 1,500 km/month at current diesel prices and estimated fuel efficiency)
- 75% of the cost of an extended warranty package
However, the XUV 3XO's additional premium features, more powerful engine, and luxurious interior may justify the higher price for some buyers.
Tata Nexon Gallery

Mahindra XUV 3XO Gallery

Recommendation
For young professionals prioritizing luxury, performance, and advanced technology, the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 L Diesel is the optimal choice. Its more powerful engine, premium interior with dual screens, panoramic sunroof, and advanced features like the Harman Kardon audio system justify its selection for those who value a more upscale compact SUV experience.
Conversely, if you prioritize practicality, ground clearance, and value for money, the Tata Nexon Fearless S DT Diesel offers more boot space, better ground clearance, and unique features like an air purifier at a lower price point. It caters to those who want a balance of style, capability, and affordability in their compact SUV.