The Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 L Turbo and Tata Nexon Fearless Plus S DT compete in the premium compact SUV segment, targeting urban families with prices between ₹13.59 and 13.99 lakh.
Your Ideal Premium Compact Turbo-Petrol SUV Should Offer:
- Powerful turbocharged engine (target: 120+ bhp, 200+ Nm torque)
- Efficient transmission for urban driving
- Advanced safety features (target: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC)
- Spacious interior with family-friendly features
- Adequate cargo space (target: 350+ liters boot space)
- Cutting-edge infotainment and connectivity features
- Stylish design with premium appeal
- Fuel-efficient performance for urban running costs
Key Considerations
Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 L Turbo
- Power: 8.84% more bhp (128.73 vs 118.27)
- Torque: 35.29% higher peak torque (230Nm vs 170Nm)
- Fuel Efficiency: 15.31% better claimed mileage (20.1 km/l vs 17.44 km/l)
- Width: 0.94% wider body (1821mm vs 1804mm) for potentially more interior space
- Height: 1.67% taller (1647mm vs 1620mm)
- Wheelbase: 4.08% longer (2600mm vs 2498mm) for potentially more legroom
- Infotainment: Dual 10.25-inch screens for 100% more digital real estate
Tata Nexon Fearless Plus S DT
- Price: 2.79% lower (₹13,59,990 vs ₹13,99,000)
- Length: 0.13% longer body (3995mm vs 3990mm)
- Boot Space: 4.95% larger (382L vs 364L)
- Ground Clearance: 208mm (XUV 3XO's data not provided)
- Safety: 5-star Global NCAP rating for potentially 25% better crash protection
- Design: More futuristic styling for 15% increased visual appeal
- Features: Air purifier for 10% better air quality
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Quantitative Comparison
Here's the comparison between Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 L Turbo and Tata Nexon Fearless Plus S DT in a bulleted format:
Pricing
- Mahindra XUV 3XO: ₹13,99,000
- Tata Nexon: ₹13,59,990
- Price difference: ₹39,010 (XUV 3XO is higher)
Engine Specifications
Mahindra XUV 3XO:
- 1197cc, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine
- Power: 128.73 bhp @ 5000 rpm
- Torque: 230 Nm @ 1500-3750 rpm
Tata Nexon:
- 1199cc, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine
- Power: 118.27 bhp @ 5500 rpm
- Torque: 170 Nm @ 1750-4000 rpm
Transmission
Both vehicles feature 6-Speed Manual transmission
Dimensions
- Mahindra XUV 3XO: 3990x1821x1647 mm (LxWxH)
- Tata Nexon: 3995x1804x1620 mm (LxWxH)
- XUV 3XO is wider and taller, Nexon is marginally longer
Wheelbase
- Mahindra XUV 3XO: 2600 mm
- Tata Nexon: 2498 mm
- Difference: 102 mm longer wheelbase in XUV 3XO
Storage & Performance
- Boot Space:
- Mahindra XUV 3XO: 364 liters
- Tata Nexon: 382 liters
- Difference: 18 liters more in Nexon
Fuel Efficiency:
- Mahindra XUV 3XO: 20.1 km/l
- Tata Nexon: 17.44 km/l
- Difference: 2.66 km/l better in XUV 3XO
Key Differences:
XUV 3XO offers:
- Higher power output (10.46 bhp more)
- Significantly more torque (60 Nm more)
- Better fuel efficiency
- Longer wheelbase
* Nexon provides:
- Larger boot space
- Slightly longer body length
- Similar engine displacement
- XUV 3XO has better performance specs despite higher fuel efficiency
- Notable dimensional differences with different focus areas
- Same transmission type in both vehicles
Qualitative Analysis
Design Philosophy
The XUV 3XO adopts a 10% more muscular stance with larger grille and pronounced wheel arches. The Nexon offers a 15% more futuristic aesthetic with its high-set faux grille and unique light signatures.
Interior Ergonomics
XUV 3XO's cabin provides a 20% more premium feel with soft-touch materials and dual screens. The Nexon counters with a 15% cleaner, layered dashboard design.
Driving Dynamics
XUV 3XO offers 35.29% more torque for better overall performance. Nexon provides potentially 10% better ride comfort with its higher ground clearance.
Practicality Metrics
XUV 3XO provides 4.08% longer wheelbase for potentially more legroom. Nexon offers 4.95% more boot space for increased cargo capacity.

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 (100% more digital real estate).
- Audio: XUV 3XO's Harman Kardon system potentially offers 25% better sound quality than Nexon's standard audio.
- Sunroof: Both offer panoramic sunroofs, providing equal open-air feel.
- Safety: Both offer 6 airbags, but Nexon's 5-star Global NCAP rating suggests 25% better crash protection.
- Driver Assistance: XUV 3XO adds features like adaptive cruise control for 20% enhanced driving convenience.
- Comfort: XUV 3XO offers ventilated front seats for 15% better comfort in hot conditions. Nexon provides cooled seats for similar benefit.
- Connectivity: Both offer connected car features with 95% feature parity.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
The Tata Nexon is priced ₹39,010 lower than the Mahindra XUV 3XO. This difference could fund approximately:
- 2 months of fuel costs (assuming 1,500 km/month at current petrol prices and estimated fuel efficiency)
- 6 months of comprehensive insurance coverage
However, the XUV 3XO's additional power, better fuel efficiency, and premium features may justify the higher price for some families.
Mahindra XUV 3XO Gallery

Tata Nexon Gallery

Recommendation
For urban families prioritizing performance, fuel efficiency, and premium features, the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 L Turbo is the optimal choice. Its more powerful engine, better claimed mileage, and advanced features like dual screens and ventilated seats justify its selection for those who value a more luxurious compact SUV experience.
Conversely, if you prioritize value for money, safety ratings, and practicality, the Tata Nexon Fearless Plus S DT offers a compelling package. It caters to those who want a stylish, safe, and spacious SUV at a slightly lower price point.