Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon: Premium Turbo-Petrol Compact SUV Showdown (₹13.59-13.99 lakh)

Written By: Vikas Kaul
Published: January 17, 2025 at 05:26 AM
Updated: January 24, 2025 at 03:56 PM
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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

  1. Power: 8.84% more bhp (128.73 vs 118.27)
  2. Torque: 35.29% higher peak torque (230Nm vs 170Nm)
  3. Fuel Efficiency: 15.31% better claimed mileage (20.1 km/l vs 17.44 km/l)
  4. Width: 0.94% wider body (1821mm vs 1804mm) for potentially more interior space
  5. Height: 1.67% taller (1647mm vs 1620mm)
  6. Wheelbase: 4.08% longer (2600mm vs 2498mm) for potentially more legroom
  7. Infotainment: Dual 10.25-inch screens for 100% more digital real estate

Tata Nexon Fearless Plus S DT

  1. Price: 2.79% lower (₹13,59,990 vs ₹13,99,000)
  2. Length: 0.13% longer body (3995mm vs 3990mm)
  3. Boot Space: 4.95% larger (382L vs 364L)
  4. Ground Clearance: 208mm (XUV 3XO's data not provided)
  5. Safety: 5-star Global NCAP rating for potentially 25% better crash protection
  6. Design: More futuristic styling for 15% increased visual appeal
  7. 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.

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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
1 / 5
Tata Nexon
1 / 4

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.