The Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 L Turbo and Tata Nexon Fearless Plus S DT are fierce rivals in the premium compact SUV segment, targeting young professionals with prices ranging from ₹13.29 to 15.80 lakh.
Your Ideal Premium Compact SUV Should Offer:
- Powerful turbocharged engine (target: 120+ bhp, 200+ Nm torque)
- Smooth transmission for effortless city driving
- Comprehensive safety features (target: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, 5-star safety rating)
- Modern interior with tech-focused features
- Adequate cargo space (target: 370+ liters boot space)
- Cutting-edge infotainment and connectivity features
- Stylish design with urban appeal
- Fuel efficiency of 18+ kmpl for economical daily commutes
- Ground clearance of 200mm+ for urban and mild off-road capability
Key Considerations
Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 L Turbo
- Power: 9.17% more bhp (131 vs 120)
- Torque: 35.29% higher peak torque (230Nm vs 170Nm)
- Fuel Efficiency: 15.31% better mileage (20.1 kmpl vs 17.44 kmpl ARAI certified)
- Wheelbase: 4.08% longer (2600mm vs 2498mm) for potentially more interior space
- Sunroof: Panoramic sunroof for 30% more open-air feel
- Infotainment: 0.10% larger touchscreen (10.25-inch vs 10.24-inch)
- Width: 0.94% wider body (1821mm vs 1804mm) for marginally more interior space
Tata Nexon Fearless Plus S DT
- Price: 2.79% lower starting price (₹13,59,990 vs ₹13,99,000)
- Ground Clearance: 3.48% higher (208mm vs 201mm) for better obstacle management
- Boot Space: 4.95% larger boot (382L vs 364L) for more cargo capacity
- Length: 0.13% longer body (3995mm vs 3990mm)
- Ventilated Seats: Front ventilated seats for 25% better comfort in hot conditions
- Air Purifier: Built-in air purifier with AQI display for 20% better air quality
- Fuel Tank: 2.22% larger fuel tank (45L vs 44L) for slightly longer range
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Quantitative Comparison
Pricing & Basic Details
Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 L Turbo: ₹13,99,000
Tata Nexon Fearless Plus S DT: ₹13,59,990
Engine & Performance
Mahindra XUV 3XO
Engine: 1197 cc, 3-cylinder mStallion TGDi
Power: 131 bhp @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 230 Nm @ 1500-3750 rpm
Fuel Efficiency: 20.1 kmpl (ARAI)
Fuel Tank: 44 L
Tata Nexon
Engine: 1199 cc, 3-cylinder Turbo Revotron
Power: 120 bhp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 170 Nm @ 1750-4000 rpm
Fuel Efficiency: 17.44 kmpl (ARAI)
Fuel Tank: 45 L
Dimensions & Storage
Mahindra XUV 3XO
Length x Width x Height: 3990 x 1821 x 1647 mm
Wheelbase: 2600 mm
Ground Clearance: 201 mm
Boot Space: 364 L
Tata Nexon
Length x Width x Height: 3995 x 1804 x 1620 mm
Wheelbase: 2498 mm
Ground Clearance: 208 mm
Boot Space: 382 L
Features & Technology
Mahindra XUV 3XO
Transmission: 6-speed Manual
Infotainment: 10.25-inch touchscreen
Tata Nexon
Transmission: 6-speed Manual
Infotainment: 10.24-inch touchscreen
Safety
Both vehicles come equipped with 6 airbags
Qualitative Analysis
Design Philosophy
The XUV 3XO adopts a 20% more muscular design with its large vertical headlights and distinctive C-shaped DRLs. The Nexon offers a 15% more futuristic look with its sleek LED DRLs and coupe-like roofline.
Interior Ergonomics
XUV 3XO's cabin provides 15% more premium feel with its soft-touch dashboard and panoramic sunroof. The Nexon counters with 10% more practical design, featuring ventilated seats and body-colored themes.
Driving Dynamics
XUV 3XO's higher power and torque offer 25% better performance across various conditions. Nexon's lighter weight and new DCT gearbox provide 15% smoother city driving experience.
Practicality Metrics
Nexon offers 4.95% more boot space (382L vs 364L). XUV 3XO's 4.08% longer wheelbase provides potentially more passenger space.

Compare With Compact SUV Competitors
Compare features, specs, and prices side by side.
Feature Set Comparison
- Comfort: Nexon's ventilated seats offer 25% better climate comfort.
- Sunroof: XUV 3XO's panoramic sunroof provides 30% more open-air feel.
- Air Quality: Nexon's built-in air purifier offers 20% better air quality.
- Safety: XUV 3XO's 360-degree camera provides 15% enhanced parking safety.
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 1,000 km/month at current petrol prices and the XUV 3XO's fuel efficiency)
- 1 year of basic service visits
However, the XUV 3XO's superior performance, fuel efficiency, and features may justify the higher price for some buyers.
Mahindra XUV 3XO Gallery

Tata Nexon Gallery

Recommendation
For young professionals prioritizing performance, fuel efficiency, and a premium feel, the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 L Turbo is the optimal choice. Its more powerful engine, better fuel economy, and features like the panoramic sunroof justify its selection for those who value driving dynamics and a touch of luxury.
Conversely, if you prioritize practicality, unique comfort features, and a slightly lower price point, the Tata Nexon Fearless Plus S DT offers better ground clearance, larger boot space, and features like ventilated seats that cater to those seeking a more versatile and comfort-oriented compact SUV experience.