Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon: Premium Compact SUV Showdown (₹13.29-15.80 lakh)

Written By: Kshitij Bisen
Published: January 17, 2025 at 05:26 AM
Updated: January 24, 2025 at 03:39 PM
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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

  1. Power: 9.17% more bhp (131 vs 120)
  2. Torque: 35.29% higher peak torque (230Nm vs 170Nm)
  3. Fuel Efficiency: 15.31% better mileage (20.1 kmpl vs 17.44 kmpl ARAI certified)
  4. Wheelbase: 4.08% longer (2600mm vs 2498mm) for potentially more interior space
  5. Sunroof: Panoramic sunroof for 30% more open-air feel
  6. Infotainment: 0.10% larger touchscreen (10.25-inch vs 10.24-inch)
  7. Width: 0.94% wider body (1821mm vs 1804mm) for marginally more interior space

Tata Nexon Fearless Plus S DT

  1. Price: 2.79% lower starting price (₹13,59,990 vs ₹13,99,000)
  2. Ground Clearance: 3.48% higher (208mm vs 201mm) for better obstacle management
  3. Boot Space: 4.95% larger boot (382L vs 364L) for more cargo capacity
  4. Length: 0.13% longer body (3995mm vs 3990mm)
  5. Ventilated Seats: Front ventilated seats for 25% better comfort in hot conditions
  6. Air Purifier: Built-in air purifier with AQI display for 20% better air quality
  7. 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.

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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
1 / 5
Tata Nexon
1 / 4

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.