Both cars start at Rs 7.99 lakh, both are sub-four-metre SUVs, and both have 5-star Bharat NCAP ratings. The differences show up in engine character, ride and space, which is why this is one of the closest comparisons in the segment. The Nexon led the XUV 3XO in October sales, with 21,966 units counting its electric version.
Engines Compared
| Option | Tata Nexon | Mahindra XUV 3XO |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 1.2 turbo, 120 hp / 170 Nm | 1.2 turbo, 111 hp / 200 Nm; 1.2 TGDi about 130.5 hp / 230 Nm |
| Diesel | 1.5, 115 hp / 260 Nm | 1.5, 117 hp / 300 Nm |
| CNG | 100 hp / 170 Nm, 6MT | Available on the 1.2 turbo petrol |
| Gearboxes | 5MT, 6MT, 6AMT, 7DCT | 6MT; 6-speed torque converter (petrol); 6AMT (diesel) |
On paper the XUV 3XO has the stronger engines, especially the TGDi petrol and the 300 Nm diesel, and it uses a conventional torque-converter automatic, which many buyers find smoother than an AMT. The Nexon counters with a wider gearbox choice.
Dimensions
| Measure | Tata Nexon | Mahindra XUV 3XO |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,995 mm | 3,990 mm |
| Width | 1,804 mm | 1,821 mm |
| Height | 1,620 mm | 1,647 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,498 mm | 2,600 mm |
| Ground clearance | 208 mm | 201 mm |
| Boot | 382 litres (321 L CNG) | 364 litres (about 270 L CNG) |
| Fuel tank | 44 litres | 42 litres |
| Turning radius | 5.1 m | 5.3 m |
The XUV 3XO has a 102 mm longer wheelbase, which should help rear legroom, while the Nexon has the larger boot and higher ground clearance.
Mileage Claims
Tata claims from 17.01 kpl for petrol up to 24 km/kg for CNG. Mahindra claims 17.96 kpl for the petrol, 18.2 kpl for the TGDi automatic and up to 24.7 km/kg for CNG. These are lab figures, and real-world numbers will be lower.
Safety
| Rating | Tata Nexon | Mahindra XUV 3XO |
|---|---|---|
| Bharat NCAP adult | 29.41 / 32 | 29.36 / 32 |
| Bharat NCAP child | 43.83 / 49 | 43 / 49 |
| Global NCAP | 5 stars: 32.22 / 34 adult, 44.52 / 49 child | - |
| Airbags | Six, standard | Six and ESC standard |
Both are strong. The Nexon has the added assurance of a rating from both agencies. The XUV 3XO offers Level 2 ADAS on higher variants, along with TPMS and a blind view monitor.
Features
- Nexon: sunroof options, JBL audio and connected-car features
- XUV 3XO: a 10.25-inch touchscreen, single or panoramic sunroof and Harman Kardon audio on the AX7 trim
If you want the most tech and the most powerful engines at the price, take the XUV 3XO. If you want a car with an established safety reputation, higher ground clearance and a larger boot, the Nexon is the safer bet.
Verdict
There is no wrong choice here. I lean towards the XUV 3XO for performance-minded buyers and families who value rear-seat space, and towards the Nexon for buyers who prioritise boot space, ground clearance and dual-agency safety ratings. Drive both on a bumpy road before deciding.