Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon diesel comparison

We put the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel through our exhaustive tests, and to get some perspective, we compare it to the Nexon diesel.

Published on Nov 20, 2024 03:00:00 PM

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Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon diesel comparison

High-quality interior feels bright and airy thanks to the use of light colours. Fit, finish and quality are very good.

Floating touchscreen and touch keys for climate control look modern. Dark cabin hampers the sense of space.

The Tata Nexon brings a lot to the table, such as a spacious cabin, a long list of features, and a fantastic infotainment and audio experience. And besides feeling tough, it boasts a 5-star Global NCAP crash-test rating. The 3XO has scored five stars, too. What’s more, the Nexon’s strong diesel engine makes it both quicker and much more fuel-efficient than the Mahindra XUV 3XO.

However, the XUV 3XO’s diesel engine is far ahead on smoothness and refinement; its driving controls are lighter, and ride quality in the city is plusher. A generous use of bright colours and higher-quality materials make its interiors feel more upmarket, too. Yes, it misses ventilated front seats, a very popular feature these days, but it makes up for it with others like a panoramic sunroof and ADAS (on the AX7 L), for a price very close to the Nexon’s. In summary, while the Nexon has strong fundamentals, it is the Mahindra that feels more polished and upmarket, and that’s why it wins this comparison test.

Test scorecard
Metric	XUV 3XO	Nexon	Comments
Comfort	8/10	7/10	The Mahindra has a comfier back seat, and ergonomics are more user-friendly. The Nexon’s front seats are better, though.
Performance	7/10	9/10	Not only is the Nexon much quicker in terms of acceleration, but it is also much more fuel-efficient than the XUV.
Refinement	9/10	7/10	The Tata’s diesel engine clatter is audible and sounds coarse, too. The XUV’s 1.5-litre is relatively smoother and quieter.
Value	8/10	7/10	The XUV 3XO has a lower starting price, and its AX7 variant (as tested) is nearly a lakh cheaper than the top-spec Nexon.
Safety	9/10	9/10	Both cars get similar safety kits, but the XUV also gets rear disc brakes and the option of ADAS, which the Nexon misses.
Ride	9/10	8/10	Even though both feel tough, the XUV’s low-speed ride feels plush. The Nexon feels more confident at higher speeds.
Handling	8/10	9/10	The Nexon’s steering is sharper, and its chassis feels stiffer, making it sportier and more enjoyable to drive.
Build & quality	9/10	8/10	XUV’s interior feels better built and looks more upmarket, with better quality, fit and finish. Nexon could do with more polish.