The Tata Nexon is the best-selling compact SUV in India, and the Mahindra XUV 3XO is one of its strongest challengers. Both have 5-star Bharat NCAP ratings and both offer petrol and diesel engines, but they suit different buyers. Here is how they compare. For the full XUV 3XO picture, see our XUV 3XO complete guide.
Price
| XUV 3XO | Tata Nexon | |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom range | Rs 7.79-15.04 lakh | approx. Rs 7.40-14.52 lakh* |
| Fuel options | Petrol, diesel, CNG (ZNG, launched Oct 15) | Petrol, diesel, CNG |
*Nexon prices are as reported by Autocar India and CarWale for October 2026. Check the current price list before you buy.
Engines and performance
| XUV 3XO | Tata Nexon | |
|---|---|---|
| Turbo-petrol | 1.2 TCMPFi 111 hp/200 Nm; 1.2 TGDi 131 hp/230 Nm | 1.2 turbo 120 PS/170 Nm |
| Diesel | 1.5 117 hp/300 Nm | 1.5 115 PS/260 Nm |
| Petrol gearboxes | 6MT, 6AT (torque converter) | 5MT/6MT, 6AMT, 7DCT |
| Diesel gearboxes | 6MT, 6AMT | 6MT, 6AMT |
The 3XO has more power and torque in both fuel types. The TGDi engine in particular is noticeably quicker than the Nexon's petrol. The Nexon's 7-speed DCT is a smooth choice for city driving, and the 3XO answers with a conventional torque-converter automatic. Mileage figures are covered in XUV 3XO mileage.
Size and practicality
| XUV 3XO | Tata Nexon | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,990 mm | 3,995 mm |
| Width | 1,821 mm | 1,804 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm | 2,498 mm |
| Boot | 364 L (270 L CNG) | 382 L (321 L CNG) |
| Fuel tank | 42 L | 44 L |
The 3XO's 102 mm longer wheelbase gives it a roomier rear seat. The Nexon has the bigger boot.
Safety
Both cars have 5-star Bharat NCAP ratings and six airbags as standard. The 3XO scored 29.36/32 (adult) and 43.00/49 (child), and it has disc brakes on all four wheels from the base variant. Level 2 ADAS is available on the AX7 L. Read more in XUV 3XO safety and ADAS.
Features
Both cars are loaded at the top end, with large touchscreens, digital clusters, 360-degree cameras and panoramic sunroofs. The 3XO puts a panoramic sunroof on the REVX EDGE (O) at Rs 9.89 lakh. The Nexon's mid Creative Plus trim is often recommended for its twin screens and 360-degree camera.
Sales
In September 2026 the Nexon sold 20,456 units (down 9.4% year on year) and the XUV 3XO sold 10,823 units (up 19.8%). The Nexon still has the bigger buyer base, while the 3XO is growing faster.
Verdict
| Choose the XUV 3XO if… | Choose the Nexon if… |
|---|---|
| You want the most performance (TGDi or 300 Nm diesel) | You want the biggest boot |
| Rear-seat space matters | You want CNG with a bigger boot |
| You prefer a torque-converter petrol AT | You prefer a DCT |
Also considering the Brezza? Read XUV 3XO vs Brezza. If the Hyundai, Kia and Skoda options are on your list too, see XUV 3XO vs Venue vs Sonet vs Kylaq. CNG buyers can read XUV 3XO CNG vs Nexon CNG vs Brezza CNG. You can browse every XUV 3XO variant on the product page.
Gearbox choice explained
The Nexon's petrol range has a wide choice of gearboxes: manual, AMT and a 7-speed dual-clutch. The DCT shifts quickly and works well in stop-go traffic. The 3XO petrol uses a 6-speed torque-converter automatic, a proven design known for smooth low-speed behaviour and durability. On the diesel side, both brands use an AMT, which costs less but shifts less smoothly than a torque converter.
Ride, handling and comfort
Both cars ride on a monocoque body with front-wheel drive. The 3XO's McPherson front and twist-beam rear set-up, wide 1,821 mm body and long wheelbase give it a planted feel, while the Nexon is known for absorbing bad roads well. The best way to judge is to test-drive both on the same broken stretch of road.
Who should buy which?
Young enthusiasts will like the 3XO TGDi's performance. Families that pack heavily for road trips may prefer the Nexon's bigger boot. High-mileage drivers can choose either diesel, though the 3XO's extra 40 Nm makes highway driving more relaxed. CNG buyers can buy a Nexon CNG today, or book the 3XO CNG (ZNG) from October 20. The ZNG has more torque (200 Nm) but a smaller boot (270 L against 321 L).
| Spec | XUV 3XO |
|---|---|
| Length x width x height | 3,990 x 1,821 x 1,647 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm |
| Boot | 364 L (ISO V215) |
| Fuel tank | 42 L |
| Turning radius | 5.3 m |
| Brakes | Disc, all four wheels |
| Suspension | McPherson strut (front), twist beam (rear) |
Frequently asked questions
Which is more powerful, the XUV 3XO or the Nexon?
The XUV 3XO. Its TGDi petrol makes 131 hp and 230 Nm against the Nexon turbo-petrol's 120 PS and 170 Nm, and its diesel makes 300 Nm against 260 Nm.
Which has the bigger boot?
The Nexon. It is rated at 382 litres on petrol and diesel versions, against 364 litres for the 3XO.
Which is cheaper?
The Nexon starts slightly lower, at about Rs 7.40 lakh ex-showroom against Rs 7.79 lakh for the 3XO. Top variants are priced similarly.
Which sells more?
The Nexon. In September 2026 it sold 20,456 units against 10,823 for the XUV 3XO.
Do both have CNG?
Yes. The Nexon has CNG on sale now. Mahindra launched the XUV 3XO CNG (ZNG) on October 15, 2026 at Rs 9.99-12.27 lakh, with bookings from October 20.
Related reading
- Mahindra XUV 3XO Price, Variants, Specs and Features (October 2026)
- XUV 3XO vs Maruti Brezza: Turbo Punch or Proven Comfort?
- XUV 3XO vs Hyundai Venue vs Kia Sonet vs Skoda Kylaq
- Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG: everything we know
- Mahindra XUV 3XO: all variants, prices and specs
Last updated: October 15, 2026. Prices are ex-showroom unless stated. Anything not yet announced by Mahindra is marked TBA or expected.
