Skoda Kylaq vs. Tata Nexon vs. Mahindra XUV 3XO: A Comprehensive Comparison

The compact SUV segment is bustling with fierce competition, with automakers constantly innovating to offer the best in comfort, performance, and features. Three popular contenders, the Skoda Kylaq, Tata Nexon, and Mahindra XUV 3XO, each have their unique qualities. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to see which one stands out for you.

Design and Aesthetics

The Skoda Kylaq brings European flair, blending sharp lines with Skoda’s hallmark clean, sophisticated styling. Its bold front grille, sleek LED headlights, and sculpted sides give it a premium, understated appeal. With a focus on minimalistic elegance, the Kylaq maintains a classy, urban look that resonates with buyers looking for a sophisticated ride.

On the other hand, the Tata Nexon is known for its youthful and energetic styling. Tata has adopted a more adventurous design language here, with a dual-tone roof, muscular wheel arches, and sporty elements. The Nexon’s facelift has only enhanced its appeal, making it look bolder and ready for both city and off-road excursions. Its signature DRLs and sharp character lines create a striking visual impression.

The Mahindra XUV 3XO sports a rugged, sturdy build that aligns with its off-road lineage. The front fascia has a more assertive grille, a strong bumper design, and chunky fender cladding. It feels bulkier and more aggressive than the other two, catering to those who appreciate a tough, adventure-ready look.

Interior and Comfort

The Skoda Kylaq is renowned for its high-quality materials and thoughtful ergonomics, and the Kylaq does not disappoint. The cabin exudes sophistication with soft-touch materials, a clean dashboard design, and a well-laid-out infotainment system. The seats are plush and supportive, and the overall space is generous, especially in the rear. The Kylaq also has a large boot, ideal for family trips.

In contrast,Tata Nexon’s interior offers premium materials and modern features. The cabin is spacious, and the seats are comfortable, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Tata has focused on tech features like a high-definition infotainment system, premium sound system, and a redesigned digital instrument cluster, making it more appealing to tech-savvy customers.

Meanwhile, the Mahindra XUV 3XO balances ruggedness with practicality. The interior feels sturdy and well-constructed, with ample storage options and durable materials. While it may not feel as luxurious as the Kylaq, the XUV 3XO offers comfortable seating and practical features suited for longer journeys.

Performance and Powertrains

The Skoda Kylaq is powered by a 1.0-liter TSI engine that delivers around 114 hp and offers a refined, smooth drive. It’s geared for a balanced performance, with an emphasis on comfort and stability, especially at high speeds. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a balanced ride, whether in the city or on the highway.

The Tata Nexon comes with both petrol and diesel options. Its 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine and 1.5-liter diesel provide versatile choices. The diesel variant is especially popular among long-distance travellers for its torque and fuel efficiency. Tata’s focus on drive modes (Eco, City, and Sport) adds to the customization of the driving experience.

Mahindra XUV 3XO houses a potent engine, with options between a 1.2-liter mStallion turbo-petrol and a 1.5-liter diesel. Known for its off-road capability, it’s engineered for those who enjoy spirited driving and need more power for adventurous terrains. Its suspension is slightly firmer, enhancing stability on rough terrains but making it less refined on urban roads.

Technology and Features

Skoda equips the Kylaq with a host of smart features, including a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car technology, and advanced driver-assist features. The virtual cockpit and customizable ambient lighting add to the premium experience.

Tata Nexon has packed the Nexon with technology, including a 7-inch floating touchscreen, connected car tech, voice assistant, and an air purifier. It also has a robust suite of safety features, including six airbags, electronic stability control, and more.

The XUV 3XO doesn’t lag in features, offering an 8-inch infotainment display, connected car features, and several safety aids. However, it prioritises practical, rugged technology over luxury, catering to its core off-road-ready positioning.

Safety

The Kylaq is loaded with safety features, including multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, and a reinforced safety cell. Its advanced safety technology offers peace of mind, particularly for families.

Tata’s Nexon emphasises safety with a 5-star Global NCAP rating. It comes with features like hill hold assist, roll-over mitigation, and dual airbags in the base model, making it one of the safest choices in this segment.

The XUV 3XO includes essential safety features such as ABS with EBD, dual airbags, and a strong body structure. It may lack some advanced safety tech found in the other two, but it remains sturdy and reliable.

Pricing

Skoda Kylaq positions itself as a premium compact SUV, with prices slightly on the higher side. However, for buyers focused on luxury, performance, and European build quality, the Kylaq delivers value.

The Tata Nexon provides excellent value for money, offering a wide array of features and strong safety standards at a competitive price. Tata has struck a balance between affordability and quality.

The XUV 3XO is priced to attract off-road enthusiasts who want a budget-friendly SUV with rugged features. It may not offer the same luxury as the Kylaq but is well-suited for adventurers.

CarBike360 Says

As each SUV has unique strengths tailored to different needs, buyers who seek a premium experience, elegant design, and refined drive quality, the Kylaq is an ideal choice. With Balancing features, safety, and affordability, the Nexon is perfect for those wanting a value-packed urban SUV with modern styling. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is targeted at adventure enthusiasts, as the XUV 3XO offers rugged capabilities and durability without breaking the bank.