Mahindra XUV 3XO Review: Is This the Best Sub-Compact SUV in India Right Now?
The Mahindra XUV 3XO marks a bold transformation of the popular XUV300, bringing fresh design, modern technology, and improved performance to one of India’s most competitive car segments. With rising expectations from compact SUV buyers in 2026, Mahindra has reworked the XUV 3XO to offer more features, better road presence, and a tech-rich cabin all while retaining its strong safety credentials.
Positioned against heavyweights like the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Brezza, the Mahindra XUV 3XO aims to stand out with powerful turbo engines, premium interiors, and a more aggressive SUV stance. Whether you are a city commuter, highway tourer, or a first-time SUV buyer, the XUV 3XO promises a balanced mix of comfort, performance, and value.
Mahindra XUV 3XO Overview
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a sub-4-metre compact SUV designed specifically for Indian roads and buyers. It replaces the XUV300 nameplate and introduces a new design language inspired by Mahindra’s larger SUVs.
Key Highlights:
Fresh exterior styling
Tech-loaded interior
Powerful petrol and diesel engines
Improved automatic transmission options
Segment-leading safety features
Exterior Design: More Bold, More SUV-Like
The biggest visual change in the Mahindra XUV 3XO is its bold new exterior.
Front Design
Redesigned grille with modern Mahindra branding
Sharper LED headlamps with new DRL signature
Sportier front bumper with stronger road presence
Side Profile
New alloy wheel designs
Muscular wheel arches
Compact yet proportionate stance
Rear Styling
Connected LED tail lamps
Revised tailgate design
Relocated number plate for a cleaner look
Overall, the XUV 3XO looks more premium and SUV-like than its predecessor.
Interior & Cabin Experience
Mahindra has significantly upgraded the cabin of the Mahindra XUV 3XO to match modern expectations.
Dashboard & Layout
Dual-screen setup with a large touchscreen infotainment system
Fully digital instrument cluster
Premium dashboard materials and finishes
Comfort & Convenience Features
Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
Wireless phone charging
Automatic climate control
Push-button start/stop
Rear AC vents
The cabin feels modern, tech-forward, and well suited for both city and highway use.
Infotainment & Technology
The Mahindra XUV 3XO comes equipped with one of the most advanced infotainment systems in the segment.
Tech Highlights:
Large touchscreen with fast response
Mahindra AdrenoX connected car technology
Voice commands and navigation support
Over-the-air (OTA) updates
These features make daily driving more convenient and connected.
Engine Options & Performance
The Mahindra XUV 3XO offers multiple engine options to suit different driving styles.
Petrol Engines
1.2-litre Turbo Petrol – Ideal for city driving
1.2-litre TGDi Turbo Petrol – Sporty and powerful, perfect for enthusiasts
Diesel Engine
1.5-litre Diesel Engine – Known for strong torque and fuel efficiency
Transmission Options
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic (torque converter)
AMT on select variants
The turbo petrol engine delivers quick acceleration, while the diesel engine remains one of the strongest in its class.
Ride Quality & Handling
Mahindra has tuned the XUV 3XO for Indian road conditions.
Comfortable suspension setup for rough roads
Stable handling at highway speeds
Confident braking performance
The compact dimensions make it easy to drive in traffic, while the strong build inspires confidence on long journeys.
Mileage & Real-World Efficiency
Expected fuel efficiency figures for the Mahindra XUV 3XO:
Petrol: 18–20 km/l
Diesel: 20–22 km/l
Actual mileage depends on driving style, traffic conditions, and transmission choice.
Safety Features: A Strong Mahindra USP
Safety has always been a strong point for Mahindra, and the XUV 3XO continues this tradition.
Key Safety Features:
Multiple airbags
ABS with EBD
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Hill hold assist
Rear parking camera and sensors
Mahindra’s strong body construction adds an extra layer of protection.
Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Rivals
Main Competitors:
Tata Nexon
Hyundai Venue
Kia Sonet
Maruti Suzuki Brezza
Why XUV 3XO Stands Out:
More powerful engine options
Better safety focus
Premium interior feel
Strong road presence
Mahindra XUV 3XO Price in India (Expected)
The Mahindra XUV 3XO price in India is expected to start at around ₹7.5 lakh (ex-showroom) and go up to approximately ₹15.5 lakh for the top-end variant.
This competitive pricing makes it an attractive option in the compact SUV segment.
Who Should Buy the Mahindra XUV 3XO?
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is ideal for:
First-time SUV buyers
City commuters needing compact size
Highway drivers wanting stability and power
Buyers who prioritise safety and features
Pros & Cons
Pros
Bold new design
Powerful turbo petrol and diesel engines
Feature-rich cabin
Strong safety package
Cons
Rear seat space could be better
Boot space still not segment-leading
Conclusion
The Mahindra XUV 3XO successfully reinvents the XUV300 formula with modern design, improved technology, and strong performance. It offers a compelling mix of style, safety, and driving comfort, making it one of the most well-rounded compact SUVs in India in 2026. If you’re looking for a feature-packed, safe, and powerful sub-4-metre SUV, the XUV 3XO deserves a serious look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Mahindra XUV 3XO
1. What is the Mahindra XUV 3XO?
The XUV 3XO is a sub-4-metre compact SUV launched as the facelift and rebranding of the XUV300. It offers a bold new design, upgraded interior, advanced technology features, and powerful petrol and diesel engine options for Indian buyers.
2. What is the price of the Mahindra XUV 3XO in India?
The Mahindra XUV 3XO price in India starts at approximately ₹7.5 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to around ₹15.5 lakh for the fully loaded top variant, depending on engine and transmission options.
3. Which engines are available in the Mahindra XUV 3XO?
The XUV 3XO is offered with:
1.2-litre turbo petrol engine
1.2-litre TGDi turbo petrol engine
1.5-litre diesel engine
Buyers can choose between manual and automatic transmissions.
4. What is the mileage of the Mahindra XUV 3XO?
The expected mileage of the XUV 3XO is:
Petrol: 18–20 km/l
Diesel: 20–22 km/l
Real-world mileage may vary depending on driving conditions and transmission type.
5. Is the Mahindra XUV 3XO good for city driving?
Yes, the XUV 3XO is well suited for city driving due to its compact size, light steering, good visibility, and smooth automatic transmission options. It is easy to manoeuvre in traffic and parking spaces.
6. Does the Mahindra XUV 3XO have automatic transmission?
Yes, the XUV 3XO is available with multiple automatic gearbox options, including a torque-converter automatic and AMT, depending on the variant and engine choice.
7. What are the safety features of the Mahindra XUV 3XO?
Safety highlights of the XUV 3XO include:
Multiple airbags
ABS with EBD
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Hill Hold Assist
Rear parking camera and sensors
Mahindra is known for its strong build quality and safety focus.
8. How is the interior of the Mahindra XUV 3XO?
The XUV 3XO interior features a modern dashboard with a large touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone connectivity, premium materials, and improved cabin comfort compared to the older XUV300.
9. Who should buy the Mahindra XUV 3XO?
The XUV 3XO is ideal for:
First-time SUV buyers
Families looking for a safe compact SUV
Buyers wanting a powerful engine in the segment
Users who prefer modern features and bold design
10. Which cars compete with the Mahindra XUV 3XO?
The main competitors of the XUV 3XO include:
Tata Nexon
Hyundai Venue
Kia Sonet
Maruti Suzuki Brezza
However, the XUV 3XO stands out with its powerful engines and safety-focused approach.
11. Is the Mahindra XUV 3XO better than the Tata Nexon?
The XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon comparison depends on buyer priorities. The XUV 3XO offers stronger engine options and a sportier drive, while the Nexon focuses more on comfort and resale value.
12. Is the Mahindra XUV 3XO worth buying in 2026?
Yes, the XUV 3XO is a strong contender in 2026 due to its modern design, feature-rich cabin, powerful engines, and competitive pricing, making it a value-for-money compact SUV.
13. Does the Mahindra XUV 3XO support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?
Yes, the XUV 3XO supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on higher variants, enhancing connectivity and driving convenience.
14. Is the Mahindra XUV 3XO a good family car?
Yes, the XUV 3XO is a good family car thanks to its safety features, comfortable ride quality, good fuel efficiency, and practical cabin layout.
15. What makes the Mahindra XUV 3XO unique?
The XUV 3XO stands out for its:
Bold facelifted design
Powerful turbo petrol and diesel engines
Strong safety package
Premium interior upgrades