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Sundar Sarangi

•7w

I am planning to buy a new car after driving my 2022 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios for about 30,000 km in 4 years. My budget is around ₹12-14 lakhs. My usage pattern will be: - 80% city driving - 20% highway driving - One outstation trip roughly once every 3 months I am considering the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 Diesel( due to its minimal electronics). Even though my annual running is not very high, I would like to experience a punchy diesel car before diesel options reduce further in the future. Other reasons are due to its spacious back seat and white color interior. I would like expert advice on the following: 1. With 80% city usage, how likely am I to face DPF related issues 2. Does this engine require any precautions to avoid DPF clogging? 3. Will low and mostly city usage lead to higher maintenance or major repairs in the long term? 4. What is the real-world maintenance cost and reliability of Mahindra’s 1.5-litre diesel engine over time? 5. Since I plan to keep the car for at least 10–12 years, how well do Mahindra vehicles age in terms of: engine and drivetrain durability electronics and features, interior quality and long-term fit and finish ? Overall, would the XUV 3XO diesel be a sensible long-term ownership choice for my usage pattern.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•7w

With predominantly city driving, DPF issues on the Mahindra 3XO diesel are possible but manageable. The important point is that your usage does include highway runs and a longer outstation trip every few months, which is usually enough to allow proper regeneration and keep the DPF healthy. You do not need any special precautions, but taking the car out for a 20 to 30 minute highway drive every few weeks will help.

Mahindra’s 1.5 litre diesel is a well proven and robust engine, with reasonable service costs and good long term reliability. Major issues typically arise only when DPF warnings are repeatedly ignored. In terms of ageing, Mahindra diesels and drivetrains are known to last well over many years, and electronics have improved noticeably in recent generations.

There is little to complain about when it comes to fit and finish. The Mahindra XUV 3XO has good interior quality and should continue to feel premium over time. That said, the white interior will show signs of ageing sooner than darker interiors, as even minor stains tend to be more visible.

Overall, if you want to own a punchy diesel while you still can, the XUV 3XO diesel makes sense for your usage pattern and should serve you well over a long ownership period.

Mahindra XUV 3XO Front View

Mahindra XUV 3XO

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VI

Vignesh

•2d

Recently, I sold my 2012 i20 Magna, which I bought 4 years ago. Fixed my budget to 5 lakhs and looked for a car in second hand market. Then my friends and relatives suggested me to go for a new car. I didn't get any for my budget. So, I increased my budget to 8 lakhs. I've shortlisted Exter, Punch, Magnite and Citroen. First, I visited the TATA showroom. I'm 6'1" tall, and my legs were colliding with the steering wheel, and it was the same with the Altroz. I was shown Nexon, which is more than 10 lakhs, so I went for my other choices. Next, I visited Hyundai, I checked the i20 and the Exter. Same issue with the i20, and I was comfortable with the Exter. So I did not check Nissan and Citroen. The showroom I visited did not offer a Test drive, but the other showroom (PeeYesYem) I enquired offered a test drive and followed up. Then I searched for Cons in Exter, the main thing that can be found on the internet is rear suspension and Body roll. So I waited, then came 3XO into the picture and I seems worth for money. I picked 3XO RevX M, and I visited 3 showrooms, but none of them offered a test drive. Initially, they will ask for arranging the test drive, and then they will arrange it. They don't follow up. One of the showrooms I visited twice, and asked for a test drive. Still, they didn't provide. I gave feedback on the official website as well still no response. The attitude is very poor from the Mahindra sales team across the showroom, so I took a step back. My mind is stuck between Exter SX and 3XO RevXM. Can you please suggest one from above or any other car around 10L? Requirement: Mileage and Value for money. Want to hold for the long term. Thanks a lot!!!

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•30m

Between your two choices, the Mahindra XUV 3XO offers more for your money. It sits a segment above the Hyundai Exter and therefore has more interior space. That said, only go ahead with the Mahindra if the showroom is willing to offer a proper test drive.In terms of the powertrain, the XUV 3XO’s turbo-petrol engine offers stronger performance than the Exter’s naturally aspirated unit, while ride and handling are also superior. While you will be giving up some creature comforts compared to the Hyundai, such as a dashcam and keyless entry, the XUV 3XO is still very well equipped for the price. In our real-world tests, the XUV 3XO managed 10.4kpl in the city and 14.9kpl on the highway, which is actually better than what we recorded in the Exter.What you do give up is boot space. Despite its larger size, the XUV 3XO actually has a smaller boot than the Exter. If that is a concern, then consider the Kia Sonet HTK 1.2-litre petrol MT instead.On the test drive, check if the clutch and shifter action are to your liking, and whether performance and refinement meet your expectations.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleHyundai Exter
VehicleKia Sonet
PR

Prasanth

•2d

Hi, I am planning to buy a new car. I prefer SUV style. I have test-driven the 3XO, Nexon, Creta, Kushaq, Kylaq, Brezza, and Taisor. I love the handling of the 3XO diesel. The Creta is a good car, but the base diesel variant is around ₹15 lakh, and a facelift is expected. The Kushaq has good handling, but the engine and tyre noise are annoying. So what should I choose? I am planning for the 3XO MX3 diesel, which is around ₹12 lakh. Your suggestions? For me, good mileage, handling, reliability, and safety are important.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•6h

The XUV 3XO MX3 diesel is a solid choice at Rs 12 lakh. As you pointed out, the handling of the Mahindra XUV 3XO is among the best in its class, and the engine delivers punchy performance along with good fuel efficiency. It has a five-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, so it meets your requirements on that front as well. Mahindra has also done well to make the cabin feel premium, though the layout is starting to show its age. The cabin is comfortable, particularly in the rear seat, but boot space is less than what some rivals offer.If you would like a more modern interior and a bigger boot, then the Hyundai Venue diesel HX5 is a good alternative. It is not as engaging to drive as the Mahindra car, but its diesel engine is very refined, and if you are considering an automatic, it uses a smoother torque-converter unit.Test drive both cars and assess ride comfort, handling and engine responsiveness.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleHyundai Venue
RA

Rajesh

•1w

Hi, I have booked a Honda Elevate V CVT for Rs 15.30 on road, along with 50k worth of free accessories. However, I am quite confused about the Kylaq Prestige and XUV 3XO AX5L, which come in the same budget. So, I need your suggestion whether I can proceed with the Elevate or should I go with 3XO or Kylaq because of their plush interiors.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1d

Go ahead with the Honda Elevate V CVT you’ve booked. At Rs 15.30 lakh on-road plus Rs 50,000 in accessories, it secures a smooth automatic, solid 5‑seat practicality, and hassle‑free, predictable ownership. Switching now could mean losing the Rs 50,000 accessory bundle and current discount.Compared to the Skoda Kylaq and Mahindra XUV 3XO, the Elevate is a segment bigger with significantly more cabin space and luggage room. The one thing you give up is a plusher‑feeling cabin, compared with the 3XO or Kylaq. The Elevate V’s interior and touch points are more basic at this trim.If cabin ambience matters more than anything else and you’re okay with a smaller footprint, consider the XUV 3XO AX5L (preferably the AT) instead, provided the AT fits your ₹15.30 lakh budget in your city. The Kylaq 1.0 TSI is nicer to drive, but doesn’t have the cabin ambience of the 3XO.

VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleSkoda Kylaq
VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO

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Posted on: 6 Feb 2026