Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Kia Syros: which is a safe, reliable SUV under Rs 10 lakh?

The XUV 3XO drives and handles better, while the Syros has a better interior and is more spacious.

Published On May 17, 2025 10:00:00 AM

17,363 Views

Please help me decide between the base HTK variant of the Kia Syros and the Mahindra XUV3XO MX3 Pro. Which one offers better overall value in terms of engine performance, safety features, cabin space and comfort? I'm also considering factors like long-term reliability, fuel efficiency, and cost of ownership. Which would be the smarter buy for a mix of city and occasional highway use?

Jagdeesh B, Gurgaon

Autocar India says: The Mahindra XUV3XO stands out on account of its excellent ride and handling balance. Not only does it feel tough, but it also absorbs road shocks and potholes very competently. What's more is that despite a lower power output than the Kia, the XUV's 1.2-litre turbo-petrol's performance is stronger, as reflected in its quicker acceleration times. However, its front seats aren't as comfy as the Syros, and its boot space is the lowest in its segment.

Impressively, both cars have been awarded a 5-star rating in Bharat NCAP crash tests. As far as features go, the Kia Syros HTK gets a tyre pressure monitor, larger touchscreen, reverse camera, and front and rear parking sensors over the XUV; features exclusive to the XUV3XO MX3 Pro variant are a sunroof, LED headlamps, cruise control and a wireless charger.

The Kia Syros on the other hand impresses with its modern, bright and airy cabin, and its sheer sense of space due to its boxy nature. Its seats are comfier, the interior quality and fit-finish feel better, and it does its duty with a bit more finesse as compared to the Mahindra. Do keep in mind though, the Kia's biggest sore point is its fuel efficiency - in our tests, it returned 9.1kpl in the city and 12.6kpl on the highway; the XUV fared much better, returning 10.4kpl and 14.9kpl respectively. If you can live with the Syros' poor fuel efficiency, it is the more polished offering, and the one we'd recommend.

Kia Syros vs Mahindra XUV 3XO performance and efficiency
	Kia Syros	Mahindra XUV 3XO
Acceleration
0-60kph	5.27 sec	5.07 sec
0-100kph	12.37 sec	11.58 sec
Rolling Acceleration
20-80kph	11.17 sec	10.74 sec
40-100kph	14.57 sec	13.38 sec
Fuel Efficiency
City	9.1kpl	10.4kpl
Highway	12.6kpl	14.9kpl