Delhi

•9w

My budget is Rs. 12-13 lakh, and my monthly running is around 1,000 km. I am planning to buy a manual sub-4m SUV. I am confused between the Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV 3XO. Which one is better in terms of safety, features, mileage, and power? I am planning to buy a diesel. Should I go for petrol or diesel? And between the Nexon and XUV 3XO, which one should I buy?

•9w

With a monthly running of 1,000km, diesel is not the most financially sensible choice today. Modern diesel cars are more expensive to buy, and the price difference between petrol and diesel fuel is not as significant as it once was. At your running, the savings on fuel will take a long time to offset the higher purchase price. Both the Nexon and 3XO petrol engines are efficient and well-suited to your usage, and you will avoid the additional complexity and potential long-term maintenance costs associated with diesel engines.

Between the two cars, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is the better fit. This Mahindra car is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, with a wide cabin that makes it a genuinely comfortable five-seater. It is also feature-rich and has a strong safety record. The Nexon is a good car, but the 3XO offers better value for money and a more spacious cabin at a similar price point.

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO petrol manual. It will give you a better ownership experience and make more financial sense in the long run.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Nexon

from ₹8.26 Lakh

Mahindra

XUV 3XO

from ₹8.69 Lakh

More posts on similar cars

•2d

I’m planning to buy a 2026 Tata Nexon Pure+ S Manual (petrol). My daily driving will be around 32-38 km. Since I believe in safety primarily, should I buy it?

•2d

The Tata Nexon is one of the most value for money offerings in its segment, and because this second-gen Nexon has been around for a while now, the 2026 iteration feels the most mature version till date. The car is tough, its cabin is spacious and it gives the driver ample confidence at any speed.Before going ahead do keep in mind that its engine isn't the smoothest or the most refined in its segment. Also, an all-new generation of the Nexon will be launched in the second half of 2027. That said, if you like the current Nexon for what it offers, go for it.

Tata Nexon

•3d

Tata already offers CNG variants with AMT gearboxes in several models. However, despite using the same engine, the Tata Nexon CNG is not available with an automatic gearbox. Is there a technical limitation, or is Tata holding back this option? Can we expect a Nexon CNG AMT or automatic in the near future?

•2d

The Tata Nexon CNG’s lack of an automatic gearbox is not necessarily a case of Tata deliberately holding back the option. The important difference is that Tata’s other CNG AMT models use a 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, whereas the Nexon CNG uses a 1.2 litre turbo petrol engine. The turbo engine delivers power differently, so pairing it with an AMT would require specific calibration and validation for both petrol and CNG operation.There is no known fundamental engineering barrier to offering an automatic with the Nexon CNG, but Tata would need to ensure smooth shifts, drivability and long term durability. Cost and expected demand would also influence the decision. A Nexon CNG AMT has been the subject of speculation, but Tata has not officially confirmed a launch date or even the production version.

Tata Nexon

•1d

Which car do you think is most value-for-money?

View all Posts

Has E20 fuel affected your mileage?

Expert reviews worth reading

Is ADAS worth paying extra for in a car?

Popular discussions right now

•1w

Dear Autocar Team, I currently own a Dzire diesel manual (2018) and now I am planning to buy a new car but I am very confused between Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75kwh and the XEV 9S Pack Two Above 79kwh. Although, I love diesel cars but since I live in Faridabad, my biggest concern is about increasing bans and restrictions on diesel cars. My main usage is on highways and bit within the city. I have clocked 1.3 lakh km on my Dzire in 8-9 years. I am getting the exact Harrier EV model for Rs. 22 lakh (on-road) whereas the XEV 9S will cost around Rs. 27-28 lakh (on-road) and that is my biggest confusion. Should I spend this additional amount on the XEV 9S for Harrier ev because I don't want any hassles as an since I plan to keep the car for the next several years.

•6d

Since your choice is between these two exact models, go for the Tata Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75kWh at Rs 22 lakh on-road. It is a much better value proposition given the Rs. 5-6 lakh savings over the Mahindra XEV 9S. The Harrier EV is a solidly-built, hardy SUV that's comfy for 5 adults and their luggage.Sure, the XEV 9S gives you the flexibility of three-rows of seating; a lighter steering with a tighter turning radius; and with a larger battery and a more efficient electric powertrain, real-world range will be better. But since you don't specifically need a three-row SUV, the Harrier EV's lower price makes it the more sensible buy.

Tata Harrier EV

Mahindra XEV 9S

•6d

I am looking for a petrol automatic car under Rs 12 lakh with good features. My first choice is the Honda Amaze, but I am concerned about its ground clearance and engine performance. Around 70% of my driving will be in the city. Would the Amaze be a good choice?

•5d

With 70% city driving, the Honda Amaze is actually a very sensible choice. The CVT automatic is smooth and easy to drive in traffic. The engine is reliable, and the car’s compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre and park.The only real drawback is that the engine is not particularly torquey, so it can feel a bit flat on highways or when fully loaded. However, for predominantly city use, that is not a major concern. The ground clearance at 172 mm is adequate for most urban conditions, but a fully loaded car can cause the rear suspension to compress significantly, requiring caution over large speed breakers. If you like the Honda Amaze petrol automatic for what it offers, go for it.

Honda Amaze

•3d

For my personal requirements, I have shortlisted two cars including Mahindra 3XO Edge automatic and Brezza VXI automatic. The only reason for which I have shortlisted Brezza is because of its simple engine. Otherwise, everyone in my family wants to go with 3XO for its space, unique looks and bigger width. I want to know about TCMPFi engine. Will it be reliable and at least better than Nexon's Revotron?

•3d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO Edge automatic. The Brezza VXi automatic is a safe, simple and reliable choice, but the 3XO is the better fit for your requirements. It offers a wider cabin, more space and a more premium feel, which your family clearly values. The TCMPFi engine is a turbocharged petrol unit and is fundamentally a sound engine. It is not a new or unproven powertrain, and Mahindra has had time to refine it. It is also paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic, which is a proven and reliable gearbox type. Compared to the Nexon’s Revotron engine, the 3XO’s powertrain is more refined and the gearbox is smoother and more conventional in its operation. The Brezza’s naturally aspirated petrol engine is simpler and will likely be marginally more reliable over a very long ownership period, but the 3XO’s engine is not something to worry about from a reliability perspective. Given your family’s preference for space and the more premium feel, the 3XO is the better choice.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

View all Posts

Upcoming launch buzz

Community discussions on upcoming launches