I am confused about whether to buy the 3XO or the Nexon. I need a reliable car with good engine performance.

Autocar India

•2m

We would suggest you go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 1.2 TGDi, preferably with the 6-speed automatic. Given your priorities of reliability and strong engine performance, it is the most satisfying car to drive. The big highlight is the 1.2-litre TGDi turbo-petrol engine that produces 130hp and 230Nm of torque, which is among the strongest outputs in this segment. In comparison, the petrol engine in the Tata Nexon produces around 120hp and 170Nm. That’s roughly 35% more torque in the Mahindra, and you can feel it in everyday driving, especially in the mid-range where overtakes happen. The 3XO simply feels punchier and more effortless when you press the throttle.

If you are considering an automatic, the Mahindra again has an advantage. The 3XO uses a 6-speed torque-converter automatic (from Aisin), which tends to be smoother and more durable in heavy traffic and hot conditions, the kind we typically experience in India.

The Nexon petrol automatic, on the other hand, uses a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCA). While dual-clutch gearboxes can shift quickly, they can also feel jerky at low speeds and tend to be less tolerant of stop-and-go traffic over the long term.

Another point in favour of the 3XO is that this mStallion turbo petrol engine family has been around for several years, so it’s relatively well understood in the market. Mahindra also offers a 3-year/1,00,000km warranty, which can typically be extended up to 5 or even 7 years, giving additional peace of mind. You should confirm the exact coverage and extension options with the dealer.

The main compromise with the 3XO is practicality. Its boot is smaller than the Nexon’s, roughly 360 litres versus about 380 litres in the Nexon. So, if you regularly travel with large luggage, you may have to plan a bit more carefully.

Explore cars mentioned

Mahindra

XUV 3XO

from ₹8.37 Lakh

Tata

Nexon

from ₹8.32 Lakh

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Related questions you may find helpful

Aadi

•1w

I am planning to buy a new car but am confused between the Tata Punch Pure Plus (2026), Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta, and Maruti Suzuki Fronx. My budget is around ₹8 lakh, but I can stretch it up to ₹9 lakh. My usage will include both city and highway driving, and at times, there will be three passengers seated in the rear. I am also considering increasing my budget further to buy a Tata Nexon, which has added to my confusion. Could you please help me choose the right option?

Autocar India

•20h

The new Tata Punch is a solid choice in the Rs 8 lakh budget; however, it is quite narrow, which means seating three in the back seat can be a bit tight. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is better in this regard, with a slightly wider and more comfortable rear seat, but do visit both showrooms and experience them yourself. Both cars are comparable in terms of performance and efficiency, but the Baleno’s four-cylinder engine is more refined than the Punch’s three-cylinder unit.Apart from the different body style and slightly raised suspension, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is essentially the same as the Baleno. Therefore, the main reason to upgrade to the Fronx is if you need the higher ground clearance or want the turbo-petrol engine, which is not available on the Baleno.Regarding the Tata Nexon, to get a reasonably well-equipped variant, you will need to stretch your budget to around Rs 10 lakh and opt for the Pure Plus petrol variant. For the additional money, you get an SUV body style, a roomier cabin with a better rear seat than the aforementioned options, and a turbo-petrol engine with much stronger performance. If it isn’t too much of a financial burden, it is worth stretching to get the Nexon. But if you want to stick to your budget, the Baleno remains a good choice.

Deepesh

I am a first-time car buyer and also a new driver. I am planning to buy a car for long-term ownership with a budget of around ₹11–12 lakh (on-road). My family has five members, and the car will be used mostly for city driving in Hyderabad, with occasional highway trips maybe once a month. I prefer an automatic transmission since it will be easier to drive in city traffic. Currently, I am considering the Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro Petrol AMT and the Tata Nexon Pure Plus S AMT Petrol. I am looking for a car that offers good safety, reliability, comfort for family use, and reasonable maintenance for long-term ownership. Between these two options, which one would you recommend? Also, are there any other better options in this price range that I should consider?

Autocar India

•2d

First, a small correction. The Mahindra XUV 3XO does not use an AMT gearbox. It comes with a proper torque converter automatic, which offers a much smoother and more refined driving experience compared to AMTs. This makes it easier to drive in city traffic and overall more comfortable for daily use.Because of this, the XUV 3XO MX2 Pro automatic becomes the better choice between the two cars you shortlisted. The wider cabin also makes it more comfortable for a family of five and the ride quality is well suited for both city drives and occasional highway trips.The Tata Nexon does offer a DCA/DCT automatic option with the turbo-petrol engine, but that variant is significantly more expensive and would go well beyond your ₹11–12 lakh budget. The Nexon AMT variants therefore do not match the smoothness of the torque converter automatic offered in the 3XO.For your requirements of ease of driving, comfort and a better automatic gearbox, the Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic would be the better option over the Nexon in your budget.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Tata Nexon

Tarun

•4d

I am confused between the Hyundai Venue SX(O) Petrol 1.0-litre Turbo Automatic (DCT), Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 Petrol 1.2-litre Turbo Automatic (Torque Converter), and Hyundai Venue SX(O) Diesel 1.5-litre Automatic (Torque Converter). Which of these would be better in terms of hassle-free ownership, reliability, and long-term peace of mind? I plan to keep the car for many years for my family, so comfort and reliability are very important to me.

Autocar India

•2d

If your priority is long-term reliability and hassle-free ownership, the powertrain choice and brand service experience will matter more than outright performance.Between the three options, the Hyundai Venue petrol turbo with the DCT automatic is the safer choice in terms of ownership experience. Hyundai has a strong reputation for reliability and service support, and the Venue is a well-proven product. It also offers a comfortable ride and a well-finished cabin, which makes it suitable for long-term family use.The Mahindra XUV 3XO petrol automatic is a very good car to drive and offers strong performance thanks to its larger 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine. It also has a spacious cabin and good ride quality. However, Mahindra’s ownership experience and service consistency can vary depending on location.The Venue diesel automatic can make sense if your running is high and you regularly do highway drives. However, for typical mixed usage, the petrol automatic will generally be the simpler option to live with.

Hyundai Venue

Mahindra XUV 3XO

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