The compact SUV segment is becoming increasingly competitive, comprising of nearly a dozen models across a wide price bracket. But which is the quickest of the lot? We've brought together seven popular models in the segment, tested their 0-100kph timings and ranked them in ascending order. For this comparison, we've chosen the top-spec petrol-AT variants as all the SUVs here offer this powertrain combination.
Compact SUV petrol engine specifications
The XUV 3XO produces the most power; Brezza’s naturally aspirated engine is the weakest here
7. Maruti Suzuki Brezza
0-100kph time: 14.29 seconds
Despite having an engine with the largest capacity, the Brezza has the lowest power output in this group, resulting in the slowest 0-100kph time. It is also the only model in the segment powered by a naturally aspirated petrol engine. The 1.5-litre unit delivers 103hp and 137Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed torque converter automatic. While power is adequate for urban conditions, it lacks the outright grunt offered by its turbo-petrol rivals. On the other hand, the torque converter provides seamless gearshifts.
6. Kia Syros
0-100kph time: 13.62 seconds
Although the Syros shares its 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with the Venue and Sonet, it records a slower 0-100kph time due to being 90kg heavier than the Sonet. Its engine delivers 120hp and 172Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox. While the engine is peppy, the DCT tends to upshift earlier than necessary, and the car lacks paddleshifters for manual control.
5. Tata Nexon
0-100kph time: 12.71 seconds
The Nexon delivers the same 120hp as the Syros, but its larger 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine produces slightly less torque at 170Nm. However, the engine itself is not tuned for enthusiastic driving. The 7-speed DCT gearbox is smooth, but it hesitates before downshifting during quick overtakes and does not respond well to rapid inputs via the paddleshifters.
4. Hyundai Venue
0-100kph time: 11.62 seconds
Starting from the Venue, the top four SUVs here all achieve sub-12-second 0-100kph times, with differences measured in milliseconds. The Venue features the same 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine as the Kia SUVs listed here, making it an all-rounder performer in most scenarios. Unlike the Syros, however, the Venue includes paddleshifters for manual gear shifts.
3. Kia Sonet
0-100kph time: 11.52 seconds
The Sonet posts the quickest 0-100kph time among the Kias, utilising an engine identical to that in the Syros and Venue. Its powertrain characteristics mirror those of the Venue, wherein power feels sufficient in most scenarios, although the gearbox can be somewhat hesitant when downshifting.
2. Skoda Kylaq
0-100kph time: 11.31 seconds
Although the Kylaq is the second least powerful here, it achieves the second-fastest 0-100kph time. It uses the Kushaq’s 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, producing 115hp and 178Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed torque converter gearbox. The engine offers plenty of grunt and strong mid-range performance, making it the most enjoyable to drive in this line-up. However, it lacks low-speed responsiveness compared to the faster XUV 3XO.
1. Mahindra XUV 3XO
0-100kph time: 11.10 seconds
With the highest power and torque figures at 131hp and 230Nm respectively, the XUV 3XO claims the fastest 0-100kph time. Its 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine is mated to a 6-speed torque converter gearbox. While the engine isn’t particularly rev-happy, throttle response is crisp, and mid-range power is strong. Although the 3XO misses out on paddleshifters, it does offer a Tiptronic function for manual control.
Uday Singh
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Rivan RS 
Saumil Shah
Saptarshi Mondal
