Mahindra is set to debut a CNG variant of the XUV 3XO compact SUV on October 15. Autocar India had exclusively reported about the XUV 3XO CNG being in the works back in April 2026, and now a teaser from the brand hints at that development. This then will be the fourth powertrain option on the XUV 3XO, adding to the existing petrol, diesel and electric variants. This will also give Mahindra’s most affordable SUV one of the most diverse powertrain lineups in the segment alongside the Tata Nexon.
- Factory-fitted CNG kit expected with 1.2-litre MPFI turbo-petrol engine
- Will be fourth powertrain option on XUV 3XO alongside petrol, diesel and electric
- Launch expected later this year
Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG: what to expect?
Mahindra currently offers the XUV 3XO with two petrol engines: a 111hp, 1.2-litre MPFI turbo-petrol unit and a 131hp, 1,2-litre direct injection turbo-petrol engine. Of these, we expect a factory-fitted CNG kit to be offered with the former, although exact specifications are yet to be disclosed. MPFI engines are relatively cheaper to manufacture and simpler to adapt for CNG, since fuel is injected into the intake manifold. Doing the same with a DI engine is more complex and expensive.
What community is saying on the XUV 3XO?
What’ll be interesting to see is how Mahindra packages the CNG tank on the XUV 3XO, as it already has the smallest boot in the segment, and a CNG tank could reduce it further. It remains to be seen if Mahindra opts for a dual CNG tank setup as has been popularised by Tata, or if it is fitted under the boot. Whatever the case, it may require some re-engineering.
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
Viraaj Bhatnagar
