The sub-compact SUV segment in India is the most fiercely contested battleground in the automotive industry. In 2024, Mahindra & Mahindra, a brand synonymous with rugged and safe SUVs, launched the heavily updated version of its popular XUV300—the Mahindra XUV 3XO. More than just a cosmetic facelift, the 3XO (pronounced ‘three-ex-oh’) represents a comprehensive overhaul, blending the XUV300’s core strengths—its benchmark safety and spacious cabin—with a dramatic redesign and an arsenal of segment-first features.
Positioned to directly challenge rivals like the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and Hyundai Venue, the XUV 3XO is not just an update; it is an outright statement. It aims to dominate by offering an unprecedented combination of premium features, powerful engines, and most critically, a 5-star safety rating validated by Bharat NCAP (BNCAP), setting a new benchmark for the segment.
This exhaustive 1500-word review dives into every aspect of the XUV 3XO: its aggressive new styling, the practicality of its feature-loaded cabin, the performance of its three potent powertrain options, and the peace of mind offered by its class-leading safety technology.
Price and Variant Structure
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is smartly priced, undercutting some rivals in key variants while offering unmatched features in the top trims. This aggressive pricing strategy, starting from ₹7.28 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), makes the 3XO accessible to a wide range of buyers.
A. Ex-Showroom Price Range (India, December 2025 Approx.)
| Variant Tier | Engine & Transmission | Key Feature Focus | Ex-Showroom Price Range (Approx.) |
| MX Series | Petrol MT/AT, Diesel MT | Core Safety, Push Start/Stop, All Four Disc Brakes | ₹7.28 Lakh – ₹10.71 Lakh |
| AX Series | All Engines, All Transmissions | Premium Tech, 10.25 in Screens, Dual−Zone AC, Skyroof | ₹10.00 Lakh – ₹14.40 Lakh |
| AX7 L | TGDi Petrol AT, Diesel AMT | Level 2 ADAS, Panoramic Sunroof, Harman Kardon Audio | ₹12.71 Lakh – ₹14.40 Lakh |
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Engine, Performance, and Mileage
Mahindra’s biggest advantage is offering three distinct and potent engine options, ensuring there is a powertrain for every type of driver—from the frugal commuter to the performance enthusiast.
A. Engine Specifications Summary
| Engine Type | Displacement | Max Power | Max Torque | Transmission Options | ARAI Mileage |
| 1.2L TCMPFi Petrol | 1197 cc | 111 hp | 200 Nm | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT | ∼18.89 kmpl |
| 1.2L T-GDi Petrol | 1197 cc | 131 hp | 230 Nm | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT | ∼20.1 kmpl |
| 1.5L Turbo Diesel | 1498 cc | 117 hp | 300 Nm | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AMT | ∼21.2 kmpl |
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B. Performance and Driving Dynamics
- The 1.2 L T−GDi Petrol (131 hp): This is the most powerful engine in the segment and the heart of the XUV 3XO’s performance appeal. Paired with the new Aisin-sourced 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic (AT), it offers a quick, linear power delivery and responsive acceleration, making highway overtakes effortless. The 0 to100 kmph time is brisk, reinforcing the “fun-to-drive” character the XUV series is known for.
- The 1.5 L Diesel (300 Nm): Delivering segment-leading torque, the diesel engine is a champion of drivability and fuel economy. Its massive low-end torque makes city driving effortless, requiring minimal gear changes. The AutoSHIFT+ (AMT) option has been significantly refined, offering smoother shifts than its predecessor, though the 6-speed MT remains the choice for enthusiasts.
- Ride and Handling: The suspension is finely tuned for Indian roads, striking a commendable balance between comfort and stability. It absorbs potholes and rough patches with ease at city speeds while maintaining composure and stability on the highway. The selectable Smart Steering Modes (Comfort, Normal, and Sport) allow the driver to adjust steering weight, further enhancing the driving experience.
C. Mileage and Efficiency
The XUV 3XO excels in mileage, particularly the diesel variant, which boasts an ARAI-certified figure of up to 21.2 kmpl. The higher mileage figures, especially for the powerful 1.2 L T−GDi petrol engine (20.1 kmpl in manual), demonstrate Mahindra’s successful focus on efficiency without sacrificing performance. Real-world city mileage, while lower than ARAI figures (as is common), is competitive, especially with the use of the segment-exclusive Dual-Zone Climate Control, which efficiently manages cabin temperature.
Read more : Mahindra Bolero
Safety and Structural Integrity: The 5-Star Benchmark
Safety remains the biggest differentiator for the XUV 3XO, leveraging the solid, proven structure of its predecessor.
A. Bharat NCAP (BNCAP) 5-Star Rating
The XUV 3XO has cemented its position as one of India’s safest vehicles by achieving a 5-Star safety rating from Bharat NCAP for both Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP).
- AOP Score: 29.36/32.00
- COP Score: 43.00/49.00
This score is a testament to Mahindra’s commitment, which makes the XUV 3XO the gold standard for safety in the sub-compact SUV category.
B. Segment-First Safety Features
The XUV 3XO democratizes high-end safety technology by offering crucial features standard or as segment firsts:
- Standard 6 Airbags: Unlike rivals that offer only two standard airbags, the XUV 3XO provides six airbags (Driver, Passenger, Front Side, and Curtain) as a standard fitment across all variants, ensuring comprehensive protection.
- All Four Disc Brakes: Standard across all variants, this feature provides superior stopping power and better heat dissipation, significantly enhancing braking performance and safety.
- Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems): Available in the top AX7 L trim, this is a monumental feature in this segment. It includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Forward Collision Warning
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Lane Keep Assist
Interior, Features, and Technology
The interior of the XUV 3XO has undergone a significant transformation, moving from utilitarian to premium and feature-loaded.
A. Cabin and Space
The XUV 3XO retains the class-leading 2600 mm wheelbase (longest in the segment), resulting in genuinely impressive cabin space, particularly for rear-seat passengers.
- Boot Space: The long-standing complaint about the XUV300’s small boot has been partially addressed with the 3XO, which now offers a respectable 364 Litres of cargo capacity—an improvement that makes it far more practical for family usage.
- Premium Feel: Higher variants feature a dual-tone (Black and Beige/White) theme, soft-touch leatherette padding on the dashboard, and a sophisticated finish, drastically improving the premium feel compared to the XUV300.
B. Segment-Defining Features
The XUV 3XO’s feature list reads like a car from a segment above:
- Largest-in-Class Panoramic Sunroof: Marketed as the ‘Skyroof$^\text{TM}$’, this feature dramatically enhances the sense of space and airiness in the cabin, a massive draw for Indian buyers.
- Dual 10.25−inch Screens: It sports dual high-definition 10.25-inch displays—one for the floating infotainment system and another for the full digital instrument cluster—offering a seamless, modern tech experience.
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control (FATC): This segment-first allows the driver and front passenger to set two different temperatures, ensuring personalized comfort.
- Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold: A premium feature usually reserved for larger SUVs, simplifying driving in city traffic.
- Harman Kardon Premium Audio: Available in the top model, this includes an amplifier and sub-woofer for a superior in-car acoustic experience.
Exterior Design and Styling
The facelift is radical and aggressive, transforming the previously sober XUV300 into a sharply designed, imposing SUV.
The front fascia is dominated by the bold new grille, flanked by redesigned C-shaped LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) and sharp LED projector headlamps. The rear receives the most futuristic update: a connected Infinity LED Tail Light Setup that runs across the tailgate, giving the car a distinct, wide stance at night. New 17-inch Diamond−Cut Alloy Wheels and the use of the ‘Twin Peaks’ logo complete the contemporary and muscular look.
Conclusion: The Sub-Compact King?
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is unequivocally the most compelling and complete package in the sub-compact SUV segment today. It doesn’t just match its competition; it exceeds them significantly in key areas that matter to modern buyers.
By marrying its signature strengths—the spacious cabin and rock-solid build—with a host of segment-first features like the Level 2 ADAS, Panoramic Sunroof, and Dual-Zone AC, and underpinning it all with an unassailable 5-Star BNCAP safety rating, the XUV 3XO makes a powerful case for itself.
If you are looking for an SUV under the ₹15 Lakh mark that offers the highest level of safety, best-in-class performance, and a feature list that mimics cars twice its price, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is not just a recommendation—it is the new segment benchmark.