Citroen AircrossX vs Hyundai Exter vs Mahindra Bolero Neo (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (October 2026):
- Pick the Citroen AircrossX if you want the most power (108 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (444 L), the most seats (7).
- Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the lowest starting price (₹5.81 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 27 kmpl).
- Pick the Mahindra Bolero Neo as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere.
Three-Way Specification Comparison
Citroen AircrossX in short
The AircrossX is the October 2025 refresh of the C3 Aircross, and at ₹8.89 lakh it is India's cheapest 7-seat SUV. It offers 5- and 7-seat layouts, 200 mm of ground clearance, a 444-litre boot in 5-seat form and the same 82 PS NA / 110 PS turbo 1.2 petrol pair as the BasaltX with 6-speed manual or torque-converter automatic. A 5-star Bharat NCAP adult-occupant rating and six standard airbags give it a safety edge over the Maruti Ertiga and Renault Triber it undercuts on the 7-seat count.
Full AircrossX prices & variants →Hyundai Exter in short
The Exter is Hyundai's entry SUV and the direct answer to the Tata Punch, blending hatchback running costs with a high-riding stance. It packs segment-first kit such as a dashcam with dual cameras, a sunroof and six airbags as standard. The dual-cylinder CNG option keeps boot space usable, a clever touch rivals lack.
Full Exter prices & variants →Mahindra Bolero Neo in short
The Bolero Neo is the modernised take on the Bolero formula, built on a hydroformed ladder-frame chassis derived from the TUV300. It pairs the tough-SUV appeal and 7-seat practicality of its elder sibling with a more powerful 100 bhp diesel and a marginally better-equipped cabin. It sits in a niche of its own, competing partly with sub-4m monocoque SUVs like the Tata Nexon diesel on price.
Full Bolero Neo prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
AircrossX vs Exter vs Bolero Neo — which should I buy?
Pick the Citroen AircrossX if you want the most power (108 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (444 L), the most seats (7). Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the lowest starting price (₹5.81 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 27 kmpl). Pick the Mahindra Bolero Neo as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere. Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among AircrossX, Exter, Bolero Neo?
The Hyundai Exter starts lowest at ₹5.81 Lakh, against ₹8.89 Lakh for the AircrossX and ₹8.99 Lakh for the Bolero Neo (ex-showroom, October 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Citroen AircrossX: 5 stars; Hyundai Exter: not yet NCAP-tested; Mahindra Bolero Neo: not yet NCAP-tested.