Force Motors Gurkha vs Kia Syros vs Mahindra XUV 3XO (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (October 2026):
- Pick the Force Motors Gurkha if you want the most power (138 bhp), the most seats (7).
- Pick the Kia Syros if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 20.8 kmpl), the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (465 L).
- Pick the Mahindra XUV 3XO if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.79 Lakh).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
Force Motors Gurkha in short
The Gurkha is Force Motors' hardcore ladder-frame off-roader, reborn in 2024 in 3-door 5-seat and 5-door 7-seat forms. Its trump card is unmatched at any price near it: front AND rear mechanical differential locks as standard — the Mahindra Thar and Thar Roxx offer at most a rear locker — plus a 700 mm water-wading depth and 233 mm of ground clearance. The FM 2.6 diesel makes 140 PS and 320 Nm through a 5-speed manual with low-range 4x4 on every unit; there is no petrol, no automatic and, unusually, no published ARAI mileage figure.
Full Gurkha prices & variants →Kia Syros in short
Launched in early 2025, the Kia Syros slots between the Sonet and Seltos with boxy, EV3-inspired styling and a surprisingly premium cabin. It brings big-car features to the sub-4-metre class, including a panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS and segment-first reclining-and-sliding rear seats with ventilation. A 5-star Bharat NCAP rating strengthens its case against the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza and its own sibling, the Sonet.
Full Syros prices & variants →Mahindra XUV 3XO in short
The XUV 3XO is Mahindra's comprehensively reworked sub-4m SUV, replacing the XUV300 with sharper styling, a segment-first panoramic sunroof and Level 2 ADAS on top trims. Its 129 bhp TGDi turbo-petrol is among the punchiest in the class, and it holds a full 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. It battles the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet.
Full XUV 3XO prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Gurkha vs Syros vs XUV 3XO — which should I buy?
Pick the Force Motors Gurkha if you want the most power (138 bhp), the most seats (7). Pick the Kia Syros if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 20.8 kmpl), the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (465 L). Pick the Mahindra XUV 3XO if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.79 Lakh). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Gurkha, Syros, XUV 3XO?
The Mahindra XUV 3XO starts lowest at ₹7.79 Lakh, against ₹8.42 Lakh for the Syros and ₹16.31 Lakh for the Gurkha (ex-showroom, October 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Force Motors Gurkha: not yet NCAP-tested; Kia Syros: 5 stars; Mahindra XUV 3XO: 5 stars.