Hyundai Exter vs Mahindra Bolero vs Tata Nexon (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (October 2026):
- Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the lowest starting price (₹5.81 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 27 kmpl), the biggest boot (391 L).
- Pick the Mahindra Bolero if you want the most seats (7).
- Pick the Tata Nexon if you want the most power (118 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
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 in short
The Bolero is Mahindra's evergreen workhorse, a ladder-frame 7-seater that has ruled rural and semi-urban India for over two decades. It sells on toughness, cheap maintenance and a vast service network rather than features or refinement. There is no direct rival at its price; buyers cross-shop it with the Bolero Neo and used Scorpios.
Full Bolero prices & variants →Tata Nexon in short
The Nexon is Tata's best-selling model and a perennial top-three player in India's cut-throat sub-4-metre SUV segment against the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. The 2023 facelift brought a dramatic Curvv-inspired design, twin digital displays and a 7-speed DCA automatic. It holds 5-star ratings from both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP, and is the only car in the class with turbo-petrol, diesel and turbo-CNG options.
Full Nexon prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Exter vs Bolero vs Nexon — which should I buy?
Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the lowest starting price (₹5.81 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 27 kmpl), the biggest boot (391 L). Pick the Mahindra Bolero if you want the most seats (7). Pick the Tata Nexon if you want the most power (118 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Exter, Bolero, Nexon?
The Hyundai Exter starts lowest at ₹5.81 Lakh, against ₹7.40 Lakh for the Nexon and ₹8.49 Lakh for the Bolero (ex-showroom, October 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Hyundai Exter: not yet NCAP-tested; Mahindra Bolero: not yet NCAP-tested; Tata Nexon: 5 stars.