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Hyundai Exter vs Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Skoda Kylaq (2026)

The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (September 2026):

  • Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the lowest starting price (₹6.21 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 27 kmpl).
  • Pick the Mahindra XUV 3XO if you want the most power (129 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars).
  • Pick the Skoda Kylaq if you want the biggest boot (446 L).

Three-Way Specification Comparison

SpecHyundai ExterMahindra XUV 3XOSkoda Kylaq
Ex-showroom price₹6.21 Lakh – ₹10.51 Lakh₹7.50 Lakh – ₹15.50 Lakh₹7.59 Lakh – ₹12.99 Lakh
Engine / Motor1.2L Kappa petrol / 1.2L bi-fuel CNG1.2L turbo-petrol (mStallion/TGDi) / 1.5L diesel1.0L TSI turbo-petrol
Max power82 bhp129 bhp114 bhp
Fuel optionsPetrol, CNGPetrol, DieselPetrol
TransmissionsManual, AMTManual, AMT, Torque Converter ATManual, Torque Converter AT
Mileage (claimed)19–27 kmpl17.9-20.6 kmpl (claimed, engine dependent)19.1-19.7 kmpl (ARAI)
Seating555
Safety ratingNot tested5 stars5 stars
Airbags (max)666
Boot space391 L364 L446 L

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 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 →

Skoda Kylaq in short

The Kylaq is Skoda's first sub-4-metre SUV and its most affordable car in India, aimed squarely at the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. Every variant gets the willing 115 PS 1.0 TSI turbo-petrol, giving it the strongest driving manners in its class. A five-star Bharat NCAP result seals its family-car credentials.

Full Kylaq prices & variants →

Head-to-head pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Exter vs XUV 3XO vs Kylaq — which should I buy?

Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the lowest starting price (₹6.21 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 27 kmpl). Pick the Mahindra XUV 3XO if you want the most power (129 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars). Pick the Skoda Kylaq if you want the biggest boot (446 L). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.

Which is the cheapest among Exter, XUV 3XO, Kylaq?

The Hyundai Exter starts lowest at ₹6.21 Lakh, against ₹7.50 Lakh for the XUV 3XO and ₹7.59 Lakh for the Kylaq (ex-showroom, September 2026).

Which is the safest of the three?

Hyundai Exter: not yet NCAP-tested; Mahindra XUV 3XO: 5 stars; Skoda Kylaq: 5 stars.