Kia Syros vs Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (August 2026):
- Pick the Kia Syros if you want the biggest boot (465 L).
- Pick the Mahindra XUV 3XO if you want the most power (129 bhp).
- Pick the Tata Nexon if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.37 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 24.08 kmpl).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Syros | Mahindra XUV 3XO | Tata Nexon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹8.42 Lakh – ₹15.82 Lakh | ₹7.50 Lakh – ₹15.50 Lakh | ₹7.37 Lakh – ₹14.22 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.0L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.2L turbo-petrol (mStallion/TGDi) / 1.5L diesel | 1.2L turbo-petrol / 1.5L turbo-diesel / 1.2L turbo iCNG |
| Max power | 118 bhp | 129 bhp | 118 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Diesel, CNG |
| Transmissions | Manual, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, AMT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, AMT, DCT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 17.7-20.8 km/l (ARAI, varies by engine and gearbox) | 17.9-20.6 kmpl (claimed, engine dependent) | 17.44 kmpl (petrol MT), 24.08 kmpl (diesel), 24 km/kg (CNG) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 465 L | 364 L | 382 L |
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 →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
Syros vs XUV 3XO vs Nexon — which should I buy?
Pick the Kia Syros if you want the biggest boot (465 L). Pick the Mahindra XUV 3XO if you want the most power (129 bhp). Pick the Tata Nexon if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.37 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 24.08 kmpl). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Syros, XUV 3XO, Nexon?
The Tata Nexon starts lowest at ₹7.37 Lakh, against ₹7.50 Lakh for the XUV 3XO and ₹8.42 Lakh for the Syros (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Kia Syros: 5 stars; Mahindra XUV 3XO: 5 stars; Tata Nexon: 5 stars.