Mahindra Bolero Neo vs Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Skoda Kylaq (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (August 2026):
- Pick the Mahindra Bolero Neo if you want the most seats (7).
- Pick the Mahindra XUV 3XO if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.50 Lakh), the most power (129 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 20.6 kmpl), the best crash-test score (5 stars).
- Pick the Skoda Kylaq if you want the biggest boot (446 L).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Mahindra Bolero Neo | Mahindra XUV 3XO | Skoda Kylaq |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹9.90 Lakh – ₹12.20 Lakh | ₹7.50 Lakh – ₹15.50 Lakh | ₹8.00 Lakh – ₹14.50 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L mHawk100 diesel | 1.2L turbo-petrol (mStallion/TGDi) / 1.5L diesel | 1.0L TSI turbo-petrol |
| Max power | 100 bhp | 129 bhp | 114 bhp |
| Fuel options | Diesel | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol |
| Transmissions | Manual | Manual, AMT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, Torque Converter AT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 17.3 kmpl (claimed) | 17.9-20.6 kmpl (claimed, engine dependent) | 19.1-19.7 kmpl (ARAI) |
| Seating | 7 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | — | 364 L | 446 L |
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 →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
Bolero Neo vs XUV 3XO vs Kylaq — which should I buy?
Pick the Mahindra Bolero Neo if you want the most seats (7). Pick the Mahindra XUV 3XO if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.50 Lakh), the most power (129 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 20.6 kmpl), 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 Bolero Neo, XUV 3XO, Kylaq?
The Mahindra XUV 3XO starts lowest at ₹7.50 Lakh, against ₹8.00 Lakh for the Kylaq and ₹9.90 Lakh for the Bolero Neo (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Mahindra Bolero Neo: not yet NCAP-tested; Mahindra XUV 3XO: 5 stars; Skoda Kylaq: 5 stars.