Mahindra Bolero Neo vs Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon (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 most power (129 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars).
- Pick the Tata Nexon if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.37 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 24.08 kmpl), the biggest boot (382 L).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Mahindra Bolero Neo | Mahindra XUV 3XO | Tata Nexon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹9.90 Lakh – ₹12.20 Lakh | ₹7.50 Lakh – ₹15.50 Lakh | ₹7.37 Lakh – ₹14.22 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L mHawk100 diesel | 1.2L turbo-petrol (mStallion/TGDi) / 1.5L diesel | 1.2L turbo-petrol / 1.5L turbo-diesel / 1.2L turbo iCNG |
| Max power | 100 bhp | 129 bhp | 118 bhp |
| Fuel options | Diesel | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Diesel, CNG |
| Transmissions | Manual | Manual, AMT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, AMT, DCT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 17.3 kmpl (claimed) | 17.9-20.6 kmpl (claimed, engine dependent) | 17.44 kmpl (petrol MT), 24.08 kmpl (diesel), 24 km/kg (CNG) |
| Seating | 7 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | — | 364 L | 382 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 →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
Bolero Neo vs XUV 3XO vs Nexon — 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 most power (129 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars). Pick the Tata Nexon if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.37 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 24.08 kmpl), the biggest boot (382 L). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Bolero Neo, XUV 3XO, Nexon?
The Tata Nexon starts lowest at ₹7.37 Lakh, against ₹7.50 Lakh for the XUV 3XO 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; Tata Nexon: 5 stars.