Mahindra Bolero Neo vs Skoda Kylaq 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 Skoda Kylaq if you want the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (446 L).
- Pick the Tata Nexon if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.37 Lakh), the most power (118 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 24.08 kmpl).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Mahindra Bolero Neo | Skoda Kylaq | Tata Nexon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹9.90 Lakh – ₹12.20 Lakh | ₹8.00 Lakh – ₹14.50 Lakh | ₹7.37 Lakh – ₹14.22 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L mHawk100 diesel | 1.0L TSI turbo-petrol | 1.2L turbo-petrol / 1.5L turbo-diesel / 1.2L turbo iCNG |
| Max power | 100 bhp | 114 bhp | 118 bhp |
| Fuel options | Diesel | Petrol | Petrol, Diesel, CNG |
| Transmissions | Manual | Manual, Torque Converter AT | Manual, AMT, DCT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 17.3 kmpl (claimed) | 19.1-19.7 kmpl (ARAI) | 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 | — | 446 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 →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 →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 Kylaq vs Nexon — which should I buy?
Pick the Mahindra Bolero Neo if you want the most seats (7). Pick the Skoda Kylaq if you want the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (446 L). Pick the Tata Nexon if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.37 Lakh), the most power (118 bhp), 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 Bolero Neo, Kylaq, Nexon?
The Tata Nexon starts lowest at ₹7.37 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; Skoda Kylaq: 5 stars; Tata Nexon: 5 stars.