Mahindra Bolero vs Skoda Kylaq vs Tata Nexon (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (August 2026):
- Pick the Mahindra Bolero 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 | Skoda Kylaq | Tata Nexon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹9.80 Lakh – ₹11.20 Lakh | ₹8.00 Lakh – ₹14.50 Lakh | ₹7.37 Lakh – ₹14.22 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L mHawk75 diesel | 1.0L TSI turbo-petrol | 1.2L turbo-petrol / 1.5L turbo-diesel / 1.2L turbo iCNG |
| Max power | 75 bhp | 114 bhp | 118 bhp |
| Fuel options | Diesel | Petrol | Petrol, Diesel, CNG |
| Transmissions | Manual | Manual, Torque Converter AT | Manual, AMT, DCT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 16 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 in short
The Bolero is Mahindra's evergreen workhorse, a ladder-frame 7-seater that has ruled rural and semi-urban India for over two decades. It sells on toughness, cheap maintenance and a vast service network rather than features or refinement. There is no direct rival at its price; buyers cross-shop it with the Bolero Neo and used Scorpios.
Full Bolero 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 vs Kylaq vs Nexon — which should I buy?
Pick the Mahindra Bolero 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, Kylaq, Nexon?
The Tata Nexon starts lowest at ₹7.37 Lakh, against ₹8.00 Lakh for the Kylaq and ₹9.80 Lakh for the Bolero (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Mahindra Bolero: not yet NCAP-tested; Skoda Kylaq: 5 stars; Tata Nexon: 5 stars.