The wait is finally over with the launch of the all-new Mahindra XUV3XO, the brand’s star contender in the compact SUV segment, which is heavily crowded, especially with several contemporary and new-age models now in line. With a series of power-packed engines offered alongside an evolutionary exterior design, a host of top-notch features and impeccable safety onboard, the Mahindra XUV 3XO has attracted a lot of buyers in no time. With so much onboard, however, it will be interesting to see how the XUV 3XO pitches against key competitors. Talking of which, it would be a sin not to mention the Kia Seltos, which is one of India’s most feature-loaded and fun-to-drive compact SUVs, that has truly elevated the overall feel of the entire segment, especially with its attractive facelift, that entered the market at the beginning of 2024. With deliveries commencing from 26th May, it will be interesting to see if the all-new XUV3XO can truly overpower the Sonet’s overall value. Till then let’s see how both SUVs fare against each other head-on.
Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Kia Sonet: Dimensions
| Car | Mahindra XUV 3XO | Kia Sonet |
| Length | 3990 mm | 3995 mm |
| Width | 1821 mm | 1790 mm |
| Height | 1647 mm | 1642 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm | 2500 mm |
| Boot Space | 364 litres | 328 litres |
| Ground Clearance | 201 mm | 200 mm |
As far as dimensions go, the head-on comparison above makes it evident that despite both SUVs sharing the same segment there is still a stark difference between the two. Talking about the Mahindra XUV 3XO, the SUV comes with an evolutionary design that has a contemporary and modern touch to it, in line with Mahindra’s latest SUV design. When compared with the Sonet, the XUV 3XO shines, with a stance that’s 31 mm wider and 5 mm higher than the Seltos. But what truly works in favour of the XUV3XO is its 2600 mm wheelbase which is 100mm larger than what the Seltos offers. This gives the XUV 3XO a much more spacious cabin, with a large boot space that is 36 litres more than what the Seltos currently offers.
Coming to the Kia Sonet, the SUV also offers a contemporary design that feels a bit more sporty and assertive when compared to the XUV 3XO. The Sonet being 5 mm lengthier than the Mahindra XUV3XO seems larger when standing side by side, but in reality, this is not much of a difference. Other than that, the Sonet offers a decent boot space of 328 litres which is enough for basic needs but not as practical as the boot offered on the XUV 3XO.
Overall, when compared head-on, both SUVs offer a contemporary look that is both evolutionary and muscular. While the final choice is rather subjective, in terms of hardcore dimensions, the 3XO takes the lead with a wider stance, longer wheelbase, larger boot and a higher stance.
As far as dimensions go, the head-on comparison above makes it evident that despite both SUVs sharing the same segment there is still a stark difference between the two. Talking about the Mahindra XUV 3XO, the SUV comes with an evolutionary design that has a contemporary and modern touch to it, in line with Mahindra’s latest SUV design. When compared with the Sonet, the XUV 3XO shines, with a stance that’s 31 mm wider and 5 mm higher than the Seltos. But what truly works in favour of the XUV3XO is its 2600 mm wheelbase which is 100mm larger than what the Seltos offers. This gives the XUV 3XO a much more spacious cabin, with a large boot space that is 36 litres more than what the Seltos currently offers.
Coming to the Kia Sonet, the SUV also offers a contemporary design that feels a bit more sporty and assertive when compared to the XUV 3XO. The Sonet being 5 mm lengthier than the Mahindra XUV3XO seems larger when standing side by side, but in reality, this is not much of a difference. Other than that, the Sonet offers a decent boot space of 328 litres which is enough for basic needs but not as practical as the boot offered on the XUV 3XO.
Overall, when compared head-on, both SUVs offer a contemporary look that is both evolutionary and muscular. While the final choice is rather subjective, in terms of hardcore dimensions, the 3XO takes the lead with a wider stance, longer wheelbase, larger boot and a higher stance.
Overall winner: XUV 3XO for its practicality
Mahindra XUV 3XO vs. Kia Sonet: Engine and Transmission
| New Mahindra XUV 3XO v Kia Sonet: Engine Comparison (Petrol) | ||||||||
| Cars | Mahindra XUV 3XO | Kia Sonet | ||||||
| Engine | 1.2-litre mStallion Turbo Charged Multipoint Fuel Injection (TCMPFi) engine | 1.2-litre mStallion Turbo Charged Intercooled Gasoline Direct injection (TGDi) engine | 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol Engine | 1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine | ||||
| Power | 112 PS | 130 PS | 120 PS | 83 PS | ||||
| Torque | 200 NM | 230 NM | 172 NM | 115 NM | ||||
| Transmission (Manual) | 6-Speed Manual | 6-Speed Manual | 6-Speed iMT | 5-Speed Manual | ||||
| Transmission (Automatic) | 6-Speed Torque Convertor Automatic | 6-Speed Torque Convertor Automatic | 7-Speed DCT | N/A | ||||
| Mileage | 18.89 km/l (Manual) 17.96 km/l (Automatic) | 20.1 km/l (Manual) 18.2 km/l (Automatic) | 18.7 km/l (Manual) 19.2 km/l (Automatic) | 18.83 km/l (Manual) | ||||
One look at the engine comparison above and you’ll realise that both SUVs are miles apart when it comes to petrol engines onboard. While the XUV 3XO comes with two turbocharged petrol engines, the Seltos on the other hand offers a turbocharged petrol engine along with a naturally aspirated petrol unit.
Coming to the Turbo comparison, the Seltos’s 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine offers 8 PS of additional power as compared to what the XUV 3XO’s Turbo Charged Multipoint Fuel Injection (TCMPFi) offers, along with a 6-speed iMT which is quite a relief for those wanting a break from the clutch. Even in terms of the automatic transmission, the Sonet’s 1-litre turbo engine takes the lead with a better, more responsive 7-speed DCT engine compared to the 6-speed torque convertor automatic the XUV 3XO’s TCMPFi engine offers. Another advantage the Sonet’s turbo engine offers is its automatic mileage which is as high as 19.2 km/l compared to 17.96 km/l the XUV 3XO’s engine offers. One area, however, where the XUV 3XO’s 1.2-litre TCMPFi Turbo engine wins is its torque which is 28 NM more than what the Sonet offers. But with that said, the Sonet’s 1-litre turbocharged engine still offers better performance and mileage overall. Nonetheless, when compared to the XUV 3XO’s 1.2-litre TGDi engine, even the Sonet’s turbo is no match in terms of power, torque and mileage figures, despite a DCT on offer.
Coming to the Sonet’s 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine, the unit despite being well refined is no match compared to both the XUV 3XO’s 1.2-litre TCMPFi as well as TGDi engines. Not only is the Sonet’s Naturally Aspirated highly underpowered when compared to the XUV 3XO’s turbo engines, but it also has much lesser torque and no automatic on offer whatsoever.
Overall, when considering the petrol versions of both SUVs, for those considering the Turbocharged engine, the Sonet’s 1-litre Turbocharged engine seems to be a better pick, when compared to the XUV 3XO’s TCMPFi engine. But if your budget allows you to consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO’s TGDi engine, then the Sonet misses the mark. Coming to the Naturally Aspirated Engine, the only good thing the engine offers in comparison to the XUV 3XO is its value.
Overall Winner: Tie
| Mahindra XUV 3XO v Kia Sonet: Engine Comparison (Diesel) | ||||||||
| Cars | Mahindra XUV 3XO | Kia Sonet | ||||||
| Engine | 1.5-litre Turbo Diesel Engine | 1.5-litre Turbo Diesel Engine | ||||||
| Power | 117 PS | 116 PS | ||||||
| Torque | 300 NM | 250 NM | ||||||
| Transmission (Manual) | 6-Speed Manual | 6-Speed Manual/6-Speed iMT | ||||||
| Transmission (Automatic) | 6-Speed AMT | 6-Speed AMT | ||||||
| Mileage | 20.6 km/l (Manual) and 21.2 km/l (Automatic) | 22.3 km/l | ||||||
The Diesel game above is another area where the competition gets tougher. While both SUVs offer a 1.5-litre diesel engine onboard, the XUV 3XO shines in terms of torque which is 50 NM more than what the Sonet offers. In terms of transmission, however, the Sonet offers better choices with both a 6-speed manual as well as iMT onboard in addition to a 6-speed AMT. Coming to the mileage, the Sonet and XUV 3XO both perform exceptionally well, with the XUV 3XO offering better automatic mileage while the Sonet offers better manual mileage.
Overall, when it comes to the diesel engine, both SUVs are truly head-on with best-in-segment diesel engines that are power-packed, efficient and well-performing with both automatic and manual trims to choose from. The XUV 3XO however takes the lead as far as performance is concerned with better torque and mileage, especially as far as automatic trims are concerned.
Overall Winner: XUV3XO
Mahindra XUV 3XO vs. Kia Sonet: Features and Comfort
| Mahindra XUV 3XO | Kia Sonet | |
| Infotainment system | 10.25 Inch touch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play | 10.25 Inch touch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play |
| Instrument Cluster | 10.25 Inch Digital Instrument Cluster | 10.25 Inch Digital Instrument Cluster |
| Music System | 7 Speaker Premium Harman Kardon Audio Setup | 7 Speaker Premium BOSE Audio Setup |
| Climate Control | Yes, Dual Zone | Yes |
| Sunroof | Segment First Panoramic Sunroof | Yes, electric sunroof |
| Ambient Lighting | Yes | Yes |
| Front Ventilated Seats | No | Yes |
| Adjustable Seats | Height Adjustable Driver’s Seat | Yes, 4-Way Powered Driver’s Seat |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charger | Yes | Yes |
| 360-Degree Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Connected Car Tech | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS | Level-2 | Level-1 |
One look at the comparison above and one would realise that both the SUVs come with a plethora of onboard features and comfort that are truly top-notch. However, when pitched head-on, the Mahindra XUV 3XO being the latest offering comes with a few additional features that the Kia Sonet seems to miss out on. These include a segment-first panoramic sunroof, a segment-first dual-zone climate control and a segment-first LEVEL-2 ADAS onboard. But with that said, the Sonet too is no less with features such as ventilated seats and a 4-way powered driver’s seat both of which the XUV 3XO misses out on.
Overall, the feature game is where both SUVs truly lock horns, with the 3XO taking the lead with its large panoramic sunroof, LEVEL-2 ADAS and dual-zone climate control. Other than that, all premium features are duly offered onboard the Seltos as well.
Overall Winner: XUV 3XO
Mahindra XUV 3XO vs. Kia Sonet: Safety Features
| Mahindra XUV 3XO | Kia Sonet | |
| Airbags | 6 as standard | 6 as standard |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Assist | Yes | Yes |
| TPMS | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Front Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| All 4 Disc Brakes | Yes | Yes |
| Level-2 ADAS | Yes | No, Level-1 |
When it comes to safety, while there is no doubt that both the Kia Sonet as well as the Mahindra XUV 3XO are class apart, it is the Mahindra XUV3XO that shines with segment-first Level-2 Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) onboard, which offer advanced safety features such as:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Following Assist
- Traffic Signal Identification
But with that said, the Kia Sonet is no less, with almost all safety features onboard including ADAS which however is Level-1 as compared to the XUV 3XO’s Level-2 ADAS.
Thus, when compared head-on, the all-new Mahindra XUV 3XO seems a bit better thanks to the latest and greatest Level-2 ADAS on board.
Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Kia Sonet: Price Comparison
| Variant | Mahindra XUV 3XO Price Ex-Showroom | Kia SonetPrice Ex-Showroom |
| Base Variant | Rs. 7.49 Lakh | Rs. 7.99 – 10 Lakh |
| Mid Variant | Rs. 8.99 – 11.69 Lakh | Rs. 8.89 – 11.45 Lakh |
| Upper Mid Variant | Rs. 10.69 – 14.49 Lakh | Rs. 11.56 – 14.50 Lakh |
| Top Variant | Rs. 11.99 – 15.49 Lakh | Rs. 14.55 – 15.57 Lakh |
When it comes to the price comparison, the Mahindra XUV 3XO comes with an eight-trim lineup that includes MX1, MX2, MX2 Pro, MX3, MX3 Pro, AX5, AX7 and AX7 Luxury. The trims are spread across 25 variants. On the other hand, Kia Sonet’s variant lineup is spread across 6 trims, including the HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, GTX+ and X Line which are also spread across 23 variants.
While both SUVs have ample variants to choose from, it is the Mahindra XUV3XO that offers the overall price advantage considering that both SUVs are truly feature-loaded. But with that said, it is also true that the Sonet also provides exceptional value for money, especially in the base and mid trims that offer savings of up to 24 thousand in addition to more variants to choose from. When it comes to the upper mid trims, the XUV 3XO shines with savings of up to 87 thousand at the lower spectrum, with the upper price spectrum being more or less similar. Finally coming to the top-end trims where all the fun truly lies, the Mahindra XUV 3XO again dominates the lower end of the spectrum, with savings of up to 2.56 Lakh, while the upper price spectrum remains more or less the same. This means that owning the top-end Mahindra XUV 3XO is much more affordable than bringing home the top-end Seltos.
Thus as far as price is concerned, both the Kia Sonet and the XUV3XO are similarly priced. But considering all the aspects, the XUV3XO is undoubtedly better value for money, especially for those considering the upper-mid and top-end trims.
Mahindra XUV 3XO vs. Kia Sonet: Summary
Be it the Mahindra XUV 3XO or the Kia Sonet, both cars offer a well-loaded package that has a balance of everything one might look out for in a compact SUV. Both SUVs offer a contemporary design that is modern, muscular and assertive. Coming to the performance and engine, while the Seltos’s turbocharged engine offers better performance, automatic transmission and mileage than the XUV 3XO’s TCMPFi engine when pitched against the TGDi, the engine is no match. The same is the story with the Sonet’s Naturally Aspirated engine that is outshined by the XUV 3XO’s turbo engines. Feature-wise, both SUVs are topped with features, but the XUV 3XO takes a slight edge being the latest offering. Safety, however, is where the XUV 3XO truly shines, with almost all modern-day safety tech onboard, including Level-2 ADAS. Finally coming on to the price, while the Kia Sonet truly dominates the game in terms of base and mid trims, the XUV 3XO still manages to take the lead, especially when it comes to upper mid and top-end trims.
FAQs about Mahindra XUV 3XO vs. Kia Sonet
Q. Which of the two – Mahindra XUV 3XO or Kia Sonet – is larger?
A. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is larger than the Kia Sonet with a wider stance, longer wheelbase, and bigger boot space.
Q. Which of the two – Mahindra XUV 3XO or Kia Sonet – offers better engine performance?
A. The Mahindra XUV 3XO’s 1.2-litre TGDi engine outperforms the Kia Sonet’s turbo engine in terms of power, torque, and mileage.
Q. Which of the two – Mahindra XUV 3XO or Kia Sonet – has more advanced features?
A. The Mahindra XUV 3XO includes advanced features like a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and Level-2 ADAS, which the Kia Sonet lacks.
Q. Which of the two – Mahindra XUV 3XO or Kia Sonet – offers better value for money?
A. The Mahindra XUV 3XO offers better value for money, especially in upper-mid and top-end trims, compared to the Kia Sonet.
Q. Which of the two – Mahindra XUV 3XO or Kia Sonet – is safer?
A. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is safer with Level-2 ADAS compared to the Kia Sonet’s Level-1 ADAS.
