XUV300 vs Nexon – only two Sub-4m SUVs offer an option of Diesel AMT, let’s see how they fair against each other.
The Indian automotive industry has been one of the most competitive markets and its the segment of the compact SUV which is most in demand. Why? Why? Blame the Indian highways. Blame Indian roads. While the segment began with Premier Rio which was a Chinese crap on wheels, it was the Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster which really made the segment take-off the track. Since then, this market has become a big focus for many giants in the country.
Though Tata Motors Nexon has long been in the Indian market and has done well for the business. Becoming India’s first five-star rated vehicle. The Nexon really took a snapshot of the Indian customers.
Taking into account Tata’s success, another Indian brand Mahindra planned to pursue the market, but it struggled several times until 2019. During Valentine’s day, the couples were busy. Mahindra gave us a valentine’s gift as the XUV300.
Finally, the Nexon is packed with a domestic rival who also bagged in the title for the safest vehicle in India with Altroz and Nexon. Let’s boil the duo and see which one should you opt for.
Tata with the IMPACT 2.0 philosophy has revised and the Nexon. The Nexon currently on sale looks just amazing and looks well proportionate. However, it’s the rear which still is polarising for some.
When it comes to the Mahindra, you will fall in love with the very first look of it. The aggressive stance with the DRL’s makes the XUV300 look appealing like Bumblebee. But, again, walk down the length and look at the rear one would say “Why does it look like Nikki Minaj?”
The Nexon packs in a four-pot 1.5-liter turbocharged Revotorq diesel engine making 110hp with 260Nm torque.
While the XUV300 has a four-pot 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel with 115hp and 300Nm torque- which makes it the bumblebee of the segment (it stings like a bee).
If I had an option I would have swapped the engine of Nexon with XUV300 to keep the Nexon. No, I don’t mean the Nexon’s engine is poor but it’s the 300Nm torque I’m drooling over.
The XUV is fitted with many first-class features such as heating the ORVM’s, all 4-disk brakes, 7-airbags, front car park sensors, and the special steering modes. The Nexon is at an advantage with the larger boot-space. The boot capacity of Nexon is 350L, and the Mahindra offers 259L boot capacity. This means that the Kwid which is much cheaper provides more cargo space (279L).
It’s a breeze to use the steering on XUV thanks to the steering modes. The Nexon offers driving modes, which in turn saves fuel on power from the engine. The SUVs deliver a respectable 17Kmpl according to ARAI.
Both the companies provide AMT for their customers- for those lazy foot drivers who travel around the city. The Nexon gets a 6-speed manual just like the XUV for those communicative drivers.
Disappointed with AMT? Wait for TATA to Launch the DCT in Nexon.
Both these vehicles come with a loaded 7-inch touchscreen having Android Auto and Apple Car Play and Navigation. Both come loaded with rain-sensing wipers, auto headlamps, and rain-sensing wipers and our favorite sunroof. These 2 are neck on neck with each other.
At the very first glance in the two cars, one would fall for the Nexon’s interior as it looks less cluttered and seems to be more spacious. However, the major turnoff is when one realizes the Nexon’s cockpit cluster resembles a lot of the much cheaper Tiago and the calculator font is just a turnoff. However, it’s the Nexon’s steering that feels better to hold onto.
Walk into the Mahindra and you will feel it’s a very claustrophobic place and everywhere you see is buttons. Sure, the XUV is loaded but, had it been lesser buttons in the center console it would be appreciated.
A hop to the rear bench of both the cars and you will say, it’s clearly the Nexon which is the winner considering the legroom it has to offer.
If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the XUV300 for that aggressive look, But, I would consider the Nexon for that beautifully laid-out interior. Can we have a mix of both the car? Yes, please.
The Nexon Petrol starts with XE at INR 8.45L Ex-showroom Bangalore to XZA+ dual-tone roof (O) AMT at INR 12.70L.
The XUV 300 Petrol starts from the W4 variant at INR 8.69L Ex-showroom Bangalore to W8 Optional dual-tone AMT at INR 12.29L.
Who would have thought that one-day Tata and Mahindra will make such amazing cars which are reliable and safe? #SaferCarsforIndia
While the Nexon already has the electric variant the Nexon EV. Mahindra also promised to launch the electric version of the XUV300. It feels good to see the two Indian Automotive giants taking on each other while respecting each other.
The Nexon and XUV300, both rival some of the top performers of the segment like Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, all-New Nissan Magnite, Ford Eco-Sport, Renault Duster, Nissan Kicks, Suzuki Urban Cruiser, Toyota Brezza (Stop giving me that look, as if they are different cars), Honda WR-V. Both these cars are battling hard against others and the Sales figures do say that the Nexon is doing a pretty good job.
Read our comparison of Creta vs Seltos here.
Also, if you are looking for an EV, do have a look at our dedicated EV website, Zevify.
Written by – Gaurav Chakraborty
Compiled by – Tirth Pandya
