Summary of "Skoda Kylaq vs Mahindra XUV 3XO - The most fun compact SUVs you can buy | Autocar India"

Product Comparison: Skoda Kushaq ("Killak") vs Mahindra XUV 3XO

Compact SUVs reviewed by Autocar India.

Main Features & Specifications

Dimensions:
- Both under 4 meters in length.
- XUV 3XO is the widest compact SUV in its class, offering superior interior space.
- Wheelbase: XUV 3XO leads with 2600 mm; Kushaq Killak has 2556 mm (second best).
- Ground clearance: XUV 3XO (201 mm) > Killak (189 mm).
Exterior Styling:
- Killak: More proportionate, white grille, split headlamps, chunky bumper, 17-inch rims, rugged cladding, small tail lights.
- XUV 3XO: Bold, aggressive styling with vertically oriented headlights, C-shaped DRLs, muscular stance, 17-inch rims.
Interior & Cabin:
- Killak: High-quality interior similar to the larger Kushaq; olive green dashboard detailing, textured finishes, large supportive seats with power adjust and ventilation, adjustable armrest, wireless charging, good storage.
- XUV 3XO: More premium feel with dual-tone cream and black theme, gloss and soft-touch plastics on higher trims, slightly sporty seats (may be tight for larger occupants), no steering reach adjust, lots of storage including deep glove box, wireless charging.
Space & Comfort:
- Rear seats: XUV 3XO offers significantly better legroom and width, comfortably seating three adults; Killak better suited for two adults in the rear.
- Headroom slightly limited in XUV 3XO due to panoramic roof mechanism.
- Both have rear AC vents, armrests, bottle holders; Killak has two USB Type-C chargers at rear, XUV has one Type-C + 12V combo.
- Boot space: Killak has a deeper, more flexible luggage area; XUV’s boot is less deep.
Features:
- Both have keyless entry, leatherette seats, rear AC vents, rear armrests.
- Killak offers powered and ventilated front seats, single-pane sunroof.
- XUV 3XO offers panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including Adaptive Cruise Control, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, 360° camera, and electric parking brake (in higher trims).
- Infotainment: Killak has 10-inch touchscreen, 8-inch digital instrument cluster with 3 layouts; XUV 3XO has 10.25-inch digital dials with blind spot view, 10.25-inch touchscreen with 360° view, more apps, and connected car tech (remote functions).
- Audio: Killak has 4 speakers + 2 tweeters with good output; XUV 3XO has 7-speaker Harman Kardon system with more personalization but less impressive output.
Engine & Performance:
- Killak: 1.0L 3-cylinder direct injection TSI turbo petrol, 115 hp, 178 Nm.
- XUV 3XO: Multiple engines, focus on 1.2L 3-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol with 130 hp, 230 Nm.
- Both have 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
- Killak engine is refined but noisier; slower low-speed response, stronger mid-range punch, paddle shifters add driving fun.
- XUV 3XO engine stronger, more responsive from low revs, smoother power delivery, quicker acceleration (0-100 km/h in 11.05s vs Killak’s 11.69s).
- XUV 3XO has three drive modes (zip, zap, zoom) affecting steering weight and power delivery; Killak has lighter, smoother steering without modes.
- Handling: Killak is more entertaining, softer ride at low speeds; XUV 3XO rides flatter at high speeds, firmer low-speed ride but excellent road holding and grip.
Safety:
- Both have 5-star Global NCAP rating.
- Standard safety: 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, ISOFIX mounts, 3-point seat belts all around.
- XUV 3XO adds rear disc brakes and advanced driver assistance systems.
- Killak has better brake feel.
Fuel Economy:
- City: XUV 3XO better at 9.9 km/l vs Killak’s 8.7 km/l.
- Highway: Killak slightly better at 13.3 km/l vs XUV 3XO’s 13 km/l.
Pricing:
- Comparable at similar trim levels.
- Fully loaded XUV 3XO AX7L: ₹15.79 lakh (ex-showroom).
- XUV