Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Kia Sonet: Real-world Performance Compared

Mahindra and Kia are key players in the subcompact SUV segment in our market, offering the XUV 3XO and the Sonet, respectively. We previously compared their on-paper specifications, this time we put them in a head-to-head performance comparison to see how they fare in real-world conditions.

Specifications

Mahindra offers the XUV 3XO with two 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine choices and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. In contrast, the Sonet is offered with a 1-litre turbo-petrol, a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine option.

For this comparison, we have selected the 130 PS 1.2-litre T-GDI turbo-petrol unit of the XUV 3XO and the 1-litre turbo-petrol engine available with the Sonet, equipped with their respective automatic transmission options. The XUV's T-GDI petrol engine delivers 10 PS and a significant 58 Nm more torque than the Sonet's powertrain, a difference that will surely reflect in its performance figures.

Performance Comparison

The increased power output and torque translate into better acceleration and quarter-mile performance for the Mahindra SUV, which completes the quarter mile nearly a second quicker than its Kia rival.

In terms of braking performance also, the XUV 3XO stops marginally better than the Sonet, achieving a stopping distance of 41.03 metres compared to the Sonet’s 41.72 metres.

Pricing-wise, the XUV 3XO starts from Rs 7.49 lakh (ex-showroom), while its 130 PS turbo-petrol variants start at Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). However, these prices are introductory. On the other hand, the Sonet ranges from Rs 7.99 lakh to Rs 15.69 lakh (ex-showroom), with its turbo-petrol variants starting from Rs 10.56 lakh (ex-showroom).

Aside from competing against each other, both rival the likes of the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Maruti Suzuki Fronx and Toyota Taisor.