The compact SUV battle just got spicier with two heavyweights throwing punches in the ring. While the Skoda Kushaq brings European finesse to the table, the Mahindra XUV 3XO counters with loaded features and aggressive pricing.
Both these sub-4-meter SUVs are gunning for the same buyer—someone who wants SUV presence without breaking the bank. But here’s the thing: they’re as different as chalk and cheese in their approach. The Kushaq plays the premium card with its refined engines and solid build, while the XUV 3XO goes all-out with features that’d make cars twice its price jealous. Honestly, choosing between them feels like picking between your favorite cricket team and your favorite Bollywood movie—both are great, but for completely different reasons.
Design: European Elegance vs Bold Indian Swagger
The Kushaq doesn’t scream for attention—it whispers class. Those sharp LED headlamps and clean lines give it a sophisticated look that ages well. It’s like that friend who always looks put-together without trying too hard. You know, the one who shows up to a casual dinner in a simple shirt but somehow looks better than everyone else in their fancy outfits.
The XUV 3XO? Well, it’s the extrovert of the duo. With its bold grille, muscular stance, and those eye-catching 17-inch alloys, it’s designed to turn heads at traffic lights. The panoramic sunroof—largest in its segment—adds to the drama. It’s basically the automotive equivalent of that friend who walks into a room and everyone notices.
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Interior: Comfort vs Features
Step inside the Kushaq and you’re greeted by that typical Skoda attention to detail. The dual-tone black and off-white cabin feels upmarket, and those ventilated front seats are a blessing during Indian summers. Trust me, after sitting in Delhi traffic in May, you’ll appreciate every bit of that cooling. The 10-inch touchscreen works seamlessly, though the touch-based climate controls can be fiddly while driving—especially when you’re trying to adjust the AC while navigating through Bangalore’s notorious potholes.
The XUV 3XO’s cabin screams “look what I’ve got!” Twin 10.25-inch screens dominate the dashboard, and that soft-touch leatherette makes it feel more expensive than it is. The ivory interiors might not be everyone’s cup of tea—my colleague calls it “wedding hall chic”—but they certainly stand out. Plus, there’s enough tech here to make your teenager jealous of your car.
Performance: Power Play
Here’s where things get interesting, and I mean really interesting. The Kushaq offers two engine options—a 1.0-liter TSI making 114 bhp and a more powerful 1.5-liter TSI pumping out 148 bhp. Both engines are refined and offer that typical European driving experience. It’s like switching from a Royal Enfield to a BMW—suddenly everything feels smoother, quieter, more… civilized.
The XUV 3XO counters with its 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine producing 129 bhp—making it the most powerful in its class. Real-world tests show the XUV 3XO actually outpaces the Kushaq’s 1.0-liter variant in acceleration, though the Kushaq fights back with better braking performance. During our test drives, the XUV 3XO felt eager to go, while the Kushaq felt more composed—like comparing a young fast bowler to an experienced spinner.
Features: David vs Goliath
This is where the XUV 3XO absolutely demolishes the competition. Level 2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, and a feature list that reads like a luxury car brochure—all at a fraction of the price. I showed the feature list to a friend who drives a German luxury SUV, and he went quiet for a moment before asking, “How much did you say this costs?”
The Kushaq keeps things simple with essential features done well. You get cruise control, automatic climate control, and a decent infotainment system, but it can’t match the XUV 3XO’s feature bonanza. It’s like comparing a well-made traditional watch to a smartwatch—both tell time, but one does a lot more.
Safety: Both Mean Business
Both SUVs take safety seriously, which is refreshing in a segment where some manufacturers still treat airbags as optional extras. The Kushaq comes with 6 airbags as standard, ESP, and has earned a 5-star Global NCAP rating. The XUV 3XO matches this with its own 5-star rating and throws in advanced ADAS features for good measure. In today’s traffic conditions, every bit of safety tech helps—whether it’s avoiding that auto-rickshaw that suddenly decides to take a U-turn or that biker who thinks indicators are decorative items.
Price: The Reality Check
Here’s where your wallet does the talking, and boy, does it have opinions. The XUV 3XO starts at ₹7.99 lakh and goes up to ₹15.80 lakh, while the Kushaq demands ₹10.99 lakh to ₹19.01 lakh. That’s a significant ₹3 lakh difference at the entry level—enough to buy a decent motorcycle or take your family on a really nice vacation.
| Aspect | Skoda Kushaq | Mahindra XUV 3XO |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ₹10.99 lakh | ₹7.99 lakh |
| Engine Options | 1.0L & 1.5L TSI | 1.2L Turbo-petrol |
| Max Power | 148 bhp | 129 bhp |
| Features | Essential | Loaded |
| Build Quality | Premium | Good |
| Mileage | Up to 19.76 kmpl | Up to 18.2 kmpl |
The Verdict
If you’re someone who values driving dynamics, build quality, and that European feel, the Kushaq makes sense despite its higher price tag. It’s for buyers who appreciate subtlety and don’t mind paying extra for refinement. Think of it as buying a well-tailored shirt—costs more, but you know it’ll last and always look good.
But if features and value-for-money top your priority list, the XUV 3XO is a no-brainer. You get more car for less money, and that ADAS suite is genuinely useful in Indian traffic conditions. It’s like getting a smartphone with all the bells and whistles at half the price of a flagship.
The choice boils down to this: Do you want a well-tailored suit (Kushaq) or a feature-packed smartphone (XUV 3XO)? Both have their place, but your priorities—and honestly, your bank balance—will decide the winner. After driving both extensively, I can say this: there’s no wrong choice here, just different philosophies. Pick the one that matches your driving style and budget, and you’ll be happy either way.