The compact SUV market in India has never been more exciting. With buyers demanding style, performance, and practicality at once, every automaker wants a piece of the 4-metre segment. The latest entry comes from Skoda with the Kylaq, a smaller, sharper sibling to the popular Kushaq. But can it dethrone the segment’s current benchmark — the Mahindra XUV 3XO? Let’s find out.
Design and Road Presence
At first glance, the Skoda Kylaq strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and sportiness. The signature butterfly grille, split LED headlamps, and robust front bumper give it a clean yet aggressive look. Its 17-inch alloys, thick cladding, and roof rails add an SUV-like charm, while the neatly sculpted rear design completes the premium aesthetic. The only mild compromise is the small, square tail-lamps, which make it look more hatchback-ish from some angles.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO, on the other hand, wears a bold, unapologetic design. The C-shaped DRLs, upright stance, and full-width LED bar at the rear lend it a striking road presence. Mahindra’s design language is becoming more daring, and the XUV 3XO is no exception. While some may find the styling too edgy, it undeniably turns heads.
Verdict: The Kylaq feels more European and proportionate, while the XUV 3XO looks muscular and extroverted. It’s a matter of personal taste, but for sheer street presence, the Mahindra takes the lead.
Dimensions and Practicality
| Specification | Skoda Kylaq | Mahindra XUV 3XO |
| Length | 3,995 mm | 3,990 mm |
| Width | 1,783 mm | 1,821 mm |
| Height | 1,619 mm | 1,647 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,566 mm | 2,600 mm |
| Boot Space | 360 litres | 295 litres |
| Ground Clearance | 189 mm | 201 mm |
On paper, the XUV 3XO edges ahead with more width, a longer wheelbase, and higher ground clearance, translating to better stability and a more planted stance. However, the Kylaq offers more boot space and a deeper loading area, making it more practical for weekend trips.
Interiors and Comfort
Inside, both SUVs deliver a premium experience, but in completely different ways.
The Kylaq’s cabin mirrors the quality feel of its elder sibling, the Kushaq. The two-spoke steering wheel, crisp digital cluster, and neatly laid-out touchscreen exude class. Olive green accents across the dash and doors add freshness to the design. Its ergonomics are spot-on, and the cabin feels solid and European. The ventilated, electrically adjustable front seats are a big bonus in Indian conditions.
However, the rear seat space is limited. While comfort for two adults is excellent, the narrower width makes it tight for three passengers.
The XUV 3XO’s interior goes in the opposite direction — bright, luxurious, and tech-packed. The light-coloured upholstery, panoramic sunroof, and twin 10.25-inch displays instantly give it an upmarket vibe. Soft-touch materials and the Harman audio system elevate the experience further. The rear bench is wider, offering better space for three adults, and the legroom is generous.
Verdict:
- Front seats: Kylaq wins (ventilated and powered).
- Rear seats: XUV 3XO wins (more room and better visibility).
- Overall ambience: XUV feels slightly more modern.
Features and Technology
Both SUVs are packed with features, including LED headlights, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, automatic climate control, and six airbags. But there are key differences.
Skoda Kylaq Highlights:
- Ventilated and powered front seats
- Paddle shifters
- 10-inch infotainment with refreshed UI
- 8-inch digital cluster
- Rear parking camera
- Classic Skoda ‘Simply Clever’ touches
Mahindra XUV 3XO Highlights:
- Panoramic sunroof
- 360-degree camera
- Level-2 ADAS (lane keep assist, blind-spot monitor, emergency braking)
- Dual-zone climate control
- 10.25-inch twin displays
- Rear disc brakes and electric parking brake
While the Kylaq impresses with comfort and usability, the 3XO stands out with futuristic features and driver aids.
Engine and Performance
| Engine | Skoda Kylaq | Mahindra XUV 3XO |
| Type | 1.0-litre 3-cyl turbo petrol | 1.2-litre 3-cyl turbo petrol |
| Power | 115 hp | 131 hp |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed torque converter auto | 6-speed torque converter auto |
Despite both using 3-cylinder turbo engines, the Mahindra is more powerful and torquey. In performance tests, the XUV 3XO hit 100 km/h in 11.05 sec, compared to the Kylaq’s 11.69 sec. The difference may not sound huge, but it’s noticeable in city and highway overtakes.
That said, the Kylaq’s 1.0 TSI engine feels sprightly once past initial lag and offers punchy mid-range acceleration. Paddle shifters make manual control easy and engaging. The gearbox is smooth and predictable, giving the Skoda a sporty edge.
The 3XO’s 1.2-litre unit, meanwhile, offers instant low-end grunt and refined operation. Drive modes (Zip, Zap, Zoom) alter throttle and steering feel, allowing you to switch between economy and fun effortlessly. Even when revved hard, it stays impressively quiet — a clear sign of Mahindra’s improved NVH tuning.
Fuel Efficiency
| Driving Condition | Skoda Kylaq | Mahindra XUV 3XO |
| City | 8.7 km/l | 9.9 km/l |
| Highway | 13.3 km/l | 13.0 km/l |
The Mahindra is slightly more efficient in the city thanks to its auto stop/start system, while the Kylaq performs marginally better on the highway. Overall, both deliver acceptable real-world figures for turbo-petrol SUVs.
Ride and Handling
If you love driving, the Skoda Kylaq will instantly appeal to you. It’s agile, predictable, and fun through corners. The steering is lighter but beautifully calibrated, and body roll is well controlled. At city speeds, its suspension absorbs bumps with ease, giving it a cushy, composed feel.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO trades some of that low-speed plushness for high-speed stability. The wider stance and stiffer suspension make it rock-solid at 120 km/h. Around curves, it grips with confidence, and the steering weight in “Zoom” mode feels natural. However, over potholes and sharp ridges, you’ll sense a firmer edge.
Safety and Ratings
Both SUVs are 5-star rated under Bharat NCAP, which makes them among the safest compact SUVs in India. Six airbags, traction control, and ISOFIX are standard across variants. The XUV 3XO, however, takes safety tech a step further with ADAS features, including blind-spot detection and autonomous braking — rare in this segment.
Price Comparison (Ex-Showroom, India)
| Model | Price Range |
| Skoda Kylaq | ₹8.57 – ₹14.94 lakh |
| Mahindra XUV 3XO | ₹8.99 – ₹15.79 lakh |
The pricing overlap is minimal. The top Kylaq Prestige AT roughly matches the XUV 3XO AX7 in cost, but the Mahindra’s higher trims justify the premium with ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, and extra features.
Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Both compact SUVs cater to different personalities.
- Choose the Skoda Kylaq if you value driving dynamics, solid European build quality, and classy design. It’s the driver’s SUV of the two, offering a sense of precision and refinement that enthusiasts will love.
- Choose the Mahindra XUV 3XO if you want more tech, more space, and a smoother, more refined engine. It’s ideal for families seeking comfort, practicality, and modern features.
In the end, while the Kylaq wins on fun and sophistication, the XUV 3XO edges ahead as the better all-round package — blending performance, features, and comfort for the price.
