Skoda Kylaq vs Mahindra XUV 3XO: Compact SUV Face-off

The compact SUV market in India is one of the most competitive segments, attracting buyers who seek practicality, premium features, and engaging driving dynamics at a relatively affordable price point. The Skoda Kylaq, a fresh entrant, brings the DNA of the larger Kushaq in a smaller, sub-4-metre package. Its aim is clear: to combine European design, safety, and dynamics with affordability.

On the other hand, the Mahindra XUV 3XO, derived from the SsangYong Tivoli platform, has already built a reputation for being powerful, feature-rich, and value-packed. In our previous comparison, the XUV 3XO set the benchmark. But with the arrival of the Skoda Kylaq, the question remains: can the newcomer dethrone the reigning champion?

Quick Summary

Exterior Design and Styling

Skoda Kylaq

The Kylaq carries Skoda’s signature styling cues, including the wide grille, split headlamps, and a robust bumper design that give it presence despite its compact size. Side elements such as 17-inch alloys, chunky cladding, and roof rails reinforce its SUV credentials. The rear, however, with small square tail-lamps, makes it look closer to a hatchback.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Mahindra’s design language has been bold and polarising, and the XUV 3XO is no exception. Its vertically oriented headlamps, C-shaped DRLs, sharply styled bumper, and LED light bar across the tailgate give it a distinctive look. With a wider stance and a slightly higher ground clearance, the XUV feels more substantial.

Verdict on Design: The Kylaq appears more proportionate and understated, while the XUV 3XO goes for a dramatic, eye-catching approach.

Specifications Comparison

Key Takeaway: The XUV 3XO is larger in width and wheelbase, offering more road presence and cabin space, while the Kylaq has a larger boot.

Interior Space and Comfort

Skoda Kylaq

Inside, the Kylaq mirrors the Kushaq in layout with a clean design, solid build quality, and premium touches like olive-green dashboard inserts. The two-spoke steering wheel and digital instrument cluster stand out. Front seats offer excellent support, electric adjustment, and ventilation. Rear seat comfort is adequate for two but less suitable for three due to the narrow cabin. Practical features include large storage bins, rear AC vents, USB-C ports, and clever Skoda touches like ticket holders and seatback phone slots.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

The XUV 3XO’s cabin feels airier thanks to light upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. The dashboard has soft-touch materials, gloss black accents, and physical climate control knobs for ease of use. The rear bench offers superior space for three adults, with better legroom due to its longer wheelbase. Practical storage is ample, with large door bins and a cooled glovebox.

Verdict on Interiors: The Kylaq scores on build quality and front seat comfort, while the XUV 3XO excels in rear seat space and overall cabin ambience.

Features and Safety

Verdict on Features: The Kylaq brings comfort-oriented features like ventilated seats, while the XUV 3XO leads with ADAS, panoramic sunroof, and a superior audio-visual setup.

Performance and Refinement

Both SUVs use turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engines but differ in displacement and output.

• Skoda Kylaq: 1.0 TSI with 115 hp and 178 Nm.
• Mahindra XUV 3XO: 1.2 turbo-petrol with 131 hp and 230 Nm.

Acceleration Figures:

• 0-100 km/h: Kylaq – 11.69 sec, XUV 3XO – 11.05 sec.
• 40-100 km/h: Kylaq – 8.72 sec, XUV 3XO – 8.11 sec.

The Kylaq feels lively in the mid-range and offers engaging paddle shifters. The XUV 3XO is stronger at low revs, more responsive in city conditions, and smoother overall.

Fuel Efficiency

Verdict: The XUV 3XO is more efficient in city driving, while the Kylaq edges ahead slightly on the highway.

Ride and Handling

• Skoda Kylaq: Feels more fun around corners with a light, precise steering setup. Its chassis inspires confidence, making it more engaging for enthusiasts. Ride comfort is good at low speeds but slightly bouncy over highway undulations.
• Mahindra XUV 3XO: Offers excellent grip and stability at higher speeds, with drive modes adjusting steering weight. The ride is firmer at low speeds but flatter and more composed at highways.

Pricing and Verdict

Pricing for both SUVs is competitive. The fully loaded Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 L is priced at Rs 15.79 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai), while the top-end Skoda Kylaq Prestige AT comes in at Rs 13.99 lakh. Feature distribution varies slightly, with the Mahindra offering ADAS and premium features at a higher price.

Final Verdict:

• Buy the Skoda Kylaq if you want a European compact SUV with solid build, engaging handling, ventilated seats, and practical boot space.
• Buy the Mahindra XUV 3XO if you value performance, rear seat comfort, advanced tech like ADAS, and better efficiency in daily city use.

Winner: Mahindra XUV 3XO for its well-rounded package

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which SUV has better rear seat comfort, Skoda Kylaq or Mahindra XUV 3XO?

The Mahindra XUV 3XO offers better rear seat comfort with more width and legroom, making it suitable for three adults.

Q2. Does the Skoda Kylaq come with ADAS features?

No, the Kylaq does not include ADAS. The XUV 3XO offers Level 2 ADAS with lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking.

Q3. Which SUV is better for highway driving?

Both perform well, but the Kylaq is more fun and engaging around corners, while the XUV 3XO feels more stable at higher cruising speeds.

Q4. Which compact SUV is more fuel efficient?

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is more fuel efficient in city conditions, while the Skoda Kylaq performs slightly better on the highway.

Q5. Which offers better features overall?

The Mahindra XUV 3XO edges ahead with ADAS, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, and premium audio, while the Kylaq focuses on comfort features like ventilated seats.