The rise in the compact SUV department is such that now the buyers have to choose between 10 cars. Yes, that is the popularity. But what if we tell you, you only pick between the top safest SUVs. Well, the result then comes to two SUVs, Mahindra XUV300 and Tata Nexon. Still, there are several variants. So which is the best? Well, here we pitch Mahindra XUV300 W6 vs Tata Nexon XM(S) petrol manual.
Both these variants offer the best of both features and the popular electric sunroof. We have picked the petrol versions of both the SUVs and we compare the variants! Right from price, engine details, safety measures, dimensions, features and then our verdict. We will bring each and every detail!
Price
Tata Nexon XM(S) Petrol - Rs 8.68 lakh
Mahindra XUV300 W6 Petrol - Rs 9.69 lakh
The safest SUV, XUV300 is about Rs 1 lakh expensive than the Nexon XM(S) but does it justifies the premium? We will find that out soon!
Global NCAP Rating
| Model Name | Adult Safety Rating | Score | Child Safety Rating | Score |
| Mahindra XUV300 | 5 stars | 16.42/17 | 4 stars | 37.44/44 |
| Tata Nexon | 5 stars | 16.06/17 | 3 stars | 25/49 |
Both these SUVs gain a global NCAP rating of 5 stars but the XUV300 steps ahead with an additional child safety rating of 4 stars as compared to 3 stars of the Nexon.
Also Read: This Is How The Production Ready Tata HBX Looks Like - Images
Engine Options
| Engine | Mahindra XUV300 W6 | Tata Nexon XM(S) |
| Displacement | 1.2L | 1.2L |
| Power Output | 109 bhp | 118 bhp |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
Both the SUVs use a three-cylinder, BS6 compliant 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The Nexon gains in power figure as it generates a whopping 118 bhp while the XUV300 puts out only 109 bhp. But it is the torque figure that makes the XUV300 more powerful by generating 30 Nm extra then the Nexon. Both the SUVs are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission as standard and an optional AMT is on offer.
Dimensions
| Specification | Tata Nexon | Mahindra XUV300 |
| Length | 3993 mm | 3995 mm |
| Width | 1811 mm | 1821 mm |
| Height | 1606 mm | 1627 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2498 mm | 2600 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 209 mm | 180 mm |
| Boot Space | 350-litres | 259-litres |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44-litres | 42-litres |
The XUV300 offers an amazing rear seat comfort because of the increased shoulder space of 10mm and the wheelbase of 102 mm more than the Tata Nexon. But when you sit at the rear seat of the Nexon then it feels more spacious and comfortable. Coming to the boot carrying capacity, the XUV300 disappoints at 259 litres and Nexon excels at 350 litres. The fuel tank capacity of Nexon is 44 litres whereas the XUV300 is just 42 litres.
Features
| Features | Mahindra XUV300 W6 | Tata Nexon XM(S) |
| Manual AC | Yes | Yes |
| Vanity Mirrors On Sun Visor | No | Co-driver only |
| Cabin Boot Access | Yes | Yes |
| Steering Adjustment | Tilt | Tilt |
| Driver Armrest | Yes | No |
| Split Rear Seat | 60:40 | No |
| Sunglass Holder | Yes | No |
| One touch down driver window | Yes | No |
| ORVMs | Body coloured and Electrically Adjustable | Black and Power Folding |
| Turn Indicators on ORVMs | No | Yes |
| Exterior Door Handles | Yes | No |
| LED DRLs | No | Yes |
| Headlights | Halogen | Projector |
| Automatic Headlights | No | Yes |
| Follow me home function | Yes | Yes |
| Taillights | Yes | Yes |
| Cabin Lights | Front and Centre | Front |
| Instrument Cluster | Analogue | Digital |
| Average Fuel Consumption | Yes | Yes |
| Average Speed | No | Yes |
| Instantaneous Fuel | No | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | 4 | 4 |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 3 Years/Unlimited Km | 2 years/75000 Km |
If the XUV300 is expensive by the Nexon XM(S) then it is because it carries an additional warranty, a touchscreen infotainment unit, a sunglass holder, a 60:40 split seat, follow me home headlights, centre cabin lights and more. However, the Nexon also excels by providing projector headlights with LED DRL, electrically adjustable ORVMs with retractable function, digital instrument cluster, average speed and instantaneous fuel economy.
Also Read: 2021 Honda Amaze Variants Study - Which One Is A Better Buy?
Safety
| Features | Mahindra XUV300 W6 | Tata Nexon XM(S) |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| Middle passenger headrest | Yes | No |
| ESP | No | Yes |
| Traction Control | No | Yes |
| Hill hold control | No | Yes |
Being a cheaper SUV by Rs 1 lakh from the XUV300, the Nexon XM(S) surely attracts a lot of features like an electronic stability program, traction control and hill hold control. The latter is an important feature for those who drive in the hills mostly. Or whenever a driver is driving over an inclined surface.
Verdict
Yes, the Mahindra XUV300 provides more torque, a better body shell and even a touchscreen that is necessary, however, our concern was the electric sunroof. And both these SUVs offer this as a premium feature. We have placed our bets on the Tata Nexon as it provides a powerful engine, more safety features and the price factor. The Nexon is priced at Rs 8.68 lakh whereas Mahindra XUV300 is priced at Rs 9.69 lakh. All prices stick to ex-showroom, Delhi.
So among the Mahindra XUV300 W6 vs Tata Nexon XM(S) which one are you putting your money on? Do tell us in the comment section below. Also, make sure you are a member of our exclusive 91Wheels Telegram group where we bring everything related to two and four-wheelers.
