4-Point Overview
- Skoda recently entered the sub compact SUV ring with the fun-to-drive Kylaq, positioned below the Kushaq.
- Mahindra’s XUV 3XO, the reigning champ, fights back with a powerful engine and plush cabin.
- Both boast 5-star BNCAP safety, feature-loaded cabins, and turbo-petrol heartbeats.
- But who offers more for your money and heart? Let’s break it down.
Introduction : Clash of the Subs
When a refined European newcomer collides with a flamboyant, powerhouse from India’s homegrown powerhouse—that’s not just a comparison. It’s a debate of identity, engineering philosophy, and customer-first design. Skoda’s Kylaq and Mahindra’s XUV 3XO may be compact on the outside, but their differences span entire worlds. Which one captivates your heart? And which one gives you the most value?
Let’s explore how they stack up—design, interiors, tech, driving feel, and real-world usability & more —to find which one deserves the crown.
Design & Road Presence — Elegance vs Exuberance
Skoda Kylaq is the picture of mature European luxury, despite being under 4 meters. Sharp split-LED headlamps, crisp shoulder lines, and subtle chrome touches give it gravitas. From certain angles, it feels like a scaled-down Q2—confident without screaming for attention.
The XUV 3XO, in stark contrast, is unapologetically bold. Its C-shaped DRLs, aggressive bumper, and broad rear LED bar make it hard to miss. It’s a visual roar, especially with dual-tone roof and aggressive alloy designs. Love it or hate it, it’s impossible to ignore.
Size & Stance
| Dimension | Kylaq | XUV 3XO |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,995 mm | 3,990 mm |
| Width | 1,783 mm | 1,821 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 189 mm | 201 mm |
| Boot Space | 360 L | 295 L |
Kylaq feels European-compact—tight and neatly packaged. The XUV 3XO’s extra width and clearance give it SUV presence and composure over potholes.
Cabin & Comfort — Soft Touch vs Spacious Feel
Kylaq’s interior reflects Skoda’s knack for no-nonsense quality. A 10″ digital cluster, functional centre console, and subtle olive accents exude composure. Supportive seats (with ventilation and electric adjustment in top trims) add comfort, but the black-heavy theme can feel a bit claustrophobic in city drives.
3XO, on the other hand, feels roomier. Ivory upholstery, twin 10.25″ screens, dual-zone AC, and a panoramic sunroof create a more open lounge vibe. Materials blend soft-touch plastics with glossy surfaces and rich details. It has storage space in spades—big door pockets, cooled glovebox, and a hidden tray under the centre armrest.
Where Kylaq has clever tidbits (ticket holders, phone hooks), the XUV 3XO has everything else — a sunshade for tall rear-seat passengers, wireless charging, and a Harman Kardon speaker setup.
Feature Face-Off — Elegance vs Tech Arsenal
Both SUVs come generously equipped, but their focus differs:
| Feature | Skoda Kylaq | Mahindra XUV 3XO |
|---|---|---|
| Digital cluster | 8″ | 10.25″ |
| Infotainment touchscreen | 10″ | 10.25″ |
| Android Auto / CarPlay | Wireless | Wireless |
| Wireless charging | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sunroof | Single-pane | Panoramic |
| Front seat ventilation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Electric seat adjust | ✅ | ❌ |
| Heated seats | ❌ | ❌ |
| Drive Modes | ❌ | ✅ |
| Paddle shifters | ✅ | ❌ |
| ADAS Level 2 | ❌ | ✅ |
| 360° camera | ❌ | ✅ |
| Electronic parking brake | ❌ | ✅ |
| Front parking sensors | ❌ | ✅ |
| Audio Setup | 4-speaker + tweeters | 7-speaker Harman Kardon |
| Number of airbags | 6 | 6 |
Kylaq appeals to drivers who value thoughtful convenience and premium finishes. XUV 3XO focuses on techno-lovers and safety-first families without bleeding your wallet.
Engine & Driving Dynamics — Precision vs Power
Kylaq’s 1.0 TSI (115 PS / 178 Nm) is polished and composed, especially with its 6-speed torque-converter auto. It loves to rev, and the paddle shifters add engagement on twisty roads. Road noise is noticeable, but it feels planted and agile.
XUV 3XO’s 1.2 TGDi (129 PS / 230 Nm) is more muscular and instantly responsive. The extra punch off the line is noticeable, especially in city overtakes. Torque-heavy, it feels like a bigger SUV behind the wheel.
Performance Figures :
| Metric | Kylaq | XUV 3XO |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 11.69 s | 11.05 s |
| 20–80 km/h | 6.38 s | 6.38 s |
| City mileage (test) | 8.7 km/l | 9.9 km/l |
| Highway mileage (test) | 13.36 km/l | 13.01 km/l |
Kylaq is nimble and fun in corners but trades off low-end punch. XUV 3XO pushes harder, heavier, but remains composed on highways—especially with the ride height advantage.
Safety & Practicality — Tech Armor vs Raw Muscle
Both SUVs come with strong safety credentials:
- 5-star crash rating according to Global/Bharat NCAP
- 6 airbags, ESC, ISOFIX child mounts
XUV 3XO brings extras—ADAS features (AEB, lane keep, blind-spot monitoring), 360° camera, and an electronic parking brake—none of which are available in the Kylaq yet.
Storage and practicality also lean toward Mahindra: more space, better seat room (especially back), and a 201 mm ground clearance for patchy roads.
Who Offers More Bang for Your Buck? Let’s Talk Prices
Now, when it comes to putting your hard-earned money on the table, every lakh matters. And both the Škoda Kylaq and Mahindra XUV 3XO make a strong case—but in very different ways.
Here’s a breakdown of how the variants stack up not just in features and looks—but in cold, hard numbers:
| Variant Tier | Škoda Kylaq (1.0 TSI) | Mahindra XUV 3XO (1.2 TGDi) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Manual | ₹8.25 L – Classic | ₹7.99 L – MX1 |
| Stylish Base Manual | ₹8.34 L – Classic Olive Gold | ₹9.54 L – MX2 Pro |
| Mid Manual | ₹9.85 L – Signature | ₹9.74 L – MX3 |
| Mid+ Manual | ₹9.94 L – Signature Lava Blue | ₹9.99 L – MX3 Pro |
| Mid AT | ₹10.95 L – Signature AT | ₹10.54 L – MX2 Pro AT |
| Mid+ AT | ₹11.04 L – Signature Lava Blue AT | ₹11.69 L – MX3 Pro AT |
| Upper Manual | ₹11.25 L – Signature Plus | ₹12.62 L – AX5 L |
| Upper Manual (Color) | ₹11.34 L – Signature Plus Lava Blue | — |
| Upper AT | ₹12.35 L – Signature Plus AT | ₹12.69 L – AX5 AT |
| Upper AT (Color) | ₹12.44 L – Signature Plus Lava Blue AT | — |
| High-End Manual | ₹12.89 L – Prestige | ₹13.99 L – AX7 L Turbo |
| Top-End AT | ₹13.99 L – Prestige AT | ₹15.80 L – AX7 L Turbo AT |
Smart Buyer Insights:
- Looking for value in the base variant? Mahindra undercuts Škoda ever so slightly in the entry segment. The XUV 3XO starts ₹26K cheaper and even packs in more features like six airbags.
- In the mid-variant game, the Kylaq holds its own with VW’s rock-solid TSI engine, but Mahindra throws in the big toys—sunroof, digital screens, connected tail-lamps—even under ₹10L.
- Going automatic? Mahindra’s AT petrol starts lower than Kylaq’s, but the Škoda offers a slick-shifting torque converter versus Mahindra’s 6-speed auto in petrol.
- Diesel advantage? Kylaq doesn’t offer a diesel, while 3XO gives you multiple options if you want punchy torque and fuel economy.
The Verdict: One Crown, Two Paths
Here’s the heart of it:
- Skoda Kylaq is for the discerning buyer who loves European build, clean cockpit, and driving charm. It’s understated, refined, and appealing to those who appreciate form and function.
- Mahindra XUV 3XO is for families, tech enthusiasts, and buyers who want bigger SUV presence at a smaller-car price. It’s feature-rich, bold, comfortable, and delivers better real-world value.
In the end, one crafts driving joy, the other crafts value-packed experiences. If I had to choose publicly—XUV 3XO is the reigning ‘people’s king’, while Kylaq remains the ‘enthusiast’s hero’.