Comparison: Kia Syros vs. Mahindra XUV 3XO

When it comes to the compact SUV segment, there are a few names that have truly stood the test of time. One such name is the Mahindra XUV 3XO. Launched in April 2024, the Mahindra XUV 3XO has made quite a name for itself, offering a highly practical and comfortable cabin, topped with great features, robust safety and mind-blowing driving dynamics. While the 3XO has by far managed to give a tough time to some of the most popular compact SUVs in India, new age launches have always challenged the SUV’s reign, and that is exactly what the newly launched Kia Syros has done once again. Being the latest offering of the segment, the Syros brings in a refreshing appeal with a new take on in-cabin ergonomics, offering practicality, space and comfort with no compromise on features and luxury. Aggressively priced to cut the Mahindra XUV 3XO’s sales, it would be interesting to see how the newbie does when pitched head-on against the 3XO. So without further ado, let’s dive deep into the Kia Syros vs. Mahindra XUV 3XO war.

Kia Syros vs Mahindra XUV 3XO: Dimensions

Despite both SUVs sharing the same segment, there are still a few differences that set them apart. Talking about the design, the Kia Syros brings a rather distinct appeal with boxy looks blended with contemporary touches and a sense of grandeur that makes the SUV feel bigger than almost all its competitors. Coming to the Mahindra XUV 3XO, what you get are the classic SUV proportions in a new-age look that offers several modern-day touches and muscular elements. Overall, the 3XO feels more of a modernised version of Mahindra’s old-school SUV design that has a certain character about it, while the Syros comes in with a distinctly polarising look that you will either love or hate, with nothing in between. But with that said, the Syros does look good from a certain angle, and there is no denying that fact.

When compared head-on, the Mahindra XUV 3XO comes with a 16 mm wider stance, 50 mm larger wheelbase, and 11 mm of extra ground clearance, with an overall spacious cabin and decent boot space, which is good enough for the majority of your luggage needs. When seen individually, the 3XO offers great practicality and impressive cabin space and comfort, thanks to its best-in-segment wheelbase. But with that said, the way the Kia Syros manages its in-cabin space is truly where the magic lies. 

Standing 33 mm higher and 5 mm longer than the 3XO, the Kia Syros, despite having a 50 mm shorter wheelbase, offers unmatched cabin space and rear-seat comfort. With ample shoulder and legroom, the Syros even offers the advantage of sliding rear seats that enhance rear-seat comfort based on passenger needs. Another advantage of this added comfort is the dynamic boot space that can go as high as 465 litres, which is substantially higher than the 364 litres of boot space the 3XO offers. Even with the seats sliding to the very end, the Syros still offers a better boot compared to the 3XO, despite its shorter wheelbase. Moreover, with its higher stance, the Syros also manages to offer a better and more commanding view of the road that inspires confidence in every drive. In-cabin comfort is thus one of the many aces up the Syros’s sleeve.

Overall, when compared head-on, both SUVs offer a modern look that is both alluring and assertive. While the final choice is rather subjective, in terms of on-paper dimensions, the Syros takes the lead with its higher stance, larger boot and innovative rear-seat comfort.

Overall winner: Syros for its overall practicality.

Kia Syros vs. Mahindra XUV 3XO: Engine and Transmission

One look at the engine comparison above and you’ll realise that when it comes to sheer performance, both SUVs have different advantages to offer. While the Syros comes with a sole 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine on offer, the 3XO, on the other hand, offers a bigger 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine in two avatars, one with Multipoint Fuel Injection technology and another with the Turbo Charged Intercooled Gasoline Direct injection.

Coming to the Syros’ 1.0-litre turbo engine, the engine offers a solid punch of power with peppy torque that delivers an exciting driving experience, especially with the lag-free 7-speed DCT. Even with the 6-speed manual, the engine does great with an ample amount of turbo rush available as and when needed. 

With the Mahindra XUV 3XO, however, not only do you get a bigger 1.2-litre turbocharged engine, but also two states of tune depending upon what you like. When compared head-on with the Syros, while the MPFi turbo engine does offer slightly less power, in no way does the engine feel inferior, thanks to it offering much better torque. The TGDi, however, is where the 3XO’s magic lies, with a good 10 PS of additional power and a substantially higher torque figure of 250 NM which is also the segment best. While the 3XO does miss out on a DCT automatic, however, even with its torque-convertor automatic, the SUV can offer better mileage than the Syros, especially in its TGDi avatar. Overall, when it comes to offering exhilarating driving dynamics, the Mahindra XUV 3XO does seem a little better.

Overall, when considering the petrol versions of both SUVS, the Mahindra XUV 3XO shines with its popular mStallion engines that offer best-in-segment torque figures along with better mileage. 

Overall Winner: Mahindra XUV 3XO

The Diesel face-off between the two SUVs is where the difference becomes diminished, with both offering a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine with identical transmission options onboard and an almost similar output. The only difference between the two is in terms of the torque, where the 3XO shines again with the best-in-segment torque output of 300 NM, which translates to a much better and peppier driving experience. Automatic mileage is another area where the 3XO does well by offering up to 18.2 km/l of mileage compared to 17.65 km/l offered by the Syros.

Overall Winner: Tie

Kia Syros vs. Mahindra XUV 3XO: Features and Comfort

One look at the comparison above and one would realise that both the SUVs come with a variety of comfort features and technology that are truly top-notch. However, when pitched head-on, the Kia Syros, being the latest offering, comes with a few additional features and upgrades that the Mahindra XUV 3XO seems to miss out on. 

These include features such as: 

• Larger 12.3-inch Touchinfotainment System
• A larger Dual-Pane Panoramic sunroof
• A 5-inch Touch Control Panel for AC
• Front Ventilated Seats
• Rear Ventilated Seat
• Segment First Rear Reclining and Sliding Seats
• 4-way Powered Driver Seat Adjustment 

Overall, the feature game is where both SUVs truly lock horns, with the Syros taking the lead with its large panoramic sunroof, ventilated front and rear seats, segment-first rear reclining and sliding seats, etc. Other than that, all premium features are duly offered onboard the 3XO as well.

Overall Winner: Kia Syros

Kia Syros vs. Mahindra XUV 3XO: Safety Features

When it comes to safety, there is no doubt that both the Mahindra XUV 3XO as well as the Kia Syros are a class apart. With Level-2 ADAS, all 4-disc brakes, 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Hill Assist, etc, making both SUVs an impenetrable fortress, safety is truly an area where both manufacturers have done no compromise at all. However, the Syros, being the latest offering, offers a dual-camera dash camera, which is good to have these days as an additional safety feature. Other than that, both SUVs are bang on when it comes to passenger safety. 

Overall Winner: Tie

Kia Syros vs Mahindra XUV 3XO: Price Comparison

When it comes to the price comparison, the Kia Syros comes with a six-trim lineup that includes HTK, HTK(O), HTK+, HTX, HTX+ and HTX(O). The trims are spread across 13 variants. On the other hand, Mahindra XUV 3XO’s variant lineup is spread across eight trims that include MX1, MX2, MX2 Pro, MX3, MX3 Pro, AX5, AX7 and AX7 Luxury. The trims are spread across 25 variants.

In terms of overall value, the base trim is where the extra 1 lakh you spend on the Kia Syros will get you a substantially better package with jaw-dropping inclusions such as a 12.3-inch touch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, in addition to remote key and auto light control, etc. Not to forget that the Syros also offers its sliding and reclining rear-seat functionality from the base trim onwards, along with power windows, rear armrest, etc.

Coming to the mid trims, for the extra 1 to 2 Lakh spent, you will get additional features such as 16-inch crystal cut alloys, a larger panoramic sunroof, cruise control, paddle shifters, electronic parking brake and much more.

The top-trim is where both the 3XO as well as the Syros go all in to offer the best in terms of every aspect. Purchasing the Syros in its top trim would require you to spend about 2.4 to 3.4 Lakh in addition to what you would have spent to get the Mahindra 3XO; however, even on the top-trim spectrum, the Syros offers nothing but sheer value in terms of overall practicality and features.  With a larger 12.3-inch touchinfotainment system, larger dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a 5-inch touch control panel for HVAC, front and rear ventilated seats and segment-first Rear Reclining and Sliding Seats, the Kia Syros in its top-end trim offers one of the best in-cabin experiences from amongst all its competitors. For a price of Rs. 17.80 Lakh, the Syros offers an experience that matches the vibe offered by high-end SUVs.

Thus, as far as price is concerned, both the Kia Syros and the 3XO are similarly priced. But considering all the aspects, the new Kia Syros is undoubtedly a better value for money with more space and better features onboard.

Kia Syros vs. Mahindra XUV 3XO: Summary

Be it the Kia Syros or the Mahindra XUV 3XO, both sub-4-metre cars offer a fully loaded package that checks almost all the boxes. Both cars offer a modern-day SUV look that looks muscular, assertive and alluring from every angle, with the Syros adopting a more polarising avatar. Coming to driving performance, while both SUVs offer a turbocharged petrol and diesel engine, the 3XO offers a choice between an MPFi and a TGDi turbo petrol that offers a pinch of diversity that works well in favour of the 3XO. When compared, the 3XO does offer better torque figures across its engine spectrum, while the Syros shines with its petrol engine’s lag-free and exciting DCT automatic. Feature-wise, both SUVs are topped with impressive features, but the Syros again takes a slight edge, being the latest offering. Safety, however, is one area where both SUVs hit the ball out of the park with almost every modern-day safety inclusion onboard. Finally, coming on to the price, while the Mahindra XUV 3XO is indeed value for money, the Syros still manages to take the lead, across all variant spectrums, as it offers a lot that justifies the price jump.

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