Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Kia Sonet: Which Is The Better Equipped Sub-4 Metre SUV?

Mahindra has launched the XUV 3XO (the XUV300 facelift) with a refreshed design and some unique features. But today’s subcompact SUV market has an abundance of cars from different automakers offering eye-catching features and looks, and the XUV 3XO already receives tough competition from the Kia Sonet. So here’s how these two subcompact SUVs rack up against each other on paper:

Dimensions

The Kia Sonet is 5 mm longer than the XUV 3XO, while the Mahindra stands 31 mm taller and 5 mm wider. Additionally, the XUV 3XO boasts a wheelbase that is 100 mm longer than the Sonet, potentially suggesting more spacious cabin room. However, the Sonet provides an additional 21 litres of boot space over the XUV 3XO, and a slightly higher ground clearance too. 

Feature Highlights

Both, the XUV 3XO and Sonet, offer an array of features, including dual 10.25-inch screens, 7-speaker premium audio systems, wireless phone charging, 360-degree cameras, and 6 airbags. The XUV 3XO holds the advantage with dual-zone AC and a segment-first panoramic sunroof, features not found in the Sonet. Moreover, the XUV 3XO's infotainment system will eventually support wireless Android Auto and wired Apple CarPlay, but it will not be immediately available for early buyers, and will be made available in the future via an OTA (over the air) update.

Conversely, the Kia Sonet boasts its own premium comforts, such as ventilated front and semi-powered driver’s seats, alongside a built-in air purifier. Both SUVs include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The XUV 3XO gets level 2 ADAS, encompassing traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control. In contrast, the Sonet offers level 1 ADAS, featuring lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, and forward collision warning, but no adaptive cruise control.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon: Battle Of The Indian Sub-4 Metre SUVs

Powertrain

Both, Mahindra and Kia, offer their subcompact SUVs with three engine options, including a diesel variant.

The XUV 3XO presents two choices of 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engines in different tunes, whereas the Sonet offers a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine. And the Mahindra 3XO outperforms the Sonet in terms of outright power and torque figures on paper.

Specifically, the XUV 3XO's T-GDi turbo-petrol engine stands out as the most potent option in this comparison, generating 10 PS more power and up to 58 Nm more torque than the Sonet's turbo-petrol engine. However, the Sonet provides a broader range of transmission options, including the 6-speed iMT (manual transmission without clutch pedal) and a 7-speed DCT (dual clutch automatic transmission) with the 1-litre turbo-petrol engine. 

While the XUV 3XO offers two automatic options based on the engine – a new 6-speed torque converter (AT) for petrol engine and a 6-speed AMT for diesel – the Sonet provides a 7-speed dual-clutch auto for the turbo-petrol (DCT) and a 6-speed AT for the diesel.

Prices

All prices ex-showroom

According to the price table, the Mahindra XUV 3XO proves to be a more cost-effective option than the Kia Sonet, boasting a lower price tag at the entry level (by Rs 50,000). Comparing the top-spec trims, the Sonet is Rs 20,000 more than the XUV 3XO’s AX7L variant. Both these models get a host of advantages and disadvantages. The XUV 3XO gets niceties like dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof and more advanced ADAS. On the other hand, the Sonet gets ventilated front seats and a nicer torque converter for the diesel engine. 

Competitors of both of these sub-4 metre compact SUVs in the segment include the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor and Hyundai Venue.