Mahindra XUV 3XO 2026: Is This Really the King of Compact SUVs?

By: VishTech Editorial Team Updated: Jan 22, 2026
Mahindra XUV 3XO Front Look View
"I remember the day I got my first promotion. My mother, who has spent her whole life in a small town, had one simple wish: 'Beta, ek aisi gaadi lena jisme upar se taare dikhein' (Son, get a car where we can see the stars from inside).

When I brought home the Mahindra XUV 3XO, her face lit up. As the massive panoramic 'Skyroof' opened, her eyes reflected the vast blue sky. In that moment, the 3XO wasn't just a machine made of metal and plastic; it was the fulfillment of a mother's dream. Mahindra hasn't just built a car; they’ve built a bridge to the sky for every Indian middle-class family."

The Mahindra XUV 3XO has taken the Indian market by storm in 2026. It has successfully shed the old skin of the XUV300 and transformed into something truly premium, tech-loaded, and incredibly safe.

1. Design: The Bold Evolution

Mahindra’s new design language is 'love it or hate it,' but you certainly cannot ignore it. The front fascia with those sharp LED DRLs gives it a robotic, futuristic look. The 'Infinite' LED tail lamps at the rear are the real show-stoppers; at night, they look like they belong to a car from the Audi or BMW family. It has a wide, planted stance that makes you feel confident on the road.

2. The Skyroof: Connecting with the Universe

Let's be honest—Indians love sunroofs. But Mahindra went a step further by providing a **First-in-Segment Panoramic Sunroof**. When you open it, the entire cabin feels twice as large. Whether it's a rainy drive to the mountains or a starry night in the city, the Skyroof changes the entire mood of the journey. It's the ultimate 'Flex' in this segment.

XUV 3XO Technical Highlights:
  • 🚀 Turbo Petrol: 1.2L mStallion (130 PS)
  • ⛽ Diesel Power: 1.5L CRDe (117 PS)
  • ⚙️ Transmission: 6-MT & 6-AT (Torque Converter)
  • 🛡️ Safety: 6 Airbags & Level 2 ADAS
  • 🎶 Audio: Harman Kardon Premium System
  • 📱 Screens: Dual 10.25-inch Displays

3. Interior: A Premium Sanctuary

Step inside, and the XUV 3XO feels miles ahead of its predecessor. The soft-touch dashboard, the premium upholstery, and the dual-screen setup (infotainment + digital cluster) make it look like a mini-XUV700. The rear seat is still the widest in its class, meaning three adults can sit comfortably without fighting for shoulder space. The only downside is the white interior, which looks beautiful but requires a lot of care to keep clean in Indian conditions.

4. Performance: Adrenaline on Demand

The 1.2L Turbo Petrol engine is a beast. The way it delivers power is instantaneous. Whether you're overtaking on the highway or navigating city traffic, the 3XO never feels underpowered. The ride quality is surprisingly plush; Mahindra has tuned the suspension to absorb the sharpest of Indian potholes, making it a very comfortable cruiser for long trips.

5. Safety: The 5-Star Guardian

Mahindra and Safety go hand-in-hand. Built on a platform that already has a 5-star heritage, the 3XO adds 6 Airbags as standard. But the real game-changer is the Level 2 ADAS. Features like Automatic Emergency Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control act as a silent guardian, watching over your family every second you are on the move.

6. XUV 3XO vs The Rivals

XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon: While the Nexon has a great design, the 3XO offers a much more powerful engine and a larger panoramic sunroof.

XUV 3XO vs Maruti Brezza: The Brezza wins on mileage, but the 3XO completely destroys it when it comes to performance, features, and safety tech.

7. Pros and Cons: Final Honest Verdict

Pros (What We Love)
  • Massive Panoramic Sunroof (Skyroof).
  • Most powerful Turbo engines in the segment.
  • Standard 6 airbags and advanced Level 2 ADAS.
  • Widest rear seat for 3 passengers.
Cons (Room for Improvement)
  • Boot space is still smaller than Nexon/Brezza.
  • The white interior is very difficult to maintain.
  • The design might be too loud for some buyers.

Final Thought: Why You Should Buy It

If you have a budget of **₹8 Lakh to ₹16 Lakh** and you want a car that doesn't compromise on anything—be it power, features, or safety—then the 2026 Mahindra XUV 3XO is the car for you. It’s for the family that wants to touch the sky. At the end of the day, it's not just an SUV; it’s a promise of a better, safer, and more exciting journey.

"At VishTech Cars, we review the steel so you can enjoy the soul."