Mahindra XUV 300- In the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment, Mahindra has been steadily strengthening its position with the XUV 300 and its successor, the XUV 3XO.
As we move through 2025, these vehicles represent Mahindra’s commitment to delivering feature-rich, safe, and value-oriented offerings to the discerning Indian and global consumers. This comprehensive review explores both models, with special emphasis on the latest XUV 3XO that has redefined expectations in the segment.
Evolution from XUV 300 to XUV 3XO
The journey from the XUV 300 to the XUV 3XO represents more than just a name change. Launched as a facelift to the XUV 300, the 3XO brings significant upgrades across design, features, technology, and powertrain options while building upon the solid foundation of its predecessor’s 5-star Global NCAP safety rating.
Exterior Design: A Bold New Identity
XUV 300: The Classic Foundation
The original XUV 300 established itself with a muscular, assertive road presence that embodied classic SUV styling cues. Its boxy silhouette, complemented by a more traditional front fascia, appealed to buyers seeking a robust-looking vehicle. The design language was consistent with Mahindra’s earlier SUV aesthetic – bold, functional, and unmistakably rugged.
XUV 3XO: Contemporary Sophistication
The XUV 3XO represents a significant design evolution with:
-
Completely revised front and rear design
-
Hexagonal headlamps replacing the rectangular units
-
C-shaped LED DRLs instead of the drop-down style
-
A new blanked-out grille with chrome inserts (EV-inspired)
-
Repositioned fog lamps now integrated into the main headlamp cluster
-
More contoured lower bumper with larger central air intake
-
New 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
-
Triangular tail lamps connected via an LED light bar
-
Cleaner rear design with relocated registration plate housing
-
More pronounced rear spoiler
At 3,990mm in length, 1,821mm in width, and 1,647mm in height (with roof rails), the XUV 3XO stands 20mm taller than its predecessor while maintaining a commanding stance. The increased ground clearance of 201mm (compared to the XUV 300’s 180mm) enhances its capability on uneven terrain.
Interior: Luxury Meets Technology
XUV 300: Functional Comfort
The XUV 300’s interior focused on functionality with decent quality materials, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, analogue dials with a central MID, and a straightforward dashboard layout. While comfortable and well-equipped for its time, it now appears somewhat dated compared to newer offerings.
XUV 3XO: Premium Reimagination
The XUV 3XO introduces a completely redesigned interior shared with the XUV400. Key upgrades include:
-
Soft-touch materials on the dashboard with leatherette finishes
-
10.25-inch free-standing infotainment touchscreen
-
10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster (borrowed from the XUV700)
-
Redesigned center console with wireless charging
-
Segment-first panoramic sunroof (“SkyroofTM”) enhancing the cabin ambiance
-
Gloss black accents throughout the cabin
-
Redesigned HVAC controls
-
Increased boot space from the XUV 300’s 257 liters to 364 liters
-
Harman Kardon premium 7-speaker audio system
-
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob, and front armrest
-
Six-way adjustable driver’s seat
Performance and Powertrain
Both vehicles share similar engine options, though the XUV 3XO brings refinements and transmission upgrades:
Engine Options
-
1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo-petrol: 110 PS and 200 Nm of torque
-
1.2-liter TGDi three-cylinder turbo-petrol: 130 PS and up to 250 Nm of torque
-
1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel: 117 PS and 300 Nm of torque (segment-leading torque)
Transmission Options
XUV 300:
-
6-speed manual across all engines
-
6-speed AMT for diesel and base petrol
XUV 3XO:
-
6-speed manual across all engines
-
6-speed torque converter automatic for both petrol engines (replacing the AMT)
-
6-speed AMT continues for diesel
The move from AMT to torque converter in the petrol variants significantly improves driving experience with smoother shifts and better response. The diesel variant continues to offer impressive fuel efficiency of approximately 20.1 km/l for manual transmission, while the petrol variants deliver around 18.24 km/l and 16.5 km/l for manual and automatic transmissions respectively.
Safety: Setting New Benchmarks
XUV 300: The Foundation of Safety
The XUV 300 established itself as one of the safest SUVs in India with a perfect 5-star Global NCAP rating. Standard features included:
-
ABS with EBD
-
Electronic Stability Control
-
Hill-start assist
-
Dual airbags as standard (up to 7 airbags in higher variants)
-
All-wheel disc brakes (rare in the segment)
-
Front and rear parking sensors
XUV 3XO: Safety Redefined
Building on this strong foundation, the XUV 3XO raises the bar with:
-
6 airbags as standard across all variants
-
Electronic Stability Control with Roll-over Mitigation
-
All-disc brakes
-
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
-
360-degree surround-view camera system
- Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including:
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Forward Collision Warning
-
Lane Departure Warning
-
Lane Keeping Assist
-
Lane Following Assist
-
Traffic Signal Identification
-
- Electronic parking brake with Auto Hold
- Blind View Monitoring
This comprehensive safety suite makes the XUV 3XO among the safest vehicles in its segment, with features typically found in vehicles several price segments higher.
Technology and Convenience Features
XUV 300: Well-Equipped Basics
The XUV 300 offered decent technology for its time:
-
7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
-
6-speaker audio system
-
Dual-zone automatic climate control
-
Electric sunroof
-
Connected car features
-
Cruise control
XUV 3XO: Tech-Forward Approach
The XUV 3XO significantly upgrades the technology offering with:
-
10.25-inch HD touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
-
10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster
-
Harman Kardon premium audio with amplifier and subwoofer
-
Wireless phone charging
-
eSIM-based connected car technology
-
Segment-first 65W USB-C fast charging port
-
Cooled glove box
-
Dual-zone climate control with rear AC vents
-
Ambient lighting
-
Panoramic sunroof
Pricing and Variants
XUV 300 (2025)
The Mahindra XUV 300 is priced between Rs 7.99 lakh and Rs 14.76 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. It comes in five broad variants: W2, W4, W6, W8, and W8(O), with the TurboSport version available on all trims except the base-spec W2.
In South Africa, the 2025 XUV 300 is available from R 277,999 (approximately Rs 12.50 lakh) for the base W4 Petrol variant, going up to R 386,999 (approximately Rs 17.40 lakh) for the top-end W8 Diesel variant.
XUV 3XO (2025)
The XUV 3XO is priced between Rs 7.99 lakh and Rs 15.79 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. In South Africa, it starts from R 374,999 (approximately Rs 16.86 lakh) for the AX7 variant, going up to R 404,999 (approximately Rs 18.22 lakh) for the 1.2T AX7L AT variant.
Interestingly, Mahindra has managed to price the XUV 3XO very competitively, with the base variant starting at the same price point as the XUV 300 despite the significant upgrades.
Comparison with Competitors
The XUV 3XO competes with several popular compact SUVs:
-
Tata Nexon
-
Hyundai Venue
-
Kia Sonet
-
Maruti Suzuki Brezza
-
Nissan Magnite
-
Renault Kiger
Where the XUV 3XO stands out:
-
Best-in-class safety features with Level 2 ADAS
-
Segment-first panoramic sunroof
-
Largest infotainment and instrument displays in the segment
-
Class-leading torque figures (especially the diesel)
-
Premium Harman Kardon audio system
Owner Experiences in 2025
Recent owner reviews from 2025 highlight several key aspects of the XUV 300/3XO experience:
Ishwar Singh Gurjar (April 2025) praises the XUV 300 for its “very good features, mileage, safety and performance,” noting it as an excellent choice for middle-class families.
Lucky (April 2025) describes his diesel XUV 300 as “an outstanding machine” with “top-notch performance” and “outstanding build quality,” emphasizing the “dominating feeling” it provides.
For the XUV 3XO, owners particularly appreciate the panoramic sunroof, premium audio system, and ADAS features, which are uncommon at this price point.
Conclusion: The Verdict
XUV 300: Still Relevant?
The XUV 300 remains a solid choice for those seeking a no-nonsense, safe, and robust compact SUV. Its strengths include:
-
Proven reliability
-
Excellent safety credentials
-
Strong diesel engine option
-
Competitive pricing
However, with the arrival of the XUV 3XO at a similar price point, the original XUV 300 becomes harder to recommend unless specific discounts make it significantly more affordable.
XUV 3XO: The New Benchmark
The XUV 3XO represents a significant leap forward for Mahindra and sets new standards in the compact SUV segment. Its highlights include:
-
Contemporary design that stands out
-
Premium, feature-rich interior
-
Segment-leading safety features including ADAS
-
Refined powertrain options with improved automatic transmission
-
Competitive pricing despite the numerous upgrades
The few drawbacks include slightly higher maintenance costs for the feature-rich variants and the continued use of AMT for diesel variants instead of the smoother torque converter.
Overall, the evolution from the XUV 300 to the XUV 3XO demonstrates Mahindra’s commitment to advancing its product lineup while maintaining competitive pricing. The XUV 3XO, in particular, represents excellent value for money in 2025, bringing many features typically associated with premium segments to the compact SUV category.
For buyers prioritizing features, safety, and a premium feel without stepping into higher price brackets, the Mahindra XUV 3XO stands as one of the most compelling options in the compact SUV market today.
