Safety often plays a vital role in Indian buyers choosing the best sub-compact SUVs. The Skoda Kylaq, Tata Nexon, and Mahindra XUV 3XO have done well in being the first set of models to gain a prestigious five-star rating in Bharat NCAP crash tests. These SUVs provide strong protection for adults and children and have advanced safety features that meet the needs of modern driving.
In this comparison, we look into these three highly-rated SUVs' safety ratings, crash-test performance, and standout features to help you decide which best suits your preferences and priorities.
Skoda Kylaq
The Skoda Kylaq, the latest five-star safety car in the sub-compact SUV segment, successfully passed the Bharat NCAP crash tests, scoring 30.88/32 points under Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 45/49 points under Child Occupant Protection (COP).
Frontal Offset Barrier Test: 15.035/16 points stable occupant compartment and footwell.
Side Deformable Barrier Test: 15.840/16 the car is superbly safe to impact on the side.
Child Safety: A perfect score of 16/16 in frontal-offset tests and 8/8 inside barrier tests for child dummies.
Kylaq also performed well in child seat testing and reflected the overall family-friendly design in terms of safety.
Mahindra XUV 3XO
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is well equipped. It has five-star Bharat NCAP ratings: 29.36/32 in AOP and 43/49 in COP.
Frontal Offset Barrier Test: 13.36/16.
Side Deformable Barrier Test: Full 16/16 points.
Side Pole Impact Test: Provides excellent protection for all occupants.
This vehicle is focused on side-impact and overall crash performance. The Tata XUV 3XO shows a commitment to safety.
Tata Nexon
Tata Nexon excels in adult protection with 32.22/34 points and 44.52/49 in COP under Bharat NCAP.
Frontal Offset Test: Good protection of most body regions, marginal chest protection.
Side Impact and Pole Test: Good head and pelvis protection, marginal chest protection.
Pedestrian Safety: Meets UN127 and GTR9 standards.
The Nexon also adheres to Global NCAP's ESC and seatbelt reminder standards, so it is safe under all circumstances.
Skoda Kylaq vs Tata Nexon vs Mahindra XUV 3XO: Safety Features
Skoda Kylaq
Kylaq offers more than 35 standard safety features, including complete protection from the following features:
6 airbags.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Hill Hold Control, Brake Disc Wiping, and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR).
Electronic Differential Locking System and rear parking sensors.
Mahindra XUV 3XO
Advanced driver-assistance features distinguish the XUV 3XO:
6 airbags and ISOFIX mounts.
Level-2 ADAS with 360-degree camera and radar-based systems.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP), hill hold assist and all-wheel disc brakes.
Tata Nexon
Tata Nexon's safety features blend functionality with convenience:
6 airbags and Electronic Stability Program.
Hill Hold Control and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
Auto-dimming IRVM, front parking sensors, and Blind View Monitor.
Rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps.
Conclusion: Which SUV Wins?
The Skoda Kylaq, Tata Nexon, and Mahindra XUV 3XO are solidly built on safety and competitiveness. The Kylaq wins with excellent crash-test ratings and advanced safety, while the Nexon tops with the best-in-class safety, pedestrian protection, and convenient features. The XUV 3XO, with its remarkable ADAS, is a strong contender in contemporary driver assistance.
Each SUV excels uniquely, making them all strong contenders in India's sub-compact SUV market. Buyers can choose based on personal preferences: crash-test performance, safety tech, or added conveniences.
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