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โผThe Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG and Tata Nexon CNG now go head to head in the compact SUV segment. Mahindra launched the XUV 3XO CNG on 15 October 2026 at Rs 9.99 lakh ex-showroom, entering a space Tata opened more than two years ago. The 3XO CNG leads on power and torque, while the Nexon CNG counters with more boot space and a far wider range of variants.
Understanding the New CNG Battle Front

Both SUVs pair a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with a CNG kit, a six-speed manual gearbox, and a 60-litre water-equivalent CNG tank. That similarity makes this a genuine contest. The difference lies in how each brand has tuned and packaged the same idea.
The XUV 3XO CNG uses Mahindra's ZNG system with twin CNG cylinders in the boot. The Nexon CNG uses Tata's twin-cylinder layout, with both tanks placed under the boot floor.
Also Read: Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG Launched in India at โน9.99 Lakh
Pricing: Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG vs Tata Nexon CNG
The starting price of XUV 3XO CNG is RS 9.99 lakh and its end price is Rs 12.27 lakh (ex-showroom), it is available in four variants. The Nexon CNG price starts from the price of Rs 9.24 lakh to the price of Rs 13.66 lakh, with total 19 available variants. The Nexon CNG price may differ in different sources, you need to check the latest price at the Tata dealership.
|
Parameter |
Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG |
Tata Nexon CNG |
|---|---|---|
|
Ex-showroom price |
Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 12.27 lakh |
About Rs 9.24 lakh to Rs 13.66 lakh |
|
Variants |
MX Edge, RevX Edge (O), AX5, RevX A |
Smart, Creative Plus (S) and more |
|
Premium over petrol |
Rs 89,100 to Rs 99,500 |
Varies by variant |
The XUV 3XO CNG price ladder runs as follows:
- MX Edge at Rs 9.99 lakh
- RevX Edge (O) at Rs 10.79 lakh
- AX5 at Rs 11.19 lakh
- RevX A at Rs 12.27 lakh
Powertrain and Performance: The Core Difference
This is where the two SUVs genuinely diverge. Both use a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo engine, but the Mahindra extracts clearly more from it.
|
Specification |
Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG |
Tata Nexon CNG |
|---|---|---|
|
Engine |
1.2-litre turbo petrol-CNG |
1.2-litre turbo petrol-CNG |
|
Power |
110 bhp (112 PS) |
About 100 PS |
|
Torque |
200Nm |
170Nm |
|
Gearbox |
Six-speed manual |
Six-speed manual |
|
0-100 km/h |
11.8 seconds (claimed) |
13.97 seconds (Autocar India test) |
|
Claimed mileage |
24.70 km/kg |
About 24 km/kg |
The XUV 3XO CNG makes about 12 per cent more power and 30Nm more torque. Autocar India found the Nexon CNG roughly 120kg heavier than its petrol sibling, with a CNG redline of 5,500rpm against 6,000rpm in petrol mode. The 0-100 km/h figures come from different sources, so treat them as indicative rather than a direct match.
Boot Space and Practicality
Boot space is the Nexon CNG's clearest advantage. It offers 321 litres, against 270 litres for the XUV 3XO CNG, which loses 94 litres compared with its petrol version.
|
Parameter |
Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG |
Tata Nexon CNG |
|---|---|---|
|
CNG capacity |
60 litres (water equivalent) |
60 litres (water equivalent) |
|
Petrol tank |
42 litres |
44 litres |
|
Boot space |
270 litres |
321 litres |
Shared Feature Highlights
At similar prices, both SUVs come equipped with:
- Touchscreen infotainment
- Rear AC vents
- Driver seat height adjustment
- Sunroof
- LED lighting
- Leatherette upholstery
- Six airbags and ESC as standard
The XUV 3XO CNG adds a panoramic sunroof on the RevX Edge (O) and RevX A, Dolby Atmos audio on the RevX A, and twin 10.25-inch screens on the AX5. The Nexon CNG adds a wireless charger, a dashcam and rain-sensing wipers, along with dark and red dark editions in the top range.
Also Read: Toyota Glanza Facelift vs Tata Altroz: Full Specs Comparison
Safety Comparison
Both SUVs are strongly equipped. The Nexon CNG has the stronger documented record, with a 5-star rating from Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP. The XUV 3XO holds 5 stars from Bharat NCAP in petrol form, but no separate result has been announced for the CNG version.
For CNG-specific safety, the XUV 3XO CNG uses gas-leak detection that switches the engine to petrol. The Nexon CNG uses a fuel-leak cutoff and carries a fire extinguisher.
Who Should Consider Which CNG SUV?
Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG
Best for buyers who want stronger performance and a feature-rich entry variant. With 110bhp, 200Nm and a panoramic sunroof from the second variant, it feels like the more modern package, provided the smaller 270-litre boot works for your needs.
Tata Nexon CNG
Ideal for buyers looking for practicality, a wider range of trims and a model that has been on sale for more than two years. It has 321 litres of boot space and a proven 5-star safety record, though it gives up some power.
Conclusion
Selecting one winner among Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG and Tata Nexon CNG becomes a tough task due to the key features offered by each of the models. The Mahindra is much stronger regarding power and torque; however, Tata excels at boot space and flexibility of variants. It is advisable to compare prices of on-road models and their features in your city.
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Aakash Mehra
Automotive Journalist & Car Reviewer. Aakash Mehra is a seasoned automotive journalist with over 9 years of experience in car journalism and consumer-focused reviews. Having test-driven more than 550+ vehicles, he delivers detailed comparisons, expert insights, and unbiased advice to help readers confidently choose the right car.