Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 Vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx Alpha: Go Mid-spec Or Pick Top-spec?

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is the latest entrant in the sub-4m SUV segment, which is already one of the most crowded and popular segments in the Indian market. In this article, we are comparing the XUV 3XO’s mid-spec AX5 variant with the top-spec Alpha variant of the Maruti Fronx, which has been around for a while and has been popular on our shores. Let’s find out what separates these two SUVs: 

XUV 3XO AX5 Vs Fronx Alpha Variant: Price 

Since the Fronx is a petrol-only offering, it is fair only to compare it with the XUV 3XO’s petrol version. And for this test, we have used the base-spec 110PS engine of the Mahindra SUV to compare with the Fronx. Let’s take a look at the price difference: 

The Fronx in its top spec variant is the pricier of the two. Let's find out if the extra price is justified. 

XUV 3XO Vs Fronx: Design and Dimensions 

Both sub-4m SUVs are compact in size and are ideal to use for city driving, where you need to maneuver through traffic and park in tight spaces. According to this author, the Fronx’ crossover silhouette and Grand Vitara-esque styling touches look more eye-catching on road. The XUV 3XO on the other hand, has a love it or hate it design. Let’s see how these two SUVs match up on paper in terms of dimensions: 

As seen in the table above, the XUV 3XO is clearly the wider and taller SUV, and also has a longer wheelbase and a larger boot. The Fronx is a tad bit longer than the XUV 3XO, but falls short on other aspects. 

Features

Being a mid-spec variant the XUV 3XO, it misses out on a couple of nice features, which are offered on the higher variants. But how does it stack up against the Maruti Suzuki Fronx? s. Let’s find out: 

Well, the XUV 3XO, despite being a mid-spec variant, won’t leave you complaining at all. Even though the Fronx offers a 360-degree camera and a heads-up display, it misses out on features like, a sunroof, a tyre pressure monitor, a dual-zone climate control and a digital driver’s display the XUV 3XO gets. 

XUV 3XO AX5 Vs Fronx Alpha: Powertrain 

As mentioned above, to keep this test fair, we have compared the Fronx with the XUV 3XO’s base-spec turbo-petrol engine. The Mahindra gets a larger displacement and puts out more power and torque as well. You can take a look at the detailed specifications here:

The Fronx in the lower variants, is also available with a 1.2-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine which produces 90 PS. The XUV 3XO gets a more powerful 1.2-litre turbo-petrol TGDI engine which makes 130 PS and a 1.5-litre diesel engine which generates 117 PS and 300 Nm.

Verdict 

Both the SUVs have their own personality, and offer a range of features and powertrain options to choose from. The Fronx looks more appealing and stylish, while offering Maruti’s excellent service network. However, our choice here would be the XUV 3XO, which offers more features, is larger in size and has the advantage in terms of technical specifications, while being more affordable, making it a clear winner here. 

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section. Which one do you prefer? And why?