Skoda Kylaq Is Now India’s Safest Sub-4m SUV! Safer Than Nexon And Mahindra XUV 3XO

The sub-4m SUV space in India is a crowded one, with buyers spoiled for choice. But amidst the sea of options, safety has become a defining factor for consumers. This is where the Skoda Kylaq has taken the lead, earning top scores in Bharat NCAP safety tests and setting a new standard for what compact SUVs can achieve. However, with strong competition from veterans like the Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV3XO, Kylaq's reign is not without challenges. Let’s see how these contenders stack up.

Skoda Kylaq: Raising the Bar

Skoda has a reputation for building solid, safe cars, and the Kylaq is no exception. With 30.88/32 in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 45/49 in Child Occupant Protection (COP), it currently sits at the top of the Bharat NCAP rankings for sub-4m SUVs. This isn’t just about good crash-test results but also about the comprehensive safety package Skoda offers as standard.

Dual front airbags, side chest airbags, side curtain airbags, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are all part of the Kylaq’s arsenal. The inclusion of ISOFIX child seat mounts ensures that safety for younger passengers hasn’t been overlooked. On the structural side, the Kylaq benefits from Skoda’s engineering, which delivers a reassuring sense of solidity.

Tata Nexon: The Proven

The Tata Nexon was the first Indian car to score a 5-star safety rating in its time with the Global NCAP crash tests, and it continues to hold its ground. Scoring 29.41/32 in AOP and 43.83/49 in COP, it remains a highly capable contender in this safety-focused showdown.

What sets the Nexon apart is its long-standing reputation for dependability, which has earned it a loyal following. It offers dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, and ESC as standard, much like the Kylaq. The Nexon also has ISOFIX mounts for child seats, making it family-friendly. While it may not have the polish of European rivals, the Nexon’s robust build quality has consistently appealed to Indian buyers and these ratings have proved to be the deciding factor for many buyers!

Mahindra XUV 3XO: The Understated Performer

The Mahindra XUV 3XO might not enjoy the same buzz as its competitors, but it’s not one to be underestimated. Bharat NCAP awarded it 29.36/32 in AOP and 43/49 in COP — numbers that put it firmly in the same league as the Kylaq and Nexon.

Mahindra has equipped the XUV 3XO with a comparable set of safety features: dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, ESC, and ISOFIX mounts. What gives the XUV 3XO a unique edge is its balance between safety and Mahindra’s trademark ruggedness. It’s a no-nonsense SUV that prioritizes practicality and performance without making a big fuss about it.

Close Competition: Margins Matter

When safety ratings are this close, it’s the little things that set a vehicle apart. 

The Skoda Kylaq’s marginally higher scores and the premium feel of its build give it an edge over the Nexon and XUV 3XO. But in real-world scenarios, all three SUVs deliver safety levels that far exceed the minimum requirements.

Kylaq’s lead may appeal to those who prioritize the quality of engineering, while Nexon’s cost-effectiveness and Mahindra’s practical approach cater to slightly different buyer preferences. The safety game here isn’t about winners or losers — it’s about setting higher benchmarks across the board.

Final Thoughts: The Case For Safer Roads

The Skoda Kylaq may be the new champion of safety in the sub-4m SUV category, but its success reflects a broader trend: the growing importance of safety in Indian car buying decisions. The Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV 3XO continue to be excellent alternatives, offering competitive safety features that underscore how far the industry has come.

While the BNCAP focuses on adult and child safety, there should also be an added focus on pedestrian safety considering our road and traffic manners (which at times are non-existent).

With Bharat NCAP testing more cars and other manufacturers like Hyundai, stepping up with impressive scores, we’re gaining a clearer understanding of the importance of safety.

If nothing else, this comparison highlights one thing: safety is no longer an optional extra in India’s automotive market — it’s a basic need. And that’s a win for everyone!

What are your views on the recent series of crash tests and the increase in safety quotient? Let us know in the comment section!