2026 Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG vs Tata Nexon iCNG: The demand for CNG SUV is increasing rapidly in the Indian auto market. Amid rising fuel prices, customers are now giving preference to cars with low running cost. Tata Nexon iCNG is already a strong contender in this segment, while Mahindra has recently challenged it by launching Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG. Both are sub-compact SUVs, both have twin-cylinder CNG setup and both are based on turbo-petrol engines.
The starting price of XUV 3XO ZNG is around Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Nexon iCNG starts at Rs 8.35 lakh. There is a tough competition between the two in terms of power, features, boot space and mileage. To know which SUV gives better value, it is important to compare the two. Know the details from design to engine performance.
Design
The look of XUV 3XO ZNG is more bold and athletic. It has vertical headlamps, C-shaped DRL and infinity tail lamps, which increase road presence. The design of Nexon iCNG is also attractive but looks a little more mature and family-friendly. LED lighting and 16-inch alloy wheels are available in both.
interior
The XUV 3XO features a soft-touch dashboard, good quality materials and a commanding seating position. Rear seat space is also good. The Nexon also has a premium feel, with ventilated seats (in higher variants) and more practical boot space (321 liters versus the XUV’s 270 liters). In both, the boot remains flat due to the twin-cylinder setup.
Features
Both have 10.25-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, sunroof option and connected car technology. The XUV 3XO gets dual-zone climate control and a better sound system in some variants, while the Nexon has the more attractive options of panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats.
Safety
Both are 5-star safety rated. 6 airbags, ESC, ABS with EBD and Isofix are standard. The XUV 3XO gets all-disc brakes and level-2 ADAS is available in higher variants. Nexon also comes with a robust build and CNG-specific safety features (leak detection etc.).
Engine and Mileage
The 1.2-litre turbo engine in the XUV 3XO ZNG produces 111 PS power and 200 Nm torque. This is the first car, which produces equal power and torque in both petrol and CNG modes. The 1.2-litre turbo engine of the Nexon iCNG produces around 100 PS and 170 Nm torque on CNG. Both have 6-speed manual gearboxes. The claimed mileage of XUV 3XO is 24.7 km/kg and that of Nexon is around 24 km/kg.
Overall, if you want more power and torque then XUV 3XO ZNG is a better option. If low starting price and more boot space are a priority, the Nexon iCNG remains attractive. Both are strong contenders in the CNG segment.
