Beats Tata Nexon in Power In the Indian automotive market, the term “power” is often misunderstood. Many buyers equate it solely with top-end speed or brochure horsepower figures. In reality, usable power is a combination of horsepower, torque delivery, vehicle weight, gearing, and how the engine responds under load.
When users search “beats Nexon in power”, they are not asking which car looks aggressive or feels sporty in a test drive. They are asking:
- Which car accelerates faster with passengers onboard
- Which engine feels stronger during highway overtakes
- Which compact SUV remains relaxed at triple-digit speeds
- Which vehicle does not feel strained on inclines or full load
By these real-world standards, Mahindra XUV 3XO Turbo clearly outperforms Tata Nexon.
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Engine & Performance Comparison: XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon
Horsepower vs Torque: Why Nexon Falls Behind
| Specification | Tata Nexon Turbo Petrol | Mahindra XUV 3XO Turbo |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L Turbo Petrol | 1.2L TGDi Turbo |
| Max Power | 120 PS | 131 PS |
| Max Torque | 170 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Transmission | MT / DCT | MT / AT |
| Kerb Weight | Higher | Lower |
The numbers alone tell a decisive story. The XUV 3XO produces 11 PS more power and a massive 60 Nm additional torque over Nexon.
But raw figures only matter when translated into motion.
1.2L Turbo Architecture: Old-School vs Modern TGDi
Tata Nexon’s turbo-petrol engine is reliable and proven, but it follows an older multi-point injection setup. Mahindra’s TGDi (Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection) technology allows:
- Higher combustion efficiency
- Stronger low-RPM torque
- Faster throttle response
- Better thermal control at high speeds
This is why the XUV 3XO feels noticeably quicker even with similar engine displacement.
Turbocharging, Torque Delivery, and Real-World Acceleration
Power-to-Weight Ratio Advantage
Power means nothing if the vehicle is heavy. Tata Nexon carries extra weight due to its reinforced body structure. While this improves safety, it dilutes acceleration.
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Mahindra XUV 3XO benefits from:
- Lower kerb weight
- Higher torque output
- Shorter gearing
The result is a superior power-to-weight ratio, which directly improves pickup.
0–100 km/h & In-Gear Acceleration
- XUV 3XO Turbo: ~8.9 seconds (estimated real-world)
- Tata Nexon Turbo: ~11 seconds
In-gear acceleration (40–100 km/h), crucial for overtaking, strongly favors the XUV 3XO due to its 230 Nm torque plateau, available early in the rev range.
This is where drivers feel the power difference, not on paper.
Overtaking Safety and Power Reserves
On Indian highways, overtakes are often short-window decisions. A vehicle with insufficient torque forces the driver to downshift aggressively, increasing risk.
XUV 3XO allows:
- Cleaner overtakes without kickdown delay
- Strong mid-range pull even with 4–5 occupants
- Reduced engine stress at high speeds
Nexon, in comparison, feels adequate but not assertive.
Highway, City, and Load Performance: Where Power Actually Matters
City Driving: Is More Power a Problem?
A common myth is that higher power makes a car difficult to drive in traffic. In reality, higher torque at lower RPM improves drivability.
XUV 3XO benefits from:
- Less frequent gear changes
- Better crawl ability in traffic
- Reduced clutch fatigue
Nexon requires more throttle input to achieve the same response.
Highway Cruising & Stability
At 100–120 km/h:
- XUV 3XO remains relaxed, under lower RPM
- Nexon feels slightly strained, especially with full load
The extra power ensures:
- Better cruising comfort
- Lower engine noise under sustained speeds
- Faster response when accelerating from cruising speeds
Indian Road Conditions & Performance Tuning
Mahindra has tuned the 3XO for Indian terrain:
- Quick torque delivery for broken roads
- Strong incline performance
- Confident hill-driving even without aggressive throttle
This makes the XUV 3XO particularly suitable for semi-urban and highway-heavy usage.
Ownership Perspective: Efficiency, Reliability, and Long-Term Performance
Mileage Impact of Higher Power
Contrary to assumptions, higher power does not automatically mean poor fuel efficiency.
Real-world observations indicate:
- XUV 3XO delivers comparable mileage when driven calmly
- Strong torque reduces over-revving
- Efficient cruising offsets city consumption
Nexon may show marginally better figures in slow traffic but loses ground on highways.
Reliability and Engine Stress
An underpowered engine working harder wears faster over time. Because XUV 3XO’s engine operates within comfortable performance margins, it experiences:
- Lower sustained stress
- Better heat management
- Improved long-term refinement
This contributes to durability over extended ownership.
Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Power Over Brand Legacy?
If your priority is pure performance, quick acceleration, confident overtakes, and a genuinely powerful driving experience, the conclusion is straightforward:
Mahindra XUV 3XO Beats Tata Nexon in Power — Clearly and Measurably
Choose XUV 3XO if:
- You drive frequently on highways
- You value acceleration and torque
- You often travel with passengers or luggage
- You want a modern turbo-petrol experience
Choose Nexon if:
- Your priority is brand trust and safety reputation
- You prefer a softer, calmer driving style
For drivers who care about engine strength over marketing claims, the XUV 3XO stands ahead






