Skoda’s new SUV comes with big features that it’s possible it’ll pose a big threat in the segment, especially to the Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV 3XO.

Skoda debuted it’s sub 4-meter SUV for the Indian Market, the Kylaq SUV which competes in a cluttered segment with competitors such as Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Fronx, Maruti Brezza, etc. Skoda confirmed the SUV will be available with only one powertrain, the 1.0 L Turbo Petrol engine with same power and torque output found in the Kushaq and Slavia. Now that the SUV has launched, why don’t we compare it against its rivals to see if the SUV is good enough to compete!

Dimensions Comparison

• The Skoda Kylaq has a length of 3995 mm, matching most of its competitors like the Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Fronx, and Maruti Brezza, which also have lengths around 3995 mm.
• In terms of width, the Kylaq measures 1783 mm, making it slightly narrower than the Tata Nexon (1804 mm) and the Mahindra XUV3XO (1821 mm), but wider than the Hyundai Venue (1770 mm), Maruti Fronx (1765 mm), Renault Kiger (1750 mm), and Nissan Magnite (1758 mm).
• The Skoda Kylaq is 1575 mm in height, which is shorter than most rivals, especially the Maruti Brezza at 1685 mm, and the Mahindra XUV3XO at 1647 mm. Only the Maruti Fronx at 1550 mm is lower in height.
• The wheelbase of the Skoda Kylaq is 2566 mm, offering one of the longest wheelbases in this comparison. It surpasses competitors like the Tata Nexon (2498 mm) and Kia Sonet/Hyundai Venue/Renault Kiger/Nissan Magnite (all around 2500 mm) and falls just short of the Mahindra XUV3XO at 2600 mm.
• For ground clearance, the Skoda Kylaq has 189 mm, which is among the lower clearances in this segment. In contrast, the Tata Nexon has the highest at 208 mm, followed by the Mahindra XUV3XO at 201 mm and Kia Sonet at 205 mm.
• The Skoda Kylaq boasts a large boot space of 446 liters, giving it the highest cargo capacity among its rivals. The Renault Kiger comes closest with 405 liters, while models like the Maruti Fronx and Brezza have smaller boot spaces at 328 liters and 308 liters respectively.

Engine Specs Comparison

• The Skoda Kylaq features a 1.0L 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine, producing 114 BHP of power and 178 Nm of torque, similar to other models in this segment that also have small-displacement turbo engines.
• In comparison, the Tata Nexon comes with a larger 1.2L 3-cylinder engine, delivering slightly more power at 118 BHP and 170 Nm of torque.
• The Mahindra XUV3XO offers a 1.2L 3-cylinder engine as well but has two power outputs: 110 BHP with 200 Nm of torque and 129 BHP with 250 Nm of torque with both available with the automatic transmission.
• The Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue share a similar 1.0L 3-cylinder engine configuration, generating 118 BHP and 120 BHP respectively, with 172 Nm of torque.
• Maruti Fronx, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger all feature a 1.0L 3-cylinder engine, producing 99 BHP with torque outputs ranging from 148 Nm for the Fronx, to 152 Nm / 160 Nm for the Magnite and Kiger.
• All models use a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) setup, maintaining standard drivetrain specifications across this category.
• Transmission options vary: the Skoda Kyliaq offers a 6-speed manual and automatic; Tata Nexon provides a range of options with 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, AMT, and 7-speed DCT; and the Mahindra XUV3XO includes a 6-speed MT and AT.
• The Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue offer 6-speed IMT and 7-speed DCT options, while the Maruti Fronx provides 5-speed MT and 6-speed AT, and Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger come with 5-speed MT and 7-speed CVT.
• Fuel efficiency for the Skoda Kyliaq is not yet rated but, the Nexon 17.01 – 17.44 kmpl, which is competitive but slightly lower than some rivals, like the Mahindra XUV3XO (18.2 – 20.1 kmpl), and Renault Kiger (18.2 – 20.5 kmpl).
• The Maruti Fronx offers the highest fuel efficiency in this comparison, rated at 20.1 – 21.15 kmpl.

Features Comparison

• Skoda Kylaq lacks an ADAS suite, while Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet have Level 1, and Mahindra XUV3XO has Level 2.
• 360 Surround View Camera is not available in the Kylaq, but is featured in Maruti Fronx, Mahindra XUV3XO, and Nissan Magnite.
• Heads-Up Display (HUD) is missing in the Kylaq, while Maruti Fronx and Brezza offers this feature.
• The Kylaq has a single-pane sunroof, whereas Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV3XO provide a panoramic sunroof.
• Only single-zone climate control is available in the Kylaq, whereas Mahindra XUV3XO has dual-zone climate control.
• Electric adjustment is available for the Kylaq driver and passenger seat, while Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV3XO offer it.
• Rear Sun Shade is missing in the Kylaq but available in Mahindra XUV3XO.

Price Comparison

As we can see, Skoda’s aggressive pricing in the segment can prove to be turning point for its rivals given the features and performance it’s equipped with.