Mahindra XUV 3OO vs Tata Nexon: Crash Test Results Compared

With the recent release of Bharat NCAP’s crash test results for Mahindra’s new sub-compact SUV, the XUV 3OO, there’s been a fresh wave of anticipation and conversation across India’s automotive scene. The XUV 3OO, recently introduced to the market, now stands toe-to-toe with Tata’s Nexon in terms of safety—a comparison eagerly awaited by buyers concerned with their family’s safety on the road. Let’s dive into a comprehensive look at how these two Indian SUVs perform in crucial crash safety tests, with both standing as icons in the sub-compact SUV segment.

Mahindra XUV 3OO vs Tata Nexon Mahindra XUV 3OO vs Tata Nexon: Adult Occupant Protection

High Scores for Both, But Nexon Edges Ahead

Safety for adult occupants is paramount, and here both the Mahindra XUV 3OO and Tata Nexon offer reassuringly high ratings. In this test category, the XUV 3OO scored an impressive 29.36 out of 32, just shy of the Nexon’s 29.41 out of 32. These ratings underline the robust construction and thoughtful design of both models, though the Nexon’s slight lead can sway potential buyers focused on the highest level of protection.

Frontal Offset Deformable Barrier Test

In the frontal offset deformable barrier test, which simulates the force and potential injuries sustained in a head-on collision, the Nexon gained a notable advantage, scoring 14.65 out of 16, compared to the XUV 3OO’s 13.36 out of 16. Here, the Nexon’s score suggests a slight edge in frontal impact resilience, though the XUV 3OO remains close behind.

For passengers, the XUV 3OO reported “good protection” in all areas, showcasing Mahindra’s commitment to engineering safety. However, the driver’s protection in the XUV 3OO was rated “good” across most areas, with only “adequate” protection for the chest and legs. The Nexon showed “good protection” across more areas, particularly excelling in minimizing chest and leg injury risk.

Side Movable Deformable Barrier Test

Side impact accidents are equally critical when it comes to SUV safety, and Bharat NCAP’s side movable deformable barrier test puts this to the test. Here, the Nexon achieved a full score of 16 out of 16, demonstrating excellent protection for occupants in a side collision. The XUV 3OO also performed commendably, scoring 14.76 out of 16, but was rated slightly lower in chest area protection. The Nexon’s ability to shield all regions except the chest highlights the SUV’s reinforced side-impact protection and structural integrity.

Side Pole Impact Test

When tested for side pole impact—a simulation designed to show what happens when a car hits a narrow pole or tree at speed—both SUVs proved to be exceptional performers. Bharat NCAP awarded both the XUV 3OO and Nexon “good ratings” across all tested areas, affirming that either choice provides robust side-impact protection and well-considered structural design to safeguard the driver and passenger.

Mahindra XUV 3OO vs Tata Nexon: Child Occupant Protection

Scores That Speak to Family Safety

For families with young children, child occupant protection scores can be the defining factor. In this department, the Nexon and XUV 3OO go head-to-head, with only slight differences in their final scores. The Nexon earned a score of 43.83 out of 49, while the XUV 3OO followed closely with 43 out of 49. These nearly identical scores underline that both SUVs are equipped to protect child passengers effectively.

Dynamic Testing Performance

In dynamic testing—a rigorous assessment of how well a vehicle safeguards child occupants during sudden or severe impact—the XUV 3OO scored a perfect 24 out of 24. This score reflects Mahindra’s meticulous attention to child safety, with restraint systems that secure child passengers in the event of a collision. The Nexon scored 22.83 out of 24, only a slight difference, showing Tata’s dedication to high child occupant safety standards as well.

CRS Installation and Vehicle Assessment Score

Both SUVs performed admirably in Child Restraint System (CRS) installation, achieving a full 12 out of 12. This score demonstrates that child seats can be easily and securely installed in both vehicles, catering to the practical needs of families.

However, in the vehicle assessment score, the Nexon gains a slight advantage, receiving a 9 out of 13, while the XUV 3OO scores 7 out of 13. While both SUVs are well-regarded in terms of crash protection, this minor discrepancy could suggest a slight difference in ease of accessibility for child-related features, with the Nexon having a slight edge.

Conclusion: Which SUV is Safer?

The Bharat NCAP ratings for Mahindra’s XUV 3OO and Tata’s Nexon offer a thrilling comparison, with both vehicles making significant strides in occupant protection. For those prioritizing adult occupant safety, the Nexon’s higher scores in the frontal offset test and side impact assessment might appeal more, as Tata has proven its commitment to safety with minor improvements over the XUV 3OO.

On the other hand, for families with children, both SUVs offer excellent child protection scores, but the XUV 3OO’s perfect dynamic score of 24 out of 24 might sway safety-conscious parents in Mahindra’s favor. In the end, both vehicles are well-equipped to provide substantial protection, reflecting the growing safety standards in India’s automotive industry. It’s a close call, but the Nexon marginally edges out in adult safety, while the XUV 3OO provides an attractive alternative with strong child protection features.

FAQs

What is Bharat NCAP? Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) is India’s vehicle safety testing agency, which evaluates and scores vehicles based on their crashworthiness and safety features.

Which SUV scored higher in child safety, the XUV 3OO or the Nexon? While both scored high, the XUV 3OO received a perfect score in the dynamic test for child occupant protection, giving it a slight edge in child safety.

How does the Nexon’s safety score compare to other SUVs in its class? The Nexon consistently scores among the highest in the sub-compact SUV segment, often setting benchmarks for safety in India.

Is a higher vehicle assessment score significant? A higher vehicle assessment score may indicate greater ease of use and accessibility for installing child safety seats and related features.

Why is the side pole impact test important? The side pole impact test assesses how well a vehicle protects occupants in side-impact collisions with narrow objects like poles, which can be critical for urban and highway driving safety.