VS
At a Glance
Power
82 kW
84 kW
Torque
200 Nm
150 Nm
Fuel
5.3 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Towing
—
500 Kg
Engine
1197 cc
1496 cc
Choosing between the Mahindra XUV 3XO and the MG ZS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mahindra XUV 3XO delivers 82 kW while the MG ZS produces 84 kW. On fuel, the XUV 3XO returns 5.3 l/100km while the ZS uses 7.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R279 999 for the XUV 3XO and R309 900 for the ZS. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
82 kW
84 kW
Torque
200 Nm
150 Nm
Top Speed
—
195 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1197 cc
1496 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
6
4
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.3 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
42 l
48 l
CO2 Emissions
137 g/km
165 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3990 mm
4314 mm
Width
1821 mm
1809 mm
Height
1647 mm
1624 mm
Wheelbase
2600 mm
2585 mm
Ground Clearance
201 mm
175 mm
Kerb Weight
1379 Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
364 l
359-1166 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5 vehicle / 7 engine
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
200000 vehicle / unlimited engine Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
3
Service Plan Distance
55000
30000
Service Intervals
15000
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
ZS
Fuel Economy
XUV 3XO
Value
XUV 3XO
Practicality
ZS
Pros & Cons
Mahindra XUV 3XO
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R279 999)
Less power than rival (82 kW vs 84 kW)
MG ZS
More powerful engine (84 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.1 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the XUV 3XO or ZS?
The XUV 3XO uses 5.3 l/100km and the ZS uses 7.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The XUV 3XO is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the XUV 3XO or ZS?
The XUV 3XO produces 82 kW and 200 Nm of torque while the ZS delivers 84 kW and 150 Nm of torque. The ZS is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the XUV 3XO and ZS?
The XUV 3XO starts from R279 999 and the ZS from R309 900. The XUV 3XO is cheaper by R29 901 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the XUV 3XO or ZS?
The XUV 3XO has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the ZS can tow 500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the XUV 3XO or the ZS?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.