Skoda Kylaq vs Rivals: Dimensions, Powertrains Compared

Skoda India has announced its entry into the heavily contested sub-compact SUV segment with the launch of the all-new Kylaq. Based on a derivative of the MQB A0 IN platform, the Kylaq marks the brand’s return to the sub-4m segments after more than a decade and looks to take on the long list of established players. Do note that while some models here such as the XUV 3XO, Venue, Sonet and Nexon do offer diesel engine options, it has not been considered in this comparison.
 

Also read: Skoda Kylaq: Variants, Colour Options And Features Revealed
 

The Kylaq is Skoda's first subcompact SUV and marks the brand's return to the sub-4m segment in India after a decade.

Here is how Skoda’s new subcompact SUV compares with the remainder of the segment.
 

Skoda Kylaq vs Rivals: Dimensions

In terms of size, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is the shortest in terms of length though it also has the longest wheelbase of the lot. The Kylaq is pretty much par for the course when it comes to length though it is narrower and shorter than most rivals. The Skoda has the second longest wheelbase of the lot with the Tata Nexon having the shortest by all of 2 mm. The Renault and Nissan siblings are the narrowest and shortest subcompact SUVs here.
 

Also read: All-New Skoda Kylaq Makes Global Debut; Prices Start From Rs 7.89 Lakh
 

The XUV 3XO is shortest in terms of length though sits on the longest wheelbase.

Skoda Kylaq vs Rivals: Petrol Powertrains

The subcompact SUV segment looks to quickly be becoming a battle of three cylinders with a majority of the SUVs offered with the cylinder configuration. The Brezza is the only model here to be offered solely with a four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine though the Venue and Sonet do get a four-cylinder 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine alongside the three-cylinder 1.0 T-GDi turbo-petrol.
 

Also read: New Skoda Kodiaq India Launch Slated For May 2025
 

The Brezza is the only model here to only be offered with a naturally aspirated engine.

In the battle of the turbo-petrol, it's the XUV 3XO that is a head above the rest with the 1.2-litre T-GDi mill developing a peak 129 bhp and 230 Nm - the highest output figures in the segment. The lower-spec 1.2 turbo-petrol too offers 200 Nm of torque which is also higher than the rest of the segment.
 

Also read: New-Gen Skoda Superb India Launch Confirmed For 2025
 

Sonet and sister model Venue both offered with naturally aspirated and turbo-petrol engines.

The Kylaq’s 1.0 TSI mill meanwhile puts it at par with the turbo-petrols offered in the Nexon, Sonet and Venue. The Skoda is marginally down on power compared to the latter three though it gets a minor torque advantage. The Venue does get a sportier N Line derivative though it makes no additional power over the standard Venue turbo-petrol.
 

1.0 naturally aspirated units in the Magnite and Kiger have the lowest output here; turbo-petrol offer more oomph.

Also read: New Skoda Octavia RS To Be Showcased At Bharat Mobility Expo 2025
 

The naturally aspirated 1.0 petrol of the Magnite and Kiger have the lowest output levels of the lot.
 

Skoda Kylaq vs Rivals: Petrol Price Range

In terms of pricing, the Magnite and Kiger notably undercut the other models included here though both SUVs are technically positioned half a segment lower. The Kylaq’s starting price certainly aggressive placing it under the likes of the Nexon, Brezza, Venue and Sonet. Skoda however has yet to unveil the full price list for the Kylaq so we’ll have to wait and see how the top-end variants compare.