A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Recorded price context
H1:
last listed from
ZAR 229,900
·
XUV3XO:
current from
ZAR 259,999
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
Maximum Power
78 kW @ 6000 rpm
82 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque
135 Nm @ 4000 rpm
200 Nm
Engine Size
1497 cc
1197 cc
Claimed Mileage
7.0 km/l
18 km/l
Ground Clearance
160 mm
201 mm
Boot / Load Bay
Not confirmed
364 l
Airbags
4
6
Kerb Weight
Not confirmed
1362 kg
Seating Capacity
Not confirmed
-
Warranty
3 Years / 100,000 km
5 years / 150 000 km
= leads in this spec
Archived models stay fully comparable. Verified specs remain visible; historical fields that were not source-confirmed are marked Not confirmed instead of being guessed.
The Bottom Line
XUV3XO has a slight advantage, but H1 remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
XUV3XO
+10 pts
Efficiency
XUV3XO
+34 pts
Safety
XUV3XO
+5 pts
Practicality
XUV3XO
+3 pts
Ownership
Equal
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
H1
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
XUV3XO
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
H1
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
XUV3XO
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
Model Introduced Year
2015
Not Available
Generation
Single generation in South Africa from 2015-2019. The H1 was based on an older Great Wall platform and was discontinued without a direct successor.
Current local listing
Facelift History
H1 received a single mid-cycle update in 2017 that brought minor exterior styling refinements and an updated infotainment system. No significant mechanical changes through the model life.
Not listed by current South African source page.
Facelift Launched Since
2017
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Not confirmed
Current
Body Style
Not confirmed
SUV
Model Year
Not confirmed
Current
Production Status
Not confirmed
Active
Segment
Not confirmed
SUV
Vehicle Type
Not confirmed
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
Not confirmed
1362 kg
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Position
Transverse Front-Mounted
-
Gearbox
6-Speed CVT
Automatic
Final Drive Ratio
3.94:1
Not Applicable
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
3.2
-
Number of Gears
6
6
Transmission Type
Automatic CVT
6-speed automatic
Clutch Type
Torque Converter
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive
Front-wheel drive
Gearbox Type
Automatic
6-speed automatic
Transmission Speeds
6
6
Drivetrain Layout
Not confirmed
Front-wheel drive
Gear Shift Indicator
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Engagement
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Low Range Ratio
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Not confirmed
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
Claimed Mileage
7.0 km/l
18 km/l
City Mileage
6.8 km/l
14.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
8.2 km/l
20.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
42 l
42 l
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
42
42
Average Fuel Consumption
Not confirmed
5.57 litres/100 km l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Not confirmed
5.57 litres/100 km l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
Not confirmed
5.57 litres/100 km l/100km
Real-world Mileage
7.0 km/l
18 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
Not confirmed
5.57 litres/100 km l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
Not confirmed
5.57 litres/100 km l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined
Not confirmed
5.57 litres/100 km l/100km
Combined Driving Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
Airbags
4
6
ABS
Yes
Not Available
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
2 Rear ISOFIX Points
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Alarm System
Not Available
-
Central Locking
Remote Central Locking
-
Side Impact Beams
Standard
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front Seats
Seat belt reminder for all passengers
Speed Alert System
Standard
-
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Not Available
-
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front parking sensors
Safety Rating
4
-
Whiplash Protection
Active Head Restraints
-
Lane Change Warning
Not Available
-
TCS
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not confirmed
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not confirmed
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Not confirmed
Standard
Driver Airbag
Not confirmed
Standard
EBD
Not confirmed
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Not confirmed
Not Available
Hill Hold
Not Available
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Not confirmed
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not confirmed
Not Available
Side Airbags
Not confirmed
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not confirmed
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Not confirmed
Seat belt reminder for all passengers
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Blind View Monitoring
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Reverse parking sensors
Rear View Camera
Yes
Rear view camera
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
360-degree surround view system
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not confirmed
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Not confirmed
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Reverse parking sensors
Reverse Camera
Yes
Rear view camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not confirmed
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
360-degree surround view system
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Blind View Monitoring
Forward Collision Warning
Not confirmed
Not Available
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
Seat Material
Fabric
Leatherette
Seat Adjustment
Manual 4-Way Driver Adjustment
-
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt Adjustable
-
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Folding Rear Seats
60:40 Split Fold
-
Front Armrest
Front Centre Armrest
-
Rear Armrest
Not Available
Rear armrest with cup holder
Cup Holders
4
-
Rear AC Vents
Not Available
Standard
Rear USB Ports
0
-
Steering Wheel Material
Polyurethane
Not Applicable
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue Speedometer
-
Interior Colour Options
2
-
Driver Lumbar Support
Not Available
-
Door Map Pockets
All Four Door Pockets
-
Front Shoulder Room
1190 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
1150 mm
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
Not confirmed
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Height-adjustable driver seat
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Height-adjustable driver seat
Seat Trim
Not confirmed
Leatherette
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
Climate Control
Manual Air Conditioning
Dual-zone climate control
Power Windows
Front and Rear
Standard
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Remote keyless entry
Push Button Start
Not Available
Push button start
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Not Available
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
Not Available
Standard
Rear Window Defroster
Standard
-
Electric Mirror Folding
Manual Fold
-
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Standard Driver
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Not Available
Standard
12V Accessory Socket
1 x 12V Socket
12V socket
Speed Limiter
Not Available
-
AC Type
Manual Air Conditioning
Dual-zone climate control
Engine Start Stop
Not Available
Push button start
Engine Start Stop Button
Not Available
Push button start
Push Button Start
Not Available
Push button start
Spare Wheel
Full Size Spare
Not Available
Air Conditioning
Manual Air Conditioning
Dual-zone climate control
Rim Size
15 Inches
R16 steel wheels
Sound System
4
6
Unlocking
Not Available
Remote keyless entry
Wireless Charger
Not Available
Standard
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
1100 l
364 l
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
1100 l
364 l
Sunroof
Not confirmed
Skyroof
Front Armrest
Not confirmed
Front armrest with storage
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
Length
4002 mm
3990 mm
Width
1740 mm
1821 mm
Height
1567 mm
1647 mm
Wheelbase
2450 mm
2600 mm
Doors
5 doors
-
Front Headroom
975 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
42 l
42 l
Rear Headroom
950 mm
-
Front Legroom
1020 mm
-
Rear Legroom
840 mm
-
Ground Clearance (Default)
160 mm
201 mm
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1770 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Minimum Turning Radius
5.2 m
5.3 m
Kerb Weight
Not confirmed
1362 kg
Boot/Cargo Space
Not confirmed
364 l
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1.2-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Cylinders
4
3
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Multi-Point Injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Top Speed
155 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
GW4G15
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Bore
73.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
88.3 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Displacement
1497 cc
1197 cc
Transmission
CVT
6-Speed Automatic
0-100 km/h
13.5 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Maximum Power
78 kW @ 6000 rpm
82 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque
135 Nm @ 4000 rpm
200 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
60.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
146.8 Nm/tonne
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
Apple CarPlay
No
Wired Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
No
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Not Available
Number of Speakers
4
6
Navigation System
No
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Partial Digital
10.25-inch digital cluster
Wireless Apple CarPlay
No
Wired Apple CarPlay
FM Radio
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Not Available
Steering audio control
Voice Recognition
Not Available
-
AUX Input
Not Available
-
Infotainment Screen Size
7
10.25-inch HD infotainment
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Not Available
-
Audio Speakers
4
6
Infotainment Screen
7
10.25-inch HD infotainment
Touchscreen
7
10.25-inch HD infotainment
Wireless Android Auto
No
Wireless Android Auto
USB Ports
1
Front USB-A and rear USB-C
Infotainment System
Not confirmed
10.25-inch HD infotainment
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
LED Headlamps
Halogen Headlamps
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
LED signature lamp
Fog Lamps
Not Available
LED front fog lamps
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
-
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
-
Body Cladding
Plastic Body Cladding
-
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
-
Roof Type
Standard Fixed Roof
-
Wing Mirror Type
Manual Black Mirrors
-
Rear Wiper
Standard
Standard
Door Handle Finish
Body-Coloured
-
Body Type
SUV
-
DRL
Not Available
LED signature lamp
Led Headlights
Halogen Headlamps
Not Available
Daytime Running Lights
Not Available
LED signature lamp
Front Fog Lamps
Not Available
LED front fog lamps
Headlamps
Halogen Headlamps
Not Available
Headlight Type
Halogen Headlamps
Not Available
Headlights
Halogen Headlamps
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
6
See OEM source page for colour availability.
Panoramic Sunroof
Not confirmed
Skyroof
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
Approach Angle
23 deg
Not Available
Departure Angle
27 deg
Not Available
Wading Depth
0 mm
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Underbody Protection
Not Available
-
Ramp Breakover Angle
0 deg
-
Recovery Hooks
1 Rear Tow Hook
-
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
160 mm
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Min
160 mm
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not confirmed
Not Available
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
Tyre Size
195/65R15
Not Available
Wheel Type
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
-
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size Spare
Not Available
Front Brake Disc Diameter
254 mm
-
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
200 mm
-
Parking Brake Type
Drum Rear
Electronic parking brake
Tyre Load Index
89
-
Tyre Speed Rating
T
-
Wheel Rim Size
15 Inches
R16 steel wheels
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
-
Brake Type Rear
Drum
-
Spare Tyre
Full Size Spare
Not Available
Wheel Diameter
15 Inches
R16 steel wheels
Wheels
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
-
Electric Park Brake
Not confirmed
Electronic parking brake with auto hold
Handbrake Type
Not confirmed
Electronic parking brake
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson strut with anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Torsion beam with coil springs
Chassis Type
Monocoque
-
Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
-
Steering Column
Tilt Adjustable
-
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
-
Rear Spring Type
Torsion Bar
-
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
-
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
-
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic Gas Dampers
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson strut with anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension Type
Torsion Beam
Torsion beam with coil springs
Front Track Width
1490 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
1480 mm
Not Applicable
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
Service Interval
15000
-
Approx Service Cost
1500
-
Battery Warranty
12 Months
-
Maintenance Plan
Not Included
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
10000
-
First Service At
1000
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 years / 100 000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 years / 100 000 km
Anti-Rust Treatment
Underbody Rust Protection
-
Service Intervals
15000
-
Engine Oil Capacity
3.6 l
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 years / 100 000 km
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
Warranty Years
3 Years / 100,000 km
5 years / 150 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
3 Years / 100,000 km
5 years / 150 000 km
Basic Warranty
3 Years / 100,000 km
5 years / 150 000 km
Warranty
3 Years / 100,000 km
5 years / 150 000 km
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
CO2 Emissions
165 g/km
Not Applicable
Start Stop System
Not Available
-
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
-
Noise Level
71 dB
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
95 Octane Unleaded
Petrol
Particulate Filter
Not Applicable
-
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
-
Green NCAP Rating
Not Independently Rated
-
Idle CO2 Output
Within Euro 5 Limits
-
Fuel Evaporation Control
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
-
Variable Valve Timing
Dual Variable Valve Timing (DVVT)
-
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
Real-world City Mileage Min
5.8 l/100km
-
Real-world City Mileage Max
7.2 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
7.5 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
9.0 l/100km
-
Owner Review Count
0
-
Spec
H1
XUV3XO
Ownership Role
Not confirmed
South Africa market model
Price Source
Not confirmed
https://mahindra.co.za/mahindra-3xo/
Price Zar
Not confirmed
374999 ZAR
Pricing Role
Not confirmed
flagship
Starting Price
Not confirmed
259999
Starting Price Zar
Not confirmed
259999
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
XUV3XO leads by 10 points
XUV3XO has a slight advantage, but H1 remains highly competitive.
🏆Mahindra XUV3XO
wins with 56 pts
vs 46 pts for H1
In structured scoring, XUV3XO emerges as the stronger overall package. However, H1 may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the XUV3XO edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: H1 35 vs XUV3XO 69. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: H1 56, XUV3XO 61. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: H1 44, XUV3XO 44. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: H1 63, XUV3XO 66. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: H1 30, XUV3XO 40. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The XUV3XO edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The XUV3XO scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between H1 and XUV3XO in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: H1 scores 30 vs 40.
Efficiency: H1 scores 35 vs 69.
Safety: H1 scores 56 vs 61.
Practicality: H1 scores 63 vs 66.
Ownership: H1 scores 44 vs 44.
Final structured scoring gives XUV3XO
the advantage in this comparison.
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