The maxi-scooter segment in India is getting more interesting with the arrival of the Honda ADV 160. The Honda ADV 160 gets an adventure-inspired design, higher ground clearance and a rugged stance. It also becomes the first scooter in India to be compatible with E85 fuel. However, it enters a segment where it has to take on established players like the Yamaha Aerox 155 and Hero Xoom 160, with the Hero Xoom 160 also getting an adventure-inspired design. While all three scooters use liquid-cooled engines and CVT transmissions, they have noticeably different strengths. Here is how they compare on paper and, more importantly, what each scooter brings to the table.
The Honda ADV 160 is powered by a 156.93cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which produces 16hp at 8500rpm and 14.7Nm of torque at 6500rpm. It is paired with a CVT transmission.
The Yamaha Aerox 155 uses a 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which produces 15hp at 8000rpm and 13.9Nm at 6500rpm. It also uses a CVT transmission.
The Hero Xoom 160 is powered by a 156cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 15hp at 8000rpm and 14Nm at 6250rpm. Like the other two, it gets a CVT transmission.
On paper, the Honda ADV 160 has a slight advantage here. It produces the highest power and torque figures of the three, although the difference isn’t massive. The Yamaha Aerox 155 has the lowest weight, which should help it feel lively and sporty, while the Hero Xoom 160 sits between the two in terms of output. For outright performance, the Honda ADV 160 looks strongest on paper, but the Yamaha Aerox 155’s lower weight could make the difference feel less obvious in the real world.
The Honda ADV 160 gets telescopic front suspension and dual shock absorbers at the rear. Braking duties are handled by a 240mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc, along with single-channel ABS.
The Yamaha Aerox 155 gets telescopic front suspension and dual shock absorbers at the rear. Braking duties are handled by a 230mm front disc and a rear drum brake with single-channel ABS.
The Hero Xoom 160 also gets telescopic front suspension and dual shock absorbers at the rear. Braking duties are handled by a 240mm front disc and a rear drum brake, along with single-channel ABS.
The Honda ADV 160 has the biggest advantage here because it gets a rear disc brake, while both the Yamaha Aerox 155 and Hero Xoom 160 use rear drum brakes. All three get telescopic front suspension and twin rear shocks, so the hardware is fairly similar overall. However, the Honda ADV 160’s higher ground clearance and adventure-oriented setup should make it the more convincing option for riders who regularly deal with poor roads.
The Honda ADV 160 gets a 5-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync connectivity. This enables smartphone integration along with turn-by-turn navigation. In terms of rider aids, it gets single-channel ABS and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).
The Yamaha Aerox 155 gets a digital negative LCD display with Yamaha Y-Connect. It shows information such as SMS notifications, call logs, email alerts and phone battery status when connected to a smartphone through the Y-Connect app. It also gets features such as a fuel consumption tracker and last parked location. In terms of rider aids, it gets single-channel ABS and a traction control system.
The Hero Xoom 160 gets a digital negative display with smartphone connectivity and integrated turn-by-turn navigation. In terms of rider aids, it gets single-channel ABS.
The Honda ADV 160 gets the most premium-looking instrument cluster here with its 5-inch TFT display and smartphone connectivity through Honda RoadSync, similar to the Yamaha Aerox 155’s Y-Connect. Both also get traction control, giving them an edge in rider aids. The Hero Xoom 160 covers the basics but lacks behind in overall features and electronic assistance. Overall, the Honda ADV 160 feels like the most complete package, with the Yamaha Aerox 155 remaining a strong alternative.
The Honda ADV 160 weighs 134kg and gets an 8.1-litre fuel tank, which is the largest in this comparison. It has a seat height of 780mm and ground clearance of 165mm.
The Yamaha Aerox 155 weighs just 126kg and gets a 5.5-litre fuel tank. It has a seat height of 790mm and ground clearance of 145mm.
The Hero Xoom 160 is the heaviest at 142kg and gets a 7-litre fuel tank. It has a seat height of 787mm and ground clearance of 155mm.
This is where the three scooters have very different personalities. The Yamaha Aerox 155 is by far the lightest, which should make it easier to manoeuvre and more appealing to riders who enjoy a sporty riding experience. Both the Honda ADV 160 and Hero Xoom 160 have adventure-inspired designs, but the Honda ADV 160 has the highest ground clearance of the three. It also gets the largest fuel tank, giving it an advantage for longer rides. The Hero Xoom 160 is the heaviest, but its 155mm ground clearance still gives it a practical advantage over the Yamaha Aerox 155 on rougher roads.
The Honda ADV 160 is priced at ₹1.70 lakh ex-showroom, making it the most expensive scooter in this comparison.
The Yamaha Aerox 155 starts at ₹1.45 lakh and goes up to ₹1.49 lakh ex-showroom for the S variant.
The Hero Xoom 160 is priced at ₹1.43 lakh ex-showroom, making it the most affordable option here.
The Honda ADV 160 costs around ₹21,000 more than the Yamaha Aerox 155 S and ₹27,000 more than the Hero Xoom 160. Honda is clearly positioning the Honda ADV 160 as the more premium product, and its higher price brings features such as a TFT display, traction control, larger fuel tank, higher ground clearance, disc brakes at both ends and E85 compatibility. The Hero Xoom 160 makes the strongest case for buyers looking for an adventure-style maxi-scooter at a lower price, while the Yamaha Aerox 155 sits between the two and brings its lightweight, sporty character. There isn’t one clear winner across every department. For someone who wants a sporty and lightweight maxi-scooter, the Yamaha Aerox 155 remains a strong choice. The Hero Xoom 160 makes sense for buyers who want the adventure-scooter look without spending as much as they would on the Honda ADV 160. The Honda ADV 160, meanwhile, feels like the most complete package and is the better fit for someone who wants a more premium scooter with stronger equipment and better road-going versatility.
