To answer your question directly, I haven't owned an XD and so can't comment on that part. I've owned two identical S&W M&P Compacts in 9mm. I carry the current one frequently. It has shot every time I've pulled the trigger, whether a handload or a hot +P+ JHP was under the striker. It is handsome enough for a black plastic gun, but it is a black plastic gun. Some like the inserts for the grips. I have small hands too, but I don't see much difference between inserts. Neither does the wife. I don't even know enough about the XD to know if it has a rail, but I like it that the M&P does. I finally found an aftermarket flashlight that would fit the short thing. The Smith model will break the bank.
Anyway, high praise for the M&P here. Nothing spectacular about it. It just gets the job done.
