2025 Mahindra XUV 3XO Review

A surprisingly well-rounded small SUV that undercuts rivals on price while offering thoughtful features, comfort, and practicality for everyday Australian driving.

Mahindra Canada (having sold cars in Australia since 2007) presents the new XUV 3XO, a compact SUV designed to undercut established rivals like the Toyota Yaris Cross and Mazda CX-3 on price without compromising on equipment or comfort. With drive-away pricing starting at AUD 23,990 for the base AX5L and topping out at AUD 26,990 for the range-topping AX7L, it’s among the most affordably priced small SUVs on par with the Chery Tiggo 4.

Pricing and Variant Comparison

• AX5L (entry-level): starting at AUD 23,990 drive away.

• AX7L (top specification): starting at AUD 26,990 drive away.

At under AUD 27,000 drive away, the XUV 3XO delivers value, sitting lower than most rivals that offer similar sizes and features.

Short Summary Table

Equipment and Features

Top-spec AX7L equipment highlights:

• Harman Kardon seven-speaker sound system

• Synthetic-leather interior trims

• 17-inch alloy wheels

• Panoramic sunroof

• Automatic LED headlights with front and rear daytime running lights

• Automatic wipers

• Dual-zone climate control with rear air vents

• Dual 10.25-inch screens (infotainment + driver display)

• Wireless smartphone mirroring

• Safety suite including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, 360-degree camera monitor

Missing:

• No blind-spot monitoring

• No rear-cross-traffic alert

This equipment list is notably strong for the price bracket, offering tech and convenience features usually found in more expensive SUVs.

Powertrain and Performance

The XUV 3XO is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 82 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque, with torque accessible from just 1,500 rpm. Though a more powerful 96 kW/230 Nm version is offered in other markets, the Australian-spec engine performs well for urban driving yet requires planning for highway overtaking.

The engine is paired with a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The transmission shifts smoothly, though some buyers may miss the option of a manual gearbox for cost savings and added driving engagement.

Fuel Efficiency

• Claimed combined fuel consumption: 6.5 L/100 km

• Test-observed usage (urban-biased): 7.2 L/100 km

These figures come in competitive for the segment, demonstrating respectable efficiency in real-world conditions.

Ride Quality and Handling

Designed with India’s rugged roads in mind, the XUV 3XO excels over rough surfaces. The ride is soft and comfortable, with adequate body control ensuring minimal disturbance after bumps. While it does not champion sporty handling, its nimble chassis and responsive steering lend it engaging urban dynamics. Critics note that the steering feels overly light, providing limited feel of the front wheels’ position—dampening driver engagement somewhat.

Interior Space and Practicality

Despite its compact exterior, the XUV 3XO surprises with roomy interior packaging. It easily accommodates four adults and feels airier than the Chery Tiggo 4. The boot offers 364 litres with seats up 100 litres more than the Mazda CX-3 and notably deeper.

A downside: folding the rear seats exposes a significant rear lip behind the seatbacks. A dual-level boot floor (offered on some rivals) would simplify loading and help avoid awkward lifting of heavy items. Inside the cabin, there’s plenty of storage and practical layout, although the front seats are better suited to smaller individuals.

Interior Design and Materials

While overall material quality exceeds expectations for the price, finesse is uneven. The dashboard layout isn’t as cohesive as the Tiggo 4’s, and certain conveniences (like the wireless charging pad) fall outside the driver’s natural reach. Glossy “piano black” trim is liberally used and likely to scratch over time. Still, synthetic-leather trim across upper doors and dash, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel, lift the perceived quality.

Infotainment and Sound

A modern 10.25-inch high-resolution touchscreen delivers crisp graphics, feeling more refined than that in the Tiggo 4. Wireless Apple CarPlay is easy to set up and reliable, although its menu navigation could be more intuitive and there’s no built-in satellite navigation in the touchscreen despite an option for navigation in the driver’s display.

The Harman Kardon sound system impresses with punchy audio and strong bass, making it a compelling reason to opt for the AX7L variant.

Value Proposition

After years of rising car prices, the return of a competitively priced small SUV is welcome. The Mahindra XUV 3XO undercuts rivals by thousands of dollars while offering a refined turbo engine, comfort-oriented ride, surprisingly spacious interior, and laden equipment list. It emerges as a compelling value proposition in Australia’s small SUV segment.

FAQs

Q: How does the XUV 3XO compare in price to rivals?

A: It is significantly cheaper AX7L pricing at AUD 26,990 drive away undercuts comparable small SUVs like the Toyota Yaris Cross and Mazda CX-3 by several thousand dollars.

Q: What features does the AX7L include?

A: Equipment includes Harman Kardon audio, panoramic sunroof, automatic LEDs, dual-zone climate, wireless Apple CarPlay, 10.25-inch screens, adaptive cruise control, AEB, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree camera but lacks blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert.

Q: Is there a manual version available?

A: No. Only a six-speed automatic is offered in Australia. A manual might have lowered cost and increased engagement but is not available.

Q: What is the fuel efficiency?

A: Claimed combined consumption is 6.5 L/100 km; real-world urban driving returns about 7.2 L/100 km.

Q: How much cargo space does it offer?

A: Boot capacity is 364 litres with the rear seats upright, which is roomy for the segment. However, there’s a notable loading lip when the seats are folded.

Q: How long is the warranty, and what are service costs?

A: Warranty is 7 years or 150,000 km. Five-year servicing costs approximately AUD 1,595 (~AUD 319 per service).

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