Tynan Mahindra Kirrawee Shares: CarsGuide’s First Look at the 2026 Mahindra XUV 3XO
Australia's most affordable SUV? According to CarsGuide's recent first drive, the new Mahindra XUV 3XO certainly makes a strong case. At Tynan Mahindra Kirrawee, we're excited to spotlight this great review and invite you to come experience it for yourself at our dealership.
We've picked out some of the key points from the review that matter most to our customers—let's take a look at what the experts had to say.
🔹 Price & Features – 9/10
The cheapest SUV in Australia – for now
With introductory drive-away pricing starting at $23,490 for the AX5L and $26,490 for the AX7L, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is currently unmatched in its segment. But take note: this offer ends August 31.
Despite its low entry price, the feature list is generous:
- 16–17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels (depending on spec)
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster & touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Dual-zone climate control
- Push-button start & keyless entry
- Synthetic leather trims (AX7L)
- Panoramic sunroof & Harman Kardon audio (AX7L)
It's value-packed and well-equipped beyond expectation.
🔹 Design – 7/10
A compact SUV with bold character.
The XUV 3XO is just under four meters long—shorter than a Mazda2—yet full of personality. Reviewers found the styling quirky and distinctive, with chunky wheel arches, an angular front, and a long bonnet. The black contrast roof and modern alloy wheels elevate the look further in the AX7L variant.
Inside, there's a stylish blend of high-tech dual screens and physical controls, along with a surprisingly upmarket use of materials for a vehicle in this price range.
🔹 Practicality – 8/10
Big space in a small footprint
Despite its size, the 3XO offers solid interior space:
- Comfortable seating and elevated driving position
- Rear seat space suitable for two adults
- Generous boot (364L) with deep floor and spare wheel
- Modern conveniences like USB-C ports, wireless charging, and rear air vents
It's perfect for city drivers, first-car buyers, or anyone needing a capable urban runabout.
🔹 Driving Experience – 7/10
Old-school charm meets city practicality.
Powered by a 1.2L turbo petrol engine (82kW/200Nm) paired with a six-speed automatic, the XUV 3XO delivers a pleasantly familiar driving feel. The transmission is smooth, the engine is responsive, and it performs confidently around town.
Drive modes ('Zip', 'Zap', 'Zoom') offer some playfulness, though the review notes that steering weight varies dramatically with speed.
The ride quality stands out in the segment—comfortable over city bumps, stable on the highway, and composed through corners.
🔹 Safety – 7/10
Advanced features in a budget SUV.
All variants come with strong safety technology including:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane-Keep Assist & Lane-Centering
- Rear & front parking sensors
- Reversing camera (plus surround-view on AX7L)
It hasn't been ANCAP-tested yet, but it achieved a five-star rating under Bharat NCAP in India.
🔹 Efficiency & Ownership – 8/10
- Fuel consumption: 6.2L/100km (real-world tested)
- Fuel type: 91 or 95 RON recommended
- Driving range: Approx. 675km
- Warranty: 7 years / 150,000km
- Roadside assist: 7 years
- Capped-price servicing.
That's an outstanding long-term package.
Final Verdict
“If you can overlook a few quirks… this tiny Mahindra is an outstanding value buy if you're considering a first new car.” - Jack Quick, CarsGuide
We couldn't agree more. The 2026 Mahindra XUV 3XO delivers in areas that matter: value, comfort, and daily drivability. It's a bold contender in Australia's compact SUV market—and now available at Tynan Mahindra Kirrawee. View the CarsGuide full run-through below!
Want to see it for yourself?
We invite you to test drive the XUV 3XO at Tynan Mahindra Kirrawee and see what the fuss is about. Whether you're after the value-packed AX5L or the feature-rich AX7L, our team is ready to help! Explore online and book a time here.