Cheap new Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max rival spied: 2026 Mahindra Pik-Up spotted as Mahindra Scorpio-based ute with hard-hitting global intentions

What could be Mahindra’s most important new product has been spied.

A video uploaded to Instagram by Vashusingh123 shows what looks like a Mahindra Scorpion-based ute testing in Manali, India.

It looks like it could be a prototype of the production version of the Mahindra Global Pik Up concept, and replace the agricultural Pik-Up ute as the Indian brand’s Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max rival.

The vehicle in question is a single cab body style, but given Mahindra’s intent on branching out into other markets — and capitalising more on domestic sales — it would be smart to offer a dual-cab version as well.

At the front end, the camouflaged vehicle has a familiar face from the Prado and Everest rivalling Scorpio, while the alloy wheels appear to be exactly the same as the SUV’s.

It appears to have LED headlights, scrolling indicators and low-mount daytime running lights, though the metal work and wheelarches are less pronounced than the concept car. It also lacks the off-road style alloys, chunky side steps and aggressive front bumper.

The sides of the cab are quite tall — perhaps disguising something — while there’s a metal hoop that sits higher than the roof.

Mahindra’s Pik-Up replacement is expected to share many of its parts with the Scorpio SUV, including the ladder frame chassis, part-time 4WD system and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder developing 129kW and 400Nm.

The Scorpio’s braked towing capacity is 2500kg, matching that of the existing Pik-Up but a fair way off the 3500kg class standard. Mahindra knows more punch is needed, with 450Nm the benchmark starting point.

Speaking to CarsGuide previously, Mahindra pin-pointed three key segments for expansion: the family SUV, chassis-based SUV and dual-cab. The last segment in question, following the Scorpio and XUV500 launches, is the ute.

Mooted for a pre-2027 launch, the Pik-Up’s replacement will enter a tough battleground against the incumbent Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max as well as up-and-coming Kia Tasman, BYD Shark and host of other incoming Chinese rivals.