Mahindra XUV3XO vs Isuzu D-Max
What's the difference?

Mahindra XUV3XO

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2026 price

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Isuzu D-Max

$36,200 - $80,900

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Mahindra XUV3XO

2026 Isuzu D-Max

By Jack Quick

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Fuel Type

Fuel Efficiency

Seating

Likes

Eye-popping starting price
Lots of standard kit
Fun, peppy three-cylinder turbo engine

New 2.2-litre is smooth and quieter
Hasn’t ballooned pricing much
D-Max retains balance of comfort and simplicity

Dislikes

Too much piano black inside
No steering wheel reach adjustment
Overbearing lane-keep assist

Not many variants with 2.2L
Lane-keep is a bit keen
Interior feels spartan

2026 Mahindra XUV3XO Summary

Mahindra has long been known as a tractor brand and a maker of rugged utes and SUVs, but it’s now dipping its toe into Australia's light SUV segment.

The MY25 Mahindra XUV 3XO marks a further shift in the Indian brand’s local focus from rural and regional to metropolitan.

This tiny SUV goes up against some stiff competition including the Chery Tiggo 4, Hyundai Venue and Kia Stonic, among others. However, the Indian-made SUV holds a specific title that’ll make it stand out among the crowd.

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2026 Isuzu D-Max Summary

There’s a fairly big change hiding under the metal of one of Australia’s favourite utes. The Isuzu D-Max has a new 2.2-litre engine, replacing the 1.9-litre unit, and it brings a couple of other things with it.

A bigger engine designed to be more powerful and more efficient can only be a good thing, surely, especially with Isuzu looking down the barrel of stringent emissions laws with only two models in the line-up, both diesel powered.

But is this new 2.2-litre engine any good? Isuzu’s gone to the trouble of a new gearbox and some new tech to go with it, so we check it out to see if it stacks up against the increasingly strong competition.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mahindra XUV3XO 2026 Isuzu D-Max

Verdict

The fact this is Australia’s cheapest SUV is a massive feat for the Indian brand. It also has so much standard kit so this is even more surprising.

In many ways the XUV 3XO is better to drive than its rivals. The three-cylinder turbo engine has plenty of charm and moves this car along with ease, the car feels confident and composed out on the open road, and there aren’t any bings and bongs from intrusive safety systems.

However, things aren’t perfect. I wish the steering column offered reach adjustment, the steering feel wasn’t so inconsistent and the lane-keep assist wasn’t so hands-on.

If you can overlook these quibbles, this tiny Mahindra is an outstanding value buy if you’re considering a first new car.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

The new engine makes the D-Max a much more likeable ute than it already was, which is high praise.

It’s smoother and quieter and makes for a more pleasant drive. The added efficiency is a bonus both for your wallet and Isuzu’s emissions credits.

The 3.0-litre engine will probably remain the favourite, but anyone who test drives a 2.2L might even be tempted to opt for the smaller unit. Isuzu sure hopes so.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Mahindra XUV3XO vs Isuzu D-Max What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mahindra XUV3XO vs Isuzu D-Max
What's the difference?