Mahindra XUV500 vs Lexus NX
What's the difference?

Mahindra XUV500

—

2018 price

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Lexus NX

$59,900 - $103,598

2025 price

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Summary

2018 Mahindra XUV500

2025 Lexus NX

By Andrew Chesterton

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.7L/100km (combined)

1.3L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

14.0 kWh/100km

Electric range

87 km

Battery capacity

18.10 kWh

Seating

Likes

Cheap way into seven seats
Petrol/auto combination a winner
Hugely spacious third row

Plush cabin space with nice trims
Premium technology that's easy to use
Refined on road driving experience

Dislikes

Underwhelming safety
Steering that requires plenty of guesswork
Cheap-feeling interior

Misses out on a few items for a flagship model
Not as flashy inside as rivals
Plug-in hybrid powertrain won't win over everyone

2018 Mahindra XUV500 Summary

Just in case attacking Australia's crowded SUV market with a virtually unheard of Indian brand wasn't a high enough hurdle to leap over, Mahindra had made its task even harder - think a Bollywood version of Mission Impossible - by launching its XUV500 SUV here with a diesel engine (which nobody wanted) and a manual gearbox (which few could even remember how to use).

Fortunately, it fixed one of those issues late in 2016, finally adding an automatic transmission to the line-up. And now, at long last, it's fixed the other.

This, then, is the petrol-powered XUV500 SUV. And, on paper at least, it's the most sense-making Mahindra to date.

For one, it's a ferociously cheap way into a new seven-seat SUV. For another, it's pretty well equipped, even from the base level. There's a long warranty, an equally long roadside assistance offering, and there's capped-price servicing, too.

So, should the mainstream SUV players be looking over their shoulders?

Spoiler alert: no.

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2025 Lexus NX Summary

The Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport is a well-specified and plush-looking medium SUV that has a plug-in hybrid powertrain - a first for the brand.

On paper, it seems to tick the boxes for size, luxury and efficiency but we've been testing the flagship grade to see if it's a winning combo in real life.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Mahindra XUV500 2025 Lexus NX

Verdict

This petrol-powered and well-priced XUV500 W6 might mark Mahindra's most convincing effort at cracking Australia's congested SUV market, but we're still not completely convinced.

That said, it's certainly cheap, the ownership credentials stack up and it's a very comfortable way to transport seven people.

Verdict

The Lexus NX450h+ F Sport is a gorgeous mid-size SUV that combines great specs and a fairly efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain. It’s a comfortable and easy ride which should appeal to a wide range of driving styles. It also looks good parked at the kerbside of a city street and with it ticking most of the boxes, it may become your new best friend.

Mahindra XUV500 vs Lexus NX What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mahindra XUV500 vs Lexus NX
What's the difference?