Mahindra XUV 3XO Joins Wheels Car Of The Year Top Eight
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Mahindra Automotive Australia has just had a moment to savour. The XUV 3XO AX7L has been named one of the Top 8 finalists in the 2025–26 Wheels Car of the Year awards, a competition that separates the merely good from the genuinely noteworthy. The vehicle impressed the Wheels editorial judges with a mix of comfort, competence and, dare I say, common sense.
Why The Judges Took Notice
The XUV 3XO did not arrive with fireworks or a circus. Instead it quietly did what many cars promise and few deliver: it offered a convincing all-round package at a price that makes accountants beam. Priced at well under $30,000 drive-away, the car was flagged as setting a new benchmark for affordable value in 2025. The panel pointed out the obvious but important truth that it is far easier to spec up an expensive car than to build something that genuinely works on a tight budget.
How It Drives
On the road the XUV 3XO surprised the testers. Its suspension remains composed where others pogo, the handling is confident rather than twitchy, and it settles onto Australian-style surfaces with a calm, easy-going demeanour. Wheels called it a hidden gem in the COTY field, praising its honest, sensible character and suitability for young families and value-conscious buyers who want comfort and practicality without fuss.
Practical Kit And Comfort
The AX7L specification brings a list of practical strengths: a drive-away starting price of $26,990, a seven-year/150,000 km warranty, a well-judged ride and handling balance, a comfortable cabin with clear instrumentation and physical controls, strong air-conditioning performance, and a premium Harman Kardon seven-speaker audio system. In short, it covers the items people actually use every day rather than the ones that look good in a brochure.
What This Means For Mahindra In Australia
This nomination is a milestone. The XUV 3XO is the first vehicle built in India to crack the Wheels COTY Top 8, signalling Mahindra’s growing global ambition and its increasingly serious presence in the Australian market. With more than two decades of local involvement and ongoing investment in design, engineering and quality, the brand is quietly strengthening its SUV line-up down under. The judges agreed it may not chase outright luxury or sporting hardware, but it deserves more attention from buyers who prioritise value, usability and real-world comfort.
The Competition
Sharing the Top 8 with the XUV 3XO are models such as the Honda Civic e:HEV L, Toyota GR Corolla, MG HS Hybrid+ Essence, Kia EV3 Air Long Range, MG IM5 Performance, Volkswagen Tayron 150 TSI Elegance, and Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 4×4.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7L is available now across Australia.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
