Mahindra XUV 3XO named on Wheels Car of the Year Top 8 list

Brisbane: January 16, 2026: Mahindra Automotive Australia has achieved a significant milestone, with the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7L named to the Top 8 finalists of the 2025–26 Wheels Car of the Year (COTY) awards - one of the most respected and rigorous automotive awards programs in Australia.

Judged by the expert editorial team at Wheels, the XUV 3XO impressed with its comfort, capability, and exceptional value, standing out in a highly competitive field and earning what the judges described as “unexpected praise”.

In a landmark moment for the brand, the XUV 3XO became the first Indian-manufactured vehicle to reach the Wheels COTY Top 8, underscoring Mahindra’s growing global ambition and its expanding presence in the Australian market.

At well under $30,000 drive-away, the XUV 3XO was recognised as setting a new benchmark for affordable value in 2025, with the judging panel highlighting the challenge of delivering a well-rounded vehicle at an accessible price point.

“It’s relatively easy to build an expensive luxury car, but much harder to make something to a price,” Morley noted, referencing the strength of the XUV 3XO’s overall package.

During dynamic testing, the XUV 3XO surprised judges, with Wheels praising its composed suspension, confident handling, and easy-going nature on Australian-style roads.

Wheels described the XUV 3XO as “a hidden gem in the COTY field” – honest, sensible, and well suited to young families and value-conscious buyers seeking a compact SUV that delivers comfort, practicality, and strong standard equipment.

Key features highlighted by Wheels included:

• A competitive $26,990 drive-away starting price
• Seven-year/150,000km warranty
• Well-judged ride and handling
• Comfortable cabin with clear instrumentation and physical controls
• Strong air-conditioning performance
• A premium Harman Kardon seven-speaker sound system in AX7L specification

The XUV 3XO’s recognition comes as Mahindra continues to strengthen its SUV line-up in Australia, building on more than 20 years of local presence and ongoing investment in design, engineering, and quality through its global technical centres.

While not chasing outright luxury or performance accolades, the Wheels judges agreed the XUV 3XO deserves greater attention from Australian new-car buyers, particularly those prioritising value, usability, and real-world comfort.

The other vehicles in the Top 8 were: 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 x4.

The Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7L is available now across Australia.

Read the full Wheels report here: https://www.whichcar.com.au/events/coty/2025-26-wheels-car-of-the-year-top-8-mahindra-xuv3xo-ax7l