Mahindra XUV 3XO vs MG ZS
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mahindra XUV 3XO starts from $23,490 before on-road costs, while the MG ZS opens at $22,990. That makes the MG ZS the more affordable entry point by $500.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $25,839 and $25,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The MG ZS holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Mahindra XUV 3XO.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the MG ZS. The MG ZS counters with power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mahindra XUV 3XO uses a Petrol producing 82kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.4 seconds.
The MG ZS responds with a Petrol making 81kW and 140Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO has the clear power advantage at 82kW vs 81kW. In the real-world sprint, the MG ZS is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mahindra XUV 3XO measures 3,990mm long on a 2,600mm wheelbase, 440mm shorter than the MG ZS at 4,430mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG ZS generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 364L in the Mahindra XUV 3XO and 359L in the MG ZS, giving the Mahindra XUV 3XO a 5L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the Mahindra XUV 3XO and $1,910/year for the MG ZS. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Mahindra XUV 3XO.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Mahindra XUV 3XO) vs $1,910 (MG ZS). The Mahindra XUV 3XO saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 150,000km (Mahindra XUV 3XO) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG ZS). The MG ZS has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mahindra XUV 3XO if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mahindra's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG ZS if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG ZS takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mahindra XUV 3XO will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. The MG ZS adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mahindra XUV 3XO and MG ZS?
The MG ZS is the cheapest at $22,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mahindra XUV 3XO by $500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mahindra XUV 3XO uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The MG ZS has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mahindra XUV 3XO has the largest boot at 364L.
Which can tow the most?
The MG ZS has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG ZS has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mahindra XUV 3XO makes the most power at 82kW. The MG ZS is quickest to 100km/h in 9.9s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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