Mahindra XUV500 vs Isuzu MU-X
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.
Data checked: specs 3 Sep 2026, price 14 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Mahindra XUV500: we're still completing price, kerb weight, 0-100km/h, warranty and turning circle, plus 1 other.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
No price
- no option data for this car
$43,900RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Mahindra XUV500 & Isuzu MU-X
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Mahindra XUV500
None open on our record
Isuzu MU-X
- REC-006052 · published 8 Aug 2024Due to a software issue, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may incorrectly reduce the engine speed.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
- REC-005647 · published 30 Mar 2023Due to a manufacturing issue, the lower steering shaft attaching bolt may have a torque value lower than the required specification.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2022
- REC-003752 · published 1 Dec 2016The fuel tank band fixing bolts may not be tightened to the correct torque specification.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- 2 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mahindra XUV500 features a 6-inch touchscreen, while the Isuzu MU-X gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments.
The Isuzu MU-X counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mahindra XUV500 lines up producing 103kW and 330Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed synchromesh manual to a FWD layout.
The Isuzu MU-X responds with a Diesel making 120kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.
The Isuzu MU-X has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 103kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mahindra XUV500 measures 4,585mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 275mm shorter than the Isuzu MU-X at 4,860mm (2,855mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Isuzu MU-X generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Isuzu MU-X leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m diameter
Average
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.1 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the Mahindra XUV500 and $1,824/year for the Isuzu MU-X. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Isuzu MU-X.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mahindra XUV500 if: You or prefer Mahindra's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Isuzu MU-X if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (53 vs 82). The Mahindra XUV500 and Isuzu MU-X trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Isuzu MU-X will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mahindra XUV500 and Isuzu MU-X?
The Isuzu MU-X is the cheapest at $43,900 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Isuzu MU-X uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Isuzu MU-X holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mahindra XUV500, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Isuzu MU-X has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Isuzu MU-X makes the most power at 120kW.
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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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