MG ZS vs Mahindra XUV 3XO
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 MG ZS starts from $22,990 before on-road costs, while the Mahindra XUV 3XO opens at $23,490. 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 $25,289 and $25,839 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
The MG ZS features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Mahindra XUV 3XO gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG ZS stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The Mahindra XUV 3XO counters with wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The MG ZS uses a Petrol producing 81kW and 140Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO responds with a Petrol making 82kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.4 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 MG ZS measures 4,430mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 440mm longer than the Mahindra XUV 3XO at 3,990mm (2,600mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG ZS generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 359L in the MG ZS and 364L in the Mahindra XUV 3XO, 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 $1,910/year for the MG ZS and $1,853/year for the Mahindra XUV 3XO. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Mahindra XUV 3XO.
Estimated annual total: $1,910 (MG ZS) vs $1,853 (Mahindra XUV 3XO). 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: 10 years / 250,000km (MG ZS) vs 7 years / 150,000km (Mahindra XUV 3XO). The MG ZS has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
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.
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, MG ZS and Mahindra XUV 3XO?
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.
Get ahead of your next car
Join free for new-car launches, news, reviews and buying guides. The independent take on what's new in Australia and what's actually worth buying, no dealer spin. Plus early access and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
