Review - Mahindra PIK-UP

The company is looking to take the segment back to its roots, where you could typically find a no-frills 4x4 workhorse for a reasonable price.

To make things even more appealing for buyers looking to get their hands budget 4x4 battler, Mahindra has updated the Pik-Up with an automatic transmission, so let’s take a closer look at how it holds up against its biggest rivals in the segment.

Mahindra PIK-UP Competition

Starting Price: $37,990

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How Much Does It Cost?

Prices for the 2023 Mahindra Pik-Up range kick off from $37,990 for the entry-level PIK-UP S11 Automatic 4x4 Dual Cab Chassis, while the PIK-UP S11 Dual Cab Pickup is priced at $38,500.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change, though they are drive-away prices that include on-road costs.

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Mahindra PIK-UP (S11 4x4) Specifications

What Features Does the Mahindra PIK-UP Have?

The Mahindra PIK-UP range comes riding on a set of 16-inch alloys and receives automatic halogen headlights with LED daytime running lamps, fog lights, cloth upholstery, side steps, a sports bar, tub-liner, locking rear differential, a rear-view camera, hill-descent control, air conditioning and a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

Range Features:

• 16-inch alloys

• Automatic halogen headlights, fog lights 

• LED daytime running lamps

• Cloth upholstery 

• Side steps

• Rear sports bar

• Tub liner (dual cab pick-up) 

• Hill-descent control 

• Locking rear differential 

• 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Is the Mahindra PIK-UP Comfortable to Drive?

The Mahindra PIK-UP is designed primarily as a cut-price workhorse, which means that its on-road manners haven’t been a huge priority.

Under the bonnet, the Mahindra PIK-UP is powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel producing 103kW of power and 320Nm of torque, which is thrown to the wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel drive system.

On the road, this gives the Mahindra PIK-UP some very leisurely acceleration off the line, though the decent injection of torque helps to keep things moving along, though there’s not a heap of power at highway speeds.

At lower speeds, while tacking some loose terrain or lugging a heavy load of cargo around, the 320Nm of torque is available from around 1,500rpm which is where this engine prefers to hang around to get the job done.

The ladder-frame platform means that the unladen ride quality is on the firmer side, while the road quality itself is pretty unsophisticated on a mix of rougher Australian roads, though the benefit is that the suspension package can handle a super heavy load in the tray.

Around town, the Mahindra PIK-UP’s steering is heavily weighted and involves a lot of feedback for lower-speed turns and while parking, which means it’s not the most user-friendly package in the segment.

Having said that, though, Mahindra never promised a smooth, well-mannered package with the PIK-UP, instead, focussing on providing those looking for an off-roader or workhorse with an accessible option.

What are the Off-Road Specs of the Mahindra PIK-UP S11?

Below you can find off-road specifications for the Mahindra PIK-UP, which show that it is adept at climbing tough terrain, though has lower departure angles that might have you trawling the tail on the dirt on tough terrain.

• Approach Angle: 34-degrees

• Breakover Angle: 18-degrees

• Departure Angle: 15-degrees 

• Wading Depth: 500mm

• Ground Clearance: 210mm

• Front Suspension: Twin-wishbone with torsion bars

• Rear Suspension: Leaf-spring live rear axle 

• Front Brakes: Discs 

• Rear Brakes: Drum

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Mahindra’s 2.2-litre turbo-diesel unit powering the PIK-UP range is rated at 9.3L/100km on a combined cycle, which means that it’s noticeably thirstier than its main rivals.

What are the Braked Towing & Payload Figures of the Mahindra PIK-UP?

The Mahindra PIK-UP range offers 2500kg of braked towing capacity, while unbraked towing power is capped at 750kg.

In terms of payload figures, the Mahindra PIK-UP range offers an impressive 1035kg of cargo-moving power.

• Unbraked Towing Capacity: 750kg

• Braked Towing Capacity: 2500kg

• Payload Capacity: 1035kg 

• Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM): 3150kg

Is the Interior Practical and Spacious?

Step inside the Mahindra PIK-UP and it takes just a few seconds behind the wheel to realise it’s a package with a very utilitarian interior layout.

Had it received a more aggressive price tag, the quality of the interior may have raised some eyebrows, though, with its current pricing, the PIK-UP’s spartan cabin is wholly forgivable and offers a heap of space.

That means that headroom is no issue for taller drivers thanks to the large cabin, though storage options are limited to a pair of cup holders, a small storage tray behind the gear lever, small door bins on either side of the cabin and a reasonable-sized glovebox.

Move to the rear and there are no issues in terms of headroom once again, though legroom is somewhat limited in the rear of the PIK-UP and is more suitable for young kids rather than any adults in the rear.

Is it Safe?

The Mahindra PIK-UP range has an expired three-star ANCAP safety rating and fails to match its key rivals in the arena of active safety equipment.

As standard, the PIK-UP range comes fitted with a rear-view camera, anti-lock brakes, stability control, airbags and that’s it - no autonomous emergency braking nor any active safety features to speak of.

Our Verdict: Is the Mahindra PIK-UP Worth it?

If you’re looking for a bargain workhorse, there’s a lot to like about the latest Mahindra PIK-UP range, though it struggles to hide its utilitarian design on the road and is well and truly out of its depth when it comes to safety equipment in the modern age.

While it doesn’t have the best on-road manners, there’s a lot to love about the Mahindra’s hearty off-road performance and its healthy payload figures, making for a great cut-price workhorse for Aussie buyers.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new car soon, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best possible price on your next car.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/150,000km warranty 

2. Four-years capped-price servicing, five-year roadside assist 

3. 2.2-litre turbo-diesel with six-speed automatic, part-time 4x4 and locking rear differential 

4. 1035kg payload figures 

5. 9.3L/100km combined cycle fuel economy figures (claimed)