Mahindra Lifestyler ute confirmed for Australia as new HiLux and Ranger rival

Mahindra has revealed the production version of its long-awaited global ute, confirming the Mahindra Lifestyler will target Australia as part of an international rollout beginning in 2027.

Known as the Scorpio Lifestyler in India, the new ute is the production evolution of the Global Pik Up concept first shown in Cape Town, South Africa, in August 2023.

Australia has long been central to the vehicle’s development. Mahindra previously confirmed its next-generation ute was being engineered specifically for global markets, with Australian customer requirements helping shape the program. More than 600 development vehicles had reportedly been involved in testing by mid-2025.

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The Lifestyler will effectively replace the ageing Pik-Up, which disappeared from Mahindra’s Australian range in 2025, leaving the company temporarily without a ute locally.

Developed at Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai and designed in Mumbai, the Lifestyler uses a new-generation body-on-frame architecture. It has been developed to compete in the global mid-size ute segment occupied by models including the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton.

Mahindra has yet to publish complete production specifications, including Australian powertrain details, towing capacity, payload or pricing.

Earlier information surrounding the development program pointed towards a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, with improvements to performance and torque compared with the previous Pik-Up. A traditional four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing has also been anticipated, although final specifications remain unconfirmed.

Three versions have been displayed to demonstrate potential styling directions. The Valley Edition is finished in Artemis Grey and adopts a more restrained specification, while the Reef Edition (below) uses Aquareef paint and an outdoor-oriented theme. The Trail Edition, finished in Sahara Beige, takes a more overtly off-road approach.

Mahindra says the production vehicle has been engineered to meet international safety requirements and will combine load-carrying and recreational capability with more modern technology and cabin refinement than its predecessor.

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The Lifestyler is scheduled to make its Indian debut by April 2027. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America are among the key export markets earmarked for the new ute.

Final Australian specifications, pricing and launch timing are still to be announced.