Mahindra XUV700: Mahindra set new benchmarks in the mid-size SUV space with the introduction of the XUV700. A replacement for the XUV500, it was a bold, tech-heavy, premium features-laden SUV with powerful engine options and futuristic looks at a surprisingly aggressive price point.
Going up against a rival like the Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar and MG Hector Plus, the XUV700 landed its own special identity.
Offering up to 7 seats, the XUV700 meets the needs of both family and thrill seekers. So let’s dive into why this SUV turned heads and if it can still hold its own in 2025.
Mahindra XUV700 Modern and Muscular Styling
The Mahindra XUV700 comes with a bold design, which manages to maintain the fine blend of aggression and elegance.
Up front it dons a gargantuan chrome-slatted grille flanked by sharp looking all-LED headlamps with C-shaped DRLs that bestows it with a dominant road presence.
The sculpted bonnet, bulging wheel arches and sleek shoulder lines complete its sporty look.
The rear end is simple yet stylish, featuring distinctive negative arrow-shaped LED tail lamps and a clean bumper. The alloy wheel sizes vary from 17 inches to 18 inches across variants and the overall design, it can be said, makes sure that the XUV700 is a tall boy in the SUV space.
Interior Tech-Laden and Roomy
Open the door, and you are greeted with a cabin that is both futuristic and functional. It gives a taste of luxury car by having twin screens integrated 10.25-inch each (one is instrument cluster and other is infotainment).
It also offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, as well as in-car Alexa voice commands.
Build quality is good, with soft-touch inserts, leatherette upholstery (in higher variants) and a well organized layout. The large legroom and recline angle of the second row seat. The third row (in 7-seater form) is best left to kids or shorter trips.
Boot space is fine, but drops considerably with all three rows in place.
That also means folding down that third row makes the space very usable for long trips or for those with big families.
Engines and Performance
The XUV700 is available with Petrol and Diesel engines:
2.0-litre turbo-petrol (mStallion): Makes 200 PS and 380 Nm and can be had with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
2.2-litre turbo-diesel (mHawk): Comes in 2 tunes now – 155 PS (lower variants) and the 185 PS (higher models), with a torque of 450 Nm.
Both powerplants provide healthy bottom-end torque as well smooth highway cruising and good passing performance. The auto is willing, and even offers an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for those wanting to explore off the beaten path.
The ride is cushy and the suspension absorbs potholes and poor road surfaces without drama. It’s one of the few models in its class that combines driving dynamics and comfort sans compromise.
Features and Safety
XUV700 is not one to shy away from being a feature-loaded offering. Highlights include:
Panoramic sunroof
Dual-zone climate control
Wireless charging
360° camera (top variants)
Sony surround sound system with 3D (12 speakers)
On the safety side, Mahindra does not disappoint with up to 7 airbags, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, emergency braking and a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating. It also has things like ESP, traction control and hill hold assist.
Pros:
Strong Performer: Best-in-segment Performance with petrol and diesel engines
Feature-rich cabin: Panoramic sunroof, dual screens, Alexa integration
Advanced Safety Tech: Added modern safety gear to the ADAS suite
Ride is Comfortable: Very sorted suspension details
Solid Price Point: Beats out a bunch of similar competitors
AWD available: Ideal for off-road fans and hilly-region inhabitants
Cons:
Boot space (7-seater): tight with all rows up
Third-Row Comfort: Less adult-friendly on long trips
First Software Bugs: A few early users have reported infotainment issues
High Lead Times: Huge demand often results in waiting for deliveries
Mahindra XUV700 Final Verdict
Not just an SUV, the Mahindra XUV700 is also an assertion of how Indian car makers have progressed in providing products of a global level. From a power, space, features and safety point of view, the XUV700 ticks most boxes.
For folks in search of a value-packed family SUV that doesn’t feel cheap, it’s still one of the top picks in its segment — and that’s years after it went on sale.