When you think of seven-seater SUVs in Australia, the Mahindra XUV700 might not be the first name that comes to mind. However, this underrated SUV deserves a spot on your radar. It’s not just well-equipped and reasonably priced; it’s a standout in its class.
A Budget-Friendly Marvel
We were genuinely surprised by the XUV700’s affordability. Priced from $35,990, it’s hard to believe this SUV is loaded with features. To put it in perspective, you could easily spend more on a much smaller vehicle, like a Toyota Yaris. This makes the XUV700 not just a bargain, but a serious contender in the seven-seater market.
First Impressions Matter
Before even stepping inside, the price tag was a pleasant shocker. Our initial thought was, “If they can price it below $40,000, it’s a great thing.” And indeed, they did. At $35,990, the XUV700 offers tremendous value for money, especially when compared to its more expensive competitors.
Stylish and Unassuming Exterior
The exterior design of the XUV700 is clean and contemporary. It doesn’t scream for attention but fits in perfectly at the school drop-off or in city traffic. While it might not turn heads like some over-styled competitors, its electric pop-out door handles and Renault-like LED daytime running lights add a touch of character and sophistication. The design is smart and inoffensive, appealing to a wide audience without trying too hard.
Dimensions and Practicality
Replacing the older Mahindra 500, the XUV700 feels like a leap forward. It measures 4695mm in length, 1890mm in width, and 1755mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2750mm. These dimensions make it surprisingly easy to maneuver in tight spaces like underground car parks and narrow garages.
2024 Mahindra XUV700 Interior and Features
Stepping inside, the XUV700 doesn’t disappoint. The cabin is well-built and stylish, offering a premium feel that rivals much pricier SUVs. Comfortable seating, ample legroom, and modern tech features make it a pleasure for both driver and passengers. It’s clear that Mahindra has focused on delivering a top-notch interior experience without compromising on quality.
Perfect for Families
Targeted at suburban families, the front-wheel-drive unibody SUV is ideal for those with three or more kids. Safety and reliability are top priorities, and the XUV700 delivers on both fronts. It’s not designed for rugged off-road adventures like the Mahindra Scorpio but excels in urban and suburban settings.
The Competition
When cross-shopping, the XUV700 holds its own against competitors like the Mitsubishi Outlander. It offers a compelling mix of features, space, and affordability that’s hard to beat.
Competitive Pricing
That runout pricing sees it undercut even the most affordable seven-seat versions of key rivals, like the Mitsubishi Outlander LS ($39,490), Honda CR-V VTi 7 ($40,990 drive-away), Mazda CX-8 G25 Sport ($42,060), and Nissan X-Trail ST AWD ($39,790). This makes the XUV700 the cheapest seven-seater in Australia. Even the Chinese LDV D90 opens at $38,990 drive-away, let alone the new Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max ($41,990 D/A).
Interior Excellence
It’s very rare to find a car in this price range that offers an interior color choice that’s anything but black. With the XUV700, Mahindra has done the opposite, with the only interior color choice being a gorgeous off-white leatherette upholstery that extends across the dashboard and onto the doors. This gives the Mahindra’s cabin a far more upmarket feel, which is further enhanced by the Mercedes-like twin 10.25-inch high-resolution screens, enormous panoramic sunroof, and wood-like trim. As far as first impressions go, not many would jump in an XUV700 and think it should cost less than $40,000.
While the glossy black material used around the center console will no doubt get a literal handful of fingerprints within days of use, based on our experience with other manufacturers using the same type of material, it’s the potential scratches that you’d need to be conscious of. In saying that, our test car had endured many thousand kilometers and still seemed unscathed. The switchgear and the feel of the controls all feel pretty sturdy, and they move and click with a sense of durability.7
Practical Design Choices
We do love that Mahindra has opted for physical air conditioning controls, rather than being forced to use a screen. This is probably a good thing because the XUV700’s infotainment system is a little quirky. It has some strange bugs, such as forcing us to listen to the same radio station each time the car was turned on instead of defaulting to the previous media used, whether that was Apple CarPlay or Bluetooth audio.
Speaking of which, while the screens are super clear and the hardware is very responsive, the actual software and menu design in the infotainment is a little nonsensical. As an example, there is an option for ‘fun’ – which doesn’t lead to any fun at all, showing you some power outputs from the engine instead.
Fun for the Family
While a front-wheel-drive, seven-seater SUV like the Mahindra XUV700 might not scream “fun,” it certainly has its moments. The quirky “fun button” can provide a chuckle as you tell the kids, “Be quiet, I pressed the fun button,” while they squabble in the back seat. It’s a small but amusing feature that adds a bit of personality to your drive.
Impressive Audio and Minor Connectivity Quirks
If you go for the AX7L model, the 12-speaker sound system is a real treat. It’s bass-heavy and surprisingly clear, making your drives much more enjoyable. However, we did wish Mahindra included wireless Apple CarPlay. It’s a bit inconvenient that you can charge your phone wirelessly, but need to plug it in to connect to the system, especially since the ports are the older USB-A type instead of the newer USB-C.
Luckily, you can easily fix these issues. Buying a wireless CarPlay adapter for under $100 can solve the connectivity problem, allowing you to enjoy wireless convenience while your phone charges. Not ideal, but definitely not a deal-breaker.
Comfortable and Spacious
The driver’s seat in the XUV700 is very comfortable and offers great support, with easy-to-use controls on the door similar to those found in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The passenger seat, while lacking height adjustment, is positioned high enough to be comfortable.
The front and second rows are spacious and ideal for long trips. The second row even has air vents and a USB-C port, though it would be nice to have more USB ports up front. The 5+2 seating configuration means that while the third row is suitable for kids, it might be cramped for adults on longer journeys.
When all seven seats are in use, the boot space is limited. However, with the third row folded down, there’s plenty of room for multiple large suitcases. Mahindra hasn’t specified the exact luggage capacity, but it’s more than adequate for most needs.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, the Mahindra XUV700 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 149kW and 380Nm of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission from Aisin, this front-wheel-drive SUV offers solid performance.
Compared to its competitors, the XUV700’s engine holds its own, offering more power and torque than many naturally aspirated engines in its class. While some SUVs in the same category might be more fuel-efficient, the XUV700’s power and performance make it a compelling choice.
Driving the Mahindra XUV700: Smooth and Capable
Driving a large SUV like the Mahindra XUV700, especially with front-wheel drive, is one of the ways Mahindra has managed to keep the price down. During our week-long test in Brisbane, we encountered a lot of rain, which tested the car’s handling in wet conditions.
Handling in Wet Conditions
Despite some traction loss when accelerating uphill in heavy rain, the XUV700 performed admirably. While all-wheel drive would solve these issues completely, the front-wheel-drive system didn’t exhibit any significant problems. There was no noticeable torque steer, and the front wheels never felt overworked.
If you’re planning to go off-road or to the beach, the Mahindra Scorpio might be a better choice. The XUV700 has 196mm of ground clearance, but the lack of AWD limits its off-road capabilities.
Light and Agile
For its size, the XUV700 is relatively light, with a curb weight ranging from 1829kg in the AX7 to 1835kg in the AX7L, and a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 2357kg. The four-cylinder engine is more than adequate, providing ample power even with four passengers and luggage. It handles highway overtakes with ease and accelerates smoothly onto the highway without excessive noise.
Ride Quality and Dynamics
The ride quality is slightly on the firmer side, especially on poorly surfaced roads, but it’s quite comfortable in city driving. The steering and overall vehicle dynamics are comparable to other vehicles in its class. However, the six-speed transmission may keep the engine in a higher rev range compared to the seven- and eight-speed transmissions found in some rivals.
During our test, we drove over 300km and averaged 9.1L/100km, slightly higher than the claimed 8.3L/100km. With a 60L fuel tank, you can realistically expect a range of about 650km between refills.
Safety and Convenience Features
The top-spec model we tested included a blind-spot camera system that significantly enhances safety. Every time you indicate, a view of the intended lane appears on the instrument cluster, providing a clear view of any vehicles or scooters in your blind spot. This feature, combined with a high-quality reversing camera, boosts confidence when merging in heavy traffic and maneuvering in tight spaces.
Performance and Towing Capacity
Overall, the XUV700 drives smoothly and confidently in suburban environments. Its powertrain and driving dynamics are on par with Japanese competitors. Additionally, Mahindra claims the XUV700 has a braked towing capacity of 1500kg (unbraked is 750kg), adding to its versatility.
Driving the Mahindra XUV700: Smooth and Capable
Driving a large SUV like the Mahindra XUV700, especially with front-wheel drive, is one of the ways Mahindra has managed to keep the price down. During our week-long test in Brisbane, we encountered a lot of rain, which tested the car’s handling in wet conditions.
Handling in Wet Conditions
Despite some traction loss when accelerating uphill in heavy rain, the XUV700 performed admirably. While all-wheel drive would solve these issues completely, the front-wheel-drive system didn’t exhibit any significant problems. There was no noticeable torque steer, and the front wheels never felt overworked.
If you’re planning to go off-road or to the beach, the Mahindra Scorpio might be a better choice. The XUV700 has 196mm of ground clearance, but the lack of AWD limits its off-road capabilities.
Light and Agile
For its size, the XUV700 is relatively light, with a curb weight ranging from 1829kg in the AX7 to 1835kg in the AX7L, and a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 2357kg. The four-cylinder engine is more than adequate, providing ample power even with four passengers and luggage. It handles highway overtakes with ease and accelerates smoothly onto the highway without excessive noise.
Ride Quality and Dynamics
The ride quality is slightly on the firmer side, especially on poorly surfaced roads, but it’s quite comfortable in city driving. The steering and overall vehicle dynamics are comparable to other vehicles in its class. However, the six-speed transmission may keep the engine in a higher rev range compared to the seven- and eight-speed transmissions found in some rivals.
During our test, we drove over 300km and averaged 9.1L/100km, slightly higher than the claimed 8.3L/100km. With a 60L fuel tank, you can realistically expect a range of about 650km between refills.
Safety and Convenience Features
The top-spec model we tested included a blind-spot camera system that significantly enhances safety. Every time you indicate, a view of the intended lane appears on the instrument cluster, providing a clear view of any vehicles or scooters in your blind spot. This feature, combined with a high-quality reversing camera, boosts confidence when merging in heavy traffic and maneuvering in tight spaces.
Performance and Towing Capacity
Overall, the XUV700 drives smoothly and confidently in suburban environments. Its powertrain and driving dynamics are on par with Japanese competitors. Additionally, Mahindra claims the XUV700 has a braked towing capacity of 1500kg (unbraked is 750kg), adding to its versatility.
