Mahindra XUV700

• The Mahindra XUV700 continues to look modern even after three years of its launch.

• I’d recommend you pick a darker shade like blue or black if you want a tougher look and a more noticeable road presence.

• With full-LED headlights, LED tail lamps and dynamic turn indicators, the XUV700 boasts of an impressive lighting package.

• The fang shaped LED DRLs add aggressiveness to the face of this SUV.

• Its size is highlighted from the side profile where it sits on 18-inch alloy wheels. Lower spec variants get 17-inch alloys.

• Another highlight of this profile are the flush fitting door handles, which give it a sleeker look. In the top-spec variants, these door handles are motorised, which come out automatically once you unlock the car.

• Its rear end features sharp lines and mean-looking LED taillamps, which complete the aggressive appeal of this SUV.

• The 2025 Mahindra XUV700 is available in 7 monotone shades: Everest White, Midnight Black, Dazzling Silver, Red Rage, Stealth Black, Deep Forest, and Burnt Sienna.

• All these colours along with Electric Blue are also available in a dual-tone shade, which comes with a blacked-out roof.

• Mahindra has also launched an all-black Ebony edition of the 2025 XUV700, which features an exclusive ‘Stealth Black’ shade.

Design & Quality

• Mahindra has opted for a simple and sober interior design, and a neutral black-beige-silver colour combination.

• In the Ebony edition, however, you get an all-black cabin theme, including blacked-out chrome inserts.

• What grabs the most attention is the dual-screen setup, and the massive panoramic sunroof.

• When it comes to fit and finish, there are no complaints, but the plastic quality should have been better considering the price.

• However, higher variants do get a lot of soft touch padding, which makes the cabin feel premium.

Driving Position

• Finding your ideal driving position is pretty easy as the steering wheel has both tilt and telescopic adjustment.

• The driver seat is also 6-way powered and gets a memory function, which means you only need to set your driving position once.

• Having a memory function also means that multiple drivers can save their driving positions and won’t have to spend time adjusting seats every time someone else drives. 

• The front seats are wide and comfortable. You can very easily spend hours here on road trips.

• From the driver seat, you get a wide view of the road, and since you sit high, you also get a commanding driving position.

Passenger Comfort

• XUV700’s second row has enough space for three passengers with no shortage of headroom, legroom, or underthigh support.

• The middle passenger, however, sits slightly upright, due to the bulge in the seat.

• I did not like that the second row position is fixed, a sliding seat would have allowed occupants to make space as per requirement.

• If you don’t want a bench seat, you can opt for the 6-seater variant, which gets captain seats with individual armrests. This variant is better for a chauffeur driven experience.

• Accessing the third row is easy with a one-touch tumble in the bench seat variants. In the captain seat variant — you have to recline and slide the seat forward which isn’t very convenient.  

• In the third row, anyone up to 5’8” should be comfortable. Kids will have no issues. Dedicated AC vents, cupholders and charging points are available. 

Storage Options

• There’s enough space in the door pockets, under the central armrest and glovebox for your items.

• Second row passengers get seat back pockets, cupholders, and a small storage under the rear AC vents. Third row passengers also get cupholders and slots for their phones/wallet.

Features

• Functional features in the 2025 XUV700 include electrically adjustable ORVMs with auto fold, cruise control, push button start stop, and dual-zone climate control.

• It gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen with great resolution. It is quick, lag free, and supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

• You also get a 12-speaker music system which offers clear and crisp sound quality.

• There’s a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display as well which has good graphics and multiple themes. It can also show a display for in-built navigation.

• Other features include ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, auto headlamps, and built-in Amazon Alexa.

• The XUV700 gets a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, thanks to a packed list of standard features.

• Safety kit includes up to 7 airbags, electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring system, and a rear view camera.

• It also gets a 360-degree camera which offers a clean and lag free feed. This feature also brings in a blind view monitor, which is very helpful while switching lanes.

• Higher variants also get Level-2 ADAS systems, which work well in our chaotic conditions. Can be turned off entirely if needed.

• With all seats up, the XUV700’s boot can only accommodate a few backpacks or duffle bags.

• I like that the third row folds flat, opening up a wide and flat storage area. You can accommodate large suitcases with ease for those airport runs.

• The 2025 XUV700 is available with two engine options: a 2-litre turbo-petrol, and a 2.2-litre diesel.

• The petrol engine’s highlight is its refinement. There are no harsh vibrations or sounds leading to a very calm experience. 

• It is available in different tunes which will differ based on the variant and transmission you choose. Lower variants will get it in a lower stage or tune.

• For city drives, I liked the strong acceleration and instant throttle response. 

• While the manual has a light clutch and easy gear throws, I will prefer the automatic for its smooth shifts and stress-free experience.

• The petrol XUV700 feels at home on the highway. It maintains 100-120kmph with ease and has enough power to go further still comfortably. 

• But this power comes with a trade off, which is low fuel efficiency. In the city, the turbo-petrol XUV700 will return 7-10 kmpl, and on the highways, it will give a mileage of 12-14 kmpl.

• The diesel engine is tried and tested, and is known for its reliability.

• It is also the one which is paired with the all-wheel-drive setup. But only with an automatic transmission.

• Driving inside the city is easy, thanks to the torque available. You can easily cruise around in second gear. 

• I found the travel of the clutch to be on the higher side, which can be tiring in the city. Clutch weight, however, isn’t bothersome. 

• On the highways, you will have no issues climbing to triple digit speeds, maintaining it and even overtaking.

• The diesel engine has a better mileage, returning 10-12kmpl inside the city and 15kmpl and above on the highways. 

• For both engines, we’d recommend the automatic as it shifts gears smoothly and is more convenient.

• The 2025 XUV700 has a very comfortable ride quality over a variety of surfaces.

• High speed stability is impressive and even quick lane changes at high speeds do not unsettle the car. 

• Ample ground clearance ensures peace of mind over rough roads. Minor cabin movement aside, no real complaints. 

• Steering is light enough at city speeds and has adequate weight for the highway. 

• Braking performance is acceptable, but pedal feel can be improved.

• The 2025 Mahindra XUV700 is available in 6 broad variants: MX, AX3, AX5 Select, AX5, AX7, and AX7 Luxury Pack.

Mahindra XUV700 MX Variant:

• The base variant gets dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat anchors in its safety kit.

• Its infotainment package contains an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Android Auto, and a 7-inch driver’s display.

• Other features include electrically adjustable ORVMs, follow me home headlamps, and LED tail lamps.

• This variant gets 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers.

Mahindra XUV700 AX3 Variant:

• Over the base variant, the AX3 offers dual 10.25-inch screens (touchscreen and digital driver’s display), wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, built in Amazon Alexa.

• Other additions include a 6-speaker sound system, in-built navigation, and LED DRLs.

• This is also the entry level automatic variant, but this variant is available only in a 5-seater layout. 

Mahindra XUV700 AX5 Select Variant:

• The mid-spec AX5 Select brings in features like a panoramic sunroof, and push button start stop.

• It is available only in a 7-seater configuration, and gets both petrol and diesel engine options.

Mahindra XUV700 AX5 Variant:

• Additions to the safety kit include curtain airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and a rearview camera.

• Other new features include LED headlamps, sequential turn indicators (Front), and cruise control.

• This variant gets 17-inch alloy wheels.

• You can get this variant in both 5- and 7-seater configurations.

Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Variant:

• Over the AX5 variant, the AX7 gets side airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and rain sensing wipers.

• It also gets a few Level 2 ADAS features along with features like dual-zone climate control, and a 6-way powered driver seat with memory function.

• This variant also gets a more premium cabin with leatherette seat upholstery and leather padding on steering wheel and gear lever.

• You can get this variant in both 6- and 7-seater layouts.

• Size of the alloy wheels also goes from 17 to 18-inches.

Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Luxury Pack Variant:

• Gets additional ADAS features like adaptive cruise control along with a 360-degree camera, a blind view monitor, a knee airbag, and an electronic parking brake.

• Gets feel food features like ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, and a 12-speaker sound system.

CarDekho Recommends:

• Go for the one-above-base AX3 variant if you’re on a budget. It has a good infotainment package along with daily-use functional features. Jump to AX5 Select if you want a panoramic sunroof or space for 7 people.

• Pick the one-below-top AX7 variant if you want a feature loaded variant. Gets most of the safety and convenient features along with premium interiors. Pay extra for the AX7 Luxury Pack if you want the full feature experience.

Is the Mahindra XUV700 right for you?

The Mahindra XUV700 is an SUV which ticks all the boxes of a family SUV and then some. It’s exceptionally comfortable, the cabin is premium, well-loaded with features and offers a spacious experience in a package that has a proven safety rating.

The multiple seating layouts and powertrain options help make it even more suitable for your specific use case, and it’s a car that you won’t go wrong with.

Other cars to consider instead of the Mahindra XUV700

Tata Safari

Reasons to consider

• Bolder design and colour options may look more appealing

• Gets more features for captain seats (second row)

Reasons to ignore

• No petrol option

• No all-wheel drive option

• Poor diesel engine refinement

Jeep Compass

Reasons to consider

• Solid build quality

• Feels more enthusiast-oriented

Reasons to ignore

• No petrol option

• No third row seats

• Feels less family oriented

Hyundai Alcazar

Reasons to consider

• More affordable

• Gets more features for captain seats (second row)

Reasons to ignore

• Less powerful engines

• No all-wheel drive option

• Comparatively less comfortable