If you’re hunting for a practical family SUV that won’t break the bank, the Mahindra XUV700 deserves serious consideration. At just $36,990 drive-away, it’s positioned as one of Australia’s most affordable seven-seaters, yet it doesn’t feel like corners have been cut where it matters most.
What Makes the XUV700 Stand Out?
The XUV700 enters the competitive medium SUV space with a compelling value proposition. Unlike many budget-focused vehicles, this SUV brings genuine premium touches that you’d typically expect from much pricier alternatives.
Sizing Up Against the Competition
Measuring 4,695mm long, the XUV700 matches the Mitsubishi Outlander exactly and sits just 15mm longer than the Nissan X-Trail. With a 2,750mm wheelbase, there’s genuine space for passengers in all three rows – something that can’t always be said for seven-seaters in this price bracket.
Engine Performance and Efficiency
Power Under the Hood
The XUV700 uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 149kW of power and 380Nm of torque. While these figures might not sound spectacular on paper, they’re adequate for daily family duties. The engine pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels.
Real-World Fuel Economy
Mahindra claims fuel consumption of 8.3L/100km, which is reasonable for a seven-seater SUV. With the 60-litre fuel tank, you’re looking at approximately 720km range on a full tank – perfect for those weekend family getaways.
Interior Space and Practicality
The XUV700’s cabin layout prioritizes flexibility. The second row features a 60/40 split-fold bench seat, while the third row can fold completely flat when not needed. This creates a massive cargo area for those home improvement store runs.
Technology Features
The dashboard features dual 10.25-inch screens – one for infotainment and another for the driver display. The Sony sound system delivers decent audio quality, though the flagship AX7L variant ups the ante with a 12-speaker setup.
Comfort and Convenience
Synthetic leather seats come standard, along with a panoramic sunroof that adds an airy feel to the cabin. Wireless phone charging is available on higher variants, though you’ll still need a cable for phone mirroring.
Variant Breakdown and Pricing
| Variant | Price (Drive-Away) |
|---|---|
| AX7 | $36,990 |
| AX7L | $39,990 |
| Black Edition | $43,990 |
AX7 Base Model
The entry-level AX7 doesn’t feel stripped back. You get LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and the dual-screen setup as standard.
AX7L Mid-Range
For an extra $3,000, the AX7L adds wireless charging, the upgraded 12-speaker Sony system, 360-degree camera, and blind-spot monitoring.
Black Edition Top Spec
The range-topper includes all AX7L features plus unique styling touches and additional premium equipment.
Safety Credentials
Standard Safety Equipment
All XUV700 variants come with seven airbags, which is impressive for this price point. The advanced driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning.
Driver Assistance Technology
The XUV700 includes intelligent speed assistance that adapts to traffic conditions and automatic high-beam switching for oncoming traffic. Forward collision avoidance helps detect obstacles before you do.
Ownership Experience
Warranty and Service
Mahindra backs the XUV700 with a comprehensive seven-year, 150,000km warranty, plus seven years of roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first.
Running Costs
Beyond the attractive purchase price, the XUV700 keeps costs reasonable. The warranty coverage provides peace of mind, while the service intervals are industry-standard.
How It Compares to Rivals
Against the Mitsubishi Outlander (from $44,000), Nissan X-Trail (from $39,790), and Honda CR-V (from $40,900), the XUV700 offers significant savings without major compromises in space or features.
Color Options and Styling
The XUV700 comes in five exterior colors: Everest White, Midnight Black Metallic, Dazzling Silver Metallic, Red Rage Metallic, and Electric Blue Metallic. Metallic paints add $495 to the price.
Design Philosophy
The exterior styling balances modern SUV proportions with distinctive Indian design cues. The diamond-cut alloy wheels and LED lighting signature help it stand out in parking lots.
Real-World Perspective
For families seeking maximum space per dollar, the XUV700 makes compelling sense. The third row is genuinely usable for adults on shorter trips, while kids will find it comfortable for longer journeys.
Target Buyer
This SUV suits growing families who need seven seats but don’t want to stretch their budget to $45,000+. It’s also ideal for buyers who prioritize warranty coverage and want modern tech features.
The XUV700 isn’t perfect – some interior plastics feel basic, and the engine could use more punch for highway overtaking. However, when you consider what you’re getting for under $37,000 drive-away, these compromises become easier to accept.
Whether you’re upgrading from a smaller SUV or considering your first seven-seater, the XUV700 deserves a test drive. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend premium money to get premium features and family-friendly practicality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the XUV700 available with all-wheel drive?
A: Currently, only front-wheel drive is available in Australia, though Mahindra hasn’t ruled out AWD variants in the future.
Q: How does the 7-year warranty compare to competitors?
A: The XUV700’s 7-year/150,000km warranty is longer than most rivals, which typically offer 5-year coverage.
Q: Can adults comfortably sit in the third row?
A: The third row works for shorter adults and is comfortable for children, with decent access through the sliding second row.
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