Review - 2023 Mahindra XUV700

With Mahindra looking to break further into the Australian market, the all-new XUV700 plays a key role in the expansion, offering buyers a seriously impressive value-for-money proposition that few rivals can currently match.

Just how good is the Mahindra XUV700, then, and is it worth opting for over its more established rivals? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

Mahindra XUV700 Competition

Starting Price: $36,990 (drive-away)

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How Much Does It Cost?

Mahindra is pricing the XUV700 super aggressively here in Australia in order to snatch buyers from major rivals.

The entry-level XUV700 AX7 is priced at just $36,990 drive-away, while the range-topping XUV700 AX7L is priced at $39,990 drive-away.

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Mahindra XUV700 (AX7) Specifications

What Features Does the Mahindra XUV700 Have?

The base XUV700 AX7 comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloys, and receives LED headlights and fog lights, leatherette upholstery with a leather steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, keyless push-button start.

On the tech front, the XUV700 AX7 packs a rear-view camera, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto and a six-spaker sound system.

Stepping up to the XUV700 AX7L adds a set of retractable door handles, a surround-view camera, wireless phone charging, an electronic parking brake, and added steering wheel adjustment.

Range Features:

• 18-inch alloys

• LED headlights & fog lights 

• Leatherette upholstery with leather-wrapped steering wheel 

• Dual-zone climate control 

• Panoramic sunroof 

• Rear-view camera 

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster 

• 10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• Retractable door handles (AX7L)

• Surround-view monitor (AX7L)

• Wireless phone charging (AX7L)

Is the Mahindra XUV700 Comfortable to Drive?

One of the most important things buyers are looking for in a large, seven-seat SUV is the user-friendliness of the package, and in this respect, the XUV700 doesn’t disappoint.

Power for the XUV700 range comes supplied by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder pushing out 149kW of power and 380Nm of torque which is thrown to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

This gives the XUV700 some decent acceleration off the line and enough push to pick up speed for brief overtakes, with the six-speed automatic offering some smooth shifts.

Around town, the XUV700 is indeed a user-friendly package, though Mahindra has perhaps overdone it on the featherweight steering rack, which feels super light in hand, to the point that it lacks feedback at times.

Having said that, the rack makes maneuvering the XUV700 around town a simple task and helps to make the large platform more accessible for drivers in the urban jungle.

The ride quality is impressive for the price, with the XUV700 soaking up light to moderate bumps without much of an issue and without being too soft in the corners, which is a nice touch.

All up, the XUV700 is an impressive and versatile vehicle on Australian roads and can hold its head up high against its major rivals.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Mahindra’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol is rated at 8.3L/100km which isn’t too bad considering its size, with only a small gap between its fuel efficiency figures and those of its main rivals.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Stepping inside the XUV700 is a treat for the eyes, particularly at this price point.

While competitors around this price come packaged with fairly bland interiors and moderate technology packages, Mahindra is hoping that its attractive designs and generous tech on offer in even the base model will win over buyers.

Up front, the XUV700 has a decent amount of headroom for tall drivers, while stepping up to the range-topper could be a worthy option for those looking for some greater adjustment in the steering wheel position.

Storage spots in the centre console include a tray at the base of the dash, a pair of cupholders, large door bins and added storage inside the folding armrest.

The two 10.25-inch displays are positioned seamlessly together which gives the XUV700 a super modern aesthetic, while the rest of the dash is fairly restrained, though offers physical inputs for the climate settings.

Move to the second row and there’s more than enough head and legroom for adults to get comfortable in the rear of the cabin, with a set of ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts happy to take care of child seats.

Move to the third row and things get cramped, though it’s more than accommodating for small kids, with a decent amount of boot space on offer, even with three rows of seats standing; Mahindra hasn’t offered up any official boot space figures just yet.

Is it Safe?

The Mahindra XUV700 is yet to receive an official ANCAP safety rating, though it has received a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

As standard, the base model picks up autonomous emergency braking, a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control, post-collision braking, traffic sign recognition, lane-keep assist and Smart Pilot assist.

Stepping up to the XUV700 AX7L adds blind spot monitoring, a surround-view monitor and knee airbags.

Our Verdict: Is the Mahindra XUV700 Worth it?

While it might have some of the stiffest competition in the game, the Mahindra XUV700 is an impressive seven-seat SUV that gives buyers looking for a bargain within the segment some serious food for thought.

It’s not quite as well-rounded as its major rivals on a mix of town and country driving, though the XUV700 isn’t embarrassed by its competitors, and remains up to the task here in Australia thanks to the impressively versatile ride.

If you’re tossing up your best options in the world of seven-seat midsize SUVs, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying specialists who can help find you a great price on your dream car.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Seven-year/150,000km warranty 
2. 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder; front-wheel drive with six-speed automatic 
3. 8.3L/100km combined cycle fuel economy figures 
4. No official ANCAP safety rating 
5. Seven seat layout