Mahindra XUV 700 Review: The Affordable 7-Seater You Didn’t Know You Needed

Looking for a budget-friendly, 7-seater SUV that doesn’t skimp on comfort or performance? Enter the Mahindra XUV 700—an affordable family car that packs a punch for its price. But how does it really stack up in the crowded SUV market? Let’s take a deep dive into everything this surprisingly capable vehicle has to offer.

Seating and Interior of mahindra xuv 700: Comfortable for All, But Best for Families

How Does It Feel in the Backseat?

If you’re looking for a spacious SUV, the XUV700 delivers—at least for short trips. The front seats are roomy and supportive, while the rear seats are surprisingly decent, even for adults. However, taller folks may feel a bit cramped back there for long rides. But for kids? They’ll feel right at home.

Rear Seat Highlights:

• Blower controls to keep everyone comfortable
• A handy 12V outlet for charging gadgets on the go
• Cup holders and grab handles for added convenience

What We Like:

• Comfortable for adults on shorter trips
• Kid-friendly with plenty of features to keep them entertained

What Could Be Better:

• Legroom and headroom are a bit tight for taller adults
• The third-row seating is a bit of a squeeze for grown-ups

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Cargo Space: Versatile, But Not Overly Spacious

The XUV700 is versatile when it comes to cargo space. If you need to haul luggage, groceries, or anything in between, you can adjust the seating to suit your needs. With the third row of seats up, you’ve got 250L of space, which isn’t a lot. However, fold those seats down, and you get 550L, with a total of 1,000L if you fold everything flat—perfect for bigger hauls.

Cargo Space Breakdown:

• With third-row seats up: 250L
• With third-row seats down: 550L
• With all seats folded: Over 1,000L

What We Like:

• Flexible cargo space for various needs
• Large storage capacity when seats are folded down

What Could Be Better:

• Limited space when the third-row seats are up

Performance and Driving: A Smooth Ride with Room to Grow

Under the hood, the XUV700 packs a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine, offering just under 150 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque. This makes it more than capable for everyday driving, whether you’re cruising on highways or tackling city streets.

How’s the Fuel Economy?

While Mahindra claims a combined fuel economy of 8L per 100km, real-world testing places it closer to 9L per 100km. It’s a little thirstier than expected, but for a vehicle of this size, it’s not a dealbreaker.

On the Road Performance:

• Solid acceleration and power delivery
• Front-wheel drive keeps the handling steady, though there’s slight torque steer under heavy throttle

What We Like:

• Smooth acceleration and good road handling
• A fun driving experience, even for a budget SUV

What Could Be Better:

• Higher-than-expected fuel consumption
• Torque steer can be noticeable at higher speeds

Ride Quality: Comfort is Key

The XUV700 is a great companion on both smooth and rough roads. Around town, it’s comfy, soft, and pleasant to drive. As speeds increase, it still maintains its composure, making it suitable for both city driving and longer country road trips.

Handling the Bumpy Stuff:

When it comes to rough terrain, this SUV handles itself well. With independent rear suspension and a well-tuned chassis, it’s a lot more comfortable on bumpy, uneven roads than you’d expect for the price.

What We Like:

• Comfortable and compliant ride quality
• Handles rough, choppy roads with ease

What Could Be Better:

• Some body roll during sharp turns at high speeds

Driving Dynamics: Surprisingly Fun for Its Class

While the XUV700 isn’t built to be a sports car, it’s still surprisingly fun to drive. With decent steering feedback and a good balance of comfort and handling, it’s a joy for day-to-day use. It’s not the quickest SUV in its class, but it performs solidly.

Performance Numbers:

• 0-100 km/h: 9.06 seconds (Not lightning-fast, but decent)
• 80-120 km/h: 6.38 seconds (Solid acceleration)

What We Like:

• Good handling for a front-wheel-drive SUV
• Feels lively and responsive when you push it

What Could Be Better:

• Acceleration times aren’t groundbreaking
• No all-wheel-drive option for a sportier drive

Brakes and Performance Testing: Stopping Power

When it comes to braking, the XUV700 does a solid job. From 100 km/h to 0, it takes 2.97 seconds and covers 40.57 meters. While it’s not the absolute fastest, it’s well within the expected range for a vehicle in this segment.

What We Like:

• Solid braking performance
• Safe stopping distance within acceptable limits

What Could Be Better:

• Braking performance is good but not exceptional

Visibility and Interior Features: Clear Views, But Some Tech Hiccups

Overall, visibility in the XUV700 is decent. The large side mirrors and clear front views help, but there are a few tech-related issues. The camera system has a low refresh rate, making it less reliable for real-time viewing. The center headrest can also block the rear view, so it’s best to remove it if you’re doing a lot of reverse driving.

What We Like:

• Great visibility from the driver’s seat
• Large mirrors for easy lane changes and parking

What Could Be Better:

• Camera system has a low frame rate, making it unreliable
• The center headrest obstructs rearward visibility

The Final Verdict: A Smart Choice for Budget-Conscious Families

The Mahindra XUV700 offers a lot of value for the price. It’s an affordable seven-seater SUV with a surprising amount of comfort, decent performance, and enough space for the whole family. While it’s not perfect and has some quirks (like the camera and cruise control), it still stands out as one of the best budget-friendly options in its class.

Pros:

• Affordable price for a seven-seater SUV
• Comfortable and smooth ride
• Practical cargo space with foldable seats
• Surprisingly fun to drive

Cons:

• Slightly higher fuel consumption than expected
• Some interior tech issues (camera, headrest visibility)
• Not the fastest SUV in its segment

If you’re in the market for a spacious, budget-conscious family vehicle, the Mahindra XUV700 is definitely worth considering. It’s affordable, functional, and offers a surprisingly premium driving experience for its price tag.

Author- Ayush