The Indian SUV market has entered a new phase with the launch of the Mahindra & Mahindra XUV700 Facelift, a move that could redefine value, technology, and performance in the mid-size SUV segment. Priced from an aggressive ₹13.66 lakh (ex-showroom), the refreshed XUV700 arrives with hybrid technology, Level 2 ADAS as standard on more variants, and both 5- and 7-seater configurations—making it one of the most comprehensive updates the segment has seen in years.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!With bookings officially open and deliveries scheduled to begin from February 2026, Mahindra is clearly signaling its intent to dominate the SUV conversation in 2026 and beyond.
Mahindra has surprised the market by keeping entry pricing sharp despite major upgrades. The base petrol-manual 5-seater starts at ₹13.66 lakh, while the top-spec AX7 diesel AWD 7-seater reaches around ₹22 lakh. Hybrid variants—positioned between ₹15 lakh and ₹20 lakh—directly undercut several electrified and premium competitors.
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To sweeten the deal further, Mahindra is offering introductory benefits, including zero-percent interest schemes for early buyers and accessory packages worth up to ₹50,000. With the outgoing XUV700 already clocking nearly 1.5 lakh sales in 2025, the facelift is expected to push monthly volumes beyond 5,000 units.
The headline upgrade is the introduction of strong hybrid technology on the 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol engine. The hybrid setup pairs the petrol motor with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of around 197 hp while claiming a fuel efficiency improvement of nearly 30 percent, with figures exceeding 25 kmpl under ideal conditions.
Diesel loyalists aren’t left behind. The proven 2.2-litre mHawk diesel continues with 185 hp, now paired with a smoother six-speed automatic across more variants. The return of AWD on select diesel trims further strengthens the XUV700’s appeal among buyers who want genuine off-road capability.
One of the most significant changes is Mahindra’s decision to democratize safety and technology. The XUV700 facelift now offers Level 2 ADAS across a broader range of variants, bringing features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera into the mainstream.
In a segment where ADAS is often limited to top trims, this move puts pressure on rivals such as Hyundai Creta and Tata Harrier, which offer similar tech only in their most expensive versions.
While the XUV700 facelift retains its familiar silhouette, Mahindra has sharpened the styling with slimmer LED headlamps, a revised grille, and new 19-inch alloy wheels. The changes are evolutionary rather than radical, but they add a more upmarket presence.
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Inside, the SUV continues to impress with dual 10.25-inch screens powered by the latest Adrenox 2.0 OS, featuring connected navigation, Alexa integration, gesture controls, and over-the-air updates. Ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system reinforce its premium positioning.
XUV700 Rivals Crushed
| SUV | Start Price (₹L) | Hybrid? | ADAS Level | Seaters | Power (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahindra XUV700 FL | 13.66 | Yes | 2 | 5/7 | 197+ |
| Hyundai Creta | 11.00 | No | 2 (Top) | 5 | 160 |
| Tata Harrier | 15.00 | No | 2 (Top) | 5 | 170 |
| Kia Seltos | 10.90 | No | 2 (Top) | 5 | 160 |
| Toyota Hyryder | 16.00 | Mild | 1+ | 5 | 150 |
Mahindra has retained the flexibility that made the XUV700 popular. Buyers can choose between 5- and 7-seat layouts, with the latter offering a sliding and reclining second row. With the third row folded, boot space expands to nearly 800 litres, while roof rails are rated to carry up to 100 kg—ideal for long road trips.
Ground clearance stands at around 200 mm, and select variants even offer a low-range transfer case, ensuring the XUV700 remains one of the most capable SUVs in its class.
Compared to competitors like the Creta, Harrier, Kia Seltos, and Toyota Hyryder, the XUV700 facelift stands out for combining hybrid power, AWD availability, advanced ADAS, and aggressive pricing in a single package. Where rivals excel in one or two areas, Mahindra has managed to check almost every box.
Industry analysts believe the facelift could push the XUV700’s market share from an already strong 35 percent to nearly 50 percent in the mid-size SUV segment. With exports planned to over 50 countries and increased production capacity, Mahindra is positioning the XUV700 as both a domestic and global success story.
Mahindra leadership has described the facelift as more than a refresh, calling it a “reinvention” aimed at balancing technology, performance, and affordability.
The Mahindra XUV700 Facelift is not just an update—it’s a statement. With a ₹13.66 lakh entry price, strong-hybrid technology, advanced ADAS, and genuine SUV capability, it raises the bar for the entire segment. For buyers looking at mid-size SUVs in 2026, the XUV700 facelift makes a compelling case as the most complete and future-ready option on sale today.
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