2026 Mahindra XUV 7XO review - more than a new face
The focus has been on Mahindra's EVs for a while now, which can make you overlook the fact that the Mahindra XUV700 has been the top-tier monocoque Mahindra for a good few years. It functions in a premium segment but has still seen consistent takers. So it is no surprise that this mid-life refresh, now called the Mahindra XUV 7XO, is quite extensive and brings the XUV700 to par with the standards set by its electric cousins.
The Mahindra XUV 7XO gets some styling updates that give it a modern look and bring it in line with the XUV 3XO. The light clusters have a less bulky look now with the double-barrel design and the C-shaped light signature. This sense also extends to the grille, which is now a touch less flashy and gives the car a wider stance. Some changes have been made to the airdam too, but the dual foglamp look feels a touch overwrought, unlike the rest of the car.
In profile, things remain largely unchanged, so you have that distinct XUV silhouette with the hunch across the rear wheel arches. The new dual-tone 19-inch wheels on the top trims give this SUV a fuller look.
The rear is quite familiar, using the sharper tail lamp design which first debuted on the XEV 9S. You have a similar use of gloss black surfaces to lower the big boot lid and bumper's visual mass, which goes with the squatter look that Mahindra seems to have gone for with this update.
You don't get a powered boot lid, but luggage space with the third row dropped is impressive. Exact figures have not been revealed, but you have enough space for luggage for four adults. The boot opening is wide and while the lip is quite high, you can stack various sized bags easily to maximise space. A neat touch is the thick carpeting in the boot that reduces rattles and doesn't let things slide around while on the move.
Mahindra XUV 7XO Interiors, tech, space, practicalityThere's quite a bit that has changed on the inside of the XUV 7XO from the 700, but the cabin is now quite similar to the XEV 9e and 9S. You have more or less the same dash layout with the full-width three-screen layout as standard. As with the EVs, quality and finish have taken a step up. There are soft materials and tight shut lines in most places, and there's a fairly classy feel with the simpler vents and the new steering wheel and window controls. This lower-spec steering feels like the best of both worlds with its more tactile buttons and thoughtful horn controls.
That said, some may find the tan theme a bit too much, although it does create a good contrast with the beige and gloss black that litters the rest of the cabin. As with other Mahindras with this layout, the lack of buttons makes interacting with the car on the move quite difficult, especially when accessing the climate and ADAS controls.
The screens work well as is. A new processor has sorted out the lag from the earlier system and screen resolution has improved too. The instrument cluster is easier to use and the central touchscreen works quicker and with more fluidity. As is quickly becoming the norm, the passenger screen doubles as an app suite and media streaming screen.
Mahindra has redone the seats of the XUV 7XO and by bringing in a host of luxuries into the second row, made it quite appealing for the large section of buyers in this segment who are chauffeured. The seats are tightly cushioned and you have good support from the backrest and the long bench that helps your thighs. The contouring is quite flat but there is still support here.
There is just enough room for a smaller third passenger, but you are treated to good amenities like a powered boss function, sunshades, rear ventilation, Type C ports and wireless chargers, as well as a large sunroof.
The 7XO is best described as a 5+2 seater. The second row tumble folds but the fuel tank under the seat makes entering the third row tight. You also feel quite cramped here with limited legroom, a high seat base and low seating. The XEV 9S with its skateboard architecture is a better seven-seat car. The 7XO is good for children or best used as a large two-row SUV.
Mahindra XUV 7XO safety, featuresThe XUV 7XO gets the latest Mahindra ADAS suite, so it is a good system that does well to detect obstacles and lanes, although it can sometimes be a bit too eager to drag you between the lane markers it does see. Other than this, you get up to seven airbags, a new underbody camera view, TPMS and most other safety features you expect at this price point.
The features list has grown significantly with this update. The three-screen layout comes as standard, although you do miss a HUD and paddle shifters. Notable features include LED lighting, auto headlamps and wipers, powered front seats, seat ventilation all around, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a light show, dual-zone climate control and an air purifier.
Mahindra XUV 7XO driving impressions, DaVinci damper ride and handlingWe drove the Mahindra XUV 7XO in its diesel AT variant that makes 185PS and 450 Nm. This aspect of the driving experience hasn't changed much from the XUV700, so you have a solid, torquey diesel that is also relatively refined and smooth. Soundproofing is good too, and you don't hear much aside from wind and tyre noise at high speeds, where the engine's drone is a touch more audible.
The new seats and tall seating position mean visibility is great. You also don't have a very intrusive A-pillar, so navigating this big car in tight spots isn't difficult. This motor really impresses in its versatility. Yes, there is a bit of a build-up that can make for a slightly lethargic feel in start-stop traffic, but this is short-lived. There is enough peppiness and grunt here to keep you making progress across situations.
That big torque figure means you have a fairly quick car at hand, so making your way through traffic and then reaching highway speeds is about as effortless as it gets this side of Rs 30 lakh. There isn't that big diesel mid-range shove, but the engine's relatively energetic and linear power band means you have a reassuring sense of predictability. As we saw with a full load of luggage and passengers, the diesel XUV 7XO will more often than not have a reserve of pulling power whenever you need it.
The automatic gearbox is well adapted to this engine. It may not be the sharpest shifting AT you can buy anymore, but it also doesn't hamper progress. It works in the background most of the time, though it can slur a bit under heavier throttle inputs. A sport mode would have come in handy here, and paddle shifters would have made taking manual control easier. You do get drive modes with the diesel, but these don't change the drivetrain's urgency to a particularly large extent.
A much-touted change is that the XUV 7XO now gets DaVinci dampers with its sophisticated independent multi-link rear suspension setup. All the jargon aside, this is effectively a more advanced variable damping system developed by Tenneco for Mahindra. It uses the damper fluid in a way that gives you the effect of an expensive electronic damping system with a more cost-effective mechanical setup.
At low speeds, sharp bumps feel softer without compromising high-speed stability and control. This works in conjunction with the rear suspension carried over from the XUV700.
The good news is that this works as intended in the real world. Despite running 19-inch wheels on this top trim, the 7XO has a rounded, plush feel over broken roads, potholes and even trails that is comforting without being wallowy. Unlike many other big-wheeled SUVs, there is no inherent firmness in the ride.
This solid yet comforting feel holds true at higher speeds and really shows up on undulating highways while cruising. The XUV 7XO stays flat and composed, making for a confident road trip machine. Impressively, the suspension stays nearly silent through most situations, even bottoming out softly rather than with a crash. Given the toughness you expect from a Mahindra, the XUV 7XO has moved the goalposts for ride quality in the mass segment.
You get a more comfortable ride without the trade-off of increased body roll. Mahindra hasn't tried to make the 7XO sportier than it needs to be, so roll is progressive and predictable given the solid stability. This lets you maintain momentum around bends as long as you keep things smooth. As expected of a tall, heavy front-wheel-drive SUV, it will eventually start to run wide and make its heft known.
Even then, your sense of control remains intact with fairly direct steering that is light enough in traffic and has enough weight to feel secure at higher speeds. The brakes could have a little more initial bite but are generally predictable.
Mahindra XUV 7XO price, verdict
Priced between Rs 13.66 lakh and Rs 24.92 lakh, the Mahindra XUV 7XO takes over from where the XUV700 left off, so its consistent sales performance should, if anything, be amplified. Yes, we would have liked a more intuitive cabin interface and a more usable third row, but the ride is exceptional and the drivetrain complements this by being versatile and on par with offerings from global manufacturers. The cabin features and ambience are well loaded, and there is enough here for anyone looking for a large SUV.
Mahindra XUV 7XO specificationsLxWxH 4,695 x 1,890 x 1,755
Wheelbase 2,750 mm
Type 2,198 cc inline four turbo diesel
Gearbox six-speed AT
Max power 185 PS at 3,500 rpm
Max torque 450 Nm at 1,750 to 2,800 rpm
Price Rs 23.92 lakh ex-showroom(as tested)