2026 Mahindra XUV 7XO Vs Old Mahindra XUV700: What’s Changed?

The Mahindra XUV 7XO, formerly known as the XUV700, has always been one of the most loved and well-rounded SUVs in its segment, and with the introduction of the updated model, Mahindra plans on taking things to the next level by not just changing its name but giving the car a complete new identity. 

The all-new XUV 7XO comes with an enhanced look, a modern and upmarket cabin, and some new features. But how does it stack up against the outgoing model? Here’s a quick look at their comparison:

 

 

 

 

 

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2026 Mahindra XUV 7XO Vs Old XUV700: Exterior Changes 

Back in 2021, when Mahindra first launched the XUV700, it was clearly one of the smartest-looking SUVs in India. The design was really timeless, but it was due for an update. The boxy, yet free-flowing SUV silhouette and well-proportioned panels, along with neat body claddings, made it look elegant yet sporty.

The exterior of the new Mahindra XUV 7XO has been reworked to give the car a completely new identity. The facelift brings with it a new front profile that gets a new grille, C-shaped DRLs, bi-LED headlights, and a redesigned front bumper with a faux skid plate. The new ice cube fog lights have been positioned at the bottom in a triangular space cut in the bumper. It is now following the ‘XO’ family design language.

From the side, it retains the flush door handles and roof rails, along with the muscular profile.

What's new here are the newly styled 19-inch alloy wheels and more jewel-like elements to complete the overall stance. 

Moving at the rear, the XUV 7XO gets reworked taillights with honeycomb detailing and a black casing, and new bumpers with gloss black inserts and a silver skid plate. As can be seen, the design elements are very similar to those of the all-electric XEV 9S.

The overall silhouette of the car remains unchanged, which means there are no changes dimensionally. But what’s new is the addition of DaVinci suspension dampers, which quintessentially refer to Frequency Dependent Dampers, which are expected to provide better ride quality and handling.  

2026 Mahindra XUV 7XO Vs Old XUV700: Interior Changes 

The new Mahindra XUV 7XO comes with an updated cabin layout with fresh colour themes, which is a step up from the outgoing model. It now gets a more modern layout with an increased number of display screens for infotainment and touch panels for various other controls. Even the controls for AC have been replaced from physical buttons to a touch-sensitive panel. The steering wheel is a new 2-spoke unit finished in a dual-tone black and brown finish. 

The cabin is finished in a new Lumina and Chestnut Brown colour theme with black inserts on the dashboard, which increases the overall plushness of the interior. The AC vents are now sleeker, which helps widen the visual spread of the dashboard. The cabin continues to focus on practicality with multiple storage spaces. 

Overall space inside the cabin, especially in the second row of seat has never been an issue with this car. To further enhance the occupant comfort, the second row of seats now comes with a ventilation function.

To add to this list are features like a panoramic sunroof, rear wireless charger, two Type-C 65W fast chargers, rear AC vents, and retractable window sun shades. High-end variants are also offered with a 6-seater captain seat configuration. 

2026 Mahindra XUV 7XO Vs Old XUV700: Features 

Mahindra has always been known for offering the maximum number of features in its cars, and XUV 7XO, being its flagship ICE SUV, that legacy is continued here as well. Apart from all the standard features, what's new is a triple screen layout comprising three 12.3-inch display screens for the digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment system, and the passenger entertainment display. This triple-screen setup is standard across all variants.

Also new is a 16-speaker Harmon Kardon Sound System with Dolby Atmos, ventilated rear seats, dual multi-colour ambient lighting, a BYOD Entertainment Screen Slot, and a powered ‘Boss Mode’. The infotainment system also comes with a built-in ChatGPT and wireless phone connectivity. 

Features that are carried over from the outgoing XUV700 include a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, drive modes, wireless phone connectivity with the infotainment screen, connected car tech, and rear window sunshades. 

As far as safety is concerned, the new XUV 7XO is equipped with a Level-2 ADAS with Sense+ and the sensor field increased from 170m to 250m, radar with 3d object visualization (as seen on Tesla cars), a 540-degree camera with front and rear sensors, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, 6 airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

2026 Mahindra XUV 7XO Vs Old XUV700: Powertrain Options

The new Mahindra XUV 7XO retains the same powertrain options as the outgoing model, which include a 2.2-litre diesel engine and a 2-litre turbo petrol engine. Both engines are available in manual and automatic transmission options. The diesel engine is also offered with an optional all-wheel-drive drivetrain in the higher variants. 

Here are the detailed specifications:

2026 Mahindra XUV 7XO Price And Launch Timeline 

Mahindra has launched the XUV 7XO at an introductory price of Rs 13.66 lakh (ex-showroom) and is offered across 6 variants, spread between 6 & 7 seater configurations, diesel, petrol, manual and automatic options. The prices top at Rs 24.11 lakh (ex-showroom). Automatic transmission variants are available at an additional price of 1.45 lakh. AWD is offered on top-of-the-line diesel variants at an additional cost of 2.45 lakh. These prices are valid for the first 40,000 units only. 

Test drives for the new XUV 7XO will start from January 8, 2026, while bookings and deliveries (for customers who have pre-booked the car) are set to begin from January 14, 2026. 

2026 Mahindra XUV 7XO Rivals

The Mahindra XUV 7XO continues to rival popular cars of the segment like the Tata Safari and Harrier, the recently updated MG Hector, the Hyundai Alcazar, and the Jeep Compass.

ZigSays… 

The Mahindra XUV700 was already a very loved, feature-loaded, spacious, and family-friendly car, but with the XUV 7XO, Mahindra aims to improve this package with new additions that will surely blow your mind. Priced from Rs 13.66 lakh (ex-showroom), the lower and mid-variants could be very pocket-friendly and even cheaper than the Harrier! The XUV 7XO gets it all. 

New Mahindra XUV 7XO or the classic XUV700, what's your pick? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!