SUV Cars Comparison: Mahindra XUV700 vs Tata Safari
SUVs are vastly popular in India. This is further seen in the birth of an entire segment revolving around the looks and features of an SUV under the four-metre mark. This is thanks to the four-metre length-based GST tax rules in India, which brought the ‘compact-SUV’ segment into fruition. Say whatever about these new age compact SUVs, which are meant to circum-navigate high prices, the SUV love in India is still unbeaten. Full-size SUVs (some might call them ‘real’ SUVs) still garner an aspirational love for the platform, and sales. Mahindra cars and Tata cars are probably the forerunners in this segment, having some of the most popular SUVs in India over the years. Today we look at two of their latest ones that quickly rose in popularity in India. These are the new age wild child Mahindra XUV700, and the old-school but modern looks Tata Safari. Which one comes out on top as the better buy? Read on to find out in this SUV cars comparison.
The Looks Department – Mahindra XUV700 vs Tata Safari Exterior & Dimensions
The Mahindra XUV700 takes the XUV500 a step further. While it was meant to be a replacement, it became an all-new flagship platform that sits over the XUV500. The XUV700 is massive, has a significant road presence, and has a modern design with simplistic body lines but tonnes of flair on the front and rear. The front end gets an aggressive grille and bold chrome finished with aggressive headlights and DRLs.
The latest Tata Safari design language modelled after its five-seater variant; the Tata Harrier is quite the looker. The front features a split headlamp arrangement that even in this period of LED DRLs looks rather futuristic. The front grille gets a chrome treatment and a tri-arrow pattern. Come to the rear and the Safari looks like it gets even larger. The roof line almost swoops upward front to back. So, in terms of road presence, the Safari doesn’t lag behind the XUV700 at all.
The Mahindra XUV700 dimensions are significantly larger than the previous XUV500, at 4695mm in length, and 1890mm in width. And in this comparison, it’s even larger than the Tata Safari in most dimensions, translating to better cabin space. However, the Tata Safari offers better third-row head room thanks to its height of 1786mm compared to the XUV700’s 1755mm and roof design.
The Tata Safari dimensions come in at 4661mm in length and 1894mm in height.
The Feature Story – Tata Safari vs Mahindra XUV700 Features
The Mahindra XUV700 features are more modern and varied compared to the Tata Safari. The XUV700 features Mahindra’s new AdrenoX system that offers a tonne of data, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, integrated apps and car information, and even Alexa integration that doesn’t require an external device. A massive dual screen decorates the dashboard with both the digital display and infotainment screen integrated into the same structure. Also on offer here is a Sony 3D audio system that gets a subwoofer and 12 speakers powered through an amplifier. Security features are plentiful here too with a complete ADAS tech powered suite, seven airbags and more.
While the Tata Safari isn’t as packed as the Mahindra XUV700, it gets a fair share. Inside is a spacious cabin. Here the dashboard gets a smaller infotainment touchscreen and a half analogue-half digital instrument cluster compared to the XUV700’s 10.25-inch infotainment plus 10.25-inch completely digital instrument cluster. There still is wireless phone charging and the first two rows both get ventilated seats in the top variant. Also on offer is a 9-speaker JBL sound system, iRA connected car tech, air purifier, panoramic sunroof, cruise control, TPMS and more.
The Power Specs – Tata Safari vs Mahindra XUV700 Engine Specifications
The Mahindra XUV700’s engine specifications include a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine and the mStallion 2.0 turbo-petrol units. The diesel variants feature highly competitive power figures with a 155hp power delivery for the diesel base series and a hard-to-beat 185hp and 450Nm in higher variants. The top-end petrol variants take the cake, however, with a whopping 198 hp power offering with 380Nm of torque.
The Tata Safari uses the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that does duties in its five-seater variant, the Harrier. Here the engine puts down 170hp and 350Nm of torque.
While both the Safari and the XUV700 get a six-speed torque converter and manual gearbox options, the XUV700 also gets an AWD option whereas the Tata Safari, as of now, only gets front wheel drive. The difference is clear in the Tata Safari price versus the Mahindra XUV700 price as well.
The Price Talk – Tata Safari vs Mahindra XUV700 Price
Get the price comparison
The Mahindra XUV700 compared here is the seven-seater variant vs the Tata Safari’s seven-seater variant. The Mahindra XUV700 price starts at ₹16.53 lakhs (Ex-Showroom). On the other hand, the Tata Safari price starts at ₹15.25 lakhs (Ex-Showroom). So, while you can get a seven-seater Safari for less, you’ll get a more feature-packed XUV700 for a premium. For more information, such as on-road prices and more, check out autoX.