Mahindra XUV700 2023: Toyota RAV4-rivalling SUV set for Australian launch

The midsize SUV from India has been confirmed to land locally before the end of the year

Mahindra has confirmed that its XUV700 SUV will be hitting Australian dealerships before the end of the year. It will follow closely in the wheel tracks of the all-terrain-focussed Scorpio, the brand’s other new SUV that launches locally this month.

The confirmation of the XUV700’s 2023 release was made alongside the unveiling of Mahindra’s new ‘Twin Peaks’ logo, which “symbolizes the company’s commitment to exploring new horizons”.

2023 Mahindra XUV700 rear 3/4 — The strong hipline of the XUV700 is a staple of Mahindra design

Once on sale, it’s likely that the Mahindra XUV700 will face competition from the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander and the Kia Sportage in the popular midsize SUV segment.

Mahindra to offer six- and seven-seat SUV options

As mentioned, Mahindra has previously confirmed plans to launch the Toyota Fortuner-rivalling Scorpio – also referred to as Scorpio-N in some literature – in Australia this year, which will land in a six-seat guise.

Though smaller in length, the Scorpio will also look to take attention and sales away from Toyota’s Land Cruiser Prado.

Mahindra Scorpio N front 3/4 angle green — The Scorpio is pitched as more of an off-road SUV

Like other vehicles in its segment, the XUV700 will offer seating for up to seven occupants across three rows.

Australian specifications are still yet to be confirmed, but in the XUV700’s home market of India, buyers have the choice between four-cylinder petrol and four-cylinder diesel power.

With 147kW and 380Nm, the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine has more power, whilst the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine has more torque at 136kW/450Nm.

Petrol and diesel are both likely to be options on the XUV700

Though both manual and automatic transmission are an option in India, it’s likely that this will be simplified to just the latter in Australia. Four-wheel drive is also an option.

On the inside, the top-spec XUV700 boasts a pair of 10-inch screens, with one being a digital cluster and the other the infotainment system.

2023 Mahindra XUV700 interior — The large dash-mounted display is made up of a pair of screens

Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto is also included, as is satellite navigation, and tri-zone climate control in some trim levels offered overseas.

On the safety front, advanced driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring are also included in India, and are likely to carry over to the Australia market.