At a starting price of INR 13.66 lakh ex showroom, the 2026 Mahindra XUV 7XO walks into a segment where expectations are sky high and patience is low. Mahindra knows this space well. The original XUV500 shook up the market, the XUV700 rewrote value equations, and now the XUV 7XO arrives as a facelift that is clearly not trying to reinvent the wheel, but rather refine it with intent.
Design
At first glance, the silhouette is unmistakably XUV700. That is not a bad thing. The proportions still work and the stance still feels substantial. What Mahindra has done instead is sharpen the details. The revised C shaped LED DRLs now use a single, tighter light signature and look more focused than before. The LED projector headlamps come with booster lamp functionality, improving visibility during night drives and foggy conditions. Lower down, the cube style LED fog lamps double up as cornering lamps and add a unique visual touch, even if their exposed placement raises some questions about long term durability.
The grille is new and busier, with black elements and satin silver accents framing the Twin Peaks logo. It looks modern, though it may demand extra effort during cleaning. The bonnet carries forward strong creases and power bulges, giving the SUV a confident, muscular face. There is generous ground clearance, a visible skid plate effect on the bumper and ADAS sensors neatly integrated into the front end.
The side profile remains largely unchanged, and that works in the car’s favour. The 19 inch dual tone alloy wheels look premium and fill the arches well. Gloss black cladding adds contrast but will need careful upkeep. Flush fitting door handles add a layer of sophistication and automatically tuck themselves in once the car gains speed. The panoramic sunroof stretches across the roofline and floods the cabin with light. The blacked out pillars create a floating roof effect that still looks good years after the original design debuted.
At the rear, the XUV 7XO borrows heavily from the electric XEV 9S. The LED tail lamps feature a detailed honeycomb pattern and wrap neatly around the tailgate. There is no connected light bar, which many buyers may actually prefer. The redesigned tailgate, roof spoiler with integrated stop lamp, shark fin antenna and strong bumper design give the rear a clean and mature look. Overall, the exterior feels balanced, modern and inoffensive, which is exactly what a family focused SUV needs to be.
Interior
Step inside and the biggest talking point is immediately visible. Three screens sit side by side in a single horizontal slab. No curves, no gimmicks, just a clean layout. The digital instrument cluster is information rich and easy to read, offering navigation, vehicle data, ADAS visuals and drive information. The driver assist display is particularly impressive, showing surrounding vehicles, pedestrians and lane markings, adding a layer of confidence in challenging conditions.
The central infotainment screen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offers good touch response and integrates climate control functions. While the interface is intuitive, the lack of physical buttons for features like ventilated seats can be mildly frustrating while driving. The third screen is purely for entertainment and productivity, offering video streaming, games, video calls and even grocery ordering. Importantly, it is angled in a way that it does not distract the driver.
Material quality is largely impressive. The new chestnut brown interior theme adds warmth and feels premium. The two spoke steering wheel looks modern and fits well in hand. Satin silver AC vents, copper accents on door pads and soft touch surfaces elevate the cabin ambience. Some gloss black areas around the center console will attract dust and scratches over time, and the rubberised storage surfaces could have been better finished, especially at this price point.
Seat comfort is one of the XUV 7XO’s strongest points. The front seats are wide, well cushioned and offer ventilation and lumbar support. The second row is genuinely spacious with excellent knee room, good headroom and a flat floor that allows three adults to sit without feeling cramped. Under thigh support could have been slightly better, but overall comfort levels are high. Rear passengers also get sunshades, wireless charging, fast Type C ports and boss mode controls for the front passenger seat.
The third row is usable for adults on shorter journeys and perfectly fine for children. There is adequate light, adjustable headrests, AC vents, speakers and charging points, which ensures it does not feel like an afterthought. Boot space with all three rows up is limited but practical. Fold the third row and the XUV 7XO transforms into a capable five seater with a large, well shaped cargo area.
Performance
On the move, the diesel manual variant impresses immediately. The 2.2 litre diesel engine feels refined and relaxed. At highway speeds, the engine spins at low RPMs, keeping noise levels well controlled. Cabin insulation is excellent and wind noise is minimal even on open roads. The clutch is not overly heavy and the gear shifts are easy to manage, though the gear lever could have offered a more premium tactile feel.
The steering is light and car like, making the XUV 7XO easy to drive despite its size. Visibility is good, the driving position feels natural and ergonomics are largely spot on. Ride quality is impressive, even on 19 inch wheels. Undulations and broken patches are handled confidently without sending harshness into the cabin. Body roll is present, as expected from a tall SUV, but it remains well controlled thanks to the monocoque platform.
Performance is not aggressive but feels adequate and stress free. The diesel engine’s torque allows effortless cruising and easy overtakes without frequent downshifts. This is an SUV built to cover long distances comfortably rather than chase lap times.
In the bigger picture, the Mahindra XUV 7XO feels like a mature evolution of an already strong product. It builds on the strengths of the XUV700 while adding technology, refinement and comfort. It may not please everyone with its triple screen approach or gloss black surfaces, but in terms of space, safety, features and road presence, it continues to set benchmarks in its segment.
For families looking for a premium seven seater SUV that delivers value without feeling compromised, the XUV 7XO makes a very strong case.
Also read: 2025 Mahindra Thar Review
