Mahindra XUV700 vs Tata Safari 2026 — Which 7-Seater SUV to Buy?
⚔️ Quick Verdict — XUV700 vs Safari 2026:
💪 XUV700 Wins: Power (200/185 PS vs 170 PS), ADAS, AWD, sunroof, more features per rupee
🛣️ Safari Wins: Ride quality (Land Rover chassis), better 3rd row, simpler UX, build perception
⭐ Both: 5-Star Global NCAP | 7-Seater | Diesel | Similar Price Range
🏆 Our Pick: XUV700 for features/power, Safari for ride comfort/family cruising
The Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari are India's two most popular 7-seater SUVs under ₹30 lakh. Both have 5-star safety, diesel engines, and premium cabins — but they take fundamentally different approaches. XUV700 overwhelms with technology and raw power. Safari prioritizes ride refinement and comfort.
Let's break down every difference so you can pick the right one for your needs.
Advertisement
Price Comparison
| Parameter | XUV700 | Tata Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (Ex-sh) | ₹14,00,000 | ₹16,00,000 |
| Top Model (Ex-sh) | ₹27,50,000 | ₹27,00,000 |
| Popular Variant | AX5 Diesel AT ₹20L | XZ+ Diesel AT ₹21L |
| Entry 7-Seater | ₹20,50,000 | ₹16,00,000 |
| Price Advantage | XUV700 ✓ (starts ₹2L lower) | — |
Engine & Performance
| Spec | XUV700 | Tata Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol Engine | 2.0L Turbo (200 PS / 380 Nm) | Not Available |
| Diesel Engine | 2.2L mHawk (185 PS / 450 Nm) | 2.0L Kryotec (170 PS / 350 Nm) |
| Transmission | 6MT / 6AT | 6MT / 6AT |
| AWD Option | Yes (Diesel AX7+) | Yes (Adventure Persona) |
| 0-100 km/h (Diesel AT) | ~9.5 sec | ~11.5 sec |
| Power Winner | XUV700 ✓ (+15 PS, +100 Nm) | — |
XUV700 diesel makes 100 Nm more torque than Safari — massive difference in highway overtakes and uphill performance. XUV700 also offers petrol option; Safari is diesel-only.
Safety & Features
| Feature | XUV700 | Tata Safari |
|---|---|---|
| GNCAP Rating | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Airbags | 7 | 6 |
| ADAS | Level 2 (AX7+) | Level 1 (top variant) |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Yes (segment largest) | Yes |
| 360° Camera | Yes (AX7+) | Yes (XZ+ onwards) |
| Ventilated Seats | Yes (AX7 L) | Yes (top variant) |
| Wireless CarPlay/AA | Yes | Yes |
| Sound System | Sony 3D (12 speakers) | JBL (10 speakers) |
| Flush Door Handles | Yes | No |
| Features Winner | XUV700 ✓ | — |
Mileage & Running Cost
| Parameter | XUV700 Diesel AT | Safari Diesel AT |
|---|---|---|
| City Mileage | 12-14 KMPL | 10-12 KMPL |
| Highway Mileage | 17-20 KMPL | 14-17 KMPL |
| Monthly Fuel (1,500 km) | ₹9,500 | ₹11,500 |
| Service Cost (Annual) | ₹12,000-15,000 | ₹10,000-13,000 |
| Running Cost Winner | XUV700 ✓ (better mileage) | — |
Must-Have Accessories for SUV Owners
Dylect 4K Dash Cam — Front & Rear
Protect your ₹15-27L investment. 4K recording with GPS & ADAS alerts — essential for highway driving.
Buy on Amazon
NEODRIFT NeoShade Magnetic Sunshade Set
Both SUVs have panoramic sunroofs. UV sunshades reduce cabin temp significantly — must-have in Indian summers.
Buy on Amazon
TUSA AC/DC Tyre Inflator — Auto Shutoff
18-inch tyres on both SUVs need correct PSI for best mileage. Digital inflator — road trip essential.
Buy on AmazonSpace & Comfort
| Parameter | XUV700 | Tata Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,695 mm | 4,661 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,741 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 200 mm | 211 mm |
| Boot (3rd row up) | 200 L | 230 L |
| Boot (3rd row folded) | 451 L | 447 L |
| 3rd Row Comfort | Cramped for adults | Better — usable for adults |
| Ride Quality | Good (firm) | Excellent (plush) |
| Comfort Winner | — | Safari ✓ |
Safari's Land Rover D8 derived platform delivers noticeably better ride quality over broken roads. 3rd row is more usable — adults can sit for 1-2 hours comfortably vs XUV700 where only kids fit.
Advertisement
When to Choose XUV700
- • You want maximum power — 185 PS / 450 Nm diesel is unmatched
- • ADAS (Level 2) is important for highway safety
- • You want petrol option (Safari doesn't offer it)
- • AWD capability for off-road/hills
- • More features per rupee — tech-loaded at lower price
- • Panoramic sunroof, Sony 3D sound, flush handles matter
- • 5-seater option is fine (don't need 3rd row often)
When to Choose Tata Safari
- • Ride quality is top priority — Safari is significantly more plush
- • You'll use 3rd row regularly with adult passengers
- • Prefer simpler, less complicated cabin ergonomics
- • Tata service network in your area is better than Mahindra
- • Like the Land Rover-derived design aesthetic
- • Don't need extreme power — 170 PS is adequate for most
- • Prefer wider colour & customization options
Top Accessories for SUV Owners
Car Body Cover — Triple Layer Waterproof
Protect your SUV's premium paint from sun & dust. XL-sized cover — essential for outdoor parking.
Buy on Amazon
Blind Spot Mirror — Wide Angle 2-Piece
Both XUV700 & Safari are big SUVs — wide-angle mirrors help with tight parking and lane changes.
Buy on Amazon
VELVERI Memory Foam Neck Rest Pillow
Long highway drives demand neck support. Memory foam pillow adds luxury comfort on road trips.
Buy on AmazonAdvertisement
Final Verdict
🏆 Choose Mahindra XUV700 if: You want maximum features, power, ADAS safety, AWD, and petrol option. Best for tech enthusiasts, highway drivers, and those who prioritize value-for-money specs.
🏆 Choose Tata Safari if: Ride comfort is your #1 priority, you'll use 3rd row regularly with adults, and prefer a plush, refined cruising experience over raw tech. Better for families who prioritize comfort over features.
💡 Both are excellent choices. You can't go wrong — it depends on whether you value technology (XUV700) or comfort (Safari).
Frequently Asked Questions
XUV700 or Safari — which is better overall?
XUV700 offers more power (185 PS / 450 Nm vs 170 PS / 350 Nm), ADAS, AWD, more features, and petrol option. Safari offers better ride quality, more comfortable 3rd row, and simpler cabin UX. Both are 5-star safe. XUV700 for features/power, Safari for comfort.
Which has better 3rd row — XUV700 or Safari?
Tata Safari has a significantly better 3rd row. Adults can sit comfortably for 1-2 hours with more knee room and headroom. XUV700 3rd row is cramped for adults — only suitable for kids or short trips.
XUV700 vs Safari — which is safer?
Both have 5-Star Global NCAP. XUV700 edges ahead with 7 airbags (vs 6), Level 2 ADAS with adaptive cruise and auto emergency braking. Safari has Level 1 ADAS. For active safety tech: XUV700 is superior.
Which gives better mileage — XUV700 or Safari?
XUV700 diesel gives 12-20 KMPL real-world vs Safari's 10-17 KMPL. XUV700's 2.2L mHawk is more efficient despite being more powerful, thanks to advanced engine technology. Monthly fuel saving: ₹2,000/month.
Is XUV700 cheaper than Safari?
XUV700 starts at ₹14L (petrol) vs Safari's ₹16L. In diesel comparison, XUV700 MX (₹15.5L) is still cheaper than Safari's base (₹16L). Feature-to-feature, XUV700 offers ₹2-3L more value at the same price point.
XUV700 vs Safari resale value?
Both hold similar resale — 55-60% after 5 years. XUV700 diesel AT variants retain slightly better due to higher demand. Safari's Tata brand reliability perception helps its resale. Both are strong choices for long-term ownership.
Also read: XUV700 On-Road Price | XUV700 Mileage | XUV700 vs Creta | Safari On-Road Price | XUV700 5 vs 7 Seater
Written by Rajiv Sah
Founder, OnRoadCost & Josh Riders | info@onroadcost.com