The Mahindra XUV 7XO was recently launched as the facelifted version of the XUV700 SUV, with some design changes and many new features. Its closest rival is the Tata Safari, which is also a very well-equipped SUV. So, which of these has the better-equipped top-spec trim? Let’s find out.
Note: The Safari’s Accomplished X+ trim is considered for this comparison instead of the Accomplished Ultra, as the latter (limited to petrol-only) is yet to be launched.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Tata Safari: Exterior
Exterior features of both SUVs are more or less the same
Both SUVs come with an all-LED lighting setup, but the Safari offers rear fog lamps too. The XUV 7XO, on the other hand, features flush-type door handles, while the Safari has regular pull-type ones. The XUV 7XO even has a memory function for the outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs), which is not available on the Safari Accomplished X+ and is reserved for the yet-to-be-launched Accomplished Ultra trim.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Tata Safari: Interior and features
XUV 7XO shines with a dedicated passenger screen and more speakers
While both SUVs feature 12.3-inch infotainment systems, the XUV 7XO gets a bigger driver’s display. It also has a dedicated passenger display, which the Safari lacks. The XUV 7XO even comes with more adjustment settings for the co-driver’s seat and additional speakers, as well as rear seat ventilation in both 6-seater and 7-seater options. But the Safari gets a powered tailgate and a cooled storage space beneath the front armrest, both of which are missing in its rival.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Tata Safari: Driving tech
Mahindra compensates for the lack of terrain modes with an optional AWD
In terms of driving tech, the top-spec XUV 7XO and Safari SUVs are similar in almost every regard. Even though the Safari comes with terrain modes, it is a front-wheel-drive (FWD) SUV, while the XUV 7XO offers a proper all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, making it more capable on all terrains.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Tata Safari: Safety features
Both get a similar safety suite, but XUV 7XO offers some more features
Both the XUV 7XO AX7L and the Safari Accomplished X+ come with similar safety features, including 7 airbags, an electronic parking brake and disc brakes on all wheels. However, the Mahindra offering takes things a notch above with a 540-degree surround-view camera and some more features in its ADAS suite.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Tata Safari: Top trim prices
XUV 7XO diesel prices are much lower than the Safari’s
Prices of both SUVs are ex-showroom, India, but the XUV 7XO’s prices are for the first 40,000 units.
Tata is yet to launch the new turbo-petrol engine on the Safari, so its prices are unknown. What we do know is that its Accomplished X+ trim will come with a turbo-petrol-manual combination, something which is missing on the XUV 7XO.
As for the diesel versions, the XUV 7XO comes at a much lower price than the Tata rival, with its manual variant being at least Rs 1.26 lakh more affordable than that of the Safari; even its AT variant is more affordable by at least Rs 23,000. Notably, the XUV 7XO diesel-automatic is also available with an optional AWD setup.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Tata Safari top trim: Which one should you choose?
More features and an AWD option make XUV 7XO the better option
The Mahindra XUV 7XO is the newer offering in this comparison, with a lot of features. The Safari, too, is loaded with features, but it lacks a dedicated passenger display, second-row seat ventilation for 7-seat variants, a 540-degree camera and an AWD setup. The fact that the XUV 7XO packs all of these at a lower price than the Safari makes it the better option in this comparison. Even if the introductory prices of the XUV 7XO are revised, its longer feature list and the option of AWD will likely help retain its edge.
However, do note that the Safari is set to get an even higher-specced Accomplished Ultra trim, which will bring additional features such as a dual dashcam, a digital interior rearview mirror (IRVM) and a 14.53-inch infotainment screen, but it will only be offered with the turbo-petrol engine. But since it will cost more than the Accomplished X+ trim, it still makes us recommend the XUV 7XO AX7L.
Uday Singh
Saptarshi Mondal
Rivan RS 
Suraj Viswanathan
