The 7-seat SUV segment is quite competitive for the carmakers, but great for the customers
In this post, we compare the newly launched Mahindra XUV 7XO with the Tata Safari on the basis of specs, price, features, design, etc. These two are immensely popular products in our market. The new XUV 7XO has been thoroughly updated with tons of new-age amenities. In fact, the deliveries are planned in a phased manner with the high trims like the AX7, AX7T and AX7L slated to appear on our roads from January 14, 2026 onwards. The other variants, including AX, AX3 and AX5, will be available from April 2026. For now, let us compare these two compelling propositions thoroughly.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Tata Safari – Price Comparison
Let us start with arguably the most crucial parameter in a price-conscious market like India. The new Mahindra XUV 7XO starts at an attractive introductory price of Rs 13.66 lakh until the first 40,000 deliveries. The top trim bears a retail tag of Rs 26.56 lakh, ex-showroom, for the diesel automatic AWD version. On the other hand, the Tata Safari ranges between Rs 14.66 lakh and Rs 25.96 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, the prices are almost comparable.
| Price (ex-sh.) | Mahindra XUV 7XO | Tata Safari |
| Base Model | Rs 13.66 lakh | Rs 14.66 lakh |
| Top Model | Rs 26.56 lakh | Rs 25.96 lakh |
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Tata Safari – Specs Comparison
The Mahindra XUV 7XO comes with two engine options. First is the familiar 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol engine. It produces 200 hp and 380 Nm of torque. The second is a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine offered in two tunes. One makes 155 hp and 360 Nm, while the other delivers 185 hp and 420 Nm. With the automatic gearbox, torque goes up to 450 Nm. Both engines can be paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic. Mahindra claims a 0-60 km/h sprint in under 5 seconds. During our tests, the SUV did 0-100 km/h in just 10 seconds, which is impressive for its size. It also gets multiple drive modes – Zip, Zap, Zoom and a custom setting. Buyers can choose an all-wheel-drive option as well. Another highlight is the global debut of Mahindra’s new DAVINCI suspension system.
On the other hand, Tata Motors has been using the Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine in its large SUVs for many years. This engine produces 170 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque. Both the Harrier and Safari are powered by the same unit. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. Now, this is one area where the new XUV 7XO has a distinct edge over the Safari. Buyers looking for a turbo petrol mill or an all-wheel-drive configuration will automatically have to opt for the Mahindra SUV.
| Specs | Mahindra XUV 7XO | Tata Safari |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Petrol / 2.2L Turbo Diesel | 2.0L Turbo Diesel |
| Power | 200 PS / 155 PS or 185 PS | 170 PS |
| Torque | 380 Nm / 360 Nm or 420 Nm (450 Nm w/ AT) | 350 Nm |
| Transmission | 6MT or 6AT | 6MT / 6AT |
| Drivetrain | 4×2 / AWD | 4×2 |
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Tata Safari – Features Comparison
In today’s era, customers want all the bells and whistles in their vehicles. Thankfully, both Indian auto giants love to equip their products with the latest tech, convenience, connectivity and safety amenities to pamper the buyers. Some of the top highlights of the new Mahindra XUV 7XO are:
- First-in-segment Coast to Coast 3×12.3-inch HD Touchscreens
- ADRENOX+ powered by Octa-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155P Chipset
- 16 Speaker Harman Kardon Audio with 3D Surround Sound & VenueScapes Live
- Dolby Vision & Atmos
- Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) with Theatre Mode
- Alexa Built-in with ChatGPT Integration
- Outside Rear-View Mirror Tilt on Reverse
- 93 Adrenox Connected Car App Features
- Carbon Filter with VR LED & AQI display
- 6-way Powered Driver Seat with Memory & Welcome Retract
- 6-way Powered Co-driver Seat with 4-way Electric Boss Mode
- First-in-segment Front & Rear Ventilated Seats
- Comfort Seats with High-Density Foam with Plush Pads
- Best-in-segment Multi-zone Ambient Light
- Soft Touch Leatherette IP & Seats
- Front & Rear Wireless Charger with Active Cooling
- Intelli Command Centre
- Dual Zone Fully Automatic Temperature Control with Quiet mode
- Acoustic Solar Windscreen
- Retractable Rear Sunshades
- Over 120 safety features & 75 Safety Features as Standard (6-Airbags, ESP with EBD, Hill Descent Control, etc.)
- Level-2 ADAS with Sense+ (17 ADAS functions)
- ADAS Visualization
- 540-degree Surround View Camera
- Engineered for 5-star Bharat NCAP Rating
- 7 Airbags with Curtain Airbags Extending till 3rd Row
- Driver Drowsiness Alert
- Frameless Electrochromic IRVM and Memory
- Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold
- Digital Video Recording
- Auto-Booster Headlamps with High Beam Assist
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring with Learning
Similarly, the Tata Safari is also a feature-laden product. Its main attractions include:
- 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
- 10.25-inch Harman Infotainment Display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 6-speaker Audio System
- Rear View Camera
- 250+ Native Voice Commands
- OTA Updates
- Front 45W Type-C Fast Charger
- Boss Mode
- Smart Key with Push-Button Start (PEPS)
- Height Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Multiple Drive Modes (Eco, City and Sport)
- Terrain Response Modes (Normal, Rough and Wet)
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Smart E-Shifter
- Paddle Shifters
- 3rd Row AC Vents
- Electrically Adjustable and Foldable ORVMs
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel with Illuminated Logo
- 6 Airbags
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
- Hill Hold Control
- Corner Stability Control
- Height Adjustable Seatbelts and Front Passengers
- 3-point Seatbelt with Reminder for All Seats
- Brake Disc Wiping
- All Four Disc Brakes
Design and Dimensions Comparison
Now, styling can be a subjective matter. Still, let us check out how these two large SUVs stack up against one another in this department. The new Mahindra XUV 7XO gets a completely revised front design. It features a full-width piano black grille with jewel-like accents. The sharp LED DRLs sit next to the bi-LED projector headlamps. The lower bumper looks distinct and houses LED fog lamps with a silver finish. From the side, the SUV gets new 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. It also comes with electric smart door handles. The overall shape remains similar to the older model. At the rear, it gets diamond-style clear lens LED taillamps connected by a black panel. The boot carries XUV 7XO lettering. There is also a sporty bumper and a shark fin antenna. Overall, the SUV looks modern and has a strong road presence.
On the other hand, even the Tata Safari bears an imposing road presence. Key highlights include split LED headlamps placed on the bumper. It also gets full-width LED light bars that connect the DRLs on the bonnet and offer a welcome function. The SUV rides on elegant 19-inch alloy wheels and features stylish grille inserts and a rugged front bumper. From the side, blacked-out pillars create a floating roof effect. It also gets useful roof rails. At the rear, there are connected LED taillamps with a wraparound design. The brake lights are positioned on the rear bumper, and a shark fin antenna sits on top. As mentioned previously, both these SUVs carry distinct traits on the road.
| Dimensions (in mm) | Mahindra XUV 7XO | Tata Safari |
| Length | 4,695 | 4,668 |
| Width | 1,890 | 1,922 |
| Height | 1,755 | 1,795 |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 | 2,741 |
My View
Now, choosing between these two compelling propositions can be quite tricky. To begin with, the prices of the two SUVs are quite similar. However, if you want an SUV with all-wheel-drive capabilities or a turbo petrol mill, the new Mahindra XUV 7XO is the sole option you have. In any case, I would like to encourage my readers to visit their nearest dealerships to experience both these products in the flesh to make an informed decision.
Also Read: New Mahindra XUV 7XO vs XUV700 – What All Has Changed?
