An off-roading enthusiast will often look for ways (and excuses, probably) to get off the beaten track. And for that reason, such a buyer looks only for the best off-road cars in India. Today, we’re looking at Mahindra XUV700, a premium SUV, and its variants as off-road vehicles.
In this guide, we will share
- What an off-roading enthusiast looks for in a car
- Mahindra XUV700 – an in-depth look at its variants, features, and off-roading capabilities
- How to pick the right car for you
The Mahindra XUV700’s engines have proven to be quite powerful, and in fact, better than its segment competitors. Let’s see what else it has to offer.
What an Offroading Enthusiast Looks for in a Car
Here’s what to look for in a car as an off-roading enthusiast:
- Drive system – What drive system does the vehicle have (FWD, AWD, or 4X4)
- Ground clearance – the car should have high ground clearance to tackle uneven terrains
- Low range gearing – the car should have low range gearing to allow the vehicle to drive at lower speeds while still operating the usable power band/RPM of the entire engine
- Locking differential – the vehicle should have differential locking for better traction when driving on soft, muddy or uneven surfaces
- Engine power and torque – the engine should have adequate power and generate enough torque
- Safety – safety features are important, especially when traveling through challenging terrains
- Comfort and convenience – the vehicle should offer good comfort, as well as convenience features
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An off-roading enthusiast prioritizes cars with strong performance attributes such as high engine power and torque, quick engine responsiveness, and excellent power delivery.
A drive type such as AWD/4WD is critical for challenging terrains. Ground clearance is key to avoid damage from rough terrains, while features like differential locking and low range gearing enhance off-road capabilities.
Safety features such as ABS and traction control are a must, and the ability to comfortably control the vehicle, via attributes like power steering and steering mounted controls, is highly valued in top SUVs for off-roading.
Why Mahindra XUV700 is Popular
The Mahindra XUV700 has risen in popularity among off-roading enthusiasts due to its robust performance, safety features, and offroading capabilities.
It offers quick engine responsiveness and linear power delivery, making it reliable on tough terrains. Depending on the variant, the Mahindra XUV700 comes with FWD or AWD, catering to various off-roading needs, such as water-wading, or driving through sand, or muddy terrains.
The model boasts a ground clearance of 200 mm, ensuring safety on uneven surfaces. It also features essential safety mechanisms like ABS, ESC, and Hill Hold assist, and driver assistance features like power steering, enhancing its appeal to the off-roading community. In all, the XUV700 is built for both mild and serious off-roading.
Mahindra XUV700 Variants Shortlist in Rs 20-25 Lakh Range
| Varian | Price (INR) as on 27 July 2023 |
| AX7 Diesel AT | ₹ 2,296,000 |
| AX7 Diesel Luxury Pack | ₹ 2,313,000 |
| AX7 AT Luxury Pack | ₹ 2,435,000 |
| AX7 AWD Diesel AT | ₹ 2,441,000 |
| AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack | ₹ 2,489,000 |
Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT
This variant provides quick engine responsiveness and linear power delivery, making it efficient in challenging terrains. It’s equipped with FWD, which might limit its offroading capabilities compared to AWD. We also have our comparison of the XUV700 with Mahindra Scorpio-N for off-roading enthusiasts.
Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel Luxury Pack
With similar performance features as the previous variant, this model additionally offers a luxury pack. You can also check out how the XUV700 fares against the Jeep Compass as an off-roading vehicle.
Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AT Luxury Pack
This variant maintains the same performance attributes and adds a torque converter. However, it features a FWD system, making it less suitable for extreme offroading conditions compared to the AWD variant.
Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AWD Diesel AT
This variant stands out with an AWD drive type, offering enhanced offroad capabilities. The presence of a torque converter, along with its robust engine performance, makes it an excellent contender for offroading.
Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack
This variant features similar attributes as the first one but includes the luxury pack and an extra airbag for increased safety. The FWD system could be a limitation for offroad usage. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Mahindra XUV700 with MG Hector.
Our Pick for the Best Mahindra XUV700 Variant for Offroading Enthusiasts
The Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AWD Diesel AT emerges as the best variant for an offroading enthusiast. The AWD drive type greatly enhances its off-road capabilities compared to the FWD system in other variants.
It also features quick engine responsiveness, high engine power and torque, and linear power delivery, necessary for efficient offroading. Safety features such as ABS and the presence of a torque converter further boost its performance in off-road conditions.
The Top 3 Choices
- Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AWD Diesel AT
- Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT
- Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack
| Attributes | AX7 AWD Diesel AT | AX7 Diesel AT | AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AWD | Yes | No | No |
| Engine Power (BHP) | 182.38 | 182.38 | 182.38 |
| Differential Locking | No | No | No |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| Airbags (Number) | 6 | 6 | 7 |
How to Pick the Right Car for You?
- If you want a vehicle with AWD capability, the AX7 AWD Diesel AT will be the right choice for you.
- If you are content with FWD, then AX7 Diesel AT will be ideal for you.
- If you’re looking for some luxurious extras and enhanced safety in a FWD vehicle, then the AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack will be the perfect choice for you.
The AX7 AWD Diesel AT stands out for its off-road capability due to the AWD drive type. The AX7 Diesel AT and AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack also deliver impressive performance features. Despite their FWD system, they provide good value for their price, offering similar engine performance and safety features.
The AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack additionally offers the luxury pack and an extra airbag for increased safety, making these three variants attractive choices for an off-roading enthusiast.
If you’re interested in reading more such guides for popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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