What are some of the best performance cars, or top sports cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we are looking at the Mahindra XUV700 2024 and Toyota Innova Crysta. Let’s see how their variants compare with each other in terms of performance.
In this article, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Mahindra XUV700 2024 vs Toyota Innova Crysta – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
- How to pick the right car for you
What a Performance Enthusiast Looks for in a Car
Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:
- Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
- Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
- Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
- Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance
A performance enthusiast prioritizes a car’s driving dynamics and powertrain. Key factors include a powerful engine with quick acceleration, precise steering, responsive brakes, and agile handling.
They also look for sporty design elements like aggressive bumpers, large alloy wheels, and rear spoilers. A well-tuned suspension that minimizes body roll, advanced transmission with quick shifts, and dynamic drive modes are important too. Features like paddle shifters, sport seats, and a throaty exhaust note further elevate the driving experience.
Why Mahindra XUV700 2024 and Toyota Innova Crysta are popular
The Mahindra XUV700 and Toyota Innova Crysta cater to performance enthusiasts in different ways. The XUV700 is all about outright performance, with its powerful diesel engines and dynamic handling. The Innova Crysta, with its comfort-oriented setup, focuses more on effortless cruising.
The XUV700 is available with 2.2L diesel engines producing up to 185 PS power and 450 Nm torque. Paired with responsive 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions, they enable quick acceleration. The monocoque chassis, frequency selective damping, and optional AWD result in great handling too.
The Innova Crysta’s 2.4L diesel engine produces a modest 150 PS power and 360 Nm torque. But the slick 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic make the most of it. The Crysta’s rear-wheel-drive layout, long wheelbase, and pliant suspension make it a great highway cruiser, eating up miles with ease.
Features like cruise control, touchscreen infotainment, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, and ambient lighting are available on both models. But the XUV700 goes a step further with drive modes, electronic parking brake, wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system, making it more appealing to enthusiasts.
Mahindra XUV700 2024 and Toyota Innova Crysta variants shortlist in Rs 22-25 lakh range
For Mahindra XUV700 2024, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 13 March 2024 |
| AX7 Diesel AT | ₹23,31,000 |
| AX7 6Str Diesel Luxury P. | ₹24,14,000 |
For Toyota Innova Crysta, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 13 March 2024 |
| 2.4 VX 7 STR | ₹24,64,000 |
| 2.4 VX 8 STR | ₹24,69,000 |
Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT
The Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT variant packs a 2.2L mHawk diesel engine producing 185 PS power and 450 Nm torque, mated to a responsive 6-speed torque converter automatic. This enables quick acceleration and relaxed cruising. The monocoque chassis, frequency selective damping, and FWD layout result in confident handling. Features like AdrenoX connected car tech, wireless charging, 6 airbags, and a 12-speaker Sony 3D audio system enhance the experience. If you’re a gadget enthusiast, you can check out our comparison of the XUV700 2024 with MG Hector.
Mahindra XUV700 AX7 6Str Diesel Luxury Pack
The XUV700 AX7 6Str Diesel Luxury Pack variant is aimed at enthusiasts who like to row through the gears themselves. It gets the same 2.2L diesel engine but with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The shorter ratios and slick shifts make for an engaging drive. Additional features like a 360-degree camera, blind view monitor, electronic parking brake, driver drowsiness alert, and flush door handles justify the premium. You can also read our guide to the best XUV700 2024 variants for family-focused car buyers.
Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 7-seater
The Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 7-seater variant is powered by a 2.4L diesel engine producing 150 PS and 360 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. While it may not be as powerful as the XUV700, the engine’s linear power delivery and easy-to-use gearbox still make for a pleasant drive. The rear-wheel-drive layout, long wheelbase, and pliant suspension make it a capable highway cruiser. Features like leather seats, cruise control, and automatic climate control add to the comfort. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can check out our comparison of the Innova Crysta with Tata Safari 2023.
Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 8-seater
The Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 8-seater variant shares its powertrain and features with the 7-seater. The key difference is the seating configuration, with a middle-row bench making way for an additional passenger. This makes it more appealing to enthusiasts with larger families or those who frequently travel with friends. The Crysta’s supple ride and stable dynamics shine even with a full complement of passengers.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Mahindra XUV700 2024 and Toyota Innova Crysta for Performance Enthusiasts
The Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT is the best variant for performance enthusiasts. It combines strong diesel performance with the convenience of an automatic transmission and a feature-rich cabin.
The 2.2L mHawk diesel engine produces a segment-leading 185 PS power and 450 Nm torque, resulting in brisk acceleration. The 6-speed torque converter automatic is responsive and smooth, with manual shifts via the paddle shifters. The XUV700’s lightweight monocoque construction, front-wheel-drive layout, and frequency-selective damping result in eager handling and good ride comfort.
Inside, the XUV700 comes packed with features designed to appeal to enthusiasts. These include a large 10.25-inch touchscreen with AdrenoX connected car tech, a fully digital instrument cluster, a 12-speaker Sony 3D audio system, drive modes, 6-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory, and a large panoramic sunroof. The safety kit is extensive too, with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, hill hold assist, and a 360-degree camera.
With its powerful and refined diesel engine, quick-shifting automatic, agile dynamics, and feature-packed cabin, the XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT is a compelling choice for performance enthusiasts. It offers the best of Mahindra’s diesel expertise in a modern and exciting package.
The Top 3 choices
- Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT
- Mahindra XUV700 AX7 6Str Diesel Luxury Pack
- Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 7 STR
| Attributes | XUV700 AX7 AT | XUV700 AX7 Lux 6 Str | Innova Crysta VX 7 Str |
| 180+ PS Power | Yes | Yes | No |
| 400+ Nm Torque | Yes | No | No |
| Automatic Gearbox | Yes | No | No |
| 10+ Speaker Audio | Yes | Yes | No |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT is our top pick for performance enthusiasts. Its powerful engine, quick-shifting automatic, agile dynamics, and feature-rich cabin make for an engaging drive. Plus, being a monocoque SUV, it’s more car-like to drive than the body-on-frame Innova Crysta.
- The XUV700 AX7 6Str Diesel Luxury Pack with its 6-speed manual is a close second. The shorter ratios and slick shifts make the most of the 2.2L diesel’s performance. Additional features like a 360-degree camera, blind view monitor, electronic parking brake, and driver drowsiness alert further justify the premium.
- For those who prioritize comfort and effortless mile-munching over outright performance, the Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 7 STR is a capable choice. Its 2.4L diesel engine and 5-speed manual offer adequate performance while the rear-wheel-drive layout and pliant suspension result in a plush ride. Plus, the spacious and well-appointed cabin is great for long journeys with family.
The XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT and AX7 Luxury Pack offer two different flavors of performance – one with the convenience of an automatic and the other with the engagement of a manual. The Innova Crysta, though not as powerful, still appeals to enthusiasts who want a comfortable and capable MPV for the family. With their unique blend of performance, features, and driving dynamics, these variants cater to the varied needs of Indian car enthusiasts.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
