The theme of the year when it comes to the car world in India has been large 7-seater SUVs and many car manufacturers have been releasing big SUVs to cater to the crowds. Cars like the Tata Safari, MG Hector and Kia Carens are all competing for top honours but there are two cars that we would like to take a closer look at and they are Mahindra XUV 700 vs Hyundai Alcazar.
With changing commuting styles, tourism and families wanting to travel, a seven-seater SUV is the obvious choice for the extra space and comfort they offer. Hyundai Alcazar vs Mahindra XUV 700 is one such comparison that everyone wants to know about. Understanding what these cars offer and how they perform in terms of utility, their powertrains and features is something we shall get into.
Alcazar Vs Xuv 700: Design
The Hyundai Alcazar’s front end is dominated by a large grille that has the signature Hyundai look, along with Creta-like headlights and DRLS. The Mahindra XUV 700 is a newer addition to the SUV segment and offers a refreshing exterior and modern looks. Both have an imposing SUV stance that stands out from the rest of the cars in this segment. The DRLs on both SUVs give them a distinct and stylish aura due to their shape and the way they dominate the front end.
Also Read Mahindra XUV700 Crash Test
Xuv 700 Vs Alcazar: Features
Hyundai is well known for impressing tech enthusiasts with its features and the Alcazar is no different. It comes equipped with car connect features, telematics, blue link, voice commands, an air purifier, paddle shifters and a second-row wireless charging feature for rear passengers.
Mahindra has also taken priority with the features it offers on the XUV700 and has given it ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) which takes care of adaptive cruise control, lane assist and other driver aids. The flagship SUV also gets a large infotainment touchscreen that combines instrumentation as well.
Hyundai Alcazar Vs Xuv 700: Drive and Performance
When Hyundai released the 2.0-litre petrol variant for the Alcazar, it was a big leap from the Creta and offered more power and higher performance. The other engine option for the Alcazar includes a 1.5-litre diesel. The Mahindra XUV700 comes with a 2.2-litre diesel and a 2.0-litre petrol. Both SUVs have the option of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Hyundai’s 2.0-litre petrol offers 157 bhp of maximum power and 191 Nm of peak torque. While the Mahindra XUV700s 2.0-litre petrol produces 198 bhp of power and 380 Nm of torque.
The two SUVs are both smooth in their power delivery and work well with their transmission options. The powertrains are refined enough to provide a driver-friendly performance. However, the diesel engines in both SUVs get a little loud, especially at higher rpms.
The Alcazar is the lighter of the two, and a bit more agile in traffic. This is due to its responsive steering and a braking, suspension set-up that is well suited to Indian roads. Ride and handling are comfortable, and the second and third-row passengers will enjoy the comfort on long drives. Overall the ride quality is extremely good.
The Mahindra XUV 700 is the rougher of the two and has a grunt to its engine which creeps into the cabin. Ground clearance is higher on the XUV which allows you to have a commanding view of the road ahead. You can feel the higher performance in the XUV 700 thanks to its more powerful engine and it gets the option of an all-wheel-drive as well. The AWD version is only available with the diesel variant.
Hyundai Alcazar Vs Mahindra Xuv700: Interior Comfort
The Mahindra XUV700 doesn’t get a 6-seater option, but the Hyundai Alcazar does get captain seats which is a big plus point for the South Korean manufacturer. The Alcazar also gets a centre armrest in the rear seats that have a wireless charging feature built in.
In terms of space, both SUVs provide good legroom but it is the Alcazar that has more headroom. There is a third row of seats in both SUVs, however, these are more suitable for kids or young adults. Not a place to hang out on long journeys due to the lack of legroom which will leave occupants with a cramped feeling if seated in the third row for too long.
Overall, there is great space in both SUVs, but the Alcazar has a slight edge here. It also has some interesting features for the rear passengers with two USB charging ports, a wider entry and exit and has a tad more luggage space with the third row folded up. All in all, interior space is comparable in the two large SUVs and a large family can travel in comfort in either car.
Also read Hyundai to Launch Six EVs in India By 2028
Hyundai Alcazar Vs Mahindra Xuv700 : Specifications, Features and Price Comparison
|
|
Hyundai Alcazar |
Mahindra XUV 700 |
|
Avg. Ex-Showroom Price |
Rs.23,82,670 |
Rs.29,58,087 |
|
Engine |
1.5 litre Diesel CRDi |
2.2 litre Diesel Turbocharged |
|
Displacement |
1493 cc |
2198 cc |
|
Cylinders |
Inline 4 |
Inline 4 |
|
Power (bhp@rpm) |
113.42 bhp @ 4000 rpm |
182.38 bhp @ 3500 rpm |
|
Torque (Nm) |
250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm |
450 Nm @ 1750-2800 rpm |
|
Turbocharger |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Transmission |
Automatic 6-speed |
Automatic 6-speed |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD |
AWD |
|
Fuel Economy |
16 kmpl |
17.19 kmpl |
|
Fuel Tank Capacity |
50 litres |
60 litres |
|
Suspension |
McPherson Strut with coil springs (Front) Torsion beam axle (Rear) |
McPherson strut independent (Front) Multilink Independent (Rear) |
|
Steering |
Power Assisted |
Power Assisted |
|
Steering adjustment |
Tilt and Telescopic |
Tilt and Telescopic |
|
Adjustable Headlight |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Tyre Size |
255/55 R18 |
235/60 R18 |
|
ABS |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Central Locking |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Power door locks |
Yes |
Yes |
Also read Mahindra Xuv700 Variant Details Revealed
Hyundai Alcazar
Pros
- For everyday driving, it is quite easy going with city-friendly proportions and enough space to seat 7 passengers.
- Rich in features – gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, ventilated seats, BOSE sound system, LED headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof.
- Loads of safety features which include – tyre pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control, ABS with EBD braking system, dual front airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, rear camera, all-wheel disc brakes, 360 degree and blind spot cameras.
- Comes with special captain seats at the back that appeal to those who like to be chauffeur driven.
- It is as easy to drive as the Hyundai Creta.
- Large boot space means there’s lots of space to carry cargo around.
- Comfort, convenience and safety features are class leading and best in segment.
- Both the petrol and diesel engines are smooth and refined units.
Cons
- Not much space in the third row, as it is more suitable for kids or passengers on short journeys. Adults will find the seats a little cramped.
- No 7-seater petrol automatic and the 7-seater diesel automatic is limited to the base version.
- Direct rivals such as the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and the XUV700 have better road presence.
- Petrol engine is a thirsty unit.
- There are more powerful diesel engines on offer with rivals.
- The Tata Safari offers a much more spacious third row of seats.
Mahindra XUV 700
Pros
There are lots of trim levels and variants to choose from as well as a host of powertrain options.
- Engine options are all good and capable – both the petrol and diesel engines get automatic transmission.
- Gets a diesel engine with lots of torque coupled with all wheel drive which is a good combination for this SUV.
- Suspension and tyre setup make for comfortable ride and handling.
- Infotainment system is impressive and will keep passengers occupied.
- Safety list is long and it gets 7 airbags.
- ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) has been modified for use on Indian road conditions.
- Big in size, although large dimensions don’t look bulky, in fact, the SUV has an appealing design.
- High-speed ride and quality are good.
Cons
- The driving experience is not as involving as expected, which results in an SUV that is not fun to drive
- Although there is lots of power with the petrol engine, it is not exciting.
- The cabin looks premium and luxurious, however, it suffers from some quality niggles. There are some issues with features not working.
- Some features are missing like auto-dimming IRVM.
- Cargo space behind the third row of seats is seriously limited.
- Second row of seats is not as spacious as the XUV 500
Also Read Mahindra XUV700 Endurance Record
Long Term Review
Even though the Hyundai Alcazar has large dimensions and for all its extra length and width, it is still easy to drive within the city. The 2.0-litre petrol automatic is naturally aspirated and equipped with a 6-speed torque converter. There is no CVT or dual-clutch but the engine and transmission pair work very well in city traffic as they are tuned to suit the job.
The 2.0-litre petrol is responsive and has good pulling power low down and in the mid-range. The automatic gearbox doesn’t make sudden jerks and is smooth and refined, transferring the engine power with little effort. The car is quick to respond to throttle inputs and drives reasonably well in traffic.
The steering is direct and offers plenty of feedback with the pedals working crisply to bring together the engine and gearbox nicely. This all equates to a hassle-free ride in the city.
To deal with the Alcazar’s size, it comes with a 360-degree camera that is an essential safety tool when parking and works to ease manoeuvres in the city. For long journeys, the Alcazar is a fairly accomplished travel companion, with 6 seats that provide the second row of passengers with armchair-like comfort. With the third row of seats folded down, there is a fair amount of space for luggage and cargo, but if you are using the third row for passengers, then there is very little boot space left.`
Also read Upcoming Cars From Hyundai India
The Alcazar is not totally comfortable with high-speed driving and stability can be called decent at best. Steering feedback is enough to keep the car on track but its long wheelbase doesn’t like to turn and makes the car feel awkward. The ride and handling are a bit soggy, and a full load of passengers and luggage doesn’t help here.
One thing the Alcazar impresses with is its long list of features. It gets an innovative blind spot detection camera that allows you to change lanes without worries. A tyre pressure monitoring system and car connection features are convenient and allow you to keep track of your car from the driver’s seat. The Bose sound system offers high-fidelity audio and you get a special real-time traffic update from Hyundai maps.
The levels of quality and finish are indeed impressive and the Alcazar is a great car to drive and be driven in. It may not be the best at everything you throw at it, but it does manage to pamper the occupants well and keep them comfortable at all times. Overall, a fascinating 7-seater.
The Mahindra XUV700 is a proper SUV with well-appointed interiors and plush seats. Everything inside is well thought out and there are plenty of cubby holes and storage spaces all around. Door handles are large, there are bottle holders on all four doors and the centre console has a tray as well.
This seven-seater XUV700 gets a bench-type second row that has plenty of head and leg room. There is a central armrest, again with a cup holder. The generous legroom comes courtesy of a long wheelbase of 2,750 mm. While the second row can seat three passengers, the third row is not as spacious and passengers will find their legs rubbing against the second-row seats. Not a good place to be on a long journey.
Feature-wise, the Mahindra XUV 700 has the most advanced and loaded list in this segment. There is a free-standing infotainment system, and the instrument console is a touch-based, modern-looking system.
The petrol engine (mStallion 2.0 litre) is one of the most powerful units in the Mahindra line-up. It has almost 200 bhp and city driving is effortless, to say the least. The steering feel is nimble and the suspension is absorbent enough to soak up bumps and rough patches. Ride quality does not suffer even on unpaved roads.
Cruising on the highway is smooth too especially with the plush leather seats that add that extra degree of comfort. The Mahindra XUV700 can gobble up kilometres without any complaints from the occupants. A true long-distance runner that feels at home on the highway.
Also read Upcoming Cars By Mahindra and Mahindra
Conclusion
The Mahindra XUV700 goes up against rivals like the Tata Safari, MG Hector and the Hyundai Alcazar. The XUV700 takes design cues from the XUV500, its older generation sibling, although its design is more striking and muscular looking while the interior is brimming with advanced features and modern technology. It brings ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) and many more first-in-segment features along with potent engine and transmission options. The XUV started life as the XUV 500 that kickstarted the game for Mahindra, taking them to the top of the leader list and keeping them ahead of rivals. The XUV700 continues with the same ethos and is poised to be a leader in the segment as well.
The Hyundai Alcazar faces competition from serious players in this segment that are larger in size and have a more usable third row of seats. However, it makes good sense for those planning to upgrade from a 5-seater compact SUV to a larger 7-seater (or rather 6-seater) that is large enough for the extended family and their luggage. The interiors are well equipped, premium and filled with features that make the Alcazar easy to live with. It is available at exclusive Signature outlets of Hyundai and can be had with a six- or seven-seater layout.
If you are looking for a seven-seater SUV that is big on space, comfortable and well suited to Indian roads, then the Hyundai Alcazar is the choice for you. The Mahindra XUV700 is also a good SUV to own, and comes with the tried and tested Mahindra brand that is known for rough and tough vehicles that can take on anything you ask of them.
If you found this article helpful, consider having a look at In-depth Comparison Of Family SUVs:Hyundai Alcazar Vs XUV500 and visit carorbis blog for more blogs like this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is the Alcazar worth buying?
Ans. The Hyundai Alcazar is quite well-equipped, covers all the basics and gets some premium features too. Engine options are smooth and refined while the SUV is big on space and comfortable to drive. It is based on the Hyundai Creta but gets an extended platform to seat seven passengers, and has a premium cabin. The best part is that it is light on the steering and easy to drive in city traffic. The Hyundai Alcazar is worth the price you pay which starts from Rs. 16 lakhs – Rs. 20 lakhs.
