The Hyundai Alcazar vs XUV500 is a hotly debated comparison in the big SUV, 7-seater segment. Both these SUVs are massive and feature roomy cabins with lots of creature comforts. Although the XUV500 has now been replaced with the XUV700, the XUV500 is still relevant in the family SUV space.
Other direct rivals to the Hyundai Alcazar vs XUV500 include the Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus. 7-seater family SUVs are much sought after in India due to their large road presence and go-anywhere attitude. High ground clearance and advanced suspension setups easily deal with potholes and speed breakers.
SUVs are great city runabouts that are jam-packed with features to make the ride more comfortable. Hyundai Alcazar vs XUV500 are both stylish family SUVs, offer good fuel economy and come in the right price range of Rs.13 -15 lakh. They also have that coveted third row of seats, providing versatility on long drives.
Let’s have a closer look at the Hyundai Alcazar and the Mahindra XUV500. We will compare their engines, interiors and exteriors and detail their specifications to help make your decision on the best family SUV easier.
Hyundai Alcazar vs Mahindra XUV500 – Engine Options and Variants
The Hyundai Alcazar comes with 2 engine options. There is a 2.0-litre petrol producing a maximum power output of 159 bhp and a peak torque rating of 191 Nm. The other option is a 1.5-litre diesel engine that produces 115 bhp and 250 Nm. Both engines have the option of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic torque converterable unit. The engines are BS6 compliant.
The Mahindra XUV500 has only one engine option, which is the mHawk 2.2-litre diesel producing 153 bhp and 360 Nm of torque. There is a 6-speed manual unit and a 6-speed automatic gearbox on offer in terms of gearbox options.
The Alcazar engine performance is a tad sluggish under heavy loads and will leave you wanting more bhp. The short gear ratios do not help much with the pulling power. The Alcazar will do better with a more powerful unit.
The Mahindra XUV 500 has food midrange power which boosts the cars cruising ability. Out on the highway, you can knock off the kilometres without affecting fuel economy. The refinement levels are not on par with its rivals. The engine is noisy even at idle and gets louder as you pick up the pace.
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Hyundai Alcazar vs XUV500 – Exterior
The Alcazar features Hyundai’s signature design language which is sensual and modern looking. Some may say that the front end looks similar to the Creta. Actually, the Alcazar is built on a stretched-out Creta platform. It has a similar cascading front grille but the LED headlights are bold and feature DRLs.
The front end is broad and muscular, yet the chrome finishes make it attractive. The sides feature sculpted arches above 18-inch diamond alloy cut wheels which are sporty and give the Alcazar a sleek look. There is a convenient side step to help passengers get into and out of the vehicle.
Overall, the Alcazar has a sporty modern look. The rear end features split LED taillights with a thick chrome strip embossed with the Alcazar brand. Bumpers have skid plates and the roof gets functional roof rails and a shark fin antenna.
The Mahindra XUV 500 looks dated in comparison to the Alcazar. It features a large chrome grille with signature fog lamps. Projector headlamps and a sculpted bonnet make the XUV500 look muscular from the front. There are LED DRLs and skid plates below the bumper.
Flared wheel arches on the XUV500 sit on top of large 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Chrome strips run along the side skirts and around the window line. The rear end features split LED tail lamps, and a chrome bar running horizontally. There are twin exhausts and an aerodynamic spoiler above the boot lid. The Mahindra XUV 500 scores points for its massive road presence.
The XUV500 is definitely the bigger of the two SUVs. It is 85 mm longer, 100 mm wider and 100 mm taller than the Alcazar. In terms of wheelbase, the Alcazar edges out the XUV500. It is 60 mm longer than the XUV500 which translates into a more spacious cabin, especially for the second and third row of seats.
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Hyundai Alcazar vs XUV500 – Interiors
The Alcazar boasts modern tech and advanced features for its interior. Hyundai’s are known to be packed with first-in-class features which is why many car buyers find them attractive. The upholstery features dual tome colours and there is a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Car connectivity features include Blue Link technology and a 70-inch digital instrument binnacle that relays important information to the driver.
The front seats on the Alcazar are ventilated and the AC features automatic climate control for passengers. The steering wheel has mounted controls for the music system which is a Bose premium stereo with 8 speakers. There is an air purifier included in the central armrest. The driver’s seat has an 8-way adjustable feature and the cabin has ambient lighting with wireless phone charging for the second row of seats.
The Mahindra XUV500 also does well in packing its interior with convenient features including a 7-inch digital infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel is a twin-pod sporty-looking panel that updates the driver with several vehicle functions. The seats have premium leather quilted designs and the dashboard is covered in soft leather as well. There is a Piano black finish on the centre console. The driver’s seat is a 6-way adjustable unit with lumbar support. The XUV 500 features cruise control, dual-zone climate control steering mounted controls and cabin lighting.
Hyundai Alcazar vs XUV 500 – Safety
Hyundai has equipped the Alcazar with several safety features such as 6 airbags, ABS with EBD braking system, Vehicle Stability Control, Electronic Stability Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Front and Rear Parking Sensors with a rear-view camera, 360 degrees surround monitor, Hill Assist Control and disc brakes on all four wheels.
The Mahindra XUV500 is also an extremely safe vehicle featuring 6 airbags, an ABS braking system with EBD, disc brakes round, Electronic Stability Programme with Roll-Over Mitigation, Hill Assist Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and parking sensors with a camera featuring guidelines.
Hyundai Alcazar vs XUV 500 – Comparison of specifications
The Hyundai Alcazar is priced at Rs.15.89 lakh while the Mahindra XUV starts at Rs.12.37 lakh ex-showroom. Here is a comparison between the Hyundai Alcazar vs XUV500 which looks at their specifications, dimensions and important features.
| Hyundai Alcazar | Mahindra XUV500 | |
| Variant | Prestige Exe 7 STR 2.0 Petrol | W3 |
| Engine | 1999 cc, 4 cylinders inline | 2179 cc, 4 cylinders inline |
| Engine Type | 2.0 Litre Petrol MPi | mHawk 155 Diesel |
| Fuel | Petrol | Diesel |
| Maximum Power (bhp) | 157 bhp @ 6,500 rpm | 153 bhp @ 3,750 rpm |
| Maximum Torque (Nm) | 191 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | 360 Nm @ 1,750 rpm |
| Fuel Economy | 14.5 kmpl | 15.1 kmpl |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Manual 6 gears | Manual 6 gears |
| Emission Standard | BS6 | BS6 |
| Turbocharger | – | Yes |
| Length (mm) | 4500 mm | 4585 mm |
| Width (mm) | 1790 mm | 1890 mm |
| Height (mm) | 1675 mm | 1785 mm |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2760 mm | 2700 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 200 mm | 200 mm |
| Kerb Weight | – | 1845 kg |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Number of seating rows | 3 | 3 |
| Boot space (litres) | 180 litres | – |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (litres) | 50 | 70 |
| Front Suspension | McPherson Strut / Coil Spring | McPherson Type / Anti-Roll Bar |
| Rear Suspension | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle | Multi-Link Type /Anti-Roll Bar |
| Front Brake | Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brake | Disc | Disc |
| Wheels | Alloys Rims | Steel Rims |
| Overspeed Warning | Yes | – |
| Emergency Brake Light Flashing | Yes | – |
| Airbags | 1 Driver, 1 Passenger | 1 Driver, 1 Passenger |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring System | Yes | No |
| Seat Belt Warning | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-Lock Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Row Seat Adjustment | 6 Way | – |
| Steering Adjustment | Tilt and Telescopic | Tilt |
| Electronic Brake Force Distribution | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Hold Control | Yes | Yes |
| Air Conditioner | Automatic Climate Control | Manual |
| Front AC | Single Zone | Two Zone |
| Rear AC | Blower / Vents behind the armrest | – |
| Third Row AC | Blower / Vents on the pillar | – |
| Parking Assist | Reverse Camera with Guidance | – |
| Keyless Start / Stop | Yes | No |
| Battery Warranty (Kilometres) | Not Applicable | – |
| Warranty (Years) | 3 | 3 |
| Warranty (Kilometres) | Unlimited | 100,000 |
Pros and Cons of the Hyundai Alcazar
The following is a list of advantages and disadvantages of the Hyundai Alcazar. You would most likely buy the Hyundai Alcazar for its comfortable and practical interior. Also, the long list of features would be a plus point.
It does however suffer from inadequate performance under the hood. The ride and handling at slow speeds are also a bit stiff and may raise some complaints.
Pros
- The Alcazar has a mature design, and a stylish exterior that gives the SUV a modern look
- The engine is smooth and refined. It is powerful enough to provide good driving characteristics.
- The interiors are comfortable. The cabin is loaded with features.
Cons
- Ride and handling could be improved. The suspension deals well with bumpy roads, but it is a bit stiff and not supple enough.
- The Third row of seats is slightly cramped and will be a squeeze for tall adults
Pros and Cons – Mahindra XUV 500
Let’s have a look at good things about the Mahindra XUV 500 and some of the things that could be better. Some of the reasons why people love the Mahindra XUV 500 is because of its massive road presence and strong, powerful diesel engine. The interiors could do better with some more refinement in terms of the plastics used and cabin materials.
Pros
- The exterior design is distinctive and you will not mistake the XUV 500 for any other SUV. Both the front and rear end have been designed with an appealing aesthetic that will go down well with the new generation of drivers.
- The cabin is extremely spacious and offers plenty of headroom and legroom for occupants. The seats are plush and provide good thigh support. The XUV 500 does very well on long journeys.
- The list of features is long. It gets parking assistance, headlight and ignition on reminder, 12-volt power outlets, power windows, electrically adjustable OVRMs and remote operated boot lid opener.
Cons
- Interior quality consists of some plastics that are hard to touch and don’t look very premium.
- The high-speed ride is a bit bouncy and can leave the occupants feeling a little uncomfortable.
- The XUV700 offers a better package and the XUV500 looks dated in front of its new generation sibling.
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Conclusion
The XUV 500 offers a large road presence and comes loaded with features to keep occupants well taken care of. It is on par with its rivals in the family SUV 7-seater segment. The diesel engine is a strong performer, making the XUV 500 easy to drive in all situations. The powerplant makes driving effortless in the city and out on open roads.
The main rivals for the Mahindra XUV 500 include the Tata Hexa and Jeep Compass. Both these SUVs make life difficult for the Mahindra as they offer similar driving experiences, features and space.
The Hyundai Alcazar is basically a stretched Creta built on a larger platform. This has made the cabin spacious and comfortable as compared to the Creta. When it comes to the Hyundai Alcazar vs XUV500, they both provide similar space and are on equal footing in terms of drivability and features. It is not a perfect SUV. Ride and handling could do with some improvement. The last row of seats is best folded up to carry extra luggage because they are a little cramped for passengers.
Both SUVs are extremely capable and offer good value for money. The Hyundai Alcazar is the modern SUV of the two and has a fresher look and stylistic appeal. It comes with the latest features, connectivity functions and modern tech. The Alcazar also has several powertrain options which are attractive to buyers in different budget categories.
The XUV500 is a typical family SUV which has the advantage of a powerful and robust diesel engine. Build quality is excellent, making the Mahindra a durable and reliable 7-seater SUV. The cabin is premium enough but it misses out on a modern design theme which the Alcazar scores point on.
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