The 2026 Mahindra XUV 7XO has been launched in India ahead of its anticipated release in Australia later this year, bringing a new name and an upgraded exterior and interior – at no extra cost – for the existing XUV700 mid-size SUV.
The mid-cycle update follows the naming convention Mahindra started with the XUV 3XO small SUV, a rival for the Chery Tiggo 4 that was launched as one of Australia’s cheapest SUVs in July 2025.
Mahindra has not officially confirmed the 7XO for Australia, where equipment levels and pricing are also yet to be announced, though the XUV700 is currently this market’s cheapest SUV available with seven seats.
The XUV 7XO was announced in India with the same starting price as the outgoing XUV700, which in Australia is currently available from $39,990 drive-away, undercutting the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and the LDV D90 large off-road SUV.
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Along with the new name, the 2026 update brings refreshed exterior styling inspired by the Indian brand’s electric models (not yet sold here), resulting in crisper lines, but the XUV700’s core dimensions and powertrains are carried over.
The signature ‘boomerang’ LED daytime running lights form part of a new front-end alongside a redesigned grille and bumper, while the flush-fitting ‘smart’ door handles are carried over from the current model.
Along with a resculpted side profile, the rear bumper and LED tail-lights have been redesigned, while new-look 19-inch alloy wheels and an expanded paint colour palette finish off the exterior changes.
Inside, the cabin receives more substantial upgrades, with all versions featuring a 12.3-inch ‘coast-to-coast’ digital screen (up from 10.25 inches) spanning the full width of the dashboard, combining the multimedia display and instrument cluster, and reducing the number of physical buttons.
It also brings a 540-degree camera as part of its Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS), along with wireless phone charging and new Alexa Built-in functionality with ChatGPT artificial intelligence.
A new two-spoke steering wheel is another cabin highlight, while higher-end variants add a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, up from 12 speakers previously.
The key mechanical change is the introduction of Mahindra’s ‘DaVinci’ adaptive suspension damping system, which continues to comprise a five-link independent rear-end layout.
Powertrains carry over with the same claimed outputs, which in Australia includes a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 149kW of power and 380Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
The 2.2-litre diesel engine offered overseas remains absent from the local lineup, as does the manual transmission and optional all-wheel drive system.
Run-out deals offered by Mahindra Australia for the current XUV700 from late in 2025, slashing up to $4000 off the list price, carry over into 2026 and remain available.
Mahindra is also offering run-out deals on its large off-road SUV, the diesel-powered Scorpio, which will also soon be upgraded.
MORE: Explore the Mahindra showroom
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