Mahindra XUV700 vs Audi SQ7
What's the difference?

Mahindra XUV700

$39,990 - $42,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Audi SQ7

—

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

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Summary

2026 Mahindra XUV700

2024 Audi SQ7

By Tim Nicholson

By John Law

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

—

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.3L/100km (combined)

12.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Value for money
Punchy engine
Versatile, well-appointed interior

Growling V8 soundtrack
Spacious, classy cabin
Impressive ride and handling

Dislikes

Average fuel consumption
Ride and handling need work
Some cabin quality issues

Lacks clever interior storage
Engine is thirsty
Expensive to service

2026 Mahindra XUV700 Summary

There are around 30 different models fighting for your attention in Australia’s medium SUV segment. More than double that if you include premium options. In other words, there’s overwhelming choice.

Some of the most popular options include Toyota’s RAV4, the Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Outlander, with a bunch of Chinese brands climbing up the charts.

But have you ever considered a Mahindra? The Indian carmaker has been operating in Australia for close to 20 years and the product line-up has improved considerably.

Case in point, the MY25 Mahindra XUV700. A replacement for the unloved XUV500, it’s just come in for a refresh adding new interior trim and tech features and it’s still affordable.

But is it worth taking a chance on the up-and-coming brand? Read on to find out.

View full pricing & specs

2024 Audi SQ7 Summary

The Audi Q7 has come in for its second facelift as it enters its ninth year of production while the younger Q8 is in for its first refresh.

But these two aren't like the Mitsubishi ASX and Eclipse Cross pair; Audi's MLB underpinnings were cutting edge at their launch 2015 and remain stand-out in the class with advanced suspension and chassis tech, connectivity and refinement.

A host of small visual and performance tweaks aim to make the range-topping SQ7 we're driving even better. But should you make the sensible seven-seat decision or go a little rogue and choose the sloping-roofed SQ8?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Mahindra XUV700 2024 Audi SQ7

Verdict

The Mahindra XUV700 is a solid, well-rounded family SUV. It has a practical cabin with a usable third row and a punchy turbocharged powertrain. The Indian manufacturer needs to address a few things like interior quality and some ADAS calibration and there’s more work to do when it comes to ride and handling. But overall this seven-seat SUV represents exceptional value for money against some pricier rivals and should be on more consideration lists.

Verdict

There are newer options than the current Audi SQ7 and SQ8, including those which use the same platform, but don't write these luxury large SUVs off just yet.

It's a rare thing that a vehicle costing $200,000 has an air of pragmatism about it, but the SQ7 does. Its sensible leather upholstery, decent practicality, towing capability and near-excess of interior space make it a great family wagon.

As a counterpoint, the sharper looking SQ8 has minimal trade-off in comfort and interior room (at least for five) and is the kind of statement piece you'd expect for the price — especially in one of its loud paint colours.

Whichever way you leap, it's true that while the SQ7 and SQ8 are ageing, they are doing so gracefully and remain a superb option in this segment.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Mahindra XUV700 vs Audi SQ7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mahindra XUV700 vs Audi SQ7
What's the difference?