Mahindra XUV700 vs Volvo XC90
What's the difference?

Mahindra XUV700

$39,990 - $42,990

2026 price

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Volvo XC90

$97,990 - $130,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Mahindra XUV700

2026 Volvo XC90

By Tim Nicholson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

—

Fuel Efficiency

8.3L/100km (combined)

1.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Value for money
Punchy engine
Versatile, well-appointed interior

New multimedia system
Interior design and materials
Brisk and engaging performance

Dislikes

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

Old school EV driving range
Clunky third row set-up
Unsettled low-speed ride

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

2026 Volvo XC90 Summary

The first-generation Volvo XC90 remained on sale for 12 years in Australia before being replaced by the handsome second-gen version that recently clocked up a decade of sales.

There’s a reason for the longevity. People love the Volvo XC90. It is a reliable seven-seat family-friendly SUV with a premium bent. You’ll spot loads of these at fancy private school drop off.

Volvo has extended the life of the second-gen XC90 with a significant late-life update. It adopts some features from its stablemate, the similarly sized and positioned EX90 electric SUV.

It doesn’t get a fully-electric powertrain but you have the choice of a mild-hybrid grade that acts as the range opener and the well-equipped T8 Plug-In Hybrid I’m testing.

Interestingly, a number of this car’s rivals have had their lives extended, too. As many carmakers pour billions into EVs, they’ve taken to delivering major updates to older internal combustion platforms rather than developing all-new underpinnings. The Audi Q7 and BMW X5 are other examples of this.

For the update, Volvo has ushered in a front-end design refresh, a fresh take on the interior, new multimedia and safety tech, a light tweak to suspension and new colours and wheels.

But is this enough to keep premium SUV buyers interested? Let’s find out…

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mahindra XUV700 2026 Volvo XC90

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

It’s a credit to Volvo that the XC90 feels like a new car, even with its older underpinnings. This latest update has successfully addressed areas that needed the most attention, namely the multimedia system, interior and exterior design. The electric driving range now feels somewhat old school compared to the numbers some manufacturers can achieve these days. A lot of PHEVs now exceed 100km EV range and buyers are starting to expect that. And setting up the third row takes way too much effort to want to do it regularly. The new Volvo XC90 is a comfortable, engaging and properly premium family SUV and the updates have only improved what was already a solid offering.

Mahindra XUV700 vs Volvo XC90 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mahindra XUV700 vs Volvo XC90
What's the difference?