Mahindra XUV700 is one of the top-selling SUVs from the indigenous automaker in the country. This premium 7-seater was first introduced in August 2021 as a replacement of the XUV500 and surpassed 2 lakh sales milestone in less than three years since its market debut. Attributes such as commanding body-built, advanced features and technology, powerful engines and competitive pricing have worked its favour. However, the XUV700 dominance will soon be challenged by six news SUVs coming from India’s top OEMs including Maruti, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Renault and Nissan. Here’s a brief overview of the upcoming Mahindra XUV700 rivals.
Hyundai 7-Seater SUV
Aiming to bridge the gap between the Alcazar and Tucson SUVs, the South Korean automaker is set to introduce a new three-row SUV codenamed Ni1i. Interestingly, it will also be Hyundai’s first petrol hybrid vehicle in India and one of the first models to be produced at its Talegaon manufacturing plant. While details of its powertrain remain under the wraps, the new Hyundai 7-seater SUV is expected to borrow the 1.6L hybrid setup from the global-spec Tucson. In fact, it will have longer wheelbase than the Tucson.
Kia 7-Seater SUV
Hyundai’s sister brand, Kia will also enter into the premium three-row SUV segment to challenge the Mahindra XUV700. Codenamed Kia MQ4i, the new Kia 7-seater SUV will feature a strong hybrid powertrain, which is expected to deliver high fuel efficiency. It will be based on the globally sold Kia Sorento, which is available with a 1.6L turbo petrol engine paired to an electric motor along with a plug-in hybrid option. The new Kia SUV might derive its design elements and features from the Sorento.
Maruti/Toyota 7-Seater SUVs
Maruti will launch the 7-seater Grand Vitara in the second half of 2025. This three-row SUV will be followed by Toyota’s version of the bigger Grand Vitara. Both these 7-seater SUVs will share powertrains with their 5-seater counterparts, which are offered with the 103bhp, 1.5L K15C petrol mild hybrid and Toyota’s 92bhp, 1.5L, three-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine paired to an electric motor (79bhp/141Nm). Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed torque convertor automatic and an e-CVT (exclusive to the strong hybrid).
Renault/Nissan 7-Seater SUVs
Renault and Nissan confirmed four new SUVs and two A-segment EVs for the Indian market. In 2026, Renault will introduce the third-generation Duster with all-new design, premium interior and hybrid powertrain as expected. The new Renault Duster will be followed by its three-row version in late 2026 or 2027. Nissan will also bring in its derivatives of the new Duster and 7-seater Duster SUVs. However, Nissan’s new SUVs will carry the brand’s signature design language. Some of their design elements could be borrowed from the Nissan Magnite subcompact SUVs.
