The everyday Australian family automobile is evolving on a regular basis.
Nothing signifies the changing demands higher than these two models, the 2025 Mahindra XUV700 and 2025 Nissan X-Trail – a pair of high-riding, seven-seat mid-size SUVs, a vehicle type that has essentially replaced the station wagon because the default selection for suburban runabouts.
Each cost just over $40k and offer spacious, flexible cabins that feature modern tech, and are fitted with the newest in automated safety systems. But which is best? Let’s discover…
How much?
There’s only a handful of mid-size SUVs that provide a third-row option, which puts this pair amongst a select group for Australian families that need space for seven – especially in the event that they’re on a tighter budget.
The Mahindra is essentially the most accessible of those two, with a starting price of just $39,990 drive-away for the entry-level AX7, while the flagship AX7L we’re testing here costs an extra $3000.
Nissan offers a greater variety of models across its X-Trail range, with the selection of each front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants, in addition to the groundbreaking e-Power hybrid powertrain.
But even essentially the most reasonably priced – the entry-level five-seat, front-drive ST – will cost around the identical because the range-topping XUV700 on the road, with a starting price of $38,025 plus on-roads.
When you’re after the seven-seat option, it’s exclusively available with all-wheel drive within the two mid-level model grades, including the ST-L we’re comparing here and the N-Trek, which cost $47,565 and $52,160 plus on-roads respectively.
To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, try our comparison tool
What do you get?
Standard equipment common to each vehicles includes:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Synthetic leather trim
- Dual-zone climate control with rear air vents
- Power adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Digital touchscreen infotainment
- DAB+ digital radio
- Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Wireless phone charger
- Satellite navigation
Nevertheless, the Mahindra extends its value for money philosophy even further with with just a few more features, equivalent to a panoramic glass sunroof, a totally digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats and a 12-speaker premium audio system in comparison with the X-Trail’s six-speaker unit.
To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, try our comparison tool
Are they secure?
The Mahindra hasn’t been tested by ANCAP, and subsequently doesn’t have an independent safety rating to match the X-Trail’s five-star result from 2021, when this current generation first arrived in Australian showrooms.
Standard safety features in each vehicles include:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping assistance
- Traffic sign recognition
- Blind spot monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
Each also feature seven airbags including dual front, side and curtain airbags that cover all three rows, with the Nissan having an additional airbag between the front seat passengers while the Mahindra has a knee airbag for the driving force.
They each even have a reversing camera, however the Mahindra offers a wider perspective with a 360-degree view.
To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, try our comparison tool
What are they like inside?
The XUV700 and X-Trail plant an almost equivalent footprint on the road with roughly the identical dimensions. The Mahindra is a fraction longer and taller with extra space between the axles, but not by much.
| Dimensions | Mahindra XUV700 AX7L | Nissan X-Trail ST-L 7-Seat |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4695mm | 4680mm |
| Width | 1890mm | 2065mm |
| Height | 1755mm | 1725mm |
| Wheelbase | 2750mm | 2705mm |
| Cargo capability | N/A | 465L |
What that translates to contained in the cabin is generous space for five with decent cargo storage for on a regular basis family duties in each vehicles. But additionally they have the added flexibility of a 3rd row, which is best suited to small kids or occasional use only.
The Mahindra fuses its modern tech, with twin 10.25-inch digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment touch screen, right into a more conservative dashboard design with a dark color palette and piano black highlights with chrome trim elements.
The X-Trail, alternatively, has more conventional tech – a bigger 12.3-inch tablet-style touchscreen and analogue gauges with a 7.0-inch display between the tacho and speedo – incorporated into a contemporary dashboard design with a high-set, floating centre console, stubby gear lever and two-tone color scheme.
Each cars offer loads of headroom for front seat occupants and an array of convenient storage solutions with twin cupholders and bottle holders within the door pockets.
While the X-Trail has a handy hidden tray under the console that keeps the general aesthetic a bit cleaner, the lidded bin between the front seats within the XUV700 is ventilated, which is a cool feature (literally). The glovebox can also be massive.
For those in the center row, each cars boast rear vents and USB power outlets, in addition to enough space for 3 across the rear bench with decent legroom.
Access to the third row in either isn’t as easy because it is in larger, dedicated seven-seaters, and the space is best left to young children. Each have cupholders, however the Mahindra makes it more bearable with additional air vents.
To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, try our comparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
Here’s where these two cars diverge essentially the most.
| Specifications | Mahindra XUV700 AX7L | Nissan X-Trail ST-L 4WD |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo-petrol | 2.5-litre 4cyl petrol |
| Power | 150kW | 135kW |
| Torque | 380Nm | 244Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1835kg | 1666kg |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 8.3L/100km | 7.8L/100km |
| Fuel tank capability | 60L | 55L |
| Fuel requirement | 91 octane unleaded | 91 octane unleaded |
| Braked tow capability | 1500kg | 2000kg |
To start with, the XUV700 is simply available as a front-driver, while the seven-seat option within the X-Trail is exclusive to AWD variants – if that matters to you.
The Mahindra produces significantly higher outputs too, because of its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 150kW of power and 380Nm of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Nissan has a larger-capacity engine and it isn’t turbocharged: a 2.5-litre normally aspirated four-cylinder delivering 135kW and 244Nm to all 4 wheels through a constantly variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Each engines are optimised to run on essentially the most reasonably priced 91-octane standard unleaded, however the Mahindra uses barely more with a combined average of 8.3L/100km in comparison with Nissan’s 7.8L/100km claim.
When you’re towing a small trailer or caravan, the X-Trail has a bit of extra headroom when it comes to its maximum braked towing capability (2000kg versus 1500kg) and in addition includes specific safety features equivalent to Trailer Sway Control.
To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, try our comparison tool
Cost of ownership
Each Mahindra and Nissan provide excellent long-term ownership advantages with these cars.
| Servicing and Warranty | Mahindra XUV700 AX7L | Nissan X-Trail ST-L 7-Seat |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | 7 years or 150,000km | As much as 10 years or 300,000km |
| Roadside assistance | 7 years – service activated | 5 years – service activated |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km | 12 months or 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 4 years | 5 years |
| Average annual service cost | $445.25 | $399 |
At face value, the XUV700 comes out on top with a seven-year factory warranty that features roadside assistance (the primary 12 months is free and renewed every time you visit an authorised service dealer for scheduled maintenance) with longer service intervals when it comes to mileage.
But it surely limits the coverage to 150,000km and its capped price servicing scheme is dearer and is simply offered for the primary 4 years.
Nissan’s standard five-year/unlimited-km warranty is on par with most other mainstream brands, and it has more cost-effective service pricing.
However the Japanese brand goes further by adding an additional 12 months of warranty coverage – and roadside assistance – for each scheduled service inside its dealer network, providing as much as an unrivalled 10 years and 300,000km of coverage.
To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, try our comparison tool
CarExpert’s Pick
It’s a decent race between these two, as each the Mahindra XUV700 and Nissan X-Trail deliver where it counts. Each have spacious and versatile cabins, and the newest in safety tech and digital conveniences, and each are reasonably priced to run.
The Nissan has a slight advantage when you’re more adventurous, with higher light-duty off-road potential and a better towing capability because of its AWD configuration.
But for growing Aussie families on a shrinking budget, the Mahindra offers more features for less.
Excited by buying a Mahindra XUV700? Let CarExpert find you the very best deal here
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This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
