2026 Mahindra XUV700 Facelift Spotted For The First Time
The Mahindra XUV700 facelift is set to launch in India in 2026, featuring refreshed exterior and interior styling along with a host of new features
2026 Mahindra XUV700 Facelift Spotted: Design, Performance, Features & Everything We Know So Far
Introduction
Mahindra’s flagship SUV, the XUV700, is gearing up for a significant mid-cycle facelift in 2026, and spy shots of the camouflaged test mules have already begun to surface online. Since its launch in 2021, the XUV700 has carved a strong position in India’s competitive midsize SUV market. Offering powerful petrol and diesel engines, class-leading features, and ADAS Level 2, it quickly became a best-seller and a benchmark in its segment.
Now, nearly five years later, Mahindra is readying an updated version that brings evolutionary changes to both design and functionality. While the test mules don’t reveal everything, there’s enough to talk about — from subtle design tweaks to the possibility of hybrid powertrains and tech upgrades inspired by the brand’s upcoming electric SUV lineup.
In this in-depth article, we break down every aspect of the upcoming 2026 Mahindra XUV700 Facelift — including design updates, interior enhancements, feature additions, powertrain details, pricing expectations, and more.
Exterior Design Updates
The most noticeable updates to the 2026 Mahindra XUV700 begin with its exterior styling. The test mule, heavily camouflaged at the front and rear, gives away a few details that point toward a fresher and more aggressive look.
➤ Redesigned Headlamps & DRLs
The new headlamp housing appears to have a sharper, more angular profile, likely featuring updated LED DRLs. The lighting signature may draw inspiration from Mahindra’s new-age EVs like the XUV.e8 and BE.05, emphasizing a high-tech visual identity.
➤ Revised Grille & Front Bumper
The front grille appears larger and more upright, with bold vertical slats reminiscent of the XUV 3XO. The bumper may get a sportier treatment, possibly with a wider air dam and new fog lamp housing.
➤ Side Profile Enhancements
While the side profile remains largely unchanged, Mahindra may introduce:
- New alloy wheel designs (18-inch and possibly 19-inch variants)
- Subtle body cladding revisions
- More color options including dual-tone schemes
➤ Rear Design Revisions
At the back, internal changes to the LED tail lamps are expected, with new graphics and possibly a connected LED strip (a growing trend in this segment). The bumper may be slightly reprofiled to reflect a wider stance.
Interior & Cabin Experience
The current Mahindra XUV700 already offers one of the most premium cabins in its class. The facelift, however, is expected to enhance this experience further.
➤ Improved Material Quality
Spy shots hint at a new dashboard finish and updated trim options, likely offering:
- Soft-touch materials on the dashboard and doors
- Brushed metal accents replacing glossy plastics
- Refreshed upholstery in new dual-tone themes
➤ New Color Themes & Ambient Lighting
The facelift may offer new interior color schemes like navy blue and tan, or black and burgundy. Enhanced ambient lighting with customizable colors is also expected.
➤ Feature Additions
Borrowing from its EV siblings, the XUV700 facelift could receive:
- An updated digital instrument cluster with better UI/UX
- Revised infotainment software with OTA updates
- Dual wireless charging pads
- Additional USB-C charging ports
- Larger head-up display (HUD)
Performance & Powertrains
One of the XUV700’s key strengths lies in its powertrains, and Mahindra is expected to continue with the current engine lineup while exploring cleaner technologies.
➤ Current Engine Options (Likely to Continue)
- 2.0L mStallion Turbo-Petrol:
- 200 PS | 380 Nm
- 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT
- 2.2L mHawk Diesel:
- 155 PS (lower variants)
- 185 PS | 420 Nm / 450 Nm (MT/AT)
- Available in FWD and AWD
➤ Possible Hybrid Technology
There is speculation that Mahindra may introduce mild-hybrid or strong-hybrid variants of the XUV700, aligning with upcoming emission regulations and market trends. This would allow for:
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Lower emissions
- Smoother stop-start operation
While not confirmed, hybridization is a logical next step for the platform, especially with Mahindra’s growing EV focus.
Safety Features & Technology
The Mahindra XUV700 facelift is expected to retain and possibly upgrade its ADAS Level 2 suite, which already includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keep Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Driver Drowsiness Alert
➤ Expected Additions
- Improved 360-degree camera with higher resolution
- Enhanced radar and camera software
- Possibly ADAS Level 2+ features like Auto Lane Change Assist
➤ Safety Ratings
The current XUV700 boasts a 5-star Global NCAP rating. The facelifted version is expected to maintain this rating with structural enhancements and additional passive safety tech.
Infotainment & Connectivity
The dual-screen layout, consisting of a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, may get a visual update or be replaced with newer screens offering higher resolution and faster processing.
➤ Infotainment Highlights
- Alexa integration
- Built-in navigation
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (now standard)
- AdrenoX OS updates
- Mahindra’s app-based remote vehicle controls
Dimensions & Boot Space
Ride, Handling & Off-Road Capabilities
Fuel Efficiency & Maintenance
Competition Check: How It Stacks UpVariants & Features Breakdown
The XUV700 facelift is expected to continue with a wide range of variants, possibly with new trim names or additional tech-based suffixes. The current trim ladder includes MX, AX3, AX5, AX7, and AX7L, and Mahindra may update this structure slightly.
➤ Expected Variant Lineup
MX (Base):
Steel wheels
8-inch infotainment
Basic safety kit (dual airbags, ABS, EBD)
Manual AC
2nd-row bench seating
Fabric upholstery
AX3:
Dual 10.25-inch displays
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
LED DRLs
Enhanced audio
Basic voice commands
AX5:
LED headlamps
Panoramic sunroof
Push-button start
17-inch alloys
Rear camera
AX7:
ADAS Level 2 features
Dual-zone climate control
6 airbags
Advanced driver display
Electronic parking brake
AX7L (Top-end):
Sony 12-speaker 3D audio
Wireless charger
360-degree camera
Telescopic steering adjustment
Ventilated seats (expected in facelift)
Memory function for seats & ORVMs
➤ New Feature Additions
With growing competition, Mahindra may equip the facelift with features that are currently missing or underdeveloped:
Powered tailgate
Ventilated front seats (possible for AX7L)
Enhanced rear seat comfort (adjustable recline)
Larger HUD display
Smart key with digital key sharing
These updates will ensure the XUV700 remains competitive against rivals like the Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus, and the upcoming Toyota and Maruti three-row SUVs.
📊 Dimensions & Boot Space
Although this is a mid-life facelift, the overall dimensions of the XUV700 are expected to remain unchanged.
➤ Current Dimensions (Likely to Remain)
Length: 4695 mm
Width: 1890 mm
Height: 1755 mm
Wheelbase: 2750 mm
Boot Space: 240L (with all rows up)
➤ Seating Configuration
5-seater (MX and select AX variants)
7-seater (Standard from AX5 onwards)
Captain seats (expected in top trims for enhanced comfort)
With minor design tweaks, Mahindra may improve cabin ergonomics, second-row legroom, and ease of third-row access.
🛞 Ride, Handling & Off-Road Capabilities
The current XUV700 is lauded for its balance of ride comfort and high-speed stability, especially considering its monocoque construction and sophisticated suspension setup. The facelift may receive minor mechanical improvements.
➤ Suspension & Dynamics
McPherson strut front suspension
Multi-link independent rear suspension
Suspension likely tuned for more comfort and less bounce
Improved NVH levels expected
➤ AWD Capabilities
The facelifted XUV700 will continue to offer All-Wheel Drive (AWD) in the diesel automatic variant. It’s ideal for rough roads and moderate off-roading — a key advantage over some of its FWD-only competitors.
➤ Braking & Steering
All 4 disc brakes (standard across most variants)
Electronic parking brake with auto-hold (top variants)
Electric power steering for ease in the city
Likely retuned for better cornering feedback
🔋 Fuel Efficiency & Maintenance
With both petrol and diesel engines in the lineup, the XUV700 offers buyers a choice depending on their priorities — power or efficiency. However, rising fuel prices and stricter emission norms may push Mahindra to introduce fuel-saving technologies.
➤ Fuel Efficiency (Expected Figures)
Engine Transmission Mileage (Expected)
2.0L Turbo Petrol Manual ~13-14 kmpl
2.0L Turbo Petrol Automatic ~11-12 kmpl
2.2L Diesel Manual ~17-18 kmpl
2.2L Diesel Automatic ~15-16 kmpl
2.2L Diesel AWD Automatic ~14-15 kmpl
➤ Possible Hybrid Addition
To comply with future norms and appeal to eco-conscious buyers, Mahindra might introduce:
Mild Hybrid (48V system) for stop-start, torque assist
Strong Hybrid (like Toyota HyCross) for electric-only driving in cities
Both options could improve mileage by 15–30% depending on conditions.
➤ Maintenance Costs
While the XUV700 has slightly higher maintenance costs compared to compact SUVs, Mahindra’s service network and warranty options offset this:
Standard warranty: 3 years/1 lakh km
Extended: up to 5 years/1.5 lakh km
AMC packages available
🏁 Competition Check: How It Stacks Up
The 2026 Mahindra XUV700 facelift will re-enter a fiercely competitive segment, where multiple new and updated SUVs will be vying for attention.
➤ Key Rivals
Competitor Key Strengths
Tata Safari Facelift Premium design, ADAS, comfort
Hyundai Alcazar 2025 Strong petrol-DCT combo, tech
MG Hector Plus Interior space, big screens
Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid tech, Toyota reliability
Kia Carens Value-for-money, multiple engines
➤ Unique Selling Points of XUV700
Powerful engine options
AWD availability
Advanced ADAS at a lower price point
Premium infotainment interface (AdrenoX)
Dual screen layout
Panoramic Skyroof
Strong build quality (5-star safety)
READ MORE-CLICK HERE
MORE INFORMATION-CLICK HERE
Final Conclusion
The 2026 Mahindra XUV700 Facelift represents a calculated evolution of one of India’s most loved premium SUVs. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel — instead, it builds on the XUV700’s solid foundation with refined aesthetics, feature enhancements, and possibly hybridization.
For customers looking for a powerful, feature-loaded, and tech-savvy family SUV, the facelifted XUV700 will likely remain a top contender in its segment. The inclusion of ADAS, panoramic sunroof, multiple drivetrain options, and AWD ensures it maintains its appeal even against newer competition.
While pricing is expected to rise slightly, the value proposition remains strong — especially if Mahindra introduces a hybrid variant or adds premium creature comforts like ventilated seats and a powered tailgate.
In short, the XUV700 facelift is shaping up to be a mature, capable, and future-ready SUV that continues to reflect Mahindra’s aspirations as a global automotive brand.
(FAQs)
1. When will the 2026 Mahindra XUV700 Facelift launch in India?
The updated XUV700 is expected to launch by mid-2026, following an official unveiling that could take place at the Auto Expo 2026 or a dedicated Mahindra event in early 2026.
2. What are the major changes in the facelifted XUV700?
The facelift will include cosmetic upgrades like redesigned LED headlamps, an updated front grille, revised bumpers, new alloy wheels, and subtle interior enhancements such as updated upholstery, improved infotainment, and added premium features like ventilated seats and possibly a powered tailgate.
3. Will Mahindra introduce hybrid technology with the facelift?
While not officially confirmed, there are strong chances that Mahindra may introduce a mild-hybrid or even a strong-hybrid powertrain to align with stricter emissions norms and fuel-efficiency demands.
4. Are the engine options changing in the new XUV700?
The existing engine options — 2.0L mStallion turbo petrol and 2.2L mHawk turbo diesel — are expected to be retained. However, minor tuning improvements may be made for better fuel economy and performance.
5. What variants will the 2026 facelift offer?
Mahindra is likely to continue with the existing variant structure — MX, AX3, AX5, AX7, and AX7L — with possible new sub-variants or limited editions featuring additional tech or design themes.
6. Will the facelifted XUV700 be more expensive?
Yes, the updated model is expected to command a premium of ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh over the outgoing version due to added features and design improvements.
7. Will there be changes to the safety features?
The XUV700 already boasts strong safety credentials with a 5-star Global NCAP rating. However, Mahindra might upgrade the ADAS suite and offer additional safety tech like driver drowsiness detection, lane change assist, and enhanced 360-degree camera systems.
8. How is the XUV700 facelift different from the upcoming XUV.e8 (EV)?
The XUV700 facelift will continue to run on ICE (internal combustion engines), while the XUV.e8 is an all-electric SUV based on the INGLO platform. Both may share design cues, but they are mechanically distinct.
