Mahindra is preparing something exciting for 2026 — the XUV700 facelift, which promises to make one of India’s most popular SUVs even more desirable. The XUV700 has been a massive success since its debut in 2021, redefining what buyers expect from a premium SUV under ₹30 lakh. Now, Mahindra is readying a mid-cycle refresh that aims to elevate design, technology, and comfort to a whole new level.
Spy images and insider details suggest that the facelift is in the final stages of testing, with its official reveal expected in the first quarter of 2026. While the mechanical foundation remains unchanged, the updates inside and out are substantial enough to keep the XUV700 fresh in a market filled with new competitors like the Tata Safari facelift, Hyundai Alcazar turbo, and the MG Hector Plus
Exterior Design: Familiar Silhouette, Sharper Details
From the first glance at the test mules, it’s clear that Mahindra is focusing on refinement rather than reinvention. The overall proportions and silhouette remain unmistakably XUV700 — muscular, confident, and aerodynamic — but the details bring a more futuristic and premium feel.
Front End
The facelifted model gets a reworked front bumper with stronger contour lines and a redesigned air dam. The headlamps, while still sleek and high-set, now appear to feature new internal LED signatures — possibly dual-projector units or dynamic LED DRLs inspired by Mahindra’s Born Electric lineup.
The grille design is expected to get subtle chrome enhancements or a dark satin finish, depending on variant. Despite the heavy camouflage, the positioning of the flush door handles confirms Mahindra will retain one of the XUV700’s signature design features that distinguish it from traditional SUVs.
Profile and Rear Styling
On the sides, the facelift will continue with its bold shoulder line, clean glasshouse, and wide stance. However, the new alloy wheel designs — possibly 18-inch diamond-cut units — add a fresh touch. At the rear, the LED taillights appear to maintain the same shape but with new internal lighting graphics and a redesigned rear bumper. Expect to see new dual-tone body colors and additional paint options, perhaps including a special Diwali-edition hue when it launches.
Interior & Features: Triple Screens and Premium Touches
The cabin of the new XUV700 is where the biggest transformation is expected. Mahindra is reportedly drawing inspiration from its Born Electric SUV interiors showcased earlier this year, focusing on a high-tech cockpit and tactile luxury.
Dashboard and Screen Layout
The facelift is expected to debut an all-new triple-screen setup, comprising:
- A fully digital instrument cluster,
- A large infotainment display, and
- A dedicated passenger-side screen for media and information.
This immersive layout will replace the current dual-screen arrangement and bring the cabin closer to luxury brands in terms of visual impact. The dashboard design may feature soft-touch leatherette materials, new trims, and improved switchgear quality.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Mahindra already equips the XUV700 generously, but the facelift adds finesse. Key features expected include:
- Front ventilated seats with memory and lumbar support
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Wireless charger and Type-C USB ports for all rows
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Panoramic sunroof (Skyroof)
- Ambient lighting with customizable color themes
- Advanced 360-degree camera system
- 12-speaker Sony 3D surround sound system
Safety and Driver Assistance
The XUV700 has long been a benchmark for safety in its class, earning a 5-star rating from Global NCAP. The facelift takes this further with an updated Level 2 ADAS suite, offering:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- Auto emergency braking
- Blind spot detection
- Traffic sign recognition
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Mahindra’s connected car system, AdrenoX, is also set to receive new software updates for faster responsiveness, better voice recognition, and over-the-air updates.
Powertrain Options: Proven and Powerful
Under the hood, Mahindra is retaining its trusted and award-winning engines — the 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol and the 2.2-litre mHawk turbo-diesel. Both are already among the most refined and torquey units in their respective segments, and Mahindra seems confident in their continued relevance.
Engine Details
- 2.0-litre turbo petrol – 200 PS & 380 Nm
- 2.2-litre diesel (low & high tunes) – up to 185 PS & 450 Nm
Transmission choices remain the same: a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic torque converter, both sending power to the front wheels or all four via the optional AWD system on top variants.
The facelift might introduce mild hybrid tech (48V) for improved fuel efficiency and smoother start-stop function — something Mahindra has reportedly been evaluating for future models.
Ride, Handling & Performance
The XUV700’s strength lies in its near-perfect balance of comfort and driving engagement. The facelift won’t tamper with that formula. Expect the same plush ride courtesy of its multi-link independent rear suspension and frequency selective damping system — a rare setup in its price bracket.
Mahindra might tweak suspension calibration slightly for better high-speed composure and road noise reduction, especially since the brand has been working on improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) control materials.
Expected Launch & Pricing
While Mahindra has yet to announce an official timeline, industry insiders suggest the XUV700 facelift will launch by early 2026, likely around the Auto Expo season or before the next financial year begins.
Pricing will naturally see a small increase over the current range, which starts around ₹14.60 lakh and goes up to ₹26.20 lakh (ex-showroom). Expect the facelifted versions to start near ₹15 lakh, extending to ₹27.5 lakh for the top-end AX7L AWD automatic trim.
Variants such as AX5, AX7, and AX7L will continue, with the possibility of a new special edition or dual-tone variant lineup at launch.
Competition Check
The refreshed XUV700 will re-enter a crowded battlefield of feature-rich SUVs:
- Tata Safari (facelift)
- Hyundai Alcazar Turbo
- MG Hector Plus
- Toyota Innova HyCross
- Jeep Compass
What sets Mahindra apart, however, is its combination of raw power, modern tech, and Indian-built toughness — attributes that continue to resonate deeply with SUV buyers.
Conclusion
The upcoming Mahindra XUV700 Facelift (2026) isn’t a radical reinvention, but a strategic evolution. It takes an already successful SUV and enhances it where it matters most — design polish, interior sophistication, and tech advancement. Mahindra’s aim is clear: to maintain leadership in India’s premium SUV space while keeping rivals at bay through sheer value and performance.
For anyone planning a new SUV purchase in 2026, the XUV700 facelift will undoubtedly be one of the top contenders — combining Indian engineering strength with global appeal.
