Mahindra XUV700 : Among the bustling Indian SUV and MPV domain, two names are standing out head and shoulder above the rest in the race of becoming top choice for Indian families looking for a combination of style, power, comfort, and tech—Mahindra XUV700 and Maruti Suzuki Invicto.
And while they’re in different segments (SUV and MPV), their pricing and equipment also mean they are quite simply up against one other, at least for anyone shopping in the ₹25–30 lakh bracket.
So, if you can’t decide between the rough-‘n’-ready attitude of the XUV700 or the utilitarian finesse of the Invicto, then this head-to-head is your horoscope, your crystal ball to help you figure out which of the two fits you better.
Design: The Brawny SUV vs the Stylish MPV
The face of the XUV700 looks the part of a modern-day SUV–husky grille, sleek LED DRLs, bold lines and an imposing stance.
There’s presence in Peña, and it’s an overwhelming presence. It’s clearly meant for those who prefer their vehicles kind of angry and with road presence.
The Maruti Invicto (a badge engineered version of the Toyota Innova Hycross) on the other hand gets more adult-like MPV styling.
With its chromed grille, easy stretched proportions and urbane style, it appeals to buyers who like elegance more than flash. It’s less in-your-face, more subtle and practical.
Cabin Comfort and Features
Get into the XUV700, and you are face to face with a tech-heavy cockpit. All that infotainment and driver display joy is handled on a pair of 10.25-inch screens, AdrenoX connected car tech, a big old panoramic sunroof, 12-speaker Sony audio, ventilated seats and a premium layout make it genuinely lavish. It is available as either a 5- or 7-seater.
The Invicto, on the other hand, is all about space and comfort. It provides large cabin space with soft captain chairs in the 7-seater version and a near-lounge experience in the rear seat.
The black-and-champagne gold color scheme seems classy and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof check most of the boxes.
But the Invicto doesn’t get a slew of high-end creature comforts such as a digital instrument cluster or branded audio system. Overall tech appeal goes to the XUV700.
Performance:
Here’s where it gets interesting.
The Invicto is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol-hybrid engine combined with an e-CVT. It’s been tuned for smoothness not muscularity.
With an ARAI-certified economy of over 23 km to a litre, it’s one of the most fuel efficient premium MPVs around.
On city streets, driving feels sophisticated, but you may have to plan some passing on highways.
The XUV700, however, gets a mix of 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines paired with a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes.
Power output is increased to 200 hp (petrol) and 185 hp (diesel) with outstanding torque delivery.
It’s also more enjoyable on the open road, where the diesel in particular excels on long trips. You can also get AWD with the diesel.
In short, the XUV700 is a machine designed for utility and performance, while the Invicto caters more to how efficient you can be in an urban ride.
Safety and Build
In terms of safety, both cars do well. The XUV700 is equipped with 5-star Global NCAP rating, and 6 airbags (7 airbags in higher spec trims), ADAS features such as lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking and a robust monocoque construction.
The Invicto, for all its stout construction, does without ADAS and provides only 6 airbags on the highest trim.
It does come standard with things like hill hold assist, ABS, ESC and a 360-degree camera, but when it comes to cutting-edge safety tech, it seems a generation behind.
Pros and Cons
Mahindra XUV700 Pros
Rugged available V6 and high safety ratings_strengths summarized Only everything!
Futuristic capabilities and two screens
5/5/5-star crash safety rating, Active Driving Assistant requires M so ADAS only = 5-Star.
Great road presence and dynamic handling
Mahindra XUV700 Cons
Long waiting periods
Stiff ride at low speeds
Interior quality is hit or miss at times
Maruti Suzuki Invicto Pros
Great fuel economy for the hybrid powertrain
Cabin: Roomy and comfortable
Toyota-derived reliability
Ride is smooth and the City is quiet
Maruti Suzuki Invicto Cons
Diesel or petrol-only models not available
Missing ADAS and top-end features
Not great out on the highway
Seems like a Toyota with a badge rather than its own thing
Mahindra XUV700: Final Verdict
If you are looking for a tech-forward SUV that’s got strong performance and a feature-loaded cabin and can manage both highways and hard terrain, then the Mahindra XUV700 is a clear winner.
It’s bold, capable, and future-forward.
But if you need family comfort, fuel economy and low running costs and if you‘re mainly a city dweller, then the Maruti Suzuki Invicto would be the sensible and frugal choice with reliable after-sales support.
Ultimately both are good cars — it’s what you value more, performance and presence or practicality and peace of mind.