Mahindra XUV 500 vs Hyundai Creta Automatic: The Auto Brutes Battle It Out

oi-Rajkamal

By Rajkamal

Updated: Thursday, November 26, 2015, 15:43 [IST]

Hyundai has recently joined the competition in the compact SUV segment with the Creta. The Compact SUV from the South Korean carmaker had to live up to great expectations as the contenders in this segment are well established models such as the Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano, and the Mahindra XUV500.

On a broad scale such as this, the competition doesn't look all that intense, but when you compare the automatic variants, the Hyundai Creta seems to have a small advantage since this is the only diesel SUV with an automatic gearbox.

But Mahindra has the new XUV500 automatic now, which looks not only like a worthy contender, but also a winner. So how do these two vehicles compare in terms of pricing, features, engine specifications, and safety? Let's find out.

Pricing

Mahindra XUV500 Automatic

– W8 AT: Rs. 18.26 lakh on-road
– W10 AT: Rs. 19.22 lakh on-road
– W10 AWD AT: Rs. 20.38 lakh on-road

Hyundai Creta Automatic

– 1.6 SX Plus: Rs. 16.12 lakh

Note: All prices are approximate on-road price (Delhi). The XUV500 Automatic is available in three variants and the Hyundai Creta Automatic is available in a single variant.

Design

The Mahindra XUV500 draws its design inspiration from a Cheetah, that is finished very well. The overall design layout is similar to the older generation XUV, but has had a lot of refreshments in terms of exterior grille design, daytime running lights, and the foglamps. The overall design of the XUV500 is very good.

The Hyundai Creta is based on the company's fluidic design that shapes all the current models on offer. A good look at the Hyundai Creta and one can see the similarity between the Elite i20 and the SUV. The Creta looks like a beefier version of the i20 hatchback.

Features

The refreshed new Mahindra XUV500 Automatic is loaded with features such as projector headlamps, daytime running lights, electric sunroof, electrically adjustable driver's seat, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with GPS, automatic temperature control, brake energy regeneration, reverse parking sensors, and cruise control.

The Creta comes with Audio Video Navigation system (AVN), a 5-inch touchscreen audio system, Smart key with Push button start, steering mounted controls, 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, projector headlamps, and LED positioning lamps.

Engine Specifications

The XUV500 Automatic and the Hyundai Creta Automatic are both powered by diesel engines. The XUV500 Automatic comes with a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that develops 140bhp and 330Nm of torque. The engine returns a mileage of 13.85km/l. The XUV500 Automatic is available in either two-wheel or all-wheel drive option.

The Hyundai Creta Automatic is powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that produces 126bhp and 265Nm of torque. The diesel Creta returns a mileage of 17km/l, and is front-wheel drive only. Both vehicles, the XUV500 and the Creta come with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Safety

Safety features offered in the XUV500 are Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), 6 airbags including side curtain airbags, static bending lamps, hill hold and hill descent assist, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

The Hyundai Creta comes with side and curtain airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, hill start assist and Vehicle Stability Management.

Verdict

The Hyundai Creta seats 5, cheaper compared to the XUV500, weighs less, and is more of a city dweller with no all-wheel drive option. The XUV500 takes the edge in spite of costing more since it seats 7, which justifies the extra money spent. The winner of the two automatic diesel SUVs is the XUV500 Automatic.

Mahindra XUV500 and Hyundai Creta — Images