Kia Carens Vs Mahindra XUV700: MPV Or SUV?

Since both 7-seater vehicles will carry a similar price tag, it is difficult to choose between the two vehicles. To make matters even more complicated, both these vehicles take completely different approaches to execute their almost similar purpose.

In this comparison, we will compare these 7-seater vehicles in four different parameters - Design, Features, Safety, Powertrain, and Price.

Design

Design is clearly a subjective matter and what one might prefer may not be someone else's preference. However, the majority of people will prefer the design of the new Mahindra XUV700 over the Kia Carens due to its more muscular SUV silhouette.

Moreover, the Mahindra XUV700 does look a bit more modern and sophisticated, thanks to its flush door handles.

However, the Kia Carens also looks contemporary and sophisticated with its LED headlamps and full-width style taillamps, but the MPV-like silhouette is not everyone's favourite.

Features

Speaking about features, the XUV700 is one of the most feature-rich cars on the market with features such as a 360-degree surround-view camera, large infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, powered ORVM, powered seat adjustments, steering mounted audio controls, premium music system, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, cooled glove box, panoramic sunroof, LED headlights and many more.

Since Kia is also known to load their vehicles with features, expect the Kia Carens to also feature similar levels of features, if not more.

Safety Features

Both these 7-seater vehicles come packed with all the latest safety features such as airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, TC, TPMS and many more, but it is the Mahindra XUV700 that edges ahead with the inclusion of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Despite being the older SUV here, It is clear that Mahindra has clearly taken its sweet time to develop the Mahindra XUV700 and has an edge over all its rivals in this department with the inclusion of the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

The ADAS includes features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and smart pilot assist.

Powertrain

The Kia Carens will come with three different engine options. The diesel engine is a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit with 114bhp and 250Nm of torque. This engine will come mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The other two engines are petrol units, where the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine produces a 113bhp and 144Nm of torque. Unlike the diesel unit, this engine can only be specified with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Finally, the Kia Carens also comes with a turbocharged petrol powertrain. This engine is a 1.4-litre unit with 138bhp and a diesel-like 242Nm of torque. This engine can also be specified with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DCT gearbox.

The Mahindra XUV700 on the other hand comes with a choice of one petrol engine and two diesel engines and gearbox options include a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic gearbox across the range.

The petrol engine is a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit with 197bhp and 380Nm of torque. On the other hand, the diesel engines are 2.2-litre turbocharged units, however, the more powerful variant produces an astonishing 182bhp and 450Nm of torque, whereas the less powerful version puts out a respectable 153bhp and 360Nm of torque. Moreover, Mahindra XUV700 also comes with an optional all-wheel-drive layout.

In this department, Mahindra XUV700 clearly has an edge over the Kia Carens and all its competitors.

Thoughts About Kia Carens & Mahindra XUV700

It is clear that the Mahindra XUV700 is more driver-focussed with powerful engine options and the Kia Carens is a more family-friendly vehicle with fuel-efficient engine options.

Moreover, thanks to larger engine options, the Mahindra XUV700 will suit those who spend a lot of time on long journeys. However, if you an urbanite and occasionally plan to use your car on long trips, the Kia Carens will fit your requirement perfectly.