Kia Sportage vs Mahindra XUV700
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia Sportage starts from $38,490 before on-road costs, while the Mahindra XUV700 opens at $37,490. That makes the Mahindra XUV700 the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $42,339 and $41,239 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Sportage features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Mahindra XUV700 gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mahindra XUV700 counters with wireless charging that the Kia Sportage does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia Sportage gets cloth upholstery while the Mahindra XUV700 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Kia Sportage and 2-zone in the Mahindra XUV700.
Drivetrain
The Kia Sportage uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Mahindra XUV700 responds with a Petrol making 149kW and 380Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The Mahindra XUV700 has the clear power advantage at 149kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Sportage measures 4,685mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 10mm shorter than the Mahindra XUV700 at 4,695mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 543L in the Kia Sportage and 450L in the Mahindra XUV700, giving the Kia Sportage a 93L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Sportage leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 150kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.5m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Kia Sportage and $2,366/year for the Mahindra XUV700. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sportage.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Kia Sportage) vs $2,366 (Mahindra XUV700). The Kia Sportage saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage) vs 7 years / 150,000km (Mahindra XUV700). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mahindra XUV700 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mahindra's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sportage takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Kia Sportage will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Sportage has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Sportage and Mahindra XUV700?
The Mahindra XUV700 is the cheapest at $37,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Sportage by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sportage uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Sportage all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Sportage has the largest boot at 543L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Sportage has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,650kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mahindra XUV700 makes the most power at 149kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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