Mahindra XUV700 vs Kia Sportage
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.
Price Breakdown
The Mahindra XUV700 starts from $37,490 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sportage opens at $38,490. 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 $41,239 and $42,339 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Kia Sportage holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Mahindra XUV700.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 5 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mahindra XUV700 and 6 in the Kia Sportage.
Feature Showdown
The Mahindra XUV700 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Sportage gets a 12.3-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mahindra XUV700 stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the Kia Sportage. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mahindra XUV700 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Kia Sportage offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mahindra XUV700 and 1-zone in the Kia Sportage.
Drivetrain
The Mahindra XUV700 uses a Petrol producing 149kW and 380Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.
The Kia Sportage responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Mahindra XUV700 has the clear power advantage at 149kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Sportage is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mahindra XUV700 measures 4,695mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 10mm longer than the Kia Sportage at 4,685mm (2,755mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 450L in the Mahindra XUV700 and 543L in the Kia Sportage, giving the Kia Sportage a 93L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
Based on 11.4m 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 $2,423/year for the Mahindra XUV700 and $2,309/year for the Kia Sportage. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sportage.
Estimated annual total: $2,423 (Mahindra XUV700) vs $2,309 (Kia Sportage). The Kia Sportage saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 150,000km (Mahindra XUV700) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mahindra XUV700 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mahindra's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sportage takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Kia Sportage will save you roughly $114 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, Mahindra XUV700 and Kia Sportage?
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?
The Kia Sportage has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
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. The Kia Sportage is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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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