Mahindra XUV700 vs Renault Arkana
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 Renault Arkana opens at $39,990. That makes the Mahindra XUV700 the more affordable entry point by $2,500.
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 $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Renault Arkana by roughly $4,705 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Renault Arkana holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Mahindra XUV700.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Renault Arkana packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Mahindra XUV700.
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 Renault Arkana.
Feature Showdown
The Mahindra XUV700 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Renault Arkana gets a 9.3-inch display and 10.3-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 Renault Arkana. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 Renault Arkana responds with a Petrol making 105kW and 205Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The Mahindra XUV700 has the clear power advantage at 149kW vs 105kW. In the real-world sprint, the Renault Arkana is 0.1s 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, 127mm longer than the Renault Arkana at 4,568mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mahindra XUV700 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 450L in the Mahindra XUV700 and 430L in the Renault Arkana, giving the Mahindra XUV700 a 20L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m diameter
Good
Based on 10.8m 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 $1,482/year for the Renault Arkana. That is a $941 annual difference in favour of the Renault Arkana.
Estimated annual total: $2,423 (Mahindra XUV700) vs $1,482 (Renault Arkana). The Renault Arkana saves you roughly $941 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 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Arkana). The Mahindra XUV700 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mahindra XUV700 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mahindra's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Renault Arkana if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mahindra XUV700 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Renault Arkana will save you roughly $941 a year in fuel. The Mahindra XUV700 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. 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 Renault Arkana?
The Mahindra XUV700 is the cheapest at $37,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Renault Arkana by $2,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Renault Arkana uses the least fuel at 5.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Renault Arkana has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mahindra XUV700 has the largest boot at 450L.
Which can tow the most?
The Renault Arkana has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mahindra XUV700 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mahindra XUV700 makes the most power at 149kW. The Renault Arkana is quickest to 100km/h in 9.4s.
Get ahead of your next car
Join free for new-car launches, news, reviews and buying guides. The independent take on what's new in Australia and what's actually worth buying, no dealer spin. Plus early access and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
