Two capable 7-seater SUVs, the Hyundai Alcazar and the Mahindra XUV 7XO, are reasonable alternatives. While both are monocoque-chassis-based SUVs, built for family-friendly drives, they have several differences that can make one preferable to the other. The Hyundai Alcazar is primarily a 7-seater derivative of the Hyundai Creta – the best-selling SUV in India- and the Mahindra XUV 7XO is the successor to the legendary Mahindra XUV500. If you are looking for either of these two SUVs, here is a comparison of the Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Hyundai Alcazar to determine the key differences between the two and which is better for your needs.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Hyundai Alcazar: Dimensions & Design
| Mahindra XUV 7XO | Hyundai Alcazar | |
| Length | 4,695 mm | 4,560 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 1,800 mm |
| Height | 1,755 mm | 1,710 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,760 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 200 mm | 200 mm |
| Boot Space | 240 litres | 700 litres (without third row) | 180 litres | 579 litres (without third row) |
The Mahindra XUV 7XO is 135 mm longer, 90 mm wider, and 45 mm taller, but has a 10 mm shorter wheelbase than the Hyundai Alcazar. Moreover, while the boot space of a 7-seater SUV with all three rows upright is always limited, the XUV 7XO offers a larger boot space than the Alcazar.
In reality, the XUV 7XO is more spacious than the Alcazar, but this advantage is limited to the second row with a bench seat, as both SUVs offer limited space in their third rows, which are best suited for children. Moreover, both SUVs offer 6-seater models with captain’s seats in the middle row, comfortably accommodating two adults.
As far as design goes, the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Hyundai Alcazar have completely different appeals. The Mahindra XUV 7XO not only has a larger road presence due to its size, but it also looks more muscular and aggressive. Up front, it features an aggressive grille with black vertical slats, sharp boomerang-shaped DRLs, trapezoidal dual-pod headlamps, a muscular bonnet, a sharp hexagonal bumper, and a faux silver skid plate. In profile, the flared wheel arches and a muscular shoulder line with a kink above the rear wheel add muscle. At the rear, the XUV 7XO continues to look sharp, with angular LED tail lamps borrowed from the Mahindra XEV 9S, and a muscular dual-tone rear bumper with a honeycomb motif.
On the other hand, the Alcazar’s design is a nice mix of muscle, clean panels and boxy elements that add a sophisticated touch. Up front, the Korean SUV features H-pattern Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) and a large grille with horizontal slats ahead of the honeycomb pattern, flanked by vertically stacked two-pod headlamps. The large trapezoidal silver skid plate on the bumper adds a butch appeal. In profile, the Alcazar has slightly flared wheel arches, sharp 18-inch alloy wheels, and a silver trim accenting the SUV’s lower body. At the rear, the SUV gets LED tail lamps that form a large H, with an extended LED light bar and a silver finish on the bumper and tailgate.
The Mahindra XUV 7XO is larger and has a more commanding road presence than the Hyundai Alcazar. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Alcazar looks calmer in comparison.
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Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Hyundai Alcazar: Engine & Transmission
| Mahindra XUV 7XO | Hyundai Alcazar | |
| Engine | 2-litre turbo petrol engine 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine | 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine |
| Power | 203 PS (turbo petrol) 185 PS (turbo diesel) | 160 PS (turbo petrol) 116 PS (turbo diesel) |
| Torque | 380 Nm (turbo petrol) 420 – 450 Nm (turbo diesel) | 253 Nm (turbo petrol) 250 Nm (turbo diesel) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual gearbox & 6-speed torque converter automatic with both engines | 6-speed manual gearbox with both engines 6-speed torque converter automatic with diesel engine 7-speed DCT automatic with petrol engine |
| Mileage | Up to 15 km/l (petrol) Up to 17 km/l (diesel) | Up to 18.1 km/l (petrol) Up to 20.4 km/l (diesel) |
When it comes to powertrains, both the XUV 7XO and the Alcazar offer tried-and-tested engines praised for their refinement. However, the XUV 7XO’s petrol and diesel engines are larger and more powerful than the Hyundai Alcazar’s petrol and diesel engines.
The XUV 7XO’s petrol engine is the most powerful in its segment and delivers high-spirited performance that appeals to driving enthusiasts. All the same, the SUV experiences a lot of body roll while taking corners. So, it is advisable not to get too adventurous with this big, burly SUV.
While the Alcazar’s 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine is not as powerful as the XUV 7XO’s 2.2-litre turbo petrol engine, the Alcazar is significantly lighter than the XUV 7XO, which makes for a good power-to-weight ratio. With its 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the Korean SUV delivers an enjoyable driving experience. Meanwhile, the XUV 7XO’s turbo diesel engine feels significantly punchier than the Alcazar’s turbo diesel engine. But being the lighter and smaller of the two, with smaller engines, the Alcazar delivers much better real-world fuel efficiency.
As far as ride comfort is concerned, the XUV 7XO delivers better ride quality than the Alcazar, thanks to its more competent suspension that comfortably smothers road-induced jolts.
The Mahindra XUV 7XO is more powerful and delivers better ride quality than the Hyundai Alcazar. However, the Hyundai Alcazar offers higher fuel efficiency figures.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Hyundai Alcazar: Features & Comfort
| Mahindra XUV 7XO | Hyundai Alcazar | |
| Infotainment system | 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system | 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system |
| Music system | 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system | 8-speaker BOSE sound system |
| Climate control | Dual-zone automatic | Dual-zone automatic |
| Ventilated seats | Front & rear ventilated seats | Front & rear ventilated seats |
| Adjustable steering | Tilt and telescopic | Tilt and telescopic adjust |
| Drive modes | Drive modes (Diesel only): Zip, Zap, Zoom | Drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport Terrain modes: Snow, Mud, and Sand |
| Instrument cluster | 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster | 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster |
| Sunroof | Panoramic sunroof | Panoramic sunroof |
| Adjustable seats (manual or electric) | 6-way powered driver and front passenger seats with memory function for the driver seat | 8-way powered driver and front passenger seats |
| Rear AC vents | Available | Available |
| 60:40 rear seat split | 60:40 (second row) 50:50 (third row) | 60:40 (second row) 50:50 (third row) |
| Cruise control | Available | Available |
Inside, both the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Hyundai Alcazar feature upmarket interiors that enhance the cabin atmosphere. The XUV 7XO’s interior layout looks more advanced, especially because its dashboard is dominated by a triple-screen setup consisting of three 12.3-inch displays: one for infotainment, one for the front passenger’s entertainment, and one for the digital instrument cluster. Moreover, the premium beige-and-tan interior theme and the gloss-black finish on the steering wheel and centre console look upscale but are hard to keep clean. All controls, even HVAC, are digital and integrated into the touchscreen. However, digital controls can be hard to use because they require navigating through menus on the touchscreen.
The Alcazar’s interior also looks and feels premium with high-quality materials across the cabin and commendable fit-and-finish. The front section largely resembles the Hyundai Creta, with the same dashboard featuring a twin-screen setup, consisting of two 10.25-inch displays: one for the infotainment and the other for the instrument cluster. Unlike the XUV 7XO, not all controls are on the touchscreen; the SUV features a gloss-black haptic panel below the touchscreen with many touch-based controls, including HVAC.
In terms of features, both the XUV 7XO and the Alcazar are well-equipped, offering upmarket features such as ventilated front seats, a powered driver seat, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system. All the same, the XUV 7XO has a couple of advantages over the Hyundai Alcazar, including driver-seat memory, Dolby Atmos in the sound system, and a front passenger-side display.
Both Mahindra XUV 7XO and Hyundai Alcazar look and feel premium on the inside. But the Mahindra XUV 7XO looks slightly more advanced due to the passenger-side screen and fewer physical controls. Moreover, the XUV 7XO packs a few more features than the Hyundai Alcazar.
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Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Hyundai Alcazar: Safety Features
| Mahindra XUV 7XO | Hyundai Alcazar | |
| NCAP Safety Rating | 5-star Bharat NCAP rating | Not tested |
| Airbags | Six | Six |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic headlamps | Yes | Yes |
| Rain-sensing Wipers | Yes | Yes |
| Hill hold assist | Yes | Yes |
| Hill descent control | Yes | Yes |
| Rear sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Rear parking camera | 360-degree camera with 180-degree transparent mode | 360-degree camera |
| ISOFIX Child seat anchor points | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS | Level-2 ADAS features | Level-2 ADAS features |
The Mahindra XUV 7XO is substantially heavier and stronger than the Hyundai Alcazar. Moreover, the XUV 7XO has earned a full 5-star rating in the Bharat NCAP safety test, demonstrating its structural integrity in the event of an accident. All the same, both the XUV 7XO and the Alcazar pack several upmarket safety features, including a Level-2 ADAS suite, to offer strong active passenger safety.
The Mahindra XUV 7XO is stronger and safer than the Hyundai Alcazar.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Hyundai Alcazar: Price comparison
| Mahindra XUV 7XO | Hyundai Alcazar | |
| Base variants (Ex-Showroom) | Rs 13.99 – 17.79 lakh | Rs 14.51 – 15.50 lakh |
| Mid variants (Ex-Showroom) | Rs 17.79 – 21.05 lakh | Rs 16.62 – 18.76 lakh |
| Upper mid variants (Ex-Showroom) | Rs 21.64 – 23.99 lakh | Rs 18.96 – 20.46 lakh |
| Top variant | Rs 23.29 – 25.79 lakh | Rs 20.91 – 21.25 lakh |
While the Hyundai Alcazar’s price range starts lower than that of the Mahindra XUV 7XO, the XUV 7XO is more expensive overall. All the same, being more feature-laden, larger, and more powerful, the XUV 7XO justifies the premium it asks. From a value-for-money standpoint, there is no major difference between the two SUVs.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Hyundai Alcazar: Which one you should buy
The Hyundai Alcazar is a dependable 6- or 7-seater SUV for most of the needs of the average Indian buyer. The Korean SUV is loaded with premium features to offer maximum comfort, convenience, and entertainment. Its mechanicals, engines, and transmissions are praised for their refinement, reliability, and fuel efficiency. Compared to the XUV 7XO, the Alcazar is substantially more affordable. Last but not least, the Alcazar offers Hyundai’s brand value – a brand well-acclaimed for its hassle-free after-sales services.
All the same, the XUV 7XO is larger and has a more dominant road presence. The Indian SUV is also stronger and safer than the Alcazar. While its fuel economy is lower than the Alcazar’s, it packs a stronger punch and delivers exciting performance. All these benefits cost a few more lakhs over the Alcazar’s price. So, if you want all these characteristics and can stretch your budget, then XUV 7XO should be your pick.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Hyundai Alcazar: FAQs
Between the Hyundai Alcazar and Mahindra XUV 7XO, which is larger?
The Hyundai Alcazar is 4,560 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, 1,710 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,760 mm. The Mahindra XUV 7XO is 4,695 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, 1,755 mm tall, and has a 2,750 mm wheelbase. Therefore, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is 135 mm longer, 90 mm wider, and 45 mm taller, but has a 10 mm shorter wheelbase compared to the Hyundai Alcazar.
Among the Hyundai Alcazar and Mahindra XUV 7XO, which SUV is more powerful?
The Hyundai Alcazar offers two engines: a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine producing 160 PS and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine producing 116 PS. The Mahindra XUV 7XO offers two engines: a 2.2-litre turbo petrol engine producing 203 PS and a 2-litre turbo diesel engine producing 185 PS. So, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is more powerful than the Hyundai Alcazar.
Among the Hyundai Alcazar and the Mahindra XUV 7XO, which offers better sound quality?
The Mahindra XUV 7XO’s 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system sounds slightly better than the Hyundai Alcazar’s 8-speaker BOSE sound system.
Between the Hyundai Alcazar and Mahindra XUV 7XO, which one offers better ride quality?
The Mahindra XUV 7XO delivers better ride quality than the Hyundai Alcazar.
What types of automatic transmission systems are available in the Hyundai Alcazar and the Mahindra XUV 7XO?
The Mahindra XUV 7XO offers a 6-speed torque converter automatic, while the Hyundai Alcazar offers two automatic transmissions: a 7-speed DCT and a 6-speed torque converter.
