The Mahindra XUV700, the Tata Safari, and the Mahindra Scorpio-N are excellent options that can rival the Mahindra XUV500 among vehicles sold in India. While the XUV500 was discontinued in 2021, it remains relevant in the second-hand market, offering a combination of seven-seater capacity, monocoque construction, a diesel engine, and other features at a reasonable price.
For buyers looking for a new SUV today, the XUV 7XO is the natural replacement, the Tata Safari is the closest non-Mahindra family alternative, and the Scorpio N offers a more rugged ladder-frame route with proper 4WD. Here is how they compare on price, mileage, performance, seating and features.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- The Mahindra XUV500 was discontinued in 2021, and it’s now available only in the used-car market.
- Its last recorded new-car price range was approximately ₹15.56 lakh to ₹20.07 lakh ex-showroom.
- The final XUV500 used a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine producing around 155 PS and 360 Nm.
- It was offered with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions, with AWD available on selected versions during its lifecycle.
- Claimed mileage for the late XUV500 range was approximately 15.1 km/l.
- The Mahindra XUV 7XO is the closest modern successor and offers much stronger petrol and diesel engines, AWD, Level 2 ADAS and a far more advanced cabin.
- The Tata Safari is a strong family-focused alternative with six- or seven-seat layouts, petrol and diesel choices and a 5-star crash-safety rating.
- The Mahindra Scorpio N suits buyers who want ladder-frame construction, rear-wheel drive, and genuine low-range 4WD.
- The XUV500 still makes sense as a used SUV for buyers who want strong diesel torque and seven seats at a lower purchase price.
- Buyers looking for a new SUV will find all three alternatives significantly more advanced in safety, connectivity and powertrain performance.
Price and Mileage Comparison with Mahindra XUV500
Since the Mahindra XUV500 is a discontinued model, the pricing here is based on the last known new-car ex-showroom prices. All three available options start below the last known entry price of the XUV500; however, their top variants go even higher.
Mileage comparison requires some care. Tata publishes a clear ARAI figure for the Safari diesel, while Mahindra does not currently publish a clean certified mileage figure for the XUV 7XO or Scorpio N. It’s better to mark those figures as not officially published rather than use test mileage or older model data.
| Car | Ex-showroom Price Range | Fuel Options | Best Claimed Mileage |
| Mahindra XUV500 | ₹15.56–20.07 lakh when new | Diesel | 15.1 km/l |
| Mahindra XUV 7XO | ₹13.99–25.79 lakh | Petrol, Diesel | Not officially published |
| Tata Safari | ₹13.40–26.91 lakh | Petrol, Diesel | 16.3 km/l diesel MT |
| Mahindra Scorpio N | ₹13.69–25.49 lakh | Petrol, Diesel | Not officially published |
Mahindra XUV500 prices are its last recorded new-car prices in India. Current alternative prices are approximate ex-showroom figures and may vary by variant and location.
Also Read: How to Buy a Used Mahindra XUV500
Top Alternatives of Mahindra XUV500 in India
Mahindra XUV 7XO
The Mahindra XUV 7XO is the closest substitute for the XUV500, as it continues the same family-SUV concept. The XUV500 is superseded by the XUV 700, and Mahindra then gives the XUV700 a facelift and rebrands it as the XUV7XO in 2026.
The XUV 7XO offers a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing around 203 hp and 380 Nm, and a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing up to 185 hp and 450 Nm. Manual and automatic transmissions are available, with AWD on selected diesel automatics.
It also comes in six- or seven-seat configurations, thus giving buyers the option of captain seats or traditional bench seating, depending on the need.
Why it is better than Mahindra XUV500
The biggest improvement is performance. The final XUV500 produced around 155 PS and 360 Nm, whereas the XUV700 petrol reaches approximately 203 hp and the diesel can produce up to 450 Nm. This makes the newer SUV noticeably stronger for highway overtaking, full-load driving and long-distance touring.
Technological advances have been amazing. Depending on the version, the XUV 7XO offers three 12.3-inch displays, a 540-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon sound system, and ventilated seats.
Safety equipment is also far more comprehensive. Six airbags are standard, while higher variants can add additional airbags, electronic stability control, four-wheel disc brakes and advanced driver-assistance systems.
One of the things that makes the XUV 7XO special compared to the last XUV 500 is its availability in both petrol and diesel variants. Buyers of the new car will not have to compromise on their engine choice, with the flexibility to choose between petrol and diesel.
Ride quality and refinement have improved through newer suspension technology, while the cabin feels significantly more premium. The XUV500 was extremely well equipped for its time, but the 7XO belongs to a much newer generation of family SUVs
For people looking for a cheaper alternative, the XUV 500 still exists and can be a good used buy for those who want diesel in a seven-seat SUV. But for someone looking to buy a new SUV, the XUV 7XO is the clear choice.
Price Comparison: Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Mahindra XUV500
The XUV 7XO starts below the XUV500’s final base price, but its upper variants extend much higher because of the added power, technology and safety equipment.
| Variant | Mahindra XUV 7XO Price Range | Mahindra XUV500 Last New-Car Price Range |
| Base-variant | AX Petrol MT: ₹13.99 lakh | W7 MT: ₹15.56 lakh |
| Mid-variant | AX5: Approx. ₹17.79–19.79 lakh | W9 MT/AT: ₹17.30–18.51 lakh |
| Top-variant | AX7 Luxury: Up to ₹25.79 lakh | W11(O) MT/AT: ₹18.84–20.07 lakh |
Also Read: Mahindra 7XO Complete Buying Guide
Tata Safari
The Tata Safari is the closest equivalent to the XUV500 from other brands besides Mahindra. The Safari also falls into the monocoque three-row SUV category like the XUV500, built with family comfort in mind rather than rugged off-road use.
The current Safari is available with both petrol and diesel engines. The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol produces around 170 hp and 280 Nm, while the 2.0-litre diesel produces around 170 hp and 350 Nm. Manual and automatic gearboxes are available depending on the powertrain and variant.
Customers can opt for six-seater models with captain’s chairs and seven-seater models with a bench seat in the second row, so that the Safari can be used for both family and chauffeur-driven purposes.
Why it is better than Mahindra XUV500
Safari’s biggest advantage is safety. It carries a 5-star Bharat NCAP and 5-star Global NCAP rating, giving buyers a much stronger independently tested safety credential than the old XUV500.
The car comes standard with six airbags. At the same time, top-end variants get Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, electronic stability control, all-wheel disc brakes, parking sensors, and other active safety features.
The Safari is also far more modern inside, with a large touchscreen, digital cluster, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats and connected-car functions available on higher variants.
Another plus point of the Safari is its powertrain options. The previous XUV500 was offered only as a diesel vehicle. In contrast, the latest Safari is available in petrol and diesel, and this is a bonus for city dwellers who do not travel many kilometres.
The diesel manual is rated at approximately 16.3 km/l, slightly better than the XUV500’s final 15.1 km/l claimed figure. Its 350 Nm torque output is close to the XUV500’s 360 Nm, while the newer engine and transmission calibration make the Safari feel more refined.
One advantage of the XUV500 is its optional AWD system, while the current Safari is offered only with front-wheel drive. Thus, people who specifically need advanced traction will prefer either the Scorpio N or XUV 700 with AWD.
For families who prioritise safety, cabin comfort and modern equipment, however, the Safari is the stronger choice.
Price Comparison: Tata Safari vs Mahindra XUV500
Although the Safari starts lower than the XUV500, it goes above the XUV500’s price range when fully loaded.
| Variant | Tata Safari Price Range | Mahindra XUV500 Last New-Car Price Range |
| Base-variant | Smart 7-seat Petrol MT: ₹13.40 lakh | W7 MT: ₹15.56 lakh |
| Mid-variant | Pure / Adventure: Approx. ₹16.85–22.00 lakh | W9 MT/AT: ₹17.30–18.51 lakh |
| Top-variant | Accomplished Ultra: Up to ₹26.91 lakh | W11(O) MT/AT: ₹18.84–20.07 lakh |
Also Read: Tata Safari Image Gallery: Interior and Exterior
Mahindra Scorpio N
The Mahindra Scorpio N presents itself as an alternative to the XUV500, especially if you want something sturdier with better off-road capability.
Unlike the monocoque XUV500, the Scorpio N uses a ladder-frame chassis. It is rear-wheel drive in standard form, while selected diesel variants can be equipped with Mahindra’s 4XPLOR four-wheel-drive system.
The Scorpio N offers a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing around 203 hp and a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing up to about 175 hp and 400 Nm of peak torque. Six- and seven-seat options are also available as per the model you select, along with options for manual and automated transmissions.
Why it is better than Mahindra XUV500
The biggest advantage is off-road and rough-road capability. The Scorpio N’s ladder-frame construction is better suited to repeated use on damaged roads, trails and difficult terrain than the XUV500’s more road-focused monocoque layout.
Some diesel trims come with full-blown 4WD, including low-range gears and specially designed terrain modes. This gives the Scorpio-N real off-road capability that was never possible with the XUV500’s optional AWD system, which was, which was never offered.
Performance is also stronger. The petrol engine can produce around 203 hp, while the diesel delivers up to 400 Nm, giving buyers more power than the old XUV500.
Besides its off-road ability, the Scorpio N offers up-to-date safety and comfort features, including Level 2 ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, a Sony audio system, and adaptive cruise control in the higher trims.
Its tall seating position and larger body also create a stronger, traditional SUV feel. Buyers who found the XUV500 too crossover-like may prefer the Scorpio N’s commanding driving position and more rugged character.
But the main disadvantage is the on-road performance. While the XUV500 has a monocoque chassis, the Scorpio-N is built on the conventional body-on-frame layout and is heavier. So buyers who primarily drive in cities will find the XUV500 or Safari better suited to them.
For someone who wants a seven-seat SUV capable of regular rough-road use, however, the Scorpio N is a major upgrade in capability.
Price Comparison: Mahindra Scorpio N vs Mahindra XUV500
Although the Scorpio N starts below the base price of the XUV500, the range goes very high for the top-spec Scorpio N variants with 4WD and automatic transmission.
| Variant | Mahindra Scorpio N Price Range | Mahindra XUV500 Last New-Car Price Range |
| Base-variant | Z2 Petrol MT: ₹13.69 lakh | W7 MT: ₹15.56 lakh |
| Mid-variant | Z6 / Z8S / Z8: Approx. ₹17–21 lakh | W9 MT/AT: ₹17.30–18.51 lakh |
| Top-variant | Z8L ADAS Diesel 4WD AT: ₹25.49 lakh | W11(O) MT/AT: ₹18.84–20.07 lakh |
Also Read: Mahindra Scorpio N Variants Guide: Choose the Best Variant
Summary
Mahindra XUV500 is one of the SUVs that paved the way for the feature-loaded, three-row monocoque SUV format in India. Its 155 PS diesel engine, coupled with a seven-seater configuration and automatic transmission, drove its immense popularity. However, production ended in 2021.
The Mahindra XUV 7XO is the most natural replacement. It offers far stronger petrol and diesel engines, modern AWD, Level 2 ADAS and a significantly more advanced cabin while continuing the XUV500’s family-focused formula.
The Tata Safari is the Mahindra XUV500’s main competitor and is known for six- and seven-seater versions, petrol and diesel engines, five-star safety ratings, and a luxurious interior.
The Mahindra Scorpio N is the better choice for buyers who want greater rough-road ability and a traditional SUV feel. Its ladder-frame construction, rear-wheel drive and proper 4WD make it much more rugged than the XUV500.
A used Mahindra XUV500 could still be a viable option if purchased at an economically viable price; however, these three brand-new vehicles are far superior in terms of power, safety, technology and features.
Also Read: Comparison: Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Mahindra Scorpio N
FAQ’s About Mahindra XUV500 Alternatives
Q. What are the best alternatives to the Mahindra XUV500 in India?
The Mahindra XUV 7XO, Tata Safari and Mahindra Scorpio N are among the strongest alternatives. The XUV 7XO is the direct modern successor, the Safari focuses on family comfort and safety, and the Scorpio N adds stronger ruggedness and 4WD capability.
Q. Is Mahindra XUV500 still available in India?
No. Mahindra discontinued the XUV500 in 2021. Buyers looking for one today need to consider the used-car market.
Q. Which car replaced the Mahindra XUV500?
The Mahindra XUV700 originally replaced the XUV500. In 2026, Mahindra facelifted and renamed the XUV700 as the XUV 7XO, making it the current continuation of the XUV500 lineage.
Q. Is Tata Safari better than Mahindra XUV500?
The current Safari is better for buyers who prioritise crash safety, modern technology, six- or seven-seat flexibility and petrol/diesel choice. The old XUV500 still had the advantage of optional AWD during its lifecycle.
Q. Is Scorpio N better than Mahindra XUV500?
The Scorpio N is better for buyers who need ladder-frame toughness, proper 4WD and stronger rough-road capability. The XUV500 feels more car-like because of its monocoque construction.
Q. Should I buy a used XUV500 or a new XUV 7XO?
A used XUV500 can make sense if it is well maintained and priced attractively. However, the XUV 7XO is the better overall choice for buyers wanting current warranty coverage, stronger engines, modern safety systems and substantially newer technology.
