Mahindra XUV700 Road Trip Review: Comfort, Power, and Challenges on a 1,600 km Journey
Mahindra XUV700 Road Trip Review: Comfort, Power, and Challenges on a 1,600 km Journey
A family from Mumbai recently tested their new Mahindra XUV700 on a 1,600 km road trip to Udaipur for Diwali. The journey proved both challenging and rewarding, showcasing the car’s strengths and weaknesses.
The plan was to drive in two legs—Mumbai to Vadodara and Vadodara to Udaipur—breaking the journey for comfort. However, chaos struck early. The Ghodbunder stretch and NH48 were riddled with unmanageable traffic due to ongoing construction. Bumper-to-bumper jams stretched for kilometers, and the family endured seven hours to cover just 60 km. After 16 exhausting hours, they finally reached Vadodara at 10:15 PM, instead of the planned 5 PM.
Despite the ordeal, the XUV700 shone as a reliable partner. Its spacious, quiet cabin offered much-needed calm amidst the chaos. Adaptive Cruise Control on the Bharuch-Vadodara Expressway (NE4) delivered a near-autonomous driving experience. The powerful engine and excellent headlamps provided confidence, even during night drives.
The journey to Udaipur the next day was a dream—smooth roads, scenic ghats, and fast-moving traffic. The car easily handled sharp turns and elevations, reaching Udaipur in just five hours.
The return journey mirrored the traffic troubles of the onward trip, though improved slightly with a 13-hour drive to Mumbai. The family lamented the lack of traffic management on NH48, contrasting it with Gujarat’s better-handled roadwork.
The XUV700 impressed with its strong engine, adaptive cruise control, and superior insulation, though minor issues like lane-keep assist alerts and insufficient driver seat thigh support stood out. This trip, despite its challenges, boosted the family’s confidence for future road adventures.
The Mahindra XUV700 proved itself a capable “mile-muncher,” promising many more happy journeys ahead.
