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In a clash that pits Indian engineering against Korean innovation, two budget-friendly family SUVs face off in a series of real-world challenges. The Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition and the KGM Ssang Torres Ultimate may come from different origins—with the latter formerly owned by Mahindra—but today they square off to determine which one truly offers more value, better off-road capability, and superior overall comfort.
Head-to-Head Specifications
Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition
- Engine & Drive: Powered by a 2-liter turbo petrol engine, front-wheel drive, and available in a seven-seater configuration.
- Pricing: Positioned approximately $3,000 cheaper than its Korean rival, making it an attractive option for families on a budget.
- Warranty & Service: Comes with a robust 7-year warranty and complimentary roadside assistance. However, service visits average around $450 per interval.
KGM Ssang Torres Ultimate
- Engine & Drive: Equipped with a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine, all-wheel drive, and configured as a five-seater. It features paddle shifters and a sporty edge with larger 20‑inch alloy wheels.
- Warranty & Service: Also backed by a 7-year warranty with unlimited kilometers, but roadside service costs average around $390.
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Design and Styling
Both SUVs sport a modern design, though they approach aesthetics differently:
- Mahindra XUV700: Finished in sleek Napoli black, the XUV700 features LED-infused headlight clusters, EV-inspired pop-out door handles, and black 18‑inch alloy wheels. Its design is understated yet refined—a noticeable step up from some of Mahindra’s older models.
- KGM Ssang Torres: Taking a more rugged and contemporary approach, the Ssang Torres boasts 20‑inch alloy wheels, a design inspired by Range Rover Evoque, and some eye-catching but polarizing elements such as a bent roof line and a faux spare wheel holder.
While the Ssang’s design aims to project high-tech ruggedness, some critics note that its finish feels less premium, with a few scratchy plastics and flourishes that don’t quite live up to expectations.
Performance and Handling
The driving dynamics of these two vehicles were put to the test in multiple off-road challenges:
- Drag Race on a Slippery Hill:
Despite a distinct power disadvantage, the Mahindra—with its 2-liter engine—leveraged its lighter weight and agile handling to outperform the Sanong, which struggled with excessive wheel spin. - Woods Course Maneuverability:
The test course, featuring tight U-turns, rots, and divots, highlighted the Mahindra’s superior ground clearance (10.9 meters turning circle compared to the Ssang’s 12.8 meters). Although both vehicles encountered challenges, the Mahindra demonstrated better agility and overall speed through the course. - Hill Descent Control:
In a slow, controlled descent down a steep slope, the Mahindra again shone. Using its hill descent control in neutral mode, it delivered a steady, crawl-like descent—earning praise as one of the best implementations of this feature seen to date. - Chassis Articulation on Steps & Uphill Scramble:
When navigating slippery steps and steep, rocky inclines, the Toyota Land Cruiser-like low-range capabilities of the Sanong gave it an edge in certain aspects. However, for everyday off-road tasks, the Mahindra’s overall balance and comfort won out.
Overall, while the Ssang Torres Ultimate shows promise in specific off-road scenarios—thanks to its all-wheel-drive setup—the Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition edges ahead in real-world usability, comfort, and consistent performance.
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Interior Quality and Practicality
Both vehicles are loaded with tech and features that aim to please modern family buyers, but there are notable differences:
- Mahindra XUV700:
The cabin impresses with a mix of physical buttons and dual 10.25‑inch digital screens. Its control layout is user-friendly, featuring separate climate control, a robust Sony audio system with 12 speakers, and a well-thought-out driver display that provides clear, meaningful information. However, some hard plastics and finish issues (like on the steering wheel rim) occasionally detract from the overall feel. - KGM Ssang Torres:
Offering larger dual 12.3‑inch screens, the Sanong boasts a more modern, minimalist interior design reminiscent of BMW styling. Although it uses genuine leather on the seats, critics say the texture can feel more like vinyl. The Sanong also has better front-end storage, including a larger center bin and extra USB ports, but falls short with no wireless phone charging and a less intuitive operating system.
When it comes to family practicality, the Mahindra’s seven-seat layout, more comfortable driving position, and overall ease of use give it an edge. Rear legroom and headroom are acceptable in both, but the Mahindra offers slightly better ergonomics and storage solutions.Fuel Efficiency and Cost of Ownership
On a 230 km drive loop, both SUVs delivered just under 10 liters per 100 km—comparable in fuel consumption. However, compared to more frugal Chinese competitors like the GWM Haval H6 hybrid (which achieved around 6.6 L/100 km), these midsize SUVs occupy a middle ground. Their pricing and robust feature sets make them compelling alternatives to mainstream models from Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Kia.
Final Verdict
In the ultimate budget family SUV battle, the Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition emerges as the better overall choice. It delivers a more comfortable, practical, and user-friendly experience at a lower price point. While the KGM Ssang Torres Ultimate impresses with its modern design and agile handling, its rougher interior and slightly higher service costs leave it trailing behind.
For buyers seeking a well-rounded family SUV that balances off-road capability with everyday usability, the Mahindra XUV700 is the clear winner. But what do you think? Let us know in the comments which one you’d put your money on.
