Cartrade Comparison Test
Exterior:
The Mahindra XUV500 received a facelift and now it has a new fascia, which now has a new front grille, new headlamp design and also chrome-added to the fog lamps. The front does look refreshed and Mahindra has done a good job though the chrome could have been avoided. The headlamps and the new front grille does look stylish.
The side profile has not many major changes maybe except for the alloy wheels. Mahindra has done a good job with the XUV500, and this makes it a good option to consider in this segment. The rear too looks better than before. The Mahindra XUV500’s wheel size is perfect at 16-inches.
Toyota Innova:
The Toyota Innova has existed for a long time now and though the company has given it periodic updates, it still doesn’t look very different from the version it was launched in. The present Innova gets a large odd ball radiator grille completely dazzled in chrome which is not to everyone’s linking. The sleek and wrap around headlamps have a clear lens reflector and doesn’t come with projectors. The fog lamps get a chrome garnish too. Seen along its length, nothing has changed except for an additional chrome strip. It also features new body graphics for the necessary novelty touch. To the rear, the tail lid has large chrome bar with the model name etched on it. The top of line Z variant sports a spoiler and chrome exhaust pipes.
Interior:
Mahindra XUV500:
The interiors of the XUV500 have got an update. The XUV500’s interiors have received an update with a new colour scheme as the beige does look a lot more upmarket than the previous interior colour scheme. The XUV500 gets several features like keyless entry, push start and stop, sunroof, reverse parking camera, satellite navigation, touchscreen infotainment system with bluetooth connectivity.
The front row seats are large and very comfortable for long road trips. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable and the XUV500 has good comfort for the front row. The second row has decent space with generous knee room. The third row too isn’t bad on space, but with the third row up, there is not much space left in the boot. The third row seats when flipped have good enough space to load the luggage.
Toyota Innova:
The interiors of Toyota Innova have been made premium with the use of wooden veneers on the dashboard, gear knob and the arm rest. The front dashboard remains similar with only a minor update on the surround of the audio system which has got a silver finish. It might not come across as a premium MPV even with all these add-ons but the area where the Innova impresses everyone and there is no eual rival to it is the feeling of comfort and spaciousness. The new Innova is offered with two-tone leather seats and these are extremely comfortable. Both the front and second row seats are highly impressive when it comes to comfort. Taller passengers can easily stretch their legs when seated on front and second row but the only issue is the third row seats which aren’t the best suited for average size adults.
Also the presence of AC vents for all rows is a big positive for the cabin cools uniformly in very less time. In terms of features, the Innova comes with a touchscreen infotaiment system with Bluetooth audio and phone pairing. It also offers USB and Aux-In connectivity. The instrumental cluster is basic but the vehicle information can be accessed on the multi information display screen on the top of the central panel.
Engine:
Mahindra XUV500:
The engine on the XUV500 is a 2.2-litre diesel that churns about 140bhp of power and this comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission. This engine has decent NVH levels and what we like about this engine is its refinement. Mahindra engineers have done a good job with the refinement of this engine and it shows. There is a minor diesel clatter, but that is mostly when you cold start the engine. Otherwise it is absolutely fine.
The drivability of this engine is good, and you do not need to change gears very often, be in city or the highway. It doesn’t feel running out of steaming in the city or even on the highway. This makes it a good option as the XUV500 does well on an open road. It has good power to overtake, however for those quick overtaking moves, one needs to downshift. The XUV500’s transmission is a bit baggy. The throws too are long. This is the only knick in the armour. The mileage of the XUV500 is about 9km/l in the city and about 11km/l on the highway.
Toyota Innova:
The Innova comes with a 2.5-litre diesel engine with intercooler turbocharger. This motor makes 101 bhp of power at 3600 rpm and generates a torque of 200 Nm between 1200 rpm to 3600 rpm. It also comes in BS3 configuration which makes the same amount of torque between 1400 rpm to 3400 rpm. This engine comes mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. Typical of Toyota, this engine behaves in the best way possible without displaying any lag even at initial speeds or when completely occupied.
The cabin insulation is also very impressive as the redundant ambience noise does not seep inside. The built quality is extremely strong as the feeling of travelling in a secure vehicle is always there in an Innova. Also, importantly, airbags are standard across the range making Toyota a responsible manufacturer. Even ABS is offered from mid range variants onward.
Ride and Handling:
Mahindra XUV500:
The ride of the XUV500 is a bit on the stiffer side. The SUV is composed on most of the smooth surfaces even at high speeds, however on bad roads, it does feel a bit jittery. The suspension does a decent job of absorbing the road shocks. The XUV500 despite being a monocoque chassis has decent ride.
The handling of the XUV500 is one of the best that Mahindra can offer. The steering wheel though is a bit heavy that makes it difficult to drive in city. The steering wheel could have been lighter. The turning radius is also decent enough however the all round visibility could have been better.
Toyota Innova:
One thing where again the Toyota Innova scores more over competition is the fact that it offers very high levels of confidence making it easy to drive on highways at great speeds. The shape of the roof makes it lesser resistant against air flow and even while turning at such speeds, one doesn’t feel any body roll. The suspension setup can take on surfaces with great ease be it on highways or city conditions. Even while driving it in the city, this MPV doesn’t feel heavy and cumbersome to drive.
Value for Money:
Mahindra XUV500:
The Mahindra XUV500 is a great value for money, as there is nothing that is available at this price with so many features and is a seven-seater This is what makes the XUV500 a great value for money product.
Toyota Innova:
Prices of the Toyota Innova range between Rs 10.59 lakhs to Rs 15.86 lakhs. Clearly, it is not the most economically viable options in the MPV segment and instead is one of the most expensive offerings but the very fact that it offers comfort and performance like none in the market gives it the edge over its rivals. Also, it is backed by Toyota’s widespread dealership network. Even the reliability of Toyota cars are a much talked about trait in the industry. But then there are compact solutions to the Innova.
Mahindra XUV500 Vs Toyota Innova:
The Toyota Innova is the most reliable vehicle you can buy at this price. It doesn’t get the features of the XUV500, but it has the best service and resale value too.
