Kia Seltos 2023 vs Mahindra XUV700: A Comparison of Their Variants Priced Rs 15-18 Lakh for Family-focused Car Buyers

Written By: Kshitij Bisen
Published: December 9, 2023 at 06:42 AMUpdated: Updated: December 9, 2023 at 06:42 AM
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As a family man, you consider only the best, or top family cars in India when deciding on which one to buy. Today, let’s look at the Kia Seltos 2023 and Mahindra XUV700, and find out what makes them family-friendly car models in India.

In this article, we will share

  • What family-focused buyers look for in a car
  • Kia Seltos 2023 vs Mahindra XUV700 – a detailed analysis of their features, space, and safety
  • How to pick the right car for you

So, are these perfect cars for a small family, or can they accommodate large families, too? And which of these is the right car for a family man? Read on.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

What a Family-focused car buyer looks for in a car

Here’s what a family-focused buyer should look for in car:

  • Safety – A car must have essential safety features, and a good safety rating
  • Space and comfort – The car must have ample space to accommodate all family members, and must include convenience features like rear AC vents
  • Ride and handling – The car’s ride and handling need to be good

Family-focused car buyers prioritize safety, spaciousness, and comfort. Essential safety features such as airbags, ABS, ESC, and a high GNCAP rating are a must for ensuring the safety of all passengers. A spacious interior, with ample legroom, headroom, and significant boot capacity, is crucial for accommodating family members and their belongings.

Comfort-enhancing elements like rear AC vents, ergonomic seating, and minimal cabin noise contribute to a pleasant travel experience. Fuel efficiency and reliable performance are also important, making the vehicle economical and dependable for daily use.

Modern connectivity features such as Bluetooth and touchscreen navigation add convenience and entertainment for family travels.

Why Kia Seltos 2023 and Mahindra XUV700 are Popular

Kia Seltos 2023 and Mahindra XUV700 have become popular choices among family-focused car buyers for their blend of safety, comfort, and utility. Both models offer essential safety features like multiple airbags, ABS, ESC, and respectable GNCAP ratings, ensuring a safe driving environment for families.

Kia Seltos is known for its ergonomic design, stable high-speed performance, and fuel-efficient engine options, making it ideal for urban families who value comfort and efficiency. Its modern infotainment system with internet connectivity and advanced features like lane-keeping assist and rear parking camera adds to its appeal.

Mahindra XUV700 stands out for its larger dimensions, offering more space with ample legroom and headroom, and a generous boot capacity. This makes it suitable for larger families or those requiring more luggage space. The XUV700’s higher ground clearance and powerful engine options cater to families who enjoy long drives and occasional adventurous trips.

Both models offer a combination of modern design, robust build quality, and brand reliability, making them attractive choices for families seeking a vehicle that balances practicality with style and sophistication.

Kia Seltos 2023 and Mahindra XUV700 Variants Shortlist in Rs 15-18 Lakh Range

For Kia Seltos 2023, we have:

VariantPrice (INR) as on 5 December 2023
HTK Plus Diesel iMT₹15,00,000
HTX₹15,20,000

For Mahindra XUV700, we have:

VariantPrice (INR) as on 5 December 2023
AX3₹16,51,000
AX3 E₹17,01,000
AX5₹17,84,000

Kia Seltos HTK Plus Diesel iMT

Offers a balance of performance and practicality with its diesel engine and moderate price. The safety features, spacious boot, and comfortable interior make it a suitable choice for families.

Kia Seltos HTX

This variant adds to the HTK Plus with a petrol engine and advanced features like a larger touchscreen and LED headlights, enhancing comfort and safety for family usage. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Seltos 2023 with Tata Harrier 2023.

Mahindra XUV700 AX3

Known for its spacious interior and higher ground clearance, this variant is ideal for families needing more space and comfort. Its 5-star GNCAP rating ensures top-notch safety. If you’re a long-distance road trip lover, you can check out our comparison of the XUV700 with Toyota Innova Hycross.

Mahindra XUV700 AX3 E

Builds on the AX3 variant with similar features and slightly more premium offerings, making it a good choice for families seeking additional comfort and technology. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the XUV700 with MG Hector.

Mahindra XUV700 AX5

As a higher variant, it provides more advanced features like LED headlights and a more plush interior, catering to families seeking luxury along with safety and space.

Our Pick for the Best Variant among Kia Seltos 2023 and Mahindra XUV700 for Family-Focused Car Buyers

Considering the needs of a family-focused car buyer, the Mahindra XUV700 AX5 emerges as the best variant when compared to the offerings from Kia Seltos. The primary reason for this choice is the XUV700 AX5’s emphasis on safety, space, and advanced features, which are critical for families.

The Mahindra XUV700 AX5 boasts a 5-star GNCAP safety rating, ensuring maximum protection for families. It’s equipped with essential safety features like multiple airbags, ABS, and ESC. This level of safety assurance is paramount for a family vehicle.

In terms of space, the XUV700 AX5 offers one of the most spacious cabins in its class, with ample legroom, headroom, and a generous boot capacity. This makes it highly suitable for family trips and everyday needs. The interior is designed to provide comfort and luxury, with plush seating and a well-crafted design.

Additionally, the XUV700 AX5 comes with advanced technology features, including a large touchscreen infotainment system, LED headlights for better visibility, and modern connectivity options like Bluetooth and navigation. These features add to the convenience and entertainment value for family members during travels.

The powerful engine options and high ground clearance of the XUV700 AX5 make it suitable for various driving conditions, from city roads to adventurous trips, providing a versatile option for families.

The Mahindra XUV700 AX5 stands out as the ideal choice for family-focused car buyers, offering a comprehensive package of safety, space, comfort, and technology.

The Top 3 Choices

  1. Mahindra XUV700 AX5
  2. Kia Seltos HTX
  3. Mahindra XUV700 AX3
AttributeMahindra XUV700 AX5Kia Seltos HTXMahindra XUV700 AX3
Price (INR)17,84,00015,20,00016,51,000
GNCAP Rating535
Airbags (number)462
Ground Clearance (mm)200190200
Boot Capacity (liters)240433240
High-Speed StabilityStableStableStable
Touchscreen Size (inches)10.2510.2510.25
Bluetooth ConnectivityYesYesYes
Rear Parking CameraYesYesYes
Engine – Fuel TypePetrolPetrolPetrol
Transmission – Auto TypeN/AN/AN/A
Length (mm)469543654695
Width (mm)189018001890
Height (mm)175516451755
LED HeadlightsYesYesNo
Audio System (Brand)OEMOEMOEM
UpholsteryClothGenuine LeatherCloth

How to Pick the Right Car for You

  • The Mahindra XUV700 AX5 is the top choice for its exceptional safety rating, spacious interior, and advanced features, making it ideal for families seeking a safe, comfortable, and versatile vehicle.
  • The Kia Seltos HTX, with its ergonomic design, advanced safety features, and premium interior, is perfect for urban families who desire a balance of comfort and style.
  • The Mahindra XUV700 AX3, offering similar safety and space as the AX5 but at a more affordable price, is a great option for families prioritizing safety and space within a budget.

These three variants cater to different aspects of family needs, with the Mahindra XUV700 models standing out for their superior safety and spaciousness, providing peace of mind and comfort for family-focused car buyers.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered