Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition v KGM SsangYong Torres Ultimate 2025 comparison

Mahinda and SsangYong used to be more than competitors. Essentially, the former owned the latter in a partnership that formally began in 2011. However, by 2022, Mahindra went from saviour to seller and KG Mobility (KGM) swooped in to save SsangYong from bankruptcy.

Both companies, in their various guises, have endured a hit-and-miss relationship with Aussie punters, too. Mahindra is a bigger player than its given credit (it’s the world’s largest tractor seller) and the Pik-Up has gained a reputation as being an affordable and reliable workhorse.

SsangYong’s new owners are also respecting the marque’s familiarity Down Under, deciding to retain the South Korean’s branding in Oz instead of fully transitioning to KGM.

Yet, both have now broadened their appeal with sharply priced medium SUVs – one of if not the most hotly contested segments in the market. Hence, robust drive-away pricing is the order of the day. We’ve got both top-spec variants to see which is best.

The 2025 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition is, as the name suggests, an in-vogue black pack priced at $43,990. Sitting below it is the $39,990 AX7L and $36,990 AX7 (all prices are drive away).

It is covered by Mahindra’s seven-year/150,000km warranty, which also includes seven years of roadside assistance. Servicing is every 12 months or 15,000km and the average cost per service during the first three years is $426.

The KGM SsangYong Torres Ultimate is the newer offering of the two and, like its counterpart, heads the range. It’s also the more expensive option, with the Ultimate attracting a $47,000 sticker price. If that isn’t to your liking, prices start at $38,000 for the EXL and $43,000 for the Adventure (all quoted figures are drive away).

Like the Mahindra, KGM SsangYong offers a seven-year warranty, but unlimited kilometres. It gains five years of roadside assistance. Servicing intervals are identical, but the Ssangyong is cheaper to run over the first three years with an average bill of $373 for each dealership visit.

In terms of rivals, there’s a slew of Chinese competitors like the BYD Sealion 6, Chery Tiggo Pro 7, GWM Haval H6 and MG HS. If you’re willing to opt for base models, then customary models like the Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota RAV4 will also be on your shopping list.

For better or worse, polarising design has been a hallmark for both brands. From military vehicles to the hardworking Pik-Up, the Indian brand is changing things up with the more conventional-looking 2025 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition.

The hue, ‘Napoli Black’, is significant as it’s the only colour offered. It goes further, with the grille, side trims and 18-inch alloys all gaining the black treatment. Continuing inside, the faux leather is black (replacing the dividing white found in lower grades) and various trim pieces gain a piano-black coating.

It’s based on the higher-grade AX7L XUV700, which comes with LED headlights and daytime running lights, LED tail-lights, dynamic indicators, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, six-way electronically operated driver’s seat and a panoramic glass sunroof.

Adding to the spec list of the Black Edition are ventilated front seats (but oddly, not heated) as well as memory settings that also include the exterior mirrors.

Yet, SsangYong has often taken the cake for challenging designs. If anyone remembers the original Stavic, you’ll know what we’re on about. The Torres, however, is different – but in a good way. You’ll struggle to find any SsangYong or KGM branding, although its general aesthetic is enough to take in. The Torres borrows cues from other popular nameplates for an intriguing silhouette.

Don’t be fooled by most of its add-on items. Like the bonnet-mounted grab handles, most of it is fake. There’s no rear-mounted spare wheel and the tailgate (powered) doesn’t hinge from the side, despite appearances. A very Land Rover Defender side-mounted storage box can be optioned as an accessory for $422, or even climbing handles for $492.

Elsewhere the Ultimate lives up to its name with hefty standard kit like LED lighting, 20-inch alloy wheels, eight-way power adjustable front seats (with two-way lumber for driver), leather upholstery, ventilated and heated front seats, heated rear outer seats, heated leather steering wheel, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control and a sunroof.

Overall, it’s the Torres that comes with more gear. Although given it’s more expensive to buy, so it should.

Neither has been crash tested by ANCAP, hence they don’t carry a local safety rating. This isn’t a deal breaker as they’re fitted with the latest technology but, given the family focus, it’s a bit of a shame.

Still, the 2025 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition gains autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, Smart Pilot Assist, adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality, speed sign recognition, high beam assist, rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.

The 2025 KGM SsangYong Torres Ultimate includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning (with collision avoidance), lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera, driver attention alert and road-sign recognition.

Both are fitted with dual ISOFIX points as well as a trio of top-tether anchorages. As for the airbag count, the Torres wins with eight (including front seat centre airbag) compared to the XUV700’s seven.

There are hits and misses with the overall integration and calibration of the active safety. Both enjoy an ability to shut down audible speed warnings with relative ease, but the active lane keeping isn’t progressive in either. The Mahindra also misses out on rear cross-traffic alert, while the ‘live feed’ cameras provide delayed and poor-quality vision – traditional blind-spot monitoring would work better.

If you meshed the 2025 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition and KGM SsangYong Torres Ultimate’s list of standard tech together, you’d end up with a well-rounded package on paper. However, the reality is the pair come with strengths and weaknesses.

A boon for the Black Edition is the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (the rest of the range requires a wired connection). Ahead of the driver are two 10.25-inch displays, one for the configurable digital instrument cluster and the other is a touch-screen for the Adrenox operating system.

A wireless charge pad, Sony 3D audio with 12 speakers, USB-A and USB-C ports, Bluetooth and voice recognition are standard. Interesting omissions are DAB+ digital radio and native sat-nav for the Aussie market – although you do get performance meters and a lap timer within the infotainment, which will hardly come in handy for your seven-seat SUV…

Pointing out what the KGM SsangYong Torres Ultimate doesn’t have shines a light on the fact the model has been around since 2022. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, but both require a wired USB connection. There’s also no wireless charging pad despite there being multiple locations where one could be placed.

Those blights aside, the rest of the package is up to scratch – on paper. The Torres one-ups the XUV700 by packing two 12.3-inch screens as well as four USB-C ports, Bluetooth and voice activation. However, the KGM SsangYong also misses out on in-built sat-nav and digital radio, while the six-speaker audio is unbranded and isn’t up to the standard of the Sony system.

If you’re expecting a petrol-electric, full EV or even a turbo-diesel powertrain, you’ll be disappointed. This duo relies solely on four-cylinder turbo-petrol engines that both send grunt to the wheels via an Aisin six-speed automatic gearbox.

Interestingly, Mahindra is known for its mHawk turbo-diesel unit and KGM SsangYong offers an EV Torres in other markets, yet neither are available here.

Instead, the 2025 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition is fitted with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Branded mStallion by the company, it produces a healthy 149kW and 380Nm. However, despite appearances, the XUV700 is front-wheel-drive only.

Under the clamshell-esque bonnet of the 2025 KGM SsangYong Torres Ultimate is the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine used in the rest of the range. For a unit of its diminutive capacity it develops decent figures, with 120kW and 280Nm. An on-demand all-wheel-drive system (which can be locked in AWD mode) puts that power to the ground.

With a significant advantage in power and torque, you’d assume the Mahindra feels the punchier of the two. Yet, it’s 1835kg kerb weight is 213kg heavier than the Torres – even without all-wheel drive. This means performance is pretty lineball, with both providing sufficient rather than abundant motivation for city and highway driving.

An issue with placing a small-capacity turbo-petrol engine in a medium SUV with a relatively large footprint is fuel economy. Official claims from both manufacturers don’t appear too thirsty at first but achieving either in practice is almost impossible.

Average combined consumption for the 2025 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition is rated at 8.3L/100km by the manufacturer. A bonus is that it can run on cheaper 91 RON petrol and has a 60-litre tank.

While being thirstier than the front-wheel-drive options within the line-up, the 2025 KGM SsangYong Torres Ultimate fairs slightly better than the Mahindra at 7.9L/100km. However, it requires at least 95 RON premium fuel and runs a smaller 50-litre tank.

Real-world testing proves much, much closer. They return an identical 9.8L/100km throughout a 230km loop that includes city, urban, country and highway conditions. No matter how you look at it, that figure doesn’t stack up well against hybrid options from rivals – especially given we managed 6.6L/100km in a similarly priced GWM Haval H6 Ultra Hybrid.

Idle stop/start features on both medium SUVs, but the KGM SsangYong’s system is more tedious. It’s slow to restart the engine and is rather intrusive when it does. Turning it off is hidden in a drop-down menu within the main touch-screen.

Throwing up few surprises is the aim of the game considering the likely family demographic buying either of these medium SUVs.

Mahindra has carried out local suspension tuning for the Scorpio, so you know the Indian company is serious about getting it right Down Under. The 2025 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition doesn’t score any mechanical upgrades, so its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension setup carries over.

Overall, the ride quality is supple enough, with decent bump absorption mixed in with damper control to minimise unwanted body movements and roll. The latter part of that is no mean feat considering the XUV700 is tall (1755mm) and runs Bridgestone Ecopia tyres with a rather chunky aspect ratio (235/60 R18). There is some head toss but, overall, the Mahindra handles better than expected.

There are some slight caveats to consider. Being front-wheel drive only, there can be hints of traction loss and torque steer from the front axle under purposeful acceleration. And while the steering makes city driving a breeze by being extremely light, kickback through the wheel can present itself if you encounter an awkward bump.

Don’t bother going in search of driving modes – there aren’t any. It isn’t an issue because the XUV700 doesn’t need any. Paddle shifts for the six-speed gearbox? Nope, none of those either.

Jumping in the 2025 KGM SsangYong Torres Ultimate you’re immediately greeted with an oversize steering wheel. It feels a little too big in hand for some. And on an up-sizing note, the fact the Torres is stiffly sprung and rolls on 20-inch alloy wheels means its ride quality is firm. It picks up poor city surfaces and only calms slightly when you get out on the open road.

The only upside to the firmer spring rates and more controlled damping is keener driving dynamics. Is it a hot hatch? No, not even close. Still, for a medium SUV (with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear) it handles appreciably well if you stumble upon a twisty road. The fact it doesn’t bobble about and return unruly body movement aids comfort – and not just for the driver, but the entire family.

The Torres gains steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, but there’s little need to use them. Both gearboxes tend to choose higher ratios as a default, meaning you’re always at least a few down shifts away from the appropriate ratio when you want to overtake or traverse an incline.

It’s also worth noting that the fly-by-wire gear selector in the Torres is an ergonomic nightmare. It requires a double movement to select either forward or reverse, often leaving you stationary in neutral with engine revs flaring.

Three driving modes are offered – Normal, Sport and Winter. None demonstrably change the character of the car, although you can lock the driveline in all-wheel drive. Interestingly, adding drive to the rear axle doesn’t offer many tangible benefits.

Yes, traction increases and the front wheels no longer chirp off the line, but the steering kickback we found in the front-driven Torres Adventure remains – as does the inconsistent steering feedback.

It’s rare to find off-road competence in any medium SUV and these two are firmly within the on-road sphere.

As mentioned, the 2025 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition is front-wheel drive, which limits its use past a smooth dirt road. It does have hill-descent control, but only 196mm of ground clearance and a space-saver spare tyre.

While the 2025 KGM SsangYong Torres Ultimate has the looks and all-wheel-drive hardware, it’s unlikely to navigate anything rougher than an unsealed road. The South Korean company quotes 195mm of ground clearance and a wading depth of 300mm, but its 20-inch alloys and space-saver spare will see it live a life free of river crossings.

First impressions are everything. And, at least visually, it’s a strong start for the duo when you first enter the cabin. Against anything that has come before from either brand, this is a massive step forward.

Living up to the name, the 2025 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition utilises a lot of dark tones. It’s nothing outlandish, but the overall design is appealing and approachable. There’s been an effort to incorporate quality materials, but some scratchy plastics remain. The wireless charging pad is ideally located and the centre storage bin is cooled by the air-conditioning – which is perfect to cool your phone after its stint in the charger.

The 2025 KGM SsangYong Torres Ultimate steps up the aesthetic game. With so much more to take in from the design and the use of copper accents, it presents as much more of a visual feast. Dig a little deeper, past the soft leather, and cheaper plastics are present. Despite looking as though the Torres’ cabin has myriad storage options, most of the cubby holes are disappointingly shallow. The open lower centre console and large door bins are appreciated.

However, how you interact with both reveals some flaws. Mystifying menus and a clunky user interface dominate the experience in each. While the Mahindra employs a more responsive touch-screen, it presents unhelpful prompts like ‘fun in XUV700’ and ‘fun with XUV700’. At least it has tactile switchgear and a physical control wheel to navigate the infotainment.

Alternatively, the KGM SsangYong’s steadfast avoidance of physical buttons leads to swiping down and left for counterintuitive shortcut menus. What’s more, if you’re using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto you must perform multiple distracting inputs to not only carry out the desired action, but to then return to phone mirroring.

Of course, the Mahindra has a trump card – third-row seating. Getting into the back pews can require flexible movements and headroom isn’t abundant, but legroom is more generous than expected. Amenities include dedicated air vents with fan controls, bottle holders and a 12V outlet.

Having the extra row of seating hasn’t hampered the middle section. The XUV700 is 4695mm long and 1890mm wide, so head, shoulder and legroom are generous. Air vents, map pockets, deep door bins and a USB-C port is available.

Where it all catches up with the XUV700 Black Edition is in terms of the boot – well, in seven-seat mode at least. Mahindra doesn’t quote official capacities, but with all seats in place there’s little room left for luggage. Stowing the 50/50-split-folding back row liberates a very useable storage area.

The KGM SsangYong isn’t endowed with as many occupant-carrying options, yet it racks up its own wins. A lower driving position makes you feel more like you’re in the car rather than riding on it and visibility is vastly superior – the headrests of the rear rows in the Mahindra disparagingly impede vision out the back.

Getting comfy in the back seat is easy thanks to the almost tee-pee-like roofline. Just about anyone will have ample headroom, while shoulder and legroom are plentiful, too. The Torres offers two USB-C charging ports, air vents, map pockets and a fold-down centre arm rest with cupholders for those in the back.

KGM SsangYong quotes a boot capacity of 703 litres. However, that’s measured to the roof, so the real-world measurement is 465L. The back seats fold and recline but can also split fold in a 60/40 arrangement.

Both medium SUVs offer something the other doesn’t – the Mahindra has seven-seat capability, while the KGM SsangYong gains all-wheel-drive traction.

Cutting to the chase, it’s the Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition’s increased capacity for cabin flexibility, its overall comfort and cheaper purchase price that seals the deal. The KGM SsangYong Torres Ultimate presents with bold styling and sharper dynamics, but it isn’t as easy to get along with in real-world use.

The problem is, neither option comprehensively presents enough of a monetary saving to justify opting against more well-rounded products from traditional brands. And that’s without introducing vastly improved and cheaper Chinese offerings into the conversation. If the Mahindra and KGM SsangYong’s sticker prices read with something starting far closer to a three, that narrative would be different.

Ultimately, the Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition’s final showcase has more of the right options mixed with an asking price that’s a lot easier to justify – Larry Emdur would no doubt approve. However, with a plethora of polished choices within the mid-size SUV segment, Mahindra needs to do more than merely beat its former family member.

2025 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition at a glance:
Price: $43,990 drive away
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 149kW/380Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 193g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not rated

2025 KGM SsangYong Torres Ultimate at a glance:
Price: $47,000 drive away
Available: Now
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 120kW/280Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 181g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not rated

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au