XUV700 AX7 AT vs MT: Which Powertrain Offers Better Highway Performance?

The XUV700 AX7 is the trim that most buyers gravitate towards when they want the full Mahindra experience. It delivers on big diesel power, a feature-loaded cabin and the kind of stability that makes long stretches effortless. But once you've narrowed down the search to the AX7, the real choice comes down to choosing the transmission option: do you go manual or automatic?

It’s not a minor choice either. The gearbox determines how the SUV will behave on the highway, how comfortable you will be after a 600 km day, and even what resale price you will get in the future. And with more people today looking at both new and second hand XUV700 options, it's important to know the pros and cons of each powertrain before finalising the deal. 

Mahindra XUV AX7 

Both the manual and automatic versions of the XUV700 AX7 share the same 2.2-litre mHawk diesel (182 bhp @ 3500 rpm) and the 2.0L turbo-petrol engine (197 bhp @ 5000 rpm), but the way they deliver power differs. In the diesel MT, there is a slight detuning of the torque output to 420 Nm, whereas the AT churns out the full 450 Nm. On paper, this might seem like a negligible difference, but on highways, it can be noticeable. 

For petrol, both models deliver 380 Nm of torque, but they are slightly rare and not economical for highway travel, so we will continue ahead primarily for the Diesel variants. And then there’s refinement. At 100-120km/h, both gearboxes keep the motor humming away in its comfort zone, but the AT  offers longer ratios, allowing the diesel to settle into a calmer cruise, while the MT feels more connected, especially when you're shifting down for quick acceleration.

Driving Experience: MT vs AT

Here’s a comparison between the driving experience of both transmission options.

XUV700 AX7 MT

The manual is for those drivers who still prefer mechanical control. Lower gears make the SUV feel eager when climbing or darting past trucks. Once you get it into sixth, it'll sit comfortably for hours. The trade-off? A clutch that's not quite light, which can get tiring if your highway run starts off with low-speed crawling city exits.

XUV700 AX7 AT

The automatic is for those who value ease on longer drives. Well-judged kickdowns, smooth shifting and the ability to pair perfectly with adaptive cruise control make it the more relaxed mile-muncher. If the MT requires engagement, the AT rewards with less effort. 

Moreover, you can also manually shift gears in the AT model by heading to the M mode beside the D (drive) option in the gearstick. This can be helpful when you’re driving on inclines. It’s also the version more buyers seek out when shortlisting a pre-owned XUV700, as fatigue-free usability is often more important than a couple of km/l gained with the stick shift.

Efficiency and Range on Highways

XUV700 real-world mileage figures often decide which gearbox makes more sense for buyers. The XUV700 AX7 MT diesel delivers around 15-16km/l on a steady highway ride. The AT is slightly thirstier at an average of 14-15km/l, but it's easier to go fast and steady with the smooth power output.

With a 60-litre tank, that means:

• MT Range: 850–950 km between refuels if you drive with restraint.
• AT Range: 800–900 km depending on load and pace.

So yes, the manual version has a slightly higher range, but in practice, both versions travel roughly the same distance before needing to refuel. The key is to drive more responsibly, helping you improve the XUV700 mileage by a notable margin.

Ownership and Reliability

Manuals are less expensive to maintain as replacing the clutch is a simple operation compared to an automatic transmission service. For drivers putting heavy miles on their cars each year, that's money saved.

Nevertheless, the XUV700 AX7 AT has been proven to be reliable in the field. Mahindra's torque-converter unit is not a delicate dual clutch, but a sturdy unit that can take the rough Indian roads. If you are going to own the SUV for 5-7 years, reliability is not a deal-breaker for either option.

Where it does make a difference is in the used market. When you put your SUV up for sale on sites like CARS24, you are likely to get a higher quote for an automatic. This is because the demand is higher. At the same time, manuals don't sit around for long either, as efficiency and control-seeking buyers still hunt them out. CARS24’s free inspection and instant pricing tool helps you see this difference in real terms.

AX7 Resale: What Buyers Look For

The XUV700 AX7 has one of the strongest resale values among modern Indian SUVs. This is because of the high demand and long waiting times when it was new, as well as the diesel credibility of Mahindra.

• MT Appeal: Preferred by practical buyers, mainly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, who are looking for efficiency and less maintenance.
• AT Appeal: Makes a bigger case in tier-1 cities, where buyers care about convenience and ease of use.

Whichever side of the fence you lean, a well-maintained AX7 will never sit unsold for long. With CARS24's hassle-free resale, you can even look up your current car’s worth online on the go in a few minutes before deciding to upgrade to a second hand XUV700.

Which AX7 Wins the Highway Game?

If you are the kind that likes to stay involved behind the wheel and likes squeezing every km of tank, the XUV700 AX7 MT has its appeal. But if the idea of long hauls means covering distance with minimal effort, then the XUV700 AX7 AT is the one that feels more complete.

Either way, you're getting one of the best highway SUVs India has seen in recent years. And whether you're eyeing a brand new model, or checking out verified listings of a second hand XUV700, the AX7 trim ensures that you're getting a serious modern machine built for Indian roads.

Summary

The XUV700 AX7 in both AT and MT forms has what it takes to dominate highways. The manual features marginally better efficiency and driver control, while the automatic provides fatigue-free cruising with smoother power delivery and more versatility from the M-mode. Ownership costs are reasonable on both, although ATs tend to hold stronger resale in metro markets.

If you are exploring a second hand XUV700 from CARS24, the AX7 is a high-value SUV that offers a unique combo of diesel power, modern tech, and long-distance comfort that few others can match.