2018 Mahindra XUV 500 vs Old Version - Real upgrade or just a small nip and tuck job?

The updated

2018 Mahindra XUV 500

was launched in India earlier today. The new XUV facelift features many updates, which means it's not just a minor nip and tuck job but a really big upgrade as compared to the earlier version. We have compared the new and the old XUVs in this 2018 Mahindra XUV 500 vs old version comparison post.

2018 Mahindra XUV 500 vs old version comparison of Price

You'll be surprised to know that the new Mahindra XUV 500 is much cheaper than the old version. There's a price difference of up to Rs 50,000. The W10 MT trim of the earlier model was priced at Rs 16.65 lakh. The new range-topping trim, the w11, is priced at Rs 16.43 lakh and offers more features, new looks and more power. This makes the new XUV 500 terrific value for money because you now get a lot more for what you pay. In this case, you save Rs 22,000 on the ex-showroom price and get some new features, fresh looks and more power. India has always been a very price-sensitive market. As the XUV 500 now offers more for less, it has good chances of becoming more popular.

The reduced prices also make it look like a better value for money deal than two of its main rivals - Hyundai Creta and Jeep Compass. We say this as the XUV offers more seats, higher street presence, more features, and a fresher look. The XUV 500 also offers 4x4 and an automatic transmission for the diesel engine. The Creta doesn't get 4x4 while the Compass is yet to get an automatic transmission.

2018 Mahindra XUV 500 vs old version comparison of Design

The 2018 Mahindra XUV 500 looks a bit different to its older version. You get many styling updates, both at the front and the rear. At the front, there is a new grille that is larger and has plenty of chrome. The addition of chrome should help this SUV have a higher appeal due to the bling factor. Also new are the headlamps, which now carry new projector setups and new shape DRLs. The bumper is also new. When seen from the side, the XUV 500 looks almost the same. But you get new 18-inch alloy wheels as optional on top model. You also get chrome embellishment on the side cladding. The rear is where you get the maximum changes. The tailgate is new and has a bigger area for the rear number plate. It also gets a new bumper at the rear.

The biggest change comes in the form of the new triangular wrap-around taillamps. The new shape of the taillamps makes the rear of the car totally different from the earlier version.The changes to the front make the car look much bolder than before. However, the rear might not be liked by everyone due to its slightly odd looks. The interior also gets a set of improvements. The dashboard is now all-black and gets faux aluminium trim for its centre console. The top of the dashboard is made of soft-touch leather material. The upholstery is new and the leather has quilted stitching. These changes make the cabin of the new XUV 500 look a lot more premium than before. We are pretty sure that most of the buyers would love the new XUV 500 for the new looks of the interior and the exterior.

2018 Mahindra XUV 500 vs old version comparison of Specs

The new XUV 500 is not some minor nip and tuck. Other than the new look and the new features, you also get a more powerful engine. The earlier 2.2-litre mHawk turbocharged diesel engine has been given a new sixth-generation ECU and acceleration-controlled turbo to make it cough out a higher power and torque. While the old XUV came with 140 bhp and 330 Nm, the new version offers 155 bhp and 360 Nm. Both the versions offer 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions. Mahindra has improved the ride quality and even the steering feel of the new XUV. It has also lowered the Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH). All these updates make the car even better.

Many people have complained of high road noise and wind noise inside the XUV's cabin. It looks like Mahindra has finally solved this issue. Also, the steering has become more direct and doesn't have the vagueness found in the old version. We need to mention here that there were strong rumours of only the fully-loaded version getting the more powerful engine. However, Mahindra and Mahindra has surprised everyone by offering this engine on all the variants of the XUV 500. The XUV 500 also comes with a 2.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that was launched last year. This engine offers 140 bhp and 250 Nm. It has been carried over to the recent facelift without any changes. Just like in the previous model, even here it's available only in one trim. Read More:

Things to watch out for before Buying a Used Mahindra XUV500

2018 Mahindra XUV 500 vs old version comparison of Mileage

It is said mileage drops with an increase in power. The new XUV 500 proves this wrong. You get more power as well as more mileage. In spite of 15 bhp and 30 Nm extra, the new XUV gets an ARAI-tested fuel mileage of 15.4 kmpl. This is an improvement of 0.3 kmpl over the earlier version's mileage of 15.1 kmpl. There is not a huge difference in the mileage but we must applaud Mahindra for giving the XUV 500 a better performance without sacrificing the mileage. While the difference in mileage will be negligible under normal driving conditions, the drivers of the new XUV will surely enjoy the higher power and torque on offer. The XUV 500 never felt underpowered but the additional grunt will make it only a better performer without affecting the overall mileage.

All the changes and the improvements make the new Mahindra XUV 500 a better SUV than the old model. The new SUV is the clear winner of our new 2018 Mahindra XUV 500 vs old version comparison.  We are really very happy with the way Mahindra has given its ageing SUV a new lease of life. It is not only a decent improvement over its predecessor, it's even a stronger rival to vehicles like the Jeep Compass. The Jeep Compass has been eating into the sales of the XUV 500 ever since its launch. On the other end, the top-end models of the Hyundai Creta have also been affecting the sales of the XUV 500. Now, however, it looks like the most expensive Mahindra SUV is all set to give it rivals a run for their money.