However the aforementioned requirements are also met by the currently hot-selling Hyundai Creta automatic. Although it's smaller in size, the Creta does pack a punch when it comes to value for money. How do these 2 automatic family commuters stand up to each other? Read on for a detailed specification comparison.
Design
There's no doubting the fact that Hyundai's fluidic design philosophy makes for some very pretty looking cars but judging by the immense popularity of the XUV500, it's safe to say that many Indian consumers value the butch appeal and sheer road presence of a large, aggressive looking SUV. As a result, it's difficult to choose a winner between these 2 cars from a design point of view because personal preferences will heavily influence what shape a customer would choose. It's also important to note that while the Creta can seat 5 adults comfortably with space at the back for luggage, the XUV500 comes with an extra row of seats and can seat up to 7 people.
Mahindra XUV500 W8 AT vs Hyundai Creta SX+ AT: Dimensions Comparison
| Mahindra XUV500 | Hyundai Creta | |
| Length: | 4,585mm | 4,270mm |
| Width: | 1,890mm | 1,780mm |
| Height: | 1,785mm | 1,630mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2,700mm | 2,590mm |
| Ground Clearance: | 200mm | 183mm |
| Passenger Capacity: | 7 | 5 |
Features
The Hyundai Creta is not a true-blue SUV and doesn't pretend to be one either. The car was designed to be a city slicker and certainly acts the part. Its black and beige interiors are splattered with high quality materials, soft touch plastics, and state-of-the-art technology. Once inside, the entire cabin feels premium and has an upmarket look about it.
On the other hand, Mahindra's XUV500 comes with its own long list of bells and whistles. Technology used for components such as its navigation-equipped infotainment system, are of a tall order but the quality of fit and finish and general design of the cabin lacks panache. Despite its niggling quality issues, what the feature riddled XUV500 does lose out on aesthetics and build quality, it more than makes up for in space. The interiors are roomy and comfortable even for taller individuals whereas the high driving position gives it great presence when on the road.
Mahindra XUV500 W8 AT vs Hyundai Creta SX+ AT: Features Comparison
| Mahindra XUV500 | Hyundai Creta | |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | Yes | No |
| Automatic Climate Control | Yes | Yes |
| Cluster Ionizer | No | Yes |
| Touchscreen infotainment system | Yes | Yes |
| Reverse parking camera with guidance | No | Yes |
| Projector headlamps | Yes | Yes |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes |
| Passive Cornering Headlamps | Yes | No |
| Engine Start/Stop Function | Yes | No |
| Push Start/Stop Button | No | Yes |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Yes | No |
| Electronically retractable and adjustable ORVMs | Yes | Yes |
| Height ajustable driver seat | Yes | Yes |
| Leather seats | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | Yes | No |
| Tilt and telescopic Adjustable Steering | Both | Tilt only |
Engine, Transmission and Performance
Both the Hyundai Creta and the XUV500 feature 6-speed automatic gearbox units mated to the engines. The Creta is powered by a 1,582cc mill that produces 126bhp and 265Nm whereas the bigger, more powerful XUV500 packs a 2,179cc powerhouse that's good for 138bhp and 330Nm of torque. The XUV500 has an ARAI claimed mileage of around 13.85Km/l whereas the Creta has been rated at around 17Km/l. Mahindra has also equipped the XUV500 with engine start/stop technology to reduce the amount of fuel it consumes while idling.
Mahindra XUV500 W8 AT vs Hyundai Creta SX+ AT: Engine Spec-Comparison
| Mahindra XUV500 | Hyundai Creta | |
| Engine: | mHawk, 2,179cc turbocharged diesel engine | U2 VGT, 1,582cc CRDi turbocharged diesel engine |
| Power: | 138bhp | 126bhp |
| Torque: | 330Nm | 265Nm |
| Mileage: | 13.85Km/l | 17Km/l |
| Transmission: | 6-speed Automatic | 6-speed Automatic |
Safety
In terms of safety, both cars offer a good amount of technology to keep its occupants safe. The Creta boasts of an Anti-locking Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and also offers Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Rear parking sensors with a camera allows you to monitor hazards that lie behind your car when reversing. The car also features dual airbags for the driver and front passenger. Side and Curtain airbags are available in a different top-end variant but are unavailable with the automatic gearbox.
The XUV500 has a similar list of high-tech safety equipment like ABS and EBD but trumps the Creta overall with the inclusion of side and curtain airbags as well as dual airbags for driver and front passenger. The car also features a monocoque chassis design which is structurally very sturdy.
Mahindra XUV500 W8 AT vs Hyundai Creta SX+ AT: Safety Features Comparison
| Mahindra XUV500 | Hyundai Creta | |
| Airbags | 6 | 2 |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Stability System | ESP with Rollover Mitigation | ESC |
| Hill Hold Control | Yes | No |
| Hill Descent Control | Yes | No |
Pricing
It's not hard to gauge that the Mahindra XUV500 costs more than the Hyundai Creta even though for the sake neutrality, the top-end W10 model of the XUV500 hasn't been considered. It packs more features, offers better safety and is in general a much larger car. The Creta on the other hand has been tailored to be aesthetically pleasing, cost effective and comfortable to drive around in the city. The prices for all available models of both vehicles are mentioned below.
| Mahindra XUV500 AT Prices: | |
| W8 FWD AT | Rs. 15.36 lakh |
| W10 FWD AT | Rs. 16.20 lakh |
| W10 AWD AT | Rs. 17.22 lakh |
| Hyundai Creta AT Prices: | |
| SX+ AT | Rs. 13.85 lakh |
