Tata Motors has officially launched the 2026 Tiago facelift in India, introducing a comprehensive design overhaul, a heavily updated cabin, and a substantially longer feature list. The updated hatchback enters the market at a starting price of Rs 4.69 lakh (ex-showroom) and is being offered across six distinct variants, stretching up to Rs 8.55 lakh for the top-tier trim.

Sharper and edgier exterior design

Moving away from the familiar rounded contours of the outgoing model, the 2026 vehicle adopts a much sharper and edgier form language. The front fascia is headlined by sleek rectangular LED headlamps integrated with eyebrow-style LED daytime running lights (DRLs), giving the car a more modern and premium aesthetic. Media reports indicate that the traditional chrome strip across the grille has been removed to create a cleaner look.

The front bumper undergoes a complete redesign, featuring enlarged air intakes alongside pixel-style LED fog lamps nestled within prominent black surrounds. While the side profile retains the silhouette of its predecessor, the addition of black cladding around the wheel arches introduces a subtle, rugged touch. The hatchback is available in six unique body color options: Varanasi Vibrance, Pangong Pulse, Sobo Surge, Pristine White, Pure Gray, and Daytona Gray.

Revamped cabin and segment-first premium upgrades

Inside, the cabin receives significant alterations aimed at elevating the overall user experience. The older all-black layout is replaced by a sophisticated dual-tone light grey and black color theme that makes the interior space appear more airy and expansive. Gloss-black accents are applied generously across the center console, steering wheel, and door trims.

A major highlight inside the vehicle is the inclusion of a standalone, free-standing digital driver’s display, which replaces the older analogue instrument setup. Additionally, the center console features dual wireless phone chargers—making it a standout option within this vehicle segment.

Enhanced tech, comfort, and safety features

The updated hatchback comes equipped with a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Comfort and utility are enhanced via a chunky steering wheel with mounted cruise and audio controls, a 4-speaker sound system, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, Type-C charging ports, ambient lighting, and auto-folding outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs).

In terms of technology and safety, a major segment-first addition comes in the form of a 360-degree camera system utilizing cameras on the front bumper and ORVMs. This setup is further augmented by a blind view monitor. Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold control, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages.

Proven powertrain options

The mechanical performance of the vehicle continues to rely on its reliable engine configurations. Buyers can choose between a standard 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor generating 86 PS and 113 Nm of torque, or a bi-fuel petrol+CNG option producing 86 PS in petrol mode and 73.4 PS / 95 Nm when running on CNG. Transmission duties are handled by either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), which is available across both the petrol and CNG variants.

Mahindra has officially launched the facelifted XUV700 in India under a new name — XUV 7XO — with prices starting at Rs 13.66 lakh (ex-showroom). The updated SUV brings noticeable changes in design, technology, and features, strengthening Mahindra’s presence in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment.

The XUV 7XO will rival models such as the Tata Safari and MG Hector. Test drives will begin from January 8, while deliveries of top-end variants are scheduled to start from January 14. Entry-level variants will be delivered from April 2025.

Engine and powertrain options

The Mahindra XUV 7XO continues with the same engine lineup seen on the outgoing XUV700. Buyers can opt for a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 200 hp and 380 Nm of torque, or a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering up to 185 hp and 450 Nm. These engines have been retained to offer a familiar balance of performance and drivability.

Exterior design updates

Design updates on the XUV 7XO draw inspiration from Mahindra’s newer electric vehicle concepts. The SUV gets revised LED daytime running lights, projector headlamps, and a refreshed grille featuring vertical chrome accents. At the rear, a connected full-width LED light bar with inverted L-shaped elements gives the SUV a more contemporary appearance.

Additional updates include new dual-tone alloy wheels, redesigned bumpers, and new colour options, collectively giving the XUV 7XO a sharper and more modern road presence.

Interior, features and technology

Inside, the Mahindra XUV 7XO introduces significant upgrades in technology and comfort. The SUV features a coast-to-coast triple 10.25-inch HD screen setup, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, DPO support, the AdrenoX infotainment system, and Alexa integration offering over 60 connected functions.

Luxury features include a leatherette interior package, Skyroof, cruise control, a powered driver seat with memory, and push-button start. Safety and wellness features include six airbags, a 540-degree camera, blind spot monitoring, air purifier, DVR, and smart locking technology. The SUV also gets R18 diamond-cut alloy wheels, bi-LED headlamps with DRLs, roof rails, rear spoiler, and telescopic steering.

Notably, the XUV 7XO integrates Alexa and ChatGPT, enhancing the in-car digital experience.

Variants and pricing

The Mahindra XUV 7XO range starts at Rs 13.66 lakh (ex-showroom). The AX7L diesel-manual variant is priced at an introductory Rs 22.47 lakh (ex-showroom) for the first 40,000 buyers, while the AX7 diesel-manual is priced at Rs 18.95 lakh (ex-showroom).

Mahindra’s flagship SUV, the XUV700, has been spotted undergoing road tests under heavy camouflage, indicating that a mid-cycle facelift is in development. Although most of the body styling appears similar to the current model, several changes hint at a refreshed design philosophy and potential technological upgrades.

According to visuals captured during road testing, the test mule features redesigned projector headlamps accompanied by round-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs). These alterations suggest Mahindra is experimenting with improved headlight throw and a more modern appearance. Additionally, a new front grille featuring vertically slanted slats further differentiates this version from the current XUV700.

Cosmetic and tech upgrades on the horizon

The refreshed front fascia aligns with Mahindra’s attempt to maintain a stronghold in the competitive D-segment SUV space, which includes rivals offering advanced features. The camouflaged prototype hints at possible future enhancements, such as:

• Triple-screen infotainment and driver display setup
• A new dashboard design potentially inspired by Mahindra’s XUV.e9 concept
• Premium features like rear ottoman seats, digital key access, auto park assist
• Upgraded Harman sound system
  

These expected additions are part of Mahindra’s effort to keep the XUV700 technologically competitive.

Powertrain options and hybrid speculation

Under the hood, the facelifted XUV700 is likely to retain the current powertrain options, including:

• A 2.0L turbo petrol engine producing 197 BHP and 380 Nm of torque
• A 2.2L turbo diesel motor generating 182 BHP and 450 Nm of torque
  

However, speculation is rife that Mahindra might introduce a new hybrid variant or even a plug-in hybrid powertrain with the updated model, as part of its broader push toward sustainable mobility. No official confirmation has been provided, but such a move would align with evolving industry trends.

Competitive pressure drives evolution

Mahindra has consistently performed well in the D-segment with products like the Thar Roxx, Scorpio N, and Scorpio Classic. However, with competition intensifying, especially from newer entrants, this facelift of the XUV700 seems aimed at reinforcing Mahindra’s position in the premium SUV market.