Mahindra XUV700 vs Proton X90
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 58% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| XUV700 | X90 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 495 199 | R 559 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 8 655/m | R 9 786/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 76% | 75% |
| Retained after 3 years | 58% | 56% |
| Value after 3 years | R 286 720 | R 316 342 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 208 479 | R 243 558 |
| Value after 5 years | R 217 706 | R 234 775 |
| Our tier | Weak-franchise mainstream | Chinese (new entrant) |
Mahindra XUV700 →
Replacing the XUV500 in 2022, the XUV700 pairs a 2.0 turbo petrol with a long features list and undercuts similarly sized rivals. It has collected local awards and sells respectably by Mahindra SUV standards. Resale remains softer than the mainstream norm.
Known for: space and power undercutting rivals
Proton X90 →
Seven-seat flagship with a 1.5 turbo mild-hybrid drivetrain, launched at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring in August 2023 from R559,900. At launch it was SA's cheapest seven-seat hybrid. Sales are a trickle, which keeps the used pool tiny.
Known for: affordable seven-seat mild hybrid
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mahindra XUV700 or the Proton X90?
They are close to inseparable: 58% vs 56% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Mahindra XUV700 loses about R 208 479 over three years and the Proton X90 loses about R 243 558. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Mahindra XUV700 runs about R 8 655 per month and the Proton X90 about R 9 786, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.