Mahindra XUV700 vs Skoda Kushaq: Crash Test Ratings Compared

Both SUVs scored five stars in the Global NCAP crash tests and let’s find out which one is the safest

The Mahindra XUV700 and the Skoda Kushaq are among the safest cars on sale in the country right now. Both scored highly when crash-tested by Global NCAP. However, the XUV700 was assessed as per the older protocols, while the Kushaq with new ones. Let’s compare their scores in detail to see which one proves to be the safest of the two.

Also Read: Tata Nexon Vs Skoda Kushaq - Crash Test Ratings Compared

Overall Scores

Both cars have five stars overall, but the scores are different due to the different testing protocols they were subjected to. However, the Skoda outscores the Mahindra in terms of child occupant protection with five stars, while the XUV700 bagged four for the same. 

The base variant of the XUV700 that was tested comes with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX anchors as standard. The Kushaq has electronic stability control (ESC), ABS with EBD, traction control, rollover protection, dual front airbags, three-point seatbelts for all five seats, ISOFIX child seat anchorages in the rear and tyre pressure monitor system (TPMS) as standard.

Adult Occupants’ Safety

Mahindra XUV700

• The XUV700 scored 16.03 points out of 17 for adult occupant safety, giving it a five-star rating.

• The head, neck and chest region of both driver and front passenger gets good protection, Global NCAP revealed.

• The thighs and knee areas receive good protection, whereas the shin only gets adequate protection. The driver’s feet also showed good protection.

• The SUV was also subjected to the side impact barrier crash test, but the detailed findings were not disclosed by Global NCAP.

Skoda Kushaq

• Kushaq also secured five stars after scoring 29.64 points out of 34 for adult occupant protection.

• The driver receives good protection for the head and neck, but only adequate protection for the chest, said the safety assessment body.

• The front passenger receives good protection overall.

• The Kushaq displays marginal protection for the chest, but good protection for the head, abdomen and pelvis in the side movable deformable barrier test.

• In the side impact pole test, the driver gets good protection for the head and pelvis, but only marginal protection for the chest.

• The footwell area was rated stable.

Child Occupant Protection

In the case of child occupant protection, the Skoda Kushaq is marginally ahead of the XUV700. It scored a total of 42 points out of 49 and has got a five-star child occupant protection rating. This makes it the first mass market car in India to have such a rating. The XUV700 is not that behind, as it scored 41.66 points out of 49, but only got a four-star child safety rating.

Bodyshell Integrity and ESC

The bodyshell integrity of both SUVs was found to be stable after an impact at 64kmph. This means both cars can withstand further damage.

Both SUVs were tested for their electronic stability control feature, and both performed satisfactorily. The ESC test was optional for the XUV700, wherein it is offered from the mid-spec AX5 variant, but it is now expected to be standard fitment.

Verdict

While both SUVs have scored five stars for adult occupant safety, the Kushaq was tested more vigorously under the new Global NCAP protocols. Kushaq also scored better than Mahindra’s SUV in child safety and claimed an extra star for it as well. This makes the Skoda Kushaq the safer choice out of the two, even if only by a small margin.

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