Kerala—God’s Own Country—isn’t just a destination; it’s a journey. From the misty hairpins of Kochi to Munnar, the serene coastal stretches from Trivandrum to Varkala, or the dense green cover of Calicut to Wayanad, a long drive through the state demands an SUV that offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and reliability.
For families, business travellers, and the self-drive road-trip enthusiast, two vehicles currently dominate the premium SUV segment: the supremely comfortable Toyota Innova HyCross and the feature-packed, powerful Mahindra XUV700. Both are top contenders for those seeking a premium experience without the premium German price tag.
But which one truly offers more luxury for less on your self-drive trip?
At Maaz Cars, we offer both the Innova HyCross and the XUV700 for self-drive rentals at the best price in Kerala, giving you the freedom to choose your perfect companion. Let’s break down the luxury quotient of these two giants.
Toyota Innova HyCross: Comfort King for Long Drives
The Innova name has long been synonymous with reliability, but the HyCross takes it firmly into the luxury segment. This SUV is designed with one purpose in mind: delivering unrivalled long-distance comfort.
The magic of the HyCross lies in its Hybrid powertrain. This results in an incredibly smooth and quiet drive, especially at city speeds and during gentle cruising. The seamless power delivery, combined with the proven Toyota engine, means less driver fatigue and a noticeably quieter cabin, making it an ideal choice for carrying senior family members or business associates.
Step inside, and the HyCross reveals its true ‘Comfort King’ nature. The top-end variants boast premium captain seats with ottoman support—essentially, a fully reclined, aircraft-style seat for the second row. The interiors are incredibly spacious and airy, transforming the cabin into what we call a “luxury lounge on wheels.”
The Positioning: For the quintessential Kerala highway stretch, where smooth ride quality, superb mileage, and long-distance peace are paramount, the HyCross is the clear winner. It’s perfect for those seeking a premium, relaxing travel experience from start to finish.
Mahindra XUV700: Tech, Power & Luxury Combined
If the HyCross is a gentle cruise liner, the Mahindra XUV700 is a dynamic, high-tech sport yacht. Mahindra has packed the XUV700 with a level of technology and power that genuinely elevates its luxury appeal.
Under the hood, you get a choice of potent turbo engines that deliver superior acceleration and a sporty, dynamic performance—perfect for quick overtakes and exciting highway runs.
The cabin is a modern, high-tech cockpit. The showstopper is the dual-screen layout, which combines the infotainment and driver display into one seamless, futuristic panel. Features like ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems)—including adaptive cruise control—provide a taste of autonomous driving, enhancing both safety and long-drive comfort. The plush interiors and premium materials give it a distinct, sophisticated feel.
Crucially, the wide panoramic sunroof is a huge selling point for Kerala drives, allowing occupants to fully immerse themselves in the lush scenic views, from Wayanad’s rainforests to the backwaters of Alappuzha.
The Positioning: The XUV700 is a modern, tech-loaded SUV built for thrill, comfort, and style. It caters to the youngsters, tech lovers, and couples who crave a powerful, feature-rich driving experience.
HyCross vs XUV700: The Comparative Luxury Breakdown
Feature | Toyota Innova HyCross | Mahindra XUV700 |
Performance | Hybrid, smooth, fuel-efficient | Turbo power, fast & dynamic |
Long-Drive Comfort | Best-in-class comfort (especially for rear passengers) | Sporty & premium, slightly firmer ride |
Interior | Spacious, lounge-like, focus on space and relaxation | Modern, high-tech cockpit, focus on features and drive experience |
Running Cost | Excellent mileage due to Hybrid tech; lower overall cost for long trips | Moderate mileage; higher cost for long-distance fuel |
Ideal For | Families, senior-friendly travel, maximum relaxation, and exceptionally long trips | Couples, youngsters, tech lovers, thrill-seekers, and spirited driving |
Which One Offers More Luxury for Less?
The definition of “luxury for less” depends on what you value most on your Kerala road trip:
- If Luxury is Supreme Comfort and Low Running Costs: The Innova HyCross wins. Its hybrid engine translates to remarkably lower fuel costs over a long journey, directly saving you money. When combined with its superior seating comfort and quiet cabin, it provides a premium, relaxed experience at a much lower total cost for the trip.
- If Luxury is Tech, Power, and Features: The Mahindra XUV700 leads. It offers features like ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, and a dynamic turbo engine experience, which are typically found in much more expensive European SUVs. For a similar affordable rate rental price, the XUV700 gives you more gadgets and power.
The XUV700 gives more features and power more value for the modern, tech-focused traveller.
For pure, unadulterated comfort and cost-effective long-haul journeys across Kerala, the HyCross wins. For a driving experience packed with dynamic performance and cutting-edge features, the XUV700 leads.
Best SUV for Specific Kerala Routes
The best choice ultimately depends on your itinerary:
- Choose the HyCross for: The long, relatively smooth drives like Kochi–Munnar, coastal runs like Trivandrum–Kanyakumari, or family trips to Kochi–Coorg, where maximizing comfort and fuel range is key.
- Choose the XUV700 for: The thrilling drives involving steep ascents and tight curves, such as the Vagamon curves, challenging Wayanad climbs, or quick night highway drives where its powerful engine and advanced lighting system excel.
At Maaz Cars, we ensure that whether you pick the Hybrid or the Turbo, your SUV is always sanitized, well-maintained, and perfectly tuned for any Kerala terrain.
Why Rent Your Luxury SUV from Maaz Cars
When you look for a self-drive car rentals partner in Kerala, you need one that offers reliability, safety, and the best price. Maaz Cars is the premier, govt approved rent a car service in the region, offering unmatched flexibility and quality.
- Govt Approved Rent a Car: We operate fully legally, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey.
- Rent a Car in Kerala Without Driver: Enjoy full self-drive comfort, privacy, and the freedom to create your own schedule.
- Automatic Cars Available: Both the HyCross and XUV700, along with many other SUV for rent in Kerala, are available in their convenient automatic transmission forms.
- Affordable Rate, Best Price: We are committed to providing the most competitive and affordable rate for both HyCross for rent Kerala and XUV700 for rent Kerala.
- Flexible Car Hire: Choose from our wide range of SUV, sedan, and premium car hire options.
- Convenience: Easy Kochi car rental and Trivandrum car rental services, including airport pickup and drop-off.
- Long-Term Savings: Excellent flexible weekly rentals and discounted monthly rentals for extended stays.
Real Customer Feedback
We believe in the quality of our service and our fleet. Here is what one of our happy customers had to say:
“We rented the XUV700 for a 5-day Kerala trip—the drive from Kochi to Wayanad was powerful, luxurious, and super comfortable, thanks to their well-maintained car. Their service was professional and the best price we could find. Highly recommend their service!”
Conclusion:
The choice between the Toyota Innova HyCross and the Mahindra XUV700 is a choice between two styles of modern luxury. The HyCross offers serene, cost-effective comfort, while the XUV700 provides dynamic, tech-rich thrill.
Whether you love the calm comfort of the HyCross for rent Kerala or the dynamic luxury of the XUV700 for rent Kerala—your perfect Kerala road trip starts with the right SUV.
Book your premium self-drive SUV today and unlock God’s Own Country!