Mumbai

abhishek sharma

•2d

I bought a Honda City V MT about two years ago and absolutely love the car. At the time, it was the perfect choice for my usage. However, my circumstances have changed significantly since then-I now have two large dogs (a Labrador and a German Shepherd), and the City is no longer practical for transporting both dogs comfortably, especially on longer highway trips. I am trying to decide between keeping the City and buying a second EV primarily for dog transport and city use, or replacing the City altogether with a single-car solution. The vehicles I am considering include the Kia Carens Clavis EV, Mahindra XEV 9S, Mahindra XEV 9e, BYD eMAX 7, and Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid. My priorities are: Comfortable transport for two large dogs Highway touring ability Ease of parking and city usability Long-term ownership (8–10 years) Good ride comfort Reasonable running costs Would you recommend: 1. Keeping the Honda City and adding a practical EV (such as the Clavis EV), or 2. Moving to a single-car garage and choosing something like the XEV 9S, eMAX 7, or Hycross? Also, is there a midsize SUV (EV, hybrid, petrol or diesel) that offers: A low boot loading lip, Rear seats that fold nearly flat, Enough cargo length and width for two large dogs to comfortably lie down on highway trips, While still being manageable in city traffic and parking? Which vehicle would you choose for this specific use case and why?

Autocar India

•13m

Pick a single-car solution and buy the Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid. Your dogs get a low loading lip and a long, near-flat space with the third row folded, so they can actually lie side by side on highway runs. The hybrid makes touring simple with no charging hassles, calm cruising and a comfy ride, and Toyota’s durability fits an 8-10 year plan with sensible running costs.

EV MPVs like the Kia Carens Clavis EV and BYD eMax 7 are great for city runs and dog space, but long trips with two dogs mean 30-40 minute fast-charge halts and patchy chargers once you leave big corridors. That’s a hassle you do not need. Mahindra XEV 9S and 9e are good choices, but their higher boot floors make them poorer dog haulers.

You will wrestle with the Innova's size in tight parking, and it costs more upfront than adding a small EV, but day to day, it is still easy enough with light steering and cameras.

If you must go smaller, the Kia Carens Clavis turbo petrol DCT is a solid choice, but fuel efficiency in the city won't be as good as the Hycross hybrid.

Toyota Innova HyCross

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More questions on similar cars

Abhishek Dixit

•2d

Which is the best SUV for highway driving? My budget is Rs 35 lakh.

Autocar India

•10h

Our first recommendation would be the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic. It offers strong performance, excellent highway stability, a premium cabin, ADAS features and feels effortless at high speeds. The diesel engine offers ample performance for overtakes, the ride quality is comfortable over long distances, and it is one of the best all-around highway cruisers you can buy at this price point. It also feels genuinely premium inside and is packed with features, making long journeys more enjoyable.The second option would be the Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid. If outright comfort, practicality and fuel efficiency are your priorities, it is hard to beat. The hybrid system is exceptionally efficient on long trips and the cabin is incredibly comfortable for both drivers and passengers. However, if you specifically want an SUV driving experience and stronger performance, the XUV 7XO has the edge.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Toyota Innova HyCross

Mihir Vora

•1d

I am looking to replace my Toyota Innova Crysta GX and am considering either the Toyota Innova HyCross ZX Hybrid or the Mahindra XEV 9S or 9e, but I am unsure which would be the better choice. My usage includes a daily city commute of around 60 km and a highway trip of approximately 500 km once every month. I need a 5-seater car. Based on these requirements, which option would you recommend?

Autocar India

•1d

For your usage, we would suggest the Innova HyCross Hybrid rather than the XEV 9e or XEV 9s. The reason is that you are replacing a Crysta, and once you have lived with an Innova, you tend to appreciate things like space, practicality and long distance comfort more than headline technology. The HyCross feels like a natural evolution of what you already have. It is significantly more fuel efficient than the Crysta, the hybrid system is exceptionally well suited to a 60 km daily city commute, and for your monthly 500 km highway trips, it remains one of the most effortless cars you can buy.The XEV 9e and 9s are impressive EVs with strong performance, big batteries and low running costs. If your driving was almost entirely city based, they would be easier to recommend. However, for a family that regularly does longer highway trips, the HyCross still offers a level of convenience that is hard to beat.Between the two Mahindra cars, the 9e is the better choice. It has a more balanced ride and handling setup, feels more premium inside and out, and is the more complete product overall. The 9s feels noticeably softer, which can make it feel slightly bouncy over undulating roads.

Mahindra XEV 9e

Mahindra XEV 9S

Toyota Innova Crysta

Toyota Innova HyCross

parag vanjari

•3d

I am planning to buy the Maruti Suzuki Invicto. Is this a good option?

Autocar India

•2d

Yes, the Maruti Suzuki Invicto is a solid buy if you want a smooth and efficient family mover. The strong-hybrid powertrain shines in traffic, so you get a quiet, relaxed drive, and it is very fuel-efficient too. Space and comfort are its big strengths, especially the second row, and the light steering and good visibility make this big MPV easy to handle in town.If you often do airport runs or weekend trips, it works well, but be aware of two things. With all three rows up, boot space is tight. Also, when fully loaded on highways, it feels calm rather than quick.It is priced on the higher side for a Maruti, and you miss a few fancy features the Toyota Innova Hycross it is based on gets, but for stress-free city use and long-term running costs, it makes sense.

Maruti Suzuki Invicto

Toyota Innova HyCross

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Popular discussions right now

Balaji

•2d

I am looking to buy a 6/7-seater EV. My primary usage will be as a 4-seater, with occasional 6-seater use. I will mainly drive it in the city for my daily office commute and undertake long-distance trips of around 500 km once every two months. I have a solar setup at home and can charge the vehicle comfortably. My budget is Rs 30-40 lakh, although I can stretch it slightly if required.

Autocar India

•1d

You should go for the Mahindra XEV 9S. It's a proper three-row EV, and it fits your use case perfectly. With home solar charging, your running costs are very low, and the smooth, quiet drive is just right for city runs as a 4-seater. When you do need six or seven seats, the third row is reasonably spacious, and for your 500 km trip every couple of months, you’ll need just one quick top-up at a highway charger.Do note that with all three rows up, boot space is tight, so your highway trips will require some planning.Alternatively, consider the Kia Carens Clavis EV. It isn't as feature-rich and doesn't have as much range as the XEV 9S, but its third row is more comfortable for adults.

Mahindra XEV 9S

Kia Carens Clavis EV

Arun Sharma

•1w

I am looking to buy a new car, preferably an EV or a strong hybrid, mainly for my daily office commute. My monthly running is around 600–700 km, and I rarely take my own car on outstation trips, as I usually prefer to hire a cab or a chauffeur-driven vehicle for long journeys. I currently drive a Maruti Wagon R CNG and want to upgrade to an automatic car for a more premium, comfortable experience. My budget can stretch up to around ₹22-25 lakh, and my main priorities are: Hassle-free long-term ownership for the next 8–10 years Reliability and low maintenance Comfortable automatic driving experience Practical and sensible design without unnecessary gimmicks or flashy features Good efficiency and peace of mind

Autocar India

•6d

Pick the strong-hybrid variants of the Maruti Grand Vitara, Victoris or Toyota Hyryder. The hybrid powertrain is very efficient; it is an automatic, and Toyota’s hybrid tech has a proven track record worldwide, so keeping it for 8-10 years should be stress-free.Since you don't drive out of the station at all, you could also consider the Hyundai Creta Electric with a 42kWh battery. For your daily office commute, it is a smooth, reliable option.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Hyundai Creta Electric

Vihaan Kumar

•1w

Dear Auto Experts, I need a merciless, data-backed verdict to complete my garage. Around 3 months ago, I sold my Toyota Fortuner Legender 4x2 (which was just 2 years and 9 months old) because I grew highly frustrated with its hard steering and lack of modern tech features, specifically ADAS. To replace it, I purchased a Mahindra Thar Roxx AX7L Diesel Automatic 4x2 a month ago. However, I only plan to drive it 2 days a week. Additionally, my wife purchased a Mahindra Thar Roxx MX1 Manual last year in November. I am now looking to finance another vehicle via an auto loan, with a budget of Rs. 18 Lakh to Rs. 28 Lakh. This new vehicle will be used for rough-and-tough regular city driving 3 to 4 days a week in heavy traffic. It will also serve as the primary vehicle for occasional long highway trips with my family. My Strict Requirements include: Status & Road Presence: This is non-negotiable. Even though it is my 3-to-4-day city vehicle, it must command road respect and serve as a status symbol, while offering the light steering and ADAS tech my Fortuner lacked. Fuel & Transmission: Diesel Automatic is preferred, but I am very open to considering Strong Hybrids (especially the upcoming generation of high-efficiency models). I can manage DPF requirements without issue if going with diesel. Ownership Cycle: I do not hold onto cars for long; my replacement cycle is strictly 3 to 4 years. End Goal: Exceptionally high resale value. I need a vehicle that second-hand dealers can easily flip to out-of-state buyers for a premium when I am ready to sell, clear the loan, and upgrade. Dealbreakers: Absolutely no to Toyota HyCross (my family finds it bulky, dated, and associated with the taxi segment). No Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (I strictly avoid the Maruti-shared build quality). No grey or silver exterior colors. My Shortlist (That I can buy now): Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7L Diesel AT: It solves the steering and ADAS issues perfectly and commands massive road respect. However, considering I just bought a Thar Roxx AX7L and my wife owns a Thar Roxx MX1, do you think that buying a third Mahindra vehicle for the family will be a logical and financially sound move? Kia Seltos GTX / X-Line Diesel AT (New 2026 K3 Platform): It offers the modern platform and tech that I need, but does a mid-size SUV command elite resale value and "status symbol" respect? (Note: I am highly hesitant about this option, as I have seen a lot of cons and complaints regarding it on YouTube ownership reviews). Hyundai Venue HX10 Diesel AT (2026): Fits easily at the bottom of the budget, but it likely lacks the sheer road presence, status factor, and highway dominance I need compared to larger SUVs. Or Should I Wait For Upcoming Hybrids/Updates (2026-2027): Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (Rumored to arrive in India in late 2026. Is it worth waiting for and potentially stretching my budget, or will it be overpriced?) Upcoming K3 Platform Hyundai Creta Strong Hybrid. Next-Gen Toyota Fortuner (ADAS / Mild Hybrid) or Toyota Land Cruiser FJ. Mahindra Vision S. Given my strict 3-4 year ownership cycle, the demand for top-tier resale value and road respect, the fact that I will be financing this purchase, and the specific dual-use case (rough regular city driving + occasional family highway cruiser), which exact car and variant should I finalize today? Or does waiting make actual financial sense for my cycle? Thank you for your definitive and merciless verdict. Vihaan Kumar

Autocar India

•6d

The XUV 7XO AX7L Diesel AT is the cleanest fit for your requirement today, and frankly, none of the other current options line up as well with the exact brief you have laid out.The fact that you already own two Mahindra cars is not necessarily a negative from a financial point of view either, because right now Mahindra SUVs have some of the strongest demand and resale momentum in the market. In fact, from a resale perspective over a 3 to 4 year ownership cycle, the 7XO is probably the safest bet in your shortlist. It also solves the exact frustrations you had with the Fortuner by offering much lighter controls, modern ADAS tech and a far more feature rich experience while still maintaining proper SUV presence.The new Seltos diesel AT is a very polished product and will likely feel more premium inside, but you have already identified the key issue yourself. It still feels like a size smaller in terms of sheer road presence and overall “status factor” compared to something like the 7XO.The Venue diesel AT should not even be in this discussion. It may be sensible, but it does not deliver the sense of occasion, size or highway authority you are clearly looking for.As for waiting, the upcoming Creta and Seltos strong hybrids expected next year will make sense from an efficiency perspective, but they will still fundamentally remain mid size SUVs. The RAV4 Hybrid is not even a confirmed India launch yet, and even if Toyota does bring it here, expect it to be priced aggressively high because it will almost certainly come in as a CKD or CBU initially. By the time it lands on road, it could sit far beyond the sweet spot you are targeting today.So the verdict is simple: buy the XUV 7XO AX7L Diesel AT now. It is the one that best balances presence, tech, ease of use and resale value over your intended ownership cycle.

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