Mumbai

•5w

I want to buy a car that can handle off-roading and comfortably accommodate 7 people. I currently own a 2017 Swift and now want a proper off-roader that can also serve as a family SUV.

•5w

Get the Mahindra Scorpio N 4x4 because it’s the best mix of real off-road ability and 7-seat family use without having to spend Fortuner money. It has a proper 4x4 system with low range, so steep climbs, rocks and slush are not a worry, yet the ride is comfy enough for daily runs and long trips with family. Coming from a Swift, you will find it easier to live with than the Toyota Fortuner, thanks to lighter controls and a friendlier size in the city.

However, the third row is fine for kids or short adults, and the boot is very small with all seats up. Also, there is some noticeable body roll, and the diesel does get noisy when revved hard. If you truly want the toughest 7-seater that can take abuse and don’t mind a stiff ride or a much higher price, the Toyota Fortuner 4x4 is the one. However, for value, family comfort and off-road ability, the Scorpio N 4x4 is the sweet spot.

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Mahindra

Scorpio N

from ₹15.89 Lakh

Toyota

Fortuner

from ₹41.54 Lakh

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More questions on similar cars

•4d

I would appreciate your recommendation on which car I should buy in India. Here are my requirements: I want an automatic transmission. It should have a strong road presence, look premium, and not feel like a budget vehicle. It should be highly reliable, durable, and capable of lasting for many years with minimal maintenance, as I don't enjoy spending a lot of time maintaining vehicles. There may be occasions when the car remains unused for one or even two weeks, so it should be able to handle infrequent use without issues. Although I don't frequently carry heavy loads, once or twice a year I may need to transport cement bags, rice bags, or other bulky items. Therefore, the vehicle should have a reasonably spacious boot or cargo area. I also occasionally travel to villages where the roads are unpaved, uneven, and in poor condition, although they are not true off-road trails. I don't think an AWD system is essential, but the vehicle should be comfortable and capable on such roads. For context, I currently own: A Maruti Suzuki Wagon R (purchased in 2006) A Mahindra XUV500 AWD (purchased in 2017) Both vehicles are still in good running condition. However, I am now looking to replace one of them or add another vehicle with an automatic transmission that is dependable, comfortable, and built to last. My budget is between Rs 35 lakh and Rs 40 lakh (on-road). One final point that may be relevant is that I am now over 50 years old, so I would prefer a vehicle that is comfortable to drive, easy to get in and out of, and well-suited to long-term ownership. Based on these requirements, which cars available in India would you recommend, and why? Please compare the shortlisted models in terms of reliability, maintenance costs, comfort, road presence, practicality, fuel efficiency, resale value, and suitability for my intended use.

•20h

Consider the Toyota Innova HyCross automatic hybrid. It suits your “own it for a decade, little fuss” style better than anything else in your budget, gives easy ingress for a 50-plus driver, rides comfortably on broken village roads, and with the third row folded, it swallows cement or rice bags without drama. Toyota’s hybrid is proven, the automatic is smooth in traffic, the real-world economy is strong for a big car, and it tolerates long idle periods well. Road presence is solid, the cabin feels premium enough, and Toyota service and resale are still the safest bets in India. The drawback is that you won't have the rugged feel or off-road ability of a ladder frame chassis SUV. If that is something you are looking for, the Fortuner will be a good fit, but it will require you to stretch your budget a bit. Also, fuel economy won't be as good as the HyCross, and getting in and out will require more effort. Alternatively, you could consider the Mahindra Thar Roxx, which will get you 4x4 and a proven diesel automatic under your specified budget. Another option is the XUV 7XO AWD, which is a suitable replacement for your XUV 500 AWD. The drawback with these two is that long-term reliability and resale are not at the Toyota level.Overall, the HyCross wins for reliability, low running costs, comfort, space and long-term peace of mind, while still fitting Rs. 35-40 lakh on-road.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Toyota Fortuner

Mahindra Thar Roxx

•1d

If I am going for the new Seltos turbo petrol DCT this year, will I be fine for the next 12-15 years if higher ethanol blended fuel introductions happen, or will the e20 be available till 15 years at least as an option for the customer? Also, what about the case where if I am to sell my Seltos in the next 10 years, will I get similar resale value for the car like the current used car market rates?

•9h

We wouldn't let concerns around future ethanol blends stop you from buying the Kia Seltos Turbo Petrol DCT. The car is E20 compliant, and while there has been plenty of discussion around E25, E27 and even E30, there is currently no official roadmap for moving beyond E20. Even if higher blends are introduced gradually in the future, manufacturers engineer a degree of tolerance into E20-compatible engines. The most likely impact would be a slight reduction in fuel efficiency and marginally faster wear of some fuel-system components over a very long period, not a major reliability issue.It's also highly unlikely that E20 fuel would simply disappear overnight. Any future transition to higher ethanol blends would almost certainly be gradual, giving both manufacturers and owners time to adapt. If you plan to keep the car for 12-15 years, we don't see ethanol compatibility as a compelling reason to avoid it today.As for resale, we wouldn't expect an E20-compliant Seltos to be at any disadvantage compared to its rivals. Resale values are influenced far more by factors such as the brand's reputation, service history, condition, mileage and overall demand in the used car market than by concerns over ethanol compatibility. If you maintain the car well, there's no reason to expect it to depreciate disproportionately because of E20.

Kia Seltos

•2d

Hi, I had booked my Seltos on the 12th of April. They said 9weeks, but it's yet to be delivered. Then on the 2nd of July, the dealership pings me and says the cost of my HTK (O) will rise by around 35k. I am also unable to take the delivery of the car due to health reasons for the next 2 months. I am thinking of cancelling this booking and then maybe looking at the car again around Diwali, when there might be discounts on it, or in the meantime, the elevate / tekton will also launch, so it might be worth looking at that also? Or should I speak to my dealer to hold the car for 2 months? The price rise isn't much, but the whole Kia experience so far has left a bad taste in the mouth.

•8h

The biggest reason isn't the Rs 35,000 price increase, but the fact that you won't be able to take delivery for another two months and that your experience with the dealership has already left a bad impression. Buying a new car should be an exciting experience, and if the ownership journey has started on the wrong note, there's little reason to rush into it.By the time you're ready to buy again, you'll have more options to consider. The Honda Elevate facelift is expected to arrive soon, while the recently launched Nissan Tekton also looks promising. Diwali is traditionally a period when manufacturers and dealers offer attractive discounts and schemes, so you may be able to offset some or even all of the recent price increase.

Honda Elevate

Nissan Tekton

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Popular discussions right now

•1w

Hi, I own a Wagon R 1.0 liter engine. I bought it in November 2025. I had done 2 free services of it. My car gives me about 13-15 kmpl in city driving when the AC is on. I drive at a speed of about 60 km in the city. Is this average ok? If not, then what should I do? My daily ride is about 20 km.

•4d

A city fuel efficiency of 13-15kpl with the air conditioning on is slightly on the lower side for a Wagon R 1.0, but it isn't necessarily a cause for concern, especially if you're driving in Lucknow's city traffic with frequent stops and the AC running throughout your journey.Your 20km daily commute should be enough for the engine to reach its normal operating temperature, but fuel efficiency can still vary depending on traffic conditions, idling time and driving style. We'd recommend checking that your tyre pressures are maintained at the manufacturer's recommended levels, avoiding hard acceleration and excessive idling, and using good-quality fuel from reputed fuel stations.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

•2w

I am planning to buy a family car. Should I choose the Toyota HyCross or the Hyundai Alcazar? Please suggest.

•4d

Go for the Toyota Innova HyCross. For a family, it simply works better as the cabin is roomier, the third row is actually usable for adults, the ride is smoother, and the hybrid saves a lot of fuel in city traffic where most family cars spend their time. Long trips feel easier too, and Toyota’s hassle-free ownership and resale help over years.Pick the Hyundai Alcazar only if you’re on a tighter budget or you want a slightly smaller, easier-to-park 3-row. It’s great for four or five with the third row used occasionally, and the diesel suits heavy highway use. But the last row and boot are tighter, and it doesn’t feel as plush or relaxed on bad roads.One honest trade-off with the Innova HyCross is the higher price and possible waiting period, and the boot with all three rows up isn’t huge. If that stretch and wait are okay, it’s the better family car overall.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Hyundai Alcazar

•3d

Totally confused between XUV 7XO diesel auto and XEV 9E. My yearly usage is 10 to 15k kms. My usage will be primarily as a 5-seater. Among these two, which car has better ride and handling?

•3d

Pick the XUV 7XO diesel automatic for the better ride-handling balance. Over broken roads and big speed breakers, it stays calmer, and with five on board, it keeps its composure without that side-to-side bob you often feel in heavier SUVs. At highway speeds, it tracks straight, the steering has a natural weight, and body control feels more reassuring when you need to change lanes or brake hard.The XEV 9e does feel flatter through bends thanks to the battery’s low position, so quick direction changes are tidy, but its extra weight makes sharp edges and patchy city tarmac come through more firmly, and the braking feel is less consistent. On a long drive with family and bags, the Mahindra diesel’s suspension tuning feels more relaxed and confident.One caveat. In city traffic, the XEV 9e is quieter and smoother, so if most of your 10-15k km each year are short urban runs, you might enjoy that. But for mixed use as a five-seater, the XUV 7XO rides better and feels more secure.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra XEV 9e

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