Hi, I am planning to purchase an SUV. My family has seven members (six adults aged 25+ and 53+, and one child). Currently, I own a 2025 Maruti Baleno (petrol), a 2018 Maruti Swift Dzire (petrol), and a 2010 Maruti Swift (diesel). I am planning to exchange my 2018 Swift Dzire for an upgrade. I am considering the Toyota Innova Crysta, Mahindra Scorpio N and Mahindra XUV 7XO. However, the base variant of the Innova Crysta (GX) is not available for booking at the dealership. My budget is around 25 lakh. Please suggest the best option for my family with low maintenance. Thanks in advance.

Autocar India

•10h

If you can install a charger at home and have charging stations on the route to your destination, an EV does make sense for your heavy use. Under Rs. 20 lakh, consider the Tata Curvv EV with the 55kWh battery pack. In our real world tests, it managed 352km on the highway which means your 350km journey is possible with a quick stop in between to top up. It also has good ground clearance and rides well, so it will deal with village roads nicely.For under Rs. 30 lakh, consider the Mahindra XEV 9e with the 79kWh battery pack. In our tests, it managed 488km on the highway meaning with some care, your 350km journey is possible in one go. You will need to charge at your destination though. EVs are less efficient on the highway and particularly with a full load require care to ensure the battery doesn't deplete too quickly. Your charging stops will also need to be planned in advance and there is possibility that you will have to wait at a stop for charge to become available. If this seems like too much work, then stick to a diesel. Under Rs. 20 lakh, consider the Kia Seltos diesel or the Hyundai Creta diesel. Under 30 lakh, you could consider the Mahindra XUV 7XO or the Scorpio N. All of these will comfortably manage village roads and do long highway stints without worries.

Mahindra XEV 9e

Tata Curvv EV

Hyundai Creta

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Scorpio N

Autocar India

•2d

The Tata Safari Adventure X Plus Automatic Diesel is a good alternative if the waiting period for the XUV 7XO is proving too long.The Safari's biggest strengths are its comfortable ride, spacious cabin and excellent second-row seating. It is a very capable long-distance cruiser and feels premium. The diesel automatic powertrain is well suited to highway use and delivers relaxed performance for family touring.That said, the XUV 7XO still has the edge as an overall package. Its diesel engine feels stronger and more refined, the automatic gearbox is better calibrated, and it offers a more modern feature set in comparable variants. It is also the more engaging SUV to drive.If immediate delivery is important, the Safari is not a compromise that will leave you disappointed. In fact, buyers who prioritize rear-seat comfort and long-distance travel may even prefer it to the Mahindra car.

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Autocar India

•10h

Consider the Mahindra Thar Roxx AX5L 4x4 diesel; it’s a true all-terrain SUV with strong pull and serious road presence at around Rs. 25 lakh. Coming from an i20 diesel, you’ll like the step up in torque for easy highway overtakes, the tall driving position, and the space for family and luggage. The proper 4x4 with low-range, terrain modes and a tough ladder frame means bad roads, slush and rocky hill trails are a non-event.It isn’t perfect. The ride can feel busy in the city and you will notice its size in tight lanes. If you need a third row then the Scorpio N 4x4 is also an option.If your use is mostly city with only light trails, the 4x2 versions should also suit you just fine.

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Mahindra Scorpio N

Hyundai i20