Looking to buy an SUV. Which among these (Innova HyCross, XUV 7XO, Skoda Kodiaq, and Jeep Meridian) has the best ride comfort, road handling, better suspension, and a comfortable third row?

Autocar India

•6w

It is a very close call between the cars you have shortlisted, given your requirements. Between the XUV 7XO, Skoda Kodiaq, and Jeep Meridian, the differences are fairly marginal. The Jeep Meridian and the Kodiaq do feel more premium in terms of interior material quality and fit and finish compared to the 7XO, although the 7XO, especially after the recent facelift, is not far behind. It also offers more features than the other two, is more spacious, and benefits from an updated suspension that has addressed one of the earlier XUV700’s biggest drawbacks: suspension noise.

In terms of powertrains, the Mahindra impresses with both petrol and diesel options paired with automatic gearboxes. Its 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines are genuinely world-class, adding to the overall upmarket feel. However, one area where the Mahindra XUV 7XO, as well as the Kodiaq and Meridian, falls short is third-row comfort. In all three cars, the third row is best suited for children. The 7XO also misses out on a sliding middle row, which would have significantly improved third-row usability.

If third row comfort is a priority, the Toyota Innova HyCross makes the most sense. It offers a comfortable ride, is easy to drive despite its size, and has by far the most usable third row among your shortlisted options, with enough space for adults on longer journeys. Its hybrid powertrain also delivers excellent efficiency. Do keep in mind, however, that compared to the others, the interior does not feel as premium, and sound insulation at highway speeds could have been better.

Explore cars mentioned

Jeep

Meridian

from ₹27.69 Lakh

Mahindra

XUV 7XO

from ₹15.87 Lakh

Skoda

Kodiaq

from ₹46.34 Lakh

Toyota

Innova HyCross

from ₹21.24 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Sandesh

•2d

Hi team, I want to buy a 7-seater car. Need advice between Toyota HyCross GX (O), Tata Safari or Mahindra 7XO.

Autocar India

•1d

You should go for the Toyota Innova HyCross GX (O) if you want a true 7-seater with the roomiest third row of seats. The HyCross's 2,850 mm wheelbase and flat floor make the third row friendlier for adults than the Tata Safari or the Mahindra XUV 7XO. Furthermore, it's backed up by Toyota’s proven reliability and hassle-free ownership in India.However, you will have to compromise when it comes to the powertrain. The Hycross' 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine isn't as punchy as the Tata Safari and XUV 7XO's turbocharged units, and real-world mileage is quite poor, as we managed 6.9kpl in the city and 12.4kpl on the highway. The Toyota also doesn't get a diesel engine option like the other two.If you prioritise performance and high-end features, either the Safari or the Mahindra XUV 7XO makes more sense. As for pricing, the Innova HyCross GX (O) is priced between Rs 20.43 lakh and Rs 20.56 lakh (ex-showroom).

Toyota Innova HyCross

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mohammed Aaftab

•2d

I am planning to buy a 7-seater, and my running is not very regular. Sometimes, for a long time, I don’t drive much, but when I do, I may cross 1000 km in a single trip. I need good space in the 3rd row as well. Which one should I prefer: Mahindra XUV 7XO or Tata Safari? I need full comfort and luxury, and my budget is around ₹35 lakh.

Autocar India

•1d

Between the two, the Tata Safari works slightly better as a family-oriented seven-seater. Its second row can slide forward and backwards, which helps create more legroom for passengers sitting in the third row. This flexibility makes the last row easier to use for adults on longer journeys.The Mahindra XUV 7XO, on the other hand, offers stronger performance and more features, especially in the higher variants. It is a nicer car to drive with stronger performance, but the third row is better suited to children or shorter journeys compared to the Safari.If your priority is maximum comfort for all passengers and better third-row usability, the Safari Accomplished+ diesel automatic is the better choice. If you prefer stronger performance and more tech features, the XUV 7XO AX7L diesel automatic is the one to consider.

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Vrinda

•2d

Hi, I am thinking of purchasing the Mahindra XEV 9S due to the variety of features it offers. I am confused whether to buy an EV or the Innova HyCross, considering resale value in another 3 years.

Autocar India

•1d

While both brands are very popular, there's no doubt that Toyota has an edge over Mahindra when it comes to resale value. This is especially true of the Innova brand, which has made a strong name for itself with regard to reliability and longevity since its introduction in 2005, and that has passed on to the Innova HyCross strong hybrid as well.Moreover, given that electric cars have only been around a relatively short time and the longevity of their batteries is yet to be proven, there is uncertainty around them, and thus their resale value is generally lower than that of vehicles with an engine, which aren't solely dependent on their battery.So even after three years, the Innova will have a stronger resale value than the Mahindra XEV 9S. And yes, while the Mahindra has a long list of the latest features, the Toyota Innova HyCross in top-spec trim gets all the essentials and then some.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Mahindra XEV 9S

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