Autocar India
7h

Hi, I own a 9 years old Baleno and am planning to upgrade the car but am really confused which one to choose. I want a 5-seater car for highway and city driving with automatic transmission under 18 lakh. I need a reliable car that I can use for atleast next 7 to 8 years. The car must have Adas level 2 but sunroof is not required.

Verified
4m

Based on your requirements, the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7L automatic is the best fit. It is a genuinely spacious 5 seater with a wide rear bench, a strong turbo petrol engine and a well-tuned automatic gearbox that makes both city and highway driving easy. It also offers Level 2 ADAS, which is a key requirement for you, and the AX7L variant sits comfortably within your Rs. 18 lakh budget. The 3XO is also one of the safest cars in the segment, with a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, and Mahindra's service network has improved significantly in recent years. The only real drawback is the boot, which is on the smaller side for the segment, but as a 5 seater it is one of the best options available today. If you want a more premium cabin and a larger boot, the Kia Seltos HTX automatic is the alternative to consider, but it will push your budget closer to Rs. 20 lakh and you will have to compromise on ADAS availability at that price point. Overall, the XUV 3XO AX7L is the most balanced and value-for-money choice for your needs.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Mahindra XUV 3XO

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3d

Hey, We are planning to buy a sub-4-metre SUV, and our main requirement is good suspension for Bengaluru’s pothole-filled roads, especially as my wife is pregnant. We have shortlisted the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Mahindra XUV 3XO, and Tata Nexon. Which one would you recommend for our requirements? I was also considering a larger SUV like the Honda Elevate, but a well-equipped variant costs around Rs. 18 lakh on-road, which is beyond my budget. Could you suggest some good options in both categories? I can stretch my budget up to around Rs. 15 lakh on-road if required.

Verified
1d

Given your priorities, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is the best fit. It has the most comfortable ride in the segment, with a suspension that deals with broken roads and potholes better than the Brezza or Nexon. The wide rear seat and good cabin space will also make a difference for your wife and family. The Brezza is the more reliable long-term ownership proposition, but its ride is not as plush as the 3XO. The Nexon is a good all-rounder, but the 3XO has the edge on ride comfort and rear seat space.On the Honda Elevate, it is a solid, reliable SUV with a comfortable ride, but at Rs 18 lakh on-road for the well-equipped variants, it is not worth stretching your budget for. The 3XO gives you a better ride and more features for less money.Overall, the 3XO is the best balance of ride comfort, space and value for your requirements. Go for the petrol automatic variant for the smoothest city driving experience.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
VehicleTata Nexon
VehicleHonda Elevate

Posted on: 12 Aug 2026