Bastar

•9w

I need your suggestion on car. We live in Thane, and my commute every alternate day is around 12 km. Our budget is Rs. 20-25 lakhs, and we’re looking for an automatic car (petrol or EV). We also take 5-6-hour road trips once every 2-3 months. Currently, we drive a 2011 Hyundai i20 and are planning to upgrade. Which car would you recommend and why, considering comfort, reliability, running costs, safety, and after-sales service? Thanks!

•9w

Consider the Kia Seltos DCT. For a 12km commute and occasional 5-6-hour road trips, you will find it comfortable in the city, quick on the highway and easy to own long term. The latest-generation Seltos is larger than before, so feels spacious inside. The cabin is tech-laden and upmarket, and the ride quality has improved too. The turbo-petrol DCT has good performance for quick overtakes on the highway, and the DCT is responsive. The downside is that it can occasionally hesitate in the city, but with your short commute this shouldn't be a deal-breaker. Kia's service is also amongst the best in the business.

If you want something larger, the Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol automatic is also a solid choice in your budget. It is a genuinely comfortable car with a spacious cabin, excellent ride quality and strong highway manners. The petrol engine is smooth and refined, and the automatic gearbox makes city driving effortless. Mahindra's service network is strong in Thane and Mumbai. The drawback is that the big petrol engine will be thirsty in the city.

An electric car makes sense if you can charge at home and if there are fast chargers on your usual highway route. In that case, the Hyundai Creta Electric is a safe bet. It is well suited to your short daily commute and offers very low running costs. In our real-world testing, it managed an impressive 486km on a single charge in the city and 378km on the highway.

Overall, the Seltos is the best balance of comfort, reliability, running costs and ownership experience for your needs.

Explore cars mentioned

Kia

Seltos

from ₹12.32 Lakh

Mahindra

XUV 7XO

from ₹15.67 Lakh

Hyundai

Creta Electric

from ₹19.12 Lakh

•9w•

@autocar.india I’m confused between the Hyundai Alcazar and the Mahindra XUV 7XO. I really like the Alcazar’s interior, but I’m not sure which one to choose. Also, is Hyundai planning to launch a hybrid Alcazar in 2027? And is Toyota bringing a 7-seater Hyryder? Which would you recommend and why?

•9w•

@shsu wht r ur requirements?

•9w•

@user_84vrdf1y My requirement is a comfortable 7-seater SUV for family use with a premium interior, good safety and reliable performance. I’m mainly comparing the Hyundai Alcazar and the Mahindra XUV 7XO, but I really like the Alcazar’s interior. Mileage is also important to me, and since we can wait till next year 2027, I’d like to know if there are any upcoming hybrid options worth considering as well. Could you please suggest which one would be better for my needs and why or whether it would be better to wait for a hybrid option? Thank you!

•9w•

My budget is up to 30L, age 56, want a suv for 10 ++ years use and usage is 700 kms in month and it will be self driving

•9w•

@bhaskar_singh for self driving 7x0 is probably the best choice

•9w•

I agree with this 👍

•9w•

Nexon owner

@user_84vrdf1y 👍

More posts on similar cars

•18h

My monthly running is 3000km that translates to 40000 kilometers annually with most round trip of around 400-500 km thrice a month on highway. I own a petrol car and its mileage is close to 14 kpl. Should I opt for EV under 20 lakh budget or should I look for diesel or strong hybrid?In hybrid, we will not have a better boot space since we always use it to carry stuff.

•10h

With 40,000 km a year and frequent 400-500 km highway trips, a diesel SUV is the most sensible choice. At that kind of running, fuel efficiency and ease of long-distance travel become the top priorities. Diesel engines are still the most cost-effective option for high-mileage highway use, and you will recover the higher purchase price very quickly. An EV under Rs 20 lakh is not the right solution for your usage pattern. While EVs are excellent for city driving and predictable daily commutes, your frequent long highway runs would require careful charging planning and add unnecessary complexity to your ownership experience. Strong hybrids are a good middle ground, but as you rightly pointed out, many hybrid SUVs compromise boot space due to battery packaging, which is a problem if you regularly carry a lot of luggage. A diesel SUV like the Mahindra XUV 7XO or if you want something smaller then the Kia Seltos is the most practical and cost-effective solution for your usage.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Kia Seltos

•1d

I’ve been driving a Maruti Ritz Diesel for approximately 7 years and am looking for a proper upgrade. My running is around 750-1,000 km/month, with 75-80% highway driving, and typical long trips of 200-250 km one way. My budget is roughly Rs. 19-22 lakh (on-road) in Bangalore. I generally keep my cars for a long time, so long-term reliability and highway performance matter more to me than just features. I have shortlisted Kia Seltos 1.5 Turbo DCT that is around Rs. 20.6 lakh. This is probably the most fun of all the options. The turbo feels strong and the DCT is quick and smooth. My concern is long-term ownership because it is a dry-clutch DCT, and I’m wondering about DCT/turbo-petrol reliability over 5+ years. It is also around Rs. 1 lakh cheaper than the diesel. Another shortlisted car is Kia Seltos 1.5 Diesel AT for around Rs. 21.6 lakh. This feels like the natural upgrade from my Ritz Diesel. It generates 250 Nm torque, highway performance and potentially better mileage that are better for my usage. But my running is only 750-1,000 km/month, so I’m wondering whether the extra 1L and diesel-specific considerations, particularly DPF, are worth it when I don’t drive that much in the city. Would love to hear from long-term Seltos diesel owners. Another shortlisted car is Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo DCT Adventure that costs around Rs. 19 lakh. I’ve driven it multiple times and really like the way it feels. It feels more rugged and planted than the Seltos, with better suspension and less body movement at highway speeds. I can physically feel the difference in the heavier boot/doors and overall solidity. I know both cars are 5-star rated, so I’m not equating weight or feel with crash safety. The Duster has a wet-clutch DCT, unlike the Seltos dry clutch, which is another reason I’m considering it. The compromise is features and rear space as the Seltos has noticeably better knee/legroom. However, the Duster is still perfectly comfortable for my family’s height, so I can live with that. I have also shortlisted Kia Seltos 1.5 NA CVT/IVT that is priced around Rs. 19.65 lakh. I would select it for its simplicity. I know I’ll compromise significantly on torque as compared to the turbo and diesel, especially coming from a diesel Ritz, but a 4-cylinder NA petrol is a relatively straightforward option and potentially fewer powertrain-related headaches will be there compared to DPF and modern turbo/GDI systems. If I go this route, I may also wait for the Elevate facelift. Although the current Elevate’s poor thigh support is a major concern for me. My wife strongly prefers the Seltos, so realistically, my biggest dilemma is Seltos Turbo DCT vs Diesel AT. Duster is the wildcard because I personally like its ruggedness and driving character, while NA petrol is the fallback for its simplicity. I am looking for genuine 5-year ownership experience, highway performance, reliability, DCT/DPF experience, mileage and maintenance opinions rather than just brochure figures.

•12h

Given your usage pattern of 750–1,000 km a month with 75-80% highway driving and a long-term ownership mindset, we would pick between two. The Kia Seltos 1.5 diesel automatic would be a sensible choice as the diesel’s strong mid-range torque and better fuel efficiency on highways make it a natural upgrade from your Ritz diesel, and your running is sufficient to justify the diesel premium. The DPF concern is largely a non-issue in your case because your usage is predominantly highway, which is exactly the kind of driving that keeps the DPF healthy.The Duster would be the more fun option, and yes the wet-clutch DCT would be better in start stop conditions, but in your case this would be even lesser of a factor as your driving is mostly on the highway and since you said the space is ok for you and your family you could consider this one too. Overall for you the Seltos diesel automatic is more the head buy while the Renault Duster would appeal to the heart. It all comes down to which you want to lean towards.

Kia Seltos

Renault Duster

•1d

Hi guys, I’m looking for a four-car garage that can fulfil some specific roles. I need an EV for city use in Bangalore, and I’m considering either the Tata Tiago EV or Punch EV. I also need a high-mileage family hauler, for which I’m thinking of the Toyota Innova Hycross VX(O). For a fun car for myself, I’m considering the Volkswagen Virtus GT. Finally, I want another SUV that doesn’t need to be as large as the Hycross, so I’m considering the Mahindra XUV 7XO, Kia Seltos or Mahindra BE 6. I’ll be travelling frequently between Bangalore, Hyderabad and Coimbatore, and I’m also planning a road trip across India. My overall budget for the four cars is around Rs 1-1.5 crore. I’m open to suggestions, so I’d really appreciate any recommendations. Thanks in advance!

•15h

Purely as a city runabout, get the smaller battery version of the Tata Tiago EV. It is compact, easy to drive, and is very capable commuter. Sure, the Punch EV, with its larger battery is would be our recommendation had it been your only car, but since your usage is specific, the Tiago EV makes more sense.As a high-mileage family hauler, the Toyota Innova Hycross VX (O) is a sensible choice. It is spacious, comfortable and reliable, and the hybrid powertrain will help keep running costs in check on your frequent long-distance trips between Bangalore, Hyderabad and Coimbatore. That said, if you don't plan to use the third row for adults as much, you could also consider the new Kia Sorento - diesel or hybrid, take your pick. It is a far more sophisticated, value-for-money option.The Volkswagen Virtus GT is a solid choice. It offers strong performance, a well-balanced chassis and a genuinely enjoyable driving experience. But we'd suggest you either wait till the end of the year for the facelift, or pick the updated Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI instead, both of which will have minor cosmetic tweaks along with an upgraded air-con for better cabin cooling.The Mahindra XUV 7XO is quite a large car, which defeats its purpose since you'll already have the Hycross or Sorento. Instead opt for the Kia Seltos which is a relatively more compact alternative, with a premium interior, lengthy features list, and a refined character. Alternatively, you could consider a Toyota Hyryder hybrid too, which is even more compact, drives well, and is extremely fuel efficient.

Tata Tiago EV

Tata Punch EV

Toyota Innova HyCross

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

View all Posts

Cars you may like

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

₹7.40 - ₹13.55 Lakhs

MG Hector

₹11.99 - ₹20.00 Lakhs

Kia Seltos

₹11.00 - ₹21.82 Lakhs

Volkswagen Taigun

₹11.00 - ₹19.30 Lakhs

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

₹6.31 - ₹9.41 Lakhs

View all

Popular discussions right now

•6d

I am confused between the Elevate and the Creta. I understand that the Creta is the more established one, but with Honda, the value it brings is amazing, while the price of the Creta is a bit higher than the value it offers. I am mostly a city driver, with around 95% of my driving in the city and occasional highway trips, covering around 10,000km per year. Can you help me get some perspective?

•4d

The Hyundai Creta is the more premium product with a richer feature list. Since your usage is mainly in the city, you are likely to appreciate the Creta's smoothness and refinement, as well as the additional features it offers. Sure, this Hyundai car might cost a bit more, but it is a proven product that commands strong brand equity, which is likely to translate to higher resale value. The Honda Elevate gives you most of what you need at a significantly lower cost, and Honda’s service network is strong enough to make ownership hassle-free. Go for the Elevate if you value its stronger engine performance, else for a refined drive experience, pick the Creta.

Hyundai Creta

Honda Elevate

•5d

Help me choose the right car for my usage. Please be practical and challenge my assumptions. My situation: I am 31 and work as a software developer. I currently work from home in Balsane, Dhule, but I am moving to Mumbai around March. My wife and I are expecting a baby in February. My parents live in a village where local transport is poor. My Mumbai office is near Powai, but parking is difficult. I prefer a manual car. Usage: My current running is around 10,000 km per year, but it may increase. I travel between Mumbai and Balsane, which is around 400 km one way, around 5-7 times a year, along with Dhule/Sakri and local trips. I also drive around Mumbai on weekends. The AC is usually on, and on long trips, the car will have my wife, baby, and luggage. Budget: Rs. 6-9 lakh on-road. I am willing to spend more only if it is genuinely worth it. Shortlist: - Tiago XE Petrol - Punch Pure+/Smart Petrol - Punch Pure+/Smart CNG - Brezza LXi turbo-petrol Please tell me: 1. Which one should I buy and why? 2. Petrol vs CNG for my usage? The CNG premium is around Rs. 1 lakh, and the nearby village pump may open around Diwali, but this is not guaranteed. 3. What real-world mileage can I expect with the AC on? 4. Please consider loan interest, fuel costs, maintenance, depreciation, and resale value. 5. Is the Brezza worth the extra money? 6. Give me one final choice and tell me what I should avoid.

•5d

The Brezza LXI Turbo is far superior to the Punch and Tiago as far as smoothness, performance, and cabin space are concerned. It is also backed by Maruti's widespread support network, and the ownership experience is likely to be fuss-free. The on-road cost of the Brezza LXI will fall within your Rs 9 lakh budget, and even though you might miss a few features, it still feels worth opting for. Alternatively, you could also consider the Maruti Dzire VXI MT for its large boot, comfy ride and strong fuel efficiency.

I am planning to buy a new SUV under Rs 30 lakh and am open to both five- and seven-seater options. I have tried the Toyota Innova HyCross non-hybrid, Mahindra XUV 7XO, Hyundai Alcazar, Kia Seltos and Renault Duster, but I am confused about which one to choose. My main priorities are space, comfort and a good engine. My running is not very high, at just under 1,000km a month. Please advise.

•5d

Go for the Toyota Innova HyCross non-hybrid. Your priorities are space, comfort and a good engine, and the HyCross delivers on all three. It is one of the most spacious cars in the segment, with a genuinely usable third row and a comfortable ride that makes it an excellent family car. The petrol engine is smooth, refined and well suited to your running of under 1,000 km a month, where the hybrid premium is harder to justify.The Mahindra XUV 7XO is a strong alternative with a more powerful engine and a more feature-rich cabin, but the HyCross has the edge on space, comfort and long-term ownership experience.The Hyundai Alcazar and Kia Seltos are good cars, but they do not offer the same level of space or comfort, and the Renault Duster is more of a driver's car than a family car. The Toyota car mentioned above is the car you will be happiest with after five years of ownership.

Toyota Innova HyCross

View all Posts