Mumbai

Humcha

•5w

It’s time to replace my beloved Tata Hexa XTA 2017 model. It is a car I truly loved, but since it is BS4, I am now forced to replace it. Which cars should I consider as replacements? I plan to buy in December 2026. Please suggest the exact variants and provide a detailed comparison of specifications. My budget is ₹15–25 lakh. Diesel is not a must, but I do prefer good torque. A 5-seater is more than enough. My usage is mostly (80%) highway driving. I am almost 55 years old and plan to keep the car for at least the next five years. I prefer an automatic transmission, but I am aware that not all automatics are the same. Safety is another key consideration.

Autocar India

•5w

After almost a decade with your Hexa, a good idea is to replace it with a tough and powerful diesel SUV, and we'd recommend the Tata Harrier Adventure X Diesel AT. It gives you the relaxed, solid, long‑distance feel that you liked in your Hexa, but in a newer and easier‑to‑drive package.

It works for you because the diesel has strong pull at low and mid speeds, so overtakes on two‑lane roads need less effort. The 6-speed automatic is the torque-converter type that uses a fluid coupling, which is known for smoothness and long life, and it does not get hot and fussy in traffic. Safety is strong too, with a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating and must‑have features like 6 airbags and stability control. Ride comfort is good, and though not quite as tough-feeling as your ladder-frame Hexa, this Tata car feels softer and more comfortable overall.

If you want the option of a third row of seats, there's also the Tata Safari at a slightly higher price point, which has all the same strengths of the Harrier. There's also the XUV 7XO, which is a better all-rounder and more fun to drive, but it doesn't feel quite as solid and commanding from behind the wheel as the Harrier or Safari.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Harrier

from ₹15.24 Lakh

Tata

Safari

from ₹15.71 Lakh

Mahindra

XUV 7XO

from ₹16.14 Lakh

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More questions on similar cars

Siba Prasad Dash

•2d

I am planning to buy either the Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AT Petrol or the Tata Harrier Pure X Petrol AT, but I am confused between the two. The XUV700 costs around Rs. 3 lakh more. My driving will be around 70% city and 30% highway, and there will usually be four people travelling in the car. Could you please suggest which would be the better option for my needs?

Autocar India

•1h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 petrol automatic; with 70% city use and four people on board most of the time, it is smoother and more powerful. Space and seat comfort are also slightly better in the XUV, and it gives you a third row as well. While the Harrier is more affordable, it misses out on a few features like leatherette seats, a powered driver's seat and dual-zone climate control. The XUV also has a larger infotainment screen, a front passenger display and that extra third row.If you do not see the value in these features, then the Tata Harrier is a good choice. Performance from its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is stronger than the displacement suggests, and while it does not have the outright performance of the XUV, it is more than adequate in day-to-day driving. Test drive both and see if the extra space, performance and features on the XUV 7XO feel worth the premium to you.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Harrier

Aneej Mathew

•1d

My budget is around Rs. 35 lakh. Please help me choose a car that offers good ride comfort and is capable of handling moderate off-road conditions at places such as Tawang, Ladakh, and Spiti Valley. We are a family of five, so the vehicle should be suitable for long-drives. Which car would be the most suitable choice for these requirements?

Autocar India

•3h

Pick the Mahindra Thar Roxx AX7L 2.2D AT 4x4, which falls comfortably in your budget. For Tawang, Ladakh and Spiti, its proper 4x4 with low range, strong chassis and big ground clearance give you the safety net you want when roads vanish or it snows. As a family of five you can treat it as a spacious 5-seater, and carry all your luggage. It is comfy enough for long drives, sits you high, and Mahindra service is easy to find in smaller towns on these routes.That said, it is not as easy as a monocoque-chassis SUV to manoeuvre in the city, the ride is quite bumpy, and mileage is not great for a diesel. If you prefer a smoother, more refined drive and better economy, the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7L 2.2D AT AWD is another option. Though not as capable as a Thar and with much less ground clearance, it can still manage rough roads reasonably well and pull you out of a slippery situation. For the mountain trips you named though, the Thar Roxx's toughness makes it the safer bet within your budget.

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Abhishek Dixit

•1d

Which is the best SUV for highway driving? My budget is Rs 35 lakh.

Autocar India

•8h

Our first recommendation would be the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic. It offers strong performance, excellent highway stability, a premium cabin, ADAS features and feels effortless at high speeds. The diesel engine offers ample performance for overtakes, the ride quality is comfortable over long distances, and it is one of the best all-around highway cruisers you can buy at this price point. It also feels genuinely premium inside and is packed with features, making long journeys more enjoyable.The second option would be the Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid. If outright comfort, practicality and fuel efficiency are your priorities, it is hard to beat. The hybrid system is exceptionally efficient on long trips and the cabin is incredibly comfortable for both drivers and passengers. However, if you specifically want an SUV driving experience and stronger performance, the XUV 7XO has the edge.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Toyota Innova HyCross

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Balaji

•2d

I am looking to buy a 6/7-seater EV. My primary usage will be as a 4-seater, with occasional 6-seater use. I will mainly drive it in the city for my daily office commute and undertake long-distance trips of around 500 km once every two months. I have a solar setup at home and can charge the vehicle comfortably. My budget is Rs 30-40 lakh, although I can stretch it slightly if required.

Autocar India

•1d

You should go for the Mahindra XEV 9S. It's a proper three-row EV, and it fits your use case perfectly. With home solar charging, your running costs are very low, and the smooth, quiet drive is just right for city runs as a 4-seater. When you do need six or seven seats, the third row is reasonably spacious, and for your 500 km trip every couple of months, you’ll need just one quick top-up at a highway charger.Do note that with all three rows up, boot space is tight, so your highway trips will require some planning.Alternatively, consider the Kia Carens Clavis EV. It isn't as feature-rich and doesn't have as much range as the XEV 9S, but its third row is more comfortable for adults.

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Arun Sharma

•6d

I am looking to buy a new car, preferably an EV or a strong hybrid, mainly for my daily office commute. My monthly running is around 600–700 km, and I rarely take my own car on outstation trips, as I usually prefer to hire a cab or a chauffeur-driven vehicle for long journeys. I currently drive a Maruti Wagon R CNG and want to upgrade to an automatic car for a more premium, comfortable experience. My budget can stretch up to around ₹22-25 lakh, and my main priorities are: Hassle-free long-term ownership for the next 8–10 years Reliability and low maintenance Comfortable automatic driving experience Practical and sensible design without unnecessary gimmicks or flashy features Good efficiency and peace of mind

Autocar India

•5d

Pick the strong-hybrid variants of the Maruti Grand Vitara, Victoris or Toyota Hyryder. The hybrid powertrain is very efficient; it is an automatic, and Toyota’s hybrid tech has a proven track record worldwide, so keeping it for 8-10 years should be stress-free.Since you don't drive out of the station at all, you could also consider the Hyundai Creta Electric with a 42kWh battery. For your daily office commute, it is a smooth, reliable option.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

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Vihaan Kumar

•1w

Dear Auto Experts, I need a merciless, data-backed verdict to complete my garage. Around 3 months ago, I sold my Toyota Fortuner Legender 4x2 (which was just 2 years and 9 months old) because I grew highly frustrated with its hard steering and lack of modern tech features, specifically ADAS. To replace it, I purchased a Mahindra Thar Roxx AX7L Diesel Automatic 4x2 a month ago. However, I only plan to drive it 2 days a week. Additionally, my wife purchased a Mahindra Thar Roxx MX1 Manual last year in November. I am now looking to finance another vehicle via an auto loan, with a budget of Rs. 18 Lakh to Rs. 28 Lakh. This new vehicle will be used for rough-and-tough regular city driving 3 to 4 days a week in heavy traffic. It will also serve as the primary vehicle for occasional long highway trips with my family. My Strict Requirements include: Status & Road Presence: This is non-negotiable. Even though it is my 3-to-4-day city vehicle, it must command road respect and serve as a status symbol, while offering the light steering and ADAS tech my Fortuner lacked. Fuel & Transmission: Diesel Automatic is preferred, but I am very open to considering Strong Hybrids (especially the upcoming generation of high-efficiency models). I can manage DPF requirements without issue if going with diesel. Ownership Cycle: I do not hold onto cars for long; my replacement cycle is strictly 3 to 4 years. End Goal: Exceptionally high resale value. I need a vehicle that second-hand dealers can easily flip to out-of-state buyers for a premium when I am ready to sell, clear the loan, and upgrade. Dealbreakers: Absolutely no to Toyota HyCross (my family finds it bulky, dated, and associated with the taxi segment). No Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (I strictly avoid the Maruti-shared build quality). No grey or silver exterior colors. My Shortlist (That I can buy now): Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7L Diesel AT: It solves the steering and ADAS issues perfectly and commands massive road respect. However, considering I just bought a Thar Roxx AX7L and my wife owns a Thar Roxx MX1, do you think that buying a third Mahindra vehicle for the family will be a logical and financially sound move? Kia Seltos GTX / X-Line Diesel AT (New 2026 K3 Platform): It offers the modern platform and tech that I need, but does a mid-size SUV command elite resale value and "status symbol" respect? (Note: I am highly hesitant about this option, as I have seen a lot of cons and complaints regarding it on YouTube ownership reviews). Hyundai Venue HX10 Diesel AT (2026): Fits easily at the bottom of the budget, but it likely lacks the sheer road presence, status factor, and highway dominance I need compared to larger SUVs. Or Should I Wait For Upcoming Hybrids/Updates (2026-2027): Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (Rumored to arrive in India in late 2026. Is it worth waiting for and potentially stretching my budget, or will it be overpriced?) Upcoming K3 Platform Hyundai Creta Strong Hybrid. Next-Gen Toyota Fortuner (ADAS / Mild Hybrid) or Toyota Land Cruiser FJ. Mahindra Vision S. Given my strict 3-4 year ownership cycle, the demand for top-tier resale value and road respect, the fact that I will be financing this purchase, and the specific dual-use case (rough regular city driving + occasional family highway cruiser), which exact car and variant should I finalize today? Or does waiting make actual financial sense for my cycle? Thank you for your definitive and merciless verdict. Vihaan Kumar

Autocar India

•6d

The XUV 7XO AX7L Diesel AT is the cleanest fit for your requirement today, and frankly, none of the other current options line up as well with the exact brief you have laid out.The fact that you already own two Mahindra cars is not necessarily a negative from a financial point of view either, because right now Mahindra SUVs have some of the strongest demand and resale momentum in the market. In fact, from a resale perspective over a 3 to 4 year ownership cycle, the 7XO is probably the safest bet in your shortlist. It also solves the exact frustrations you had with the Fortuner by offering much lighter controls, modern ADAS tech and a far more feature rich experience while still maintaining proper SUV presence.The new Seltos diesel AT is a very polished product and will likely feel more premium inside, but you have already identified the key issue yourself. It still feels like a size smaller in terms of sheer road presence and overall “status factor” compared to something like the 7XO.The Venue diesel AT should not even be in this discussion. It may be sensible, but it does not deliver the sense of occasion, size or highway authority you are clearly looking for.As for waiting, the upcoming Creta and Seltos strong hybrids expected next year will make sense from an efficiency perspective, but they will still fundamentally remain mid size SUVs. The RAV4 Hybrid is not even a confirmed India launch yet, and even if Toyota does bring it here, expect it to be priced aggressively high because it will almost certainly come in as a CKD or CBU initially. By the time it lands on road, it could sit far beyond the sweet spot you are targeting today.So the verdict is simple: buy the XUV 7XO AX7L Diesel AT now. It is the one that best balances presence, tech, ease of use and resale value over your intended ownership cycle.

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Posted on: 29 Apr 2026