I currently own a Toyota Fortuner, two Mahindra Thar Roxx models, and an XUV700. I also previously owned a Scorpio N. I am now planning to sell one of my Thar Roxx vehicles, as it is an early production model and has been giving me several issues. My usage involves daily driving in rough terrain and mountainous conditions, so having a capable 4x4 is essential for me. Before the Roxx, I owned a 3-door Thar, and honestly, given my current usage, the 3-door version seems to suit my needs better. I am now confused about what to buy next. Should I go back to a 3-door Thar, continue with the Roxx, or consider another capable 4x4 option better suited for rough and mountain use?

Autocar India

•4h

With a 60-70 km daily run, comfort, ease in traffic and lower tiredness matter most, so pick the Mahindra XUV 7XO automatic. Its petrol and diesel engines are smooth and quiet, and the Mahindra also rides very comfortably over bad roads. A couple of watch-outs: the third row (if you choose the 7-seater) is best for kids, and the boot with all seats up is small. Also, some features vary by variant, so confirm the exact mix you want.If you travel with six or seven people or do frequent highway trips with the family, the Tata Safari is the better alternative from your list. It's got more flexible seating, allowing you to better balance space across its three rows. As for the Thar Roxx, it has a tough image but is essentially too hardcore for your commute. It will not be as convenient to drive or as comfortable in general as the XUV 7XO or Safari.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Tata Safari

Autocar India

•19h

On a Rs 15-23 lakh budget, the Kia Carens Clavis diesel automatic fits your use best. It rides comfortably on long trips, the low step-in makes it easy for elders, and the third row lets you carry six or seven or fold it to free up a big boot. The diesel pulls well on hills with a full load, and the automatic keeps driving effortless in traffic. For you at 5 feet, the high seat, wide glass area and light controls help with confidence in a tier-3 city, and Kia’s service reach outside big metros is a plus.Know that, compared to your Alto, it is a long car, so tight parking needs a bit more care. With all three rows up, boot space is small, so plan to fold one side when needed. If five seats are enough and you want a sportier feel on hills, look at the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 automatic. If smooth city running and lower fuel use matter more, you can go for Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid. Given your affinity for long family road trips, we would not recommend an EV at this stage. Overall, the Carens suits your family-first brief best.

Kia Carens Clavis

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Skoda Kushaq

Autocar India

•1d

With 1,200 km a month in Chennai and mostly city traffic, moving to one automatic is sensible if your family’s schedules work with a single car. In that use, the Tata Nexon EV Medium Range is the stronger fit in your Rs. 15-17 lakh window. It is very smooth in stop-and-go traffic, there is no clutch heat or strain, and the instant response makes gaps easy. Your monthly running suits an EV well, and if you can install a home charger, you start each day with a full “tank” and very low running costs. As your only car, the Nexon EV has enough space for a small family, rides comfortably over broken patches, and feels easy to place in tight lanes and parking. If you can stretch your budget, the Hyundai Creta EV would make for a much better EV with a better driving experience and a larger and more comfortable car. Two watch-outs: you need a fixed parking spot with charging, and longer highway trips will need some planning around chargers.If you would rather stay with petrol, pick the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara automatic in a mid trim. It keeps life easy in traffic, sits a bit higher for a better view, and you already know Maruti service from your S-Cross, and if you can stretch for the hybrid, it will keep your fuel costs in check. Overall, for city-heavy use, the Nexon EV makes the most sense.

Tata Nexon EV

Hyundai Creta Electric

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara