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?

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•58m

Pick the XUV 7XO diesel automatic for the better ride-handling balance. Over broken roads and big speed breakers, it stays calmer, and with five on board, it keeps its composure without that side-to-side bob you often feel in heavier SUVs. At highway speeds, it tracks straight, the steering has a natural weight, and body control feels more reassuring when you need to change lanes or brake hard.The XEV 9e does feel flatter through bends thanks to the battery’s low position, so quick direction changes are tidy, but its extra weight makes sharp edges and patchy city tarmac come through more firmly, and the braking feel is less consistent. On a long drive with family and bags, the Mahindra diesel’s suspension tuning feels more relaxed and confident.One caveat. In city traffic, the XEV 9e is quieter and smoother, so if most of your 10-15k km each year are short urban runs, you might enjoy that. But for mixed use as a five-seater, the XUV 7XO rides better and feels more secure.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra XEV 9e

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•7h

Pick the Kia Seltos HTK petrol automatic. Your use is mostly city and only 10,000 km a year, so the smooth, quiet petrol suits you better, and the fuel cost gap to diesel will be small at that running. For similar money, the HTK gives you more useful kit than the lower HTE(O) diesel variant, so day-to-day it will feel like the nicer car to live with.The diesel automatic is great for long highway hauls and heavy loads, and will sip less on trips, but short city runs can be hard on modern diesels, and you’ll add urea top-ups and slightly higher service costs. It only starts to make sense if you do a lot more highway or cross 15,000 km a year.If you’re open to others around this budget, look at Honda Elevate with the automatic for a very easy city drive and simple ownership, or Skoda Kushaq 1.0 automatic if you want a stronger engine and a more fun feel. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara automatic is another easy-going, efficient city pick, just not very quick.

Kia Seltos

Skoda Kushaq

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Honda Elevate

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•1d

Pick the Grand Vitara strong-hybrid. With 1,500 km a month in city traffic, it will slash your fuel spend because it runs on electric power at low speeds, yet you never worry about charging. The drive is quiet and smooth like an automatic, perfect for stop-go commutes, and the switch from your Ertiga will be easy in terms of running and service support. At the same time, highway trips wont require planning around charging that can be a hassle with EVs.Be honest with yourself about space though. You’ll lose the third row and some boot room, since the Grand Vitara is a 5-seater and the hybrid battery eats a bit of luggage space. It also costs more upfront than a regular petrol.If you have a dedicated parking spot with a reliable socket at home, an EV can be even cheaper per km and calmer in traffic, and for mostly city use you won’t miss petrol pumps. But if charging at home is not possible, the hybrid is the cleaner, simpler answer today. For your usage and current Ertiga lifestyle, the Grand Vitara strong-hybrid is the safer upgrade.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga