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Satish

•2w

Hi, currently I have a Creta diesel manual and am planning to buy a 7-seater SUV. We are a family of six, including three kids (10-13 yrs). My monthly running is around 700-800 km with occasional highway trips of about 1,000 km every 2-3 months. My budget is ₹25-28 lakh. I’m thinking of the XUV 7XO AX7 version, but I’m worried about mileage, ethanol blending in petrol, DPF issues, and maintenance costs in the diesel version - and I want to keep the car for 8-9 years. I’m also inclined towards the XEV 9s EV version since it has more power, a sliding second row, a usable frunk, and long-range battery capacity. I can install a home charger. But I’m unsure about the resale value and battery replacement costs. What’s your opinion?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2w

Of the two options on your shortlist, the Mahindra XEV 9S suits your requirements better. It's got a significantly better third row with more adjustability and space than you get on the XUV 7XO. Third row space and comfort will become more important as your kids grow. 

The fact that you can install a charger at home also eliminates a big hurdle to living with an EV. EVs typically don't hold their value as well as petrol or diesel cars, but you also have to factor in lower ownership and running costs over your usage. 

As for your concerns on the XUV 7XO, the petrol engine is tuned to run on ethanol blends and will not give issues. However, fuel economy is on the lower side. The diesel engine will not give issues provided care is taken as per the manufacturer's recommendations. 

Mahindra XEV9S

Mahindra XEV9S

Explore cars mentioned

Mahindra XEV 9S

Mahindra

XEV 9S

from ₹21.10 Lakh

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra

XUV 7XO

from ₹15.87 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

VR

Vrinda

•2d

Hi, I am thinking of purchasing the Mahindra XEV 9S due to the variety of features it offers. I am confused whether to buy an EV or the Innova HyCross, considering resale value in another 3 years.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•17h

While both brands are very popular, there's no doubt that Toyota has an edge over Mahindra when it comes to resale value. This is especially true of the Innova brand, which has made a strong name for itself with regard to reliability and longevity since its introduction in 2005, and that has passed on to the Innova HyCross strong hybrid as well.Moreover, given that electric cars have only been around a relatively short time and the longevity of their batteries is yet to be proven, there is uncertainty around them, and thus their resale value is generally lower than that of vehicles with an engine, which aren't solely dependent on their battery.So even after three years, the Innova will have a stronger resale value than the Mahindra XEV 9S. And yes, while the Mahindra has a long list of the latest features, the Toyota Innova HyCross in top-spec trim gets all the essentials and then some.

VehicleToyota Innova HyCross
VehicleMahindra XEV 9S
RI

Ritz

•4d

I am confused between Windsor EV (VFM) and XEV 9s (amazing driveability, feature-rich, and future-proof). My daily driving usage is low, around 300km per month, with occasional outstation trips (600kms once in every 3 to 4 months). I enjoy a good torque (acceleration) coming from a diesel world. When I did a test drive of Windsor, the acceleration was okay, but even in the lowest regen level setting, I felt a slight jerk. It makes sense from a VFM standpoint, but it felt like a compromise compared to XEV 9s.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1d

If you don't mind stretching your budget, the Mahindra XEV 9S is the one to buy. It's larger than the Windsor EV and offers the flexibility of a third row of seats. The XEV 9S is also packed with equipment. We aren't fans of the user interface, but it's still better than the MG Windsor.For someone switching from a diesel, the XEV 9S' biggest pull is its power. It's significantly more powerful than the Windsor EV, and acceleration is brisk in its sportiest driving mode.

VehicleMahindra XEV 9S
SA

Sandesh

•1d

Hi team, I want to buy a 7-seater car. Need advice between Toyota HyCross GX (O), Tata Safari or Mahindra 7XO.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•10h

You should go for the Toyota Innova HyCross GX (O) if you want a true 7-seater with the roomiest third row of seats. The HyCross's 2,850 mm wheelbase and flat floor make the third row friendlier for adults than the Tata Safari or the Mahindra XUV 7XO. Furthermore, it's backed up by Toyota’s proven reliability and hassle-free ownership in India.However, you will have to compromise when it comes to the powertrain. The Hycross' 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine isn't as punchy as the Tata Safari and XUV 7XO's turbocharged units, and real-world mileage is quite poor, as we managed 6.9kpl in the city and 12.4kpl on the highway. The Toyota also doesn't get a diesel engine option like the other two.If you prioritise performance and high-end features, either the Safari or the Mahindra XUV 7XO makes more sense. As for pricing, the Innova HyCross GX (O) is priced between Rs 20.43 lakh and Rs 20.56 lakh (ex-showroom).

VehicleToyota Innova HyCross
VehicleTata Safari
VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO

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Posted on: 24 Feb 2026