I’m looking for a 6/7-seater vehicle for mainly city use with occasional long journeys. My priority is ultimate comfort for the driver and rear passengers. My budget is up to ₹40 lakh — which model gives the best value for money?

Autocar India

•23h

For your very specific use case, we would actually stick with the Innova Hycross VX rather than switch to the Mahindra XEV 9e.The reason is simple. You are almost entirely chauffeur-driven, value second row comfort, want a no-nonsense premium family car and do not care for gadgetry for its own sake. That is exactly where the Hycross plays to its strengths. The second row comfort and sheer sense of space in the Hycross is simply better, especially since you have consciously chosen the VX to avoid gimmicks while keeping the practical bits that matter. The XEV 9e is an impressive EV, but its fixed rear bench and lower knee room make it less ideal for a chauffeur-driven owner who will spend meaningful time in the back.On the fuel and ethanol concern, we would not let that drive the decision. The Hycross hybrid is already very efficient for a vehicle of its size, and while E25/E30 discussions are ongoing, any move beyond current blends will be gradual. Beyond a certain threshold, proper flex fuel solutions and lower blend availability for existing cars would need to coexist. We would not cancel a purchase decision around a hypothetical future policy shift.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Mahindra XEV 9e

Autocar India

•1h

The Kia Carens Clavis is the best 7-seat MPV within Rs 18 lakh. It's a very practical model with highlights being easy access to its third row (thanks to a one-touch tumble fold seat) and multi-way adjustable middle row. This option to slide the middle row back and forth helps balance space for passengers across the cabin. The Carens Clavis' third row is usable even for adults, which makes the Kia well-suited for anyone with genuine use for seven seats.Your budget is sufficient for all three engine options, namely a 1.5-litre petrol, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. The standard 1.5 petrol offers fair performance and is a good pick if you'll be spending the bulk of your time in town. If you want more performance, opt for the 1.5 turbo-petrol. It feels strongest and is best if you drive on the highway often with a full load of passengers. On the flipside, fuel economy is least. The diesel is pleasant and scores well for fuel efficiency. However, it's fine for gentle cruising but isn't punchy. Opt for the right engine for your needs and then close on the variant that fits within your budget.

Kia Carens Clavis

Autocar India

•2h

Hyundai hasn’t announced a date for the updated Creta yet, but we expect a late 2026-early 2027 launch. Camouflaged test car sightings on public roads mean the vehicle is in final testing. A reveal around late this year is possible, and November-December is a fair estimate. Do keep a small buffer in mind, though: big launches sometimes slip to early next year to align production and dealer stock, so January could also happen.Do stay tuned to Autocar India for the latest on the next-gen Hyundai Creta!