I’m looking for a diesel SUV and am torn between the Force Gurkha, Tata Safari, and Scorpio N. It will be my second car, mainly for highway trips and some city driving. Which one should I choose?

Autocar India

•17w

Out of the three options, the Tata Safari is the one to go for, for its excellent ride comfort, both on the highway and in urban conditions. It feels tough, and flattens bad roads very nicely.

Moreover, it is more comfortable in all three rows than the Mahindra Scorpio N. Tata's 2.0-litre diesel engine is punchy, although the Mahindra car has an edge in terms of refinement.

The Force Gurkha is the most rugged of the three, and the most capable off-road. But since you want a car for on-road driving, it is also the least comfortable, feels utilitarian, its diesel engine lacks performance, and there is a lot more body roll than the other two cars.

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Tata

Safari

from ₹15.44 Lakh

Mahindra

Scorpio N

from ₹15.64 Lakh

More questions on similar cars

AMAR

•4d

I live in Andhra Pradesh, and most of my driving is on quarry roads and double-lane roads. I drive nearly 5,000 km per month. Please suggest a 7-seater SUV, MPV, or EV with captain seats within a budget of ₹30-40 lakh.

Autocar India

•1h

Your usage and requirements point to a tough yet comfortable diesel SUV with lots of space. In that use, the Tata Safari 6-seat diesel automatic Accomplished X+ fits you best. It rides comfortably on broken surfaces, feels steady at highway speeds, and the captain seats in the middle row are wide and easy to get in and out of, which matters when you are in the car for hours every day. They're also widely adjustable and even ventilated, which is a bonus. The diesel with an automatic gearbox means less effort in slow stretches and relaxed cruising between towns, and diesel makes sense for your monthly distance.Know the trade-offs. With all three rows up, boot space is tight, so plan for a roof carrier if you carry a lot of luggage, and Tata's aftersales and service network isn't quite as good as some other brands. If you are fine with a manual, the Toyota Innova Crysta 7-seat diesel remains a great long-term workhorse and is very reliable too. However, it's not as comfortable or well equipped as the Tata Safari.As for EVs, your two options are the Vinfast VF MP7 and the BYD eMax7. However, due to their long wheelbases, slightly lower ground clearances and underbody battery packs, we'd recommend sticking to an ICE MPV for your usage on rough roads and quarries. Additionally, their dealership and after-sales networks are still limited compared to Tata and Toyota.

Humcha

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

•1d

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.

Huzaifa mulla

Hi Team Autocar, currently I am driving a Volkswagen Vento diesel 2014 model and have driven 2.2 lakh km. I am now planning to buy a 7-seater because we are a family of six (3 adults and 3 children, all under 8 years). My driving is 50% city and 50% highway, as I live in a rural area. I am considering the XUV 7XO diesel automatic AX7L. Please let me know if I should go for it or consider any other big-size, proper SUV. My budget is ₹30 lakh but I can stretch it slightly beyond this if needed.

Autocar India

•1d

With a family of six, a 50:50 mix of city and highway use, and some rural roads in the mix, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic is a good choice. It rides well on rough roads, has good cabin space, and fits your budget well.The diesel has strong pull at low speeds, so it moves easily with a full load and makes safe passes on two-lane highways. The layout works for your family since the second row is roomy, and the third row is fine for your young kids.There are trade-offs as well. With all three rows up, the boot is small, so you will need to plan luggage. The third row is also more cramped than the Tata Safari, which is worth considering if you plan to seat adults there.If you regularly deal with very rough rural roads, then the ladder-frame Scorpio N is an alternative, but you will be compromising on-road dynamics, interior space, and features. Overall, for your use, the Mahindra car is a great choice.

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Scorpio N

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