Autocar India
MK

Mohit Kakde

•4h

I currently own a first-generation Toyota Innova that has been with me since 2008 and has clocked around 2.75 lakh kilometres. Since it has served my family extremely well, I am now looking for an upgrade. Naturally, I am inclined towards the Toyota Innova Hycross because my priorities continue to be: Excellent space and family comfort Good ride quality and highway stability Reliability and long-term peace of mind A vehicle that is also enjoyable to drive personally My monthly running is quite high at around 9,000 km, with nearly 70% usage in Mumbai city traffic and 30% highway driving, mainly on the Mumbai–Satara route. My budget is around ₹26 lakh, which unfortunately does not comfortably accommodate the Hycross Hybrid variants. I have therefore also considered the non-hybrid Innova Hycross GX(O), but I am concerned about its fuel efficiency given my predominantly city usage. Would the non-hybrid Hycross still make sense for my usage pattern, or should I consider other SUVs or MPVs instead? I am open to both body styles, but I am not particularly inclined towards the Maruti Ertiga or Kia Carens since I want this purchase to feel like a genuine upgrade from my current Innova. Could you please suggest the best options considering comfort, fuel efficiency, reliability, driving experience, long-term ownership, and overall value?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•5m

Since your monthly usage is very high, we'd advise you to avoid the Toyota Innova Hycross NA petrol, as it isn't very fuel-efficient. You could consider the Maruti Invicto Zeta Plus hybrid. Maruti is offering substantial discounts on the car, and if you're lucky, it could even fall within your Rs 26 lakh budget. Being a badge-engineered version of the Toyota Innova Hycross, the Invicto is just as spacious, comfortable and efficient, and as a family car that'll be used for long distances, it is certainly one you must consider.

The Tata Safari Diesel is another capable, comfortable seven-seater to cover long distances with family. Compared to a Mahindra XUV 7XO, the Tata Sierra is more comfortable for the third row occupants, while still having slightly better boot space, hence it gets our vote.

Alternatively, have you considered an electric vehicle? The Mahindra XEV 9S is a great option, and will be very economical to run. Also, unlike the XUV 7XO, which gets a fixed middle row, the XEV 9S has an adjustable (sliding) middle bench to free up space for third row occupants. As far as power, range and charging times go, the XEV 9S is a very capable option. If you can arrange for home charging, this is one car you must seriously consider. 

Maruti Suzuki Invicto

Maruti Suzuki Invicto

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Tata Safari

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Maruti Suzuki Invicto

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from ₹29.75 Lakh

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AH

Aatish Hari

•5d

I'm upgrading from a 2021 Tata Safari adventure edition. I loved its looks, engine and middle row comfort. But, now I'm looking for a 7-seater car in the 40-50 lakh range (ex-showroom). The rear-most seats don't have to be very spacious, as I mostly fold them for boot space and occasionally carry a 6th passenger. I need a strong engine, good comfort for the first two rows and decently kitted out. A good speaker system is a must. I will use this car only for outstation trips. I prefer diesel cars with good road presence, but if other options are compelling, I will consider them too.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•5h

While your preference is for a diesel, we suggest you consider the Skoda Kodiaq, which is a petrol-only model. Its 2-litre turbo-petrol engine is strong and punchy, and the SUV's good high-speed stability makes it a great road trip car. The third row is tight on space, but this shouldn't be a deal breaker given your occasional use of the last row. With the last row down, the Kodiaq offers loads of room for luggage. The Kodiaq is also well kitted out, and you'll like the sound quality from the Canton sound system. Do note, fuel economy isn't great in town, but the Kodiaq returns reasonable numbers on highway drives. If a diesel is a must, the new MG Majestor is an option for you. It's a size or two larger than your Tata Safari and scores big for road presence. The large size also means the Majestor is big on space. Performance is good, and there are also loads of features packed in. The only question mark for now is the price, but we expect it to be within your budget.

VehicleSkoda Kodiaq
VehicleMG Majestor
VehicleTata Safari
VS

VK srivastava

•1w

My daily running is 100 km (50 km each way), 26 days a month. I have always driven Scorpio and XUV vehicles. I test drove the Punch and Nexon, but I felt there was a ventilation issue. I want an airy car, but I am also facing problems managing finances. Please suggest.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•7h

With 100 km a day, 26 days a month, and a Rs 15-20 lakh budget, consider the Kia Seltos diesel manual. The diesel will keep your running costs in check and feel a lot smoother than the old Scorpio. For someone used to bigger cars, the Seltos cabin will still feel comfortable and airy. The tall seats and large windows give a clear view out, and the air conditioning works very well, which you will appreciate.If the Seltos is stretching your budget, then consider the Sonet diesel instead. Its cabin isn’t as roomy, but the large vents mean that the AC cools the cabin very well.Overall, for your commute and budget, the Seltos lines up best.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleKia Sonet
RO

Rohit

•2w

Hi Autocar, I currently own a Santro and now want to upgrade to an SUV. My budget is around Rs 13 lakh. My monthly running is around 2,500 km, with about 1,500 km on expressways and the rest in the city. Kindly suggest which car I should buy.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•9h

With 2,500 km a month and most of it on the expressway, a diesel compact SUV fits you best for Rs 13 lakh. The Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Tata Nexon are models to consider.The new Hyundai Venue is a great all-rounder with a refined diesel engine, a fairly spacious cabin and an upmarket interior. However, the Venue is on the pricey side by segment standard, so you'll have to look at a mid-spec diesel-manual within your budget. If you can extend your budget, go for the diesel-automatic. The torque converter automatic transmission delivers a very premium drive experience.If rear space is not a high priority, the Kia Sonet is also a strong option. The model is due to be replaced in the coming months, so there's scope to haggle hard and get a great deal on the outgoing model. Despite being among the older models in the segment, it impresses with its high-quality interior, feature set and smooth diesel engine. Again, it's the diesel-automatic combo that we'd recommend you go for.The Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel suits long highway runs because of its strong diesel engine and confidence-inspiring high-speed manners. It's also a roomy car and packs in plenty of feel-good features for the money.

VehicleHyundai Venue
VehicleKia Sonet
VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO

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Mohammed Ashiq

•1w

I am planning to buy a new car mainly for long-distance travel comfort. Which would be the better option among the Elevate, Hyryder, and Citroen Aircross? My priorities are comfort, power, and performance.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•6d

Being a Fiat Punto Evo owner, you're likely to lean towards the Citroen Aircross for its outstanding ride-handling balance, overall comfort, and its strong turbo-petrol powertrain. Fundamentally, it is excellent, and with the new interiors and feature set, it does make you feel like you've spent your money well. The only downside and perhaps the biggest deal-breaker for many is that its sales and support network is limited, compared to other brands. But if you have a Citroen touchpoint close to you, this is a car you must surely consider.In comparison, the Honda Elevate will be a more conventional option. What's nice is that its ride quality and long-distance comfort are quite good too, and its 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol engine delivers strong performance.

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Gaurav Goel

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I am planning to buy my first EV, but I am confused between the BMW iX1 and BYD Sealion 7. Can you suggest which car is better in terms of comfort and technology?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•5d

The BMW iX1 is a solid luxury EV and does exactly what you would expect from the brand. It offers a premium cabin, good rear seat space and a polished ownership experience. But as an EV package, it feels more conservative and less exciting than the BYD.The Sealion 7 feels like the more ambitious product. The cabin technology is richer, the battery pack is significantly larger, the range is stronger, and overall, it feels like a more modern and more complete EV. In terms of sheer EV sophistication, it has the edge.On comfort, it depends on what you value. The BMW has the softer, more traditional luxury car ride, especially at lower speeds. The BYD feels more spacious and more special inside, but the ride is firmer over sharper bumps.

VehicleBMW iX1 LWB
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Dr Venkatesh C K

•6d

I am planning for a new car, the choice is between the Mahindra 7XO and the Toyota Hycross Hybrid. Which one is better?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•5d

These two serve very different needs, so the right answer depends on what matters more to you. If fuel efficiency, long-term practicality and genuine seven-seat comfort are your priorities, the Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid is the clear winner. It is vastly more efficient, the third row is actually usable for adults, and overall family comfort is on another level compared to the 7XO.However, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is the more value-packed and emotionally appealing choice. It is significantly more affordable for what it offers, feels more premium inside, and is much better equipped. If you want SUV presence, it delivers that in a way the Hycross simply does not. The petrol and diesel engines are both strong performers too.Where the Mahindra falls short is in practicality. The third row is cramped and really only works for very short journeys, and unlike the Hycross, you cannot slide the middle row to improve space at the back. Fuel efficiency, whether you choose the petrol or even the diesel, is also nowhere near the Hycross too.

VehicleToyota Innova HyCross
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Posted on: 28 May 2026