Autocar India
XY

Xyz

6w

I currently drive a Maruti Suzuki WagonR CNG and have covered almost 1.6 lakh km with it. Now I am planning to buy a new SUV for my family of five, with a budget of around ₹12-13 lakh. My main requirements are: Comfortable backseat for family members Petrol automatic transmission No sunroof Suitable for daily city driving and office commute, as well as occasional highway trips Good ride quality with smooth handling, adequate power, and easy drivability 360-degree camera Low maintenance cost I am looking for practical features and reliability rather than fancy or gimmicky features. Could you suggest a suitable SUV?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
6w

While there are quite a few options within your budget, the Mahindra XUV 3XO and Maruti Suzuki Brezza come closest to meeting your requirements. 

The Mahindra XUV 3XO offers comfortable seating at the back and does well to offer the safety of a rear centre headrest. The XUV 3XO's turbo-petrol engine also delivers class-best power, and you really experience the performance advantage out on highway drives. There's also a tough feel to the XUV 3XO backed by an absorbent suspension. You could stretch a bit and get the AX5 that packs in reasonable features for the money. However, a 360-degree camera is not part of the package. 

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is a more level-headed choice. Power and performance are significantly down on the XUV 3XO. The Brezza is more about an easy-going drive experience. Ride comfort is a highlight, and the well-cushioned seats are very comfortable too. Like the XUV 3XO, the Brezza is among the few compact SUVs that are comfortable for five passengers. The Brezza will prove to be more fuel-efficient than the Mahindra, though. There's also the hassle-free ownership experience that you get with buying a Maruti. The ZXI is worth a look, but again, misses the 360-degree camera you need. 

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Mahindra XUV 3XO

More questions on similar cars

AK

Altaf K Lokhandwala

3d

I have been using a Maruti Wagon R AMT for the past 8 years and am now planning to upgrade. My monthly driving is around 1,000 km, with a mix of 50% city and 50% highway usage, along with three long trips annually of around 1,000 km each. My budget is around ₹12 lakh (on-road).

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

Consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza as your first choice. It is the most sensible upgrade from your Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, giving you better comfort, highway stability and a higher seating position without increasing ownership stress.With your 1000 km monthly running and a 50:50 city highway mix, you need a car that is easy in traffic but also feels stable and relaxed on highways. The Brezza does this well. It is smooth to drive, comfortable over long distances and simple to live with, which makes it a big step up from your current car.If you want something more fun to drive, the Mahindra XUV 3XO or Skoda Kylaq are good alternatives. They feel quicker and more engaging, especially on highways, but are not as easy-going in everyday ownership.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Wagon R
VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleSkoda Kylaq
RA

Raja

2d

Hi Autocar Team, I am considering buying a compact SUV in the ₹12 lakh price range and would appreciate your expert advice. I have shortlisted the Hyundai Venue HX5 Plus, Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5, and Tata Nexon (petrol variants). My usage includes regular local driving of around 50–60 km, along with highway trips of approximately 1,500 km every 4-5 months. Could you please share how these models compare in terms of value for money, features, performance, and overall suitability for my usage? Thank you for your guidance.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 variant. It offers the best balance of performance, space and features in this price range. The turbo petrol engine feels the strongest, especially on highways where the extra punch makes overtakes easier, and it also has the most spacious and comfortable rear seat compared to the Tata Nexon and Hyundai Venue. At the same time, it is well equipped, so you are not missing out on key features.Two things to keep in mind with the 3XO. The boot is the smallest among the three, so check your luggage needs, and fuel efficiency is not its strongest point.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleTata Nexon
VehicleHyundai Venue
JA

Jai

2d

My family consists of five adults: myself, my wife, my parents, and my brother. I currently live in a different state, while my family stays in my hometown, and I visit them once every two months. During those visits, all five of us travel together, and in the next couple of years, our family size may increase to six members after my brother’s marriage. Our usage will be minimal, around 300 km per month, mostly on highways during occasional trips. I prefer an SUV-like driving position with good visibility of the bonnet. I am confused whether I should opt for a 5-seater or a 7-seater. If going for a 7-seater, I am considering the Maruti Ertiga VXI. If a 5-seater is more practical, I would like suggestions based on reliability, mileage, safety, rear seat comfort for three adults, and resale value. My budget is ₹12 lakh, and I prefer a petrol manual car with a long ownership period of around 10 years.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

Your usage pattern is unique. You drive only occasionally but always with the full family, and in the near future, your family will grow to 6 members. A 5 seater will feel fine today, but it will become a limitation very quickly, especially for highway trips where comfort matters most.The Maruti Ertiga VXi works perfectly here. It is a proper 7 seater with usable third row space, good comfort for all passengers and a relaxed driving nature for highways. It is also known for good mileage, low maintenance and strong resale, which is important since you plan to keep the car for 10 years. The petrol engine is simple and proven, and even supports E20 fuel, so it is future-ready as well.Most importantly, it solves your core problem. You get a car where all family members can travel together comfortably, without compromise.If you go for a 5-seater instead, options like the Maruti Brezza or similar SUVs will give you a better front seat experience, and that SUV bonnet view you like, but for 3 adults at the rear, it will always feel tight, especially on longer trips. And once your family becomes 6 members, it simply will not work.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Ertiga
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza

Posted on: 8 Mar 2026