Hi Autocar Team, Reposting this query as the earlier message may not have reached you. Have been following your blogs and YouTube videos for quite some time now, and really admire the depth of analysis and practical insights in your reviews. Currently driving a Honda Brio and absolutely love the car for city use. However, a few limitations have started becoming more noticeable over time. Frequent trips to Konkan mean dealing with rough roads, large potholes, and tall speed breakers, which often result in the underbody scraping. Rear seat comfort during hot weather is another concern, especially because of the absence of rear AC vents. Planning to upgrade to an SUV that would be better suited for both daily commuting and highway trips. Family consists of five adults, and at 6'2" with a larger build, spacious seating and overall comfort are quite important. Budget is around ₹12 lakh and can be stretched slightly for the right option. Key priorities are: Strong safety credentials, Comfortable driver seat with good ergonomics, Spacious and comfortable rear seat, Good ground clearance for bad roads and ghat sections, Adequate boot space for 3–4 days of luggage, Reasonable maintenance and running costs Usage pattern includes a daily 20 km commute in heavy city traffic, along with occasional weekend trips of around 300 km round-trip. Would really appreciate your recommendation on the most suitable SUV in this budget.

Autocar India

•4h

Its hard to recommend a specific car without knowing a few more specifics like importance of rear space, who will drive it, etc. However, if you are looking at an all rounder we would suggest the Kia Seltos. The new second generation car has grown larger and more room inside, including at the rear, where the previous car was not as spacious. Since your running does not seem very high we would recommend the 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol coupled to the automatic gearbox. The autobox is a CVT but is does not have a prominent 'rubber band effect' - where revs rise faster than the corresponding speed increase and in fact, it is quite enjoyable when driven at regular speeds in the city. On the highway too, its just fine and the handling at higher speeds is very secure and stable and the car tracks straight and level even on less-than-perfect surfaces. As typical of Kia, the Seltos is also very well equipped and at your budget, you would get a decently specced mid-level variant.

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•9h

Pick the Kia Seltos 1.5 turbo petrol. It gives you one of the strongest engines in this budget, a genuinely roomy cabin, and the slickest infotainment system for the money.The 150hp, turbo motor is quick when you want it, and it feels relaxed at 100-120kph, so city dashes and highway runs feel easy. The dual-clutch automatic suits city driving, while the manual feels light and easy. Inside, space is generous for a family of four plus luggage, the seats are supportive, and the boot is big enough for airport runs. The screen layout feels modern, the camera quality is clear, and smartphone integration is seamless.One thing to know is that the ride is a bit firm at low speeds on higher trims with the large alloys, and in many cities, the top variants will push past Rs. 20 lakh on-road. Mid trims still cover the essentials.

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•3h

Go for the Kia Seltos HTK(O) diesel automatic. With 80 km daily in mixed traffic, the Seltos will be easier to drive and park than the Harrier, and it will be more fuel efficient too, owing to the Harrier’s bigger engine and weight. Coming from a Grand i10, the Seltos feels like a natural step up without feeling too bulky or large, and the Kia's cabin feels more premium too. The Harrier Pure X automatic is the tougher, larger SUV and feels more relaxed on long, fast runs and broken roads. If you often carry five adults or do lots of highway cruising, it will feel like the better fit.

Kia Seltos

Tata Harrier