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Santhosh Mahadevan

•2w

Hi, I am planning to buy a car for our family, which will be primarily used by my dad and occasionally by me as well. Currently, he drives a Maruti Ciaz diesel. The plan was to go for an SUV with a budget of ₹18-21 lakh. We were thinking of the Hyundai Creta Diesel Automatic or the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid. Alternatively, we also had the new Kia Seltos and new XUV700 in mind, given their price range. His main priorities are: Smooth driving experience (including smooth suspension) Very good rear seat space (including legroom - as the Ciaz offers very good space) Good luggage space Decent mileage (13-15 km/l in city and 18-20 km/l on highways) Low maintenance and minimal headaches for 5-6 years Considering these, can you guide us on which could be the best option and the specific model we should go for? The expected driving range would be more than 500 km per month.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2w

If you want very good legroom that matches the Honda Ciaz and a smooth driving experience, the Mahindra XUV 7XO 2.2 diesel AT is a good choice. Mahindra has upgraded the rear suspension, and the ride quality and handling have improved significantly. 

Rear seat space is excellent, and luggage space is very good, especially with the third row folded down. The trade-off is that the 7XO is a big, heavy SUV. It doesn’t feel as nimble in city traffic and tight parking, and it isn’t very efficient compared to the other options.

If fuel efficiency is a higher priority for you, then the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara strong hybrid (or its mechanically similar cousin, the Victoris hybrid) will give you much better economy. It delivers smooth performance, easy city driving and the efficiency figures you’re aiming for. 

The Hyundai Creta diesel AT is also a solid, more efficient choice than the 7XO, with a comfortable ride and easy usability in town traffic.

After the Ciaz, you’ll likely feel most at home in the 7XO because of the space and comfort it offers. But if you prefer better efficiency and a slightly smaller, easier-to-live-with package, the Grand Vitara hybrid or the Creta diesel automatic are both good alternatives within your budget.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Explore cars mentioned

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra

XUV 7XO

from ₹15.87 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki

Grand Vitara

from ₹12.54 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Maruti Suzuki

Victoris

from ₹12.23 Lakh

Hyundai Creta

Hyundai

Creta

from ₹12.56 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

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Anant Sheopuri

•3d

I am planning to upgrade from a Maruti Suzuki Ertiga to a new three-row SUV mainly for city driving. The Tata Safari Adventure X petrol AT does not have a dedicated third-row AC unit. Will this affect cooling for third-row passengers in Mumbai’s heat during daily use? I am also considering the MG Hector Plus Savvy Pro AT and the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 petrol AT. Which would be the better choice among these?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•17h

Out of the three mentioned above, the Mahindra XUV 7XO would be the better choice. It is a lot more refined, plush and sorted overall and feels worth the money you pay. The engine is powerful, silent, and the gearbox works well in the city as well. The tech is new-age, and it feels futureproof. However, the third row, despite getting AC vents, isn't the best in terms of space and comfort. The middle row cannot slide ahead, and that restricts room in the last row. Coming from an Ertiga, you will feel the space crunch in the 7XO and even the Hector Plus or the Tata Safari. If the third row is frequently used, the Kia Carens Clavis is the right choice as it has proper space in the third row and is quite practical. It isn't as fast or powerful as the others, but it has enough punch and is almost equally packed with features. Being lighter than the bigger SUVs, it is also easy to drive around the city, and it has a smooth DCT gearbox. If third row space is not critical, then we would recommend the XUV 7XO, but if you want space in the last row, the Clavis would be ideal.

VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
VehicleKia Carens Clavis
NA

Nano

•4d

I am confused between the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX5 and Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 variants, as I prefer practicality over extra features. Alternatively, should I consider waiting for the Tata Sierra?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•19h

If you don't mind the additional spend, we'd recommend the Mahindra XUV 7XO in AX7 trim. Elements like its larger 18-inch alloy wheels and leatherette upholstery add greatly to the look and feel of things. While auto climate control, a 540-degree camera and front parking sensors are features you will appreciate every day. The Tata Sierra is not a like-for-like alternative to the Mahindra 7XO. The 7XO is larger, more powerful and also offers three rows of seating.Further, the 7XO is slightly pricier, too. Within Tata's range, the Tata Safari is an alternative to the 7XO.

VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
VehicleTata Sierra
VehicleTata Safari
SP

Sarsoh Patel

•4d

I am confused between the Mahindra XUV700 and the Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid. My daily running is around 60 km, mostly within the city. However, I usually travel against traffic, so I generally get a relatively free run and can maintain a good average speed unless it’s an unusually bad day. Another factor I am considering is the government’s long-term policy on petrol and diesel vehicles, especially with increasing focus on pollution control and stricter emission norms.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1d

If you regularly travel with six or seven adults, then the Toyota Innova Hycross hybrid certainly has an edge due to its more spacious cabin. The Toyota will also be a lot more efficient too, thus your fuel bills will be in check. On the other hand, if the third row will be used only occasionally, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is the better car to drive. Its diesel-automatic combination is smooth, refined and delivers punchy performance. Also, the top-spec XUV diesel-automatic is much more affordable than a Hycross hybrid, making the Mahindra good value too.

VehicleToyota Innova HyCross
VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO

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Posted on: 26 Feb 2026