I want to buy an SUV now with an on-road budget of ₹25-27 lakh. My monthly run is 1,200-1,500 km, mostly in the city (70%) and 30% highway. I would like an SUV that is sometimes a 6-7 seater, but 5 seats are okay, and high ground clearance is a must. What would you recommend?

Autocar India

•9h

You can consider the Mahindra XUV 7XO, which is a very comfortable, luxurious and feature-packed SUV under Rs 30 lakh. Performance is strong, transmissions are smooth, and ride quality feels plush, too.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Autocar India

•8h

You should go for the Toyota Innova HyCross GX (O) if you want a true 7-seater with the roomiest third row of seats. The HyCross's 2,850 mm wheelbase and flat floor make the third row friendlier for adults than the Tata Safari or the Mahindra XUV 7XO. Furthermore, it's backed up by Toyota’s proven reliability and hassle-free ownership in India.However, you will have to compromise when it comes to the powertrain. The Hycross' 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine isn't as punchy as the Tata Safari and XUV 7XO's turbocharged units, and real-world mileage is quite poor, as we managed 6.9kpl in the city and 12.4kpl on the highway. The Toyota also doesn't get a diesel engine option like the other two.If you prioritise performance and high-end features, either the Safari or the Mahindra XUV 7XO makes more sense. As for pricing, the Innova HyCross GX (O) is priced between Rs 20.43 lakh and Rs 20.56 lakh (ex-showroom).

Toyota Innova HyCross

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Autocar India

•10h

Between the two, the Tata Safari works slightly better as a family-oriented seven-seater. Its second row can slide forward and backwards, which helps create more legroom for passengers sitting in the third row. This flexibility makes the last row easier to use for adults on longer journeys.The Mahindra XUV 7XO, on the other hand, offers stronger performance and more features, especially in the higher variants. It is a nicer car to drive with stronger performance, but the third row is better suited to children or shorter journeys compared to the Safari.If your priority is maximum comfort for all passengers and better third-row usability, the Safari Accomplished+ diesel automatic is the better choice. If you prefer stronger performance and more tech features, the XUV 7XO AX7L diesel automatic is the one to consider.

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO