Autocar India
•13w

I am considering the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 DSG, Renault Duster 1.3 DCT, and Honda Elevate. My usage is mostly city (70:30). I am unsure about DSG and DCT reliability, rear seat comfort, and long-term maintenance. I enjoy driving and prefer a driver-oriented car with a good music system. Please advise.

Verified
•12w
From your shortlist, there isn’t one SUV that perfectly ticks every box. If driving enjoyment is a priority, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI stands out. Its quick-shifting DSG, strong mid-range performance and sharp, agile handling make it the most engaging and driver-focused of the three. It also offers one of the best audio setups in the segment, with an 8-speaker system, subwoofer and amplifier delivering rich and punchy sound.
On the reliability front, the 7-speed DSG has improved over time, but it’s still not as inherently robust or smooth in stop-and-go city use as Honda’s CVT. The Elevate, in contrast, is the easiest-going and fuss-free option here. It offers significantly better rear-seat space and comfort, along with Honda’s strong reputation for long-term reliability. However, it’s not particularly exciting to drive.
The Renault Duster 1.3 DCT sits somewhere in between. Its turbo-petrol engine is strong and refined, but the car itself isn’t as sharp or driver-oriented as the Kushaq. Rear-seat space is also not its strong suit, and overall, it doesn’t quite stand out in any one area.
So broadly, Kushaq for driving fun and audio, Elevate for space and peace of mind, and Duster as a middle-ground option.
Skoda Kushaq

Skoda Kushaq

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Skoda Kushaq

Skoda

Kushaq

from ₹12.62 Lakh

Honda Elevate

Honda

Elevate

from ₹13.69 Lakh

Renault Duster

Renault

Duster

from ₹12.38 Lakh

•12w

Try the Citroen AircrossX or Basalt X also. Fund to drive, good space and very good suspension.

•11w

Inferior interior quality

•11w

Only suspension is good rest no performance or premium interiors

•11w

I am planning to buy a premium SUV with a petrol engine and automatic transmission within a budget of ₹14-18 lakh. I am looking for a car that offers a premium feel, good comfort, and respectable fuel efficiency for daily use and occasional long drives. Could you please suggest the best options in this price range and advise which would be the most suitable choice?

•11w

Maruti xl6

•11w

I'm looking for SUV for 70:30 highway and City travel, can you suggest one reliable SUV with safety economy comfortable for 3 people in rear seatand low maintenance

•11w

Xuv3x0

•11w

Go for elevate... Without any hesitation... In city traffic and stop go situation honda cvt is smoothest... Skoda kushaq is super fun to drive but expensive maintainance and low average in city stop go traffic.

•11w

Which is the best suv to buy

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More questions on similar cars

•1d

Is the Toyota Hyryder Hybrid a good choice in 2026 compared to other cars available at the same price point?

Verified
•21h

Yes, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid will still be a very good choice in 2026, but it is important to understand what you are getting. The Hyryder Hybrid is not about outright performance or the latest tech features. Its biggest strength is its hybrid system, which delivers excellent fuel efficiency, especially in city driving. Toyota’s hybrid technology is proven and reliable, and the car is engineered for long-term ownership with low running costs and strong reliability.That said, the Hyryder Hybrid is not the most exciting car to drive, and it is not the most feature-rich option in the segment. If you are looking for a more engaging driving experience, something like the Skoda Kushaq or Volkswagen Taigun would be a better fit. If you want a more premium cabin and a richer feature list, the Kia Seltos or Tata Sierra are stronger contenders.Ultimately, the Hyryder Hybrid remains a sensible and dependable choice in 2026, particularly if your priority is fuel efficiency, reliability and low running costs. If those are your priorities, the Toyota car is still one of the best options in the segment. If you are looking for excitement or luxury, there are better alternatives at the same price point.

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•1d

I have a 2017 Hyundai i20 Asta diesel. My average daily running is 30 to 50 km. My vehicle is in good condition, although it requires regular maintenance and some repairs. I occasionally drive on highways and hilly roads (Jammu to Srinagar, Kashmir). Should I replace my vehicle or continue using it? If I should replace it, please suggest a suitable option. My budget is around Rs. 25 lakh.

Verified
•23h

With a 2017 i20 diesel Asta that is still running fine, the decision to upgrade should be driven by ownership costs and reliability rather than age. At 30-50 km a day with occasional highway and hilly road use, your diesel is still well suited to your usage, but if maintenance and repairs are starting to add up, it may be time to consider a change.With a budget of Rs. 25 lakh, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI is a strong recommendation. It offers a punchy turbo petrol engine that is well suited to hilly terrain, a solid build and a genuinely enjoyable driving experience. The Skoda car is also a good size upgrade from the i20, offering more space and ground clearance without being unwieldy.If you are looking for something more comfort-oriented, the Tata Sierra is worth considering. It offers a spacious cabin, a comfortable ride and a premium feel, making it a great long-distance tourer. The turbo petrol engine is strong, but it does not have the same long-term ownership track record as the Skoda.If you are happy with your i20 and maintenance costs are still manageable, there is no urgent need to upgrade. But if repairs are becoming frequent, the Kushaq 1.5 TSI is the best fit for your usage and budget.

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•2d

Dear Autocar India Team, I need your advice on choosing a new car for my father, who is 65 years old. Our current car is a 2013 Maruti Dzire. The new car will be used mostly in a rural town in Kerala, with occasional city driving and 2-3 airport trips each year. Our requirements include a reliable, fuel efficient and spacious 5-seator petrol automatic car with good boot space that is comfortable for senior citizens under 18 lakhs (I can stretch it up to 20 lakh). The car should be easy to maintain for long-term ownership. I am looking for a car of major brand that has service centres within 15km. I am considering Honda Elevate, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Toyota Hyryder, Škoda Kushaq, Tata Sierra and Volkswagen Tiguan. Which one would you recommend, and are there any other better options in this budget? Thank you for your advice.

Verified
•1d

For your father, the Kia Seltos IVT is a solid choice. The naturally aspirated engine and IVT auto combo deliver a smooth, calm driving experience, the cabin is spacious and the large boot will accommodate your airport runs. It is a sensible and stress-free choice for long-term ownership.Alternatively, look at the Honda Elevate. The naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the CVT is smooth, reliable and easy to drive. The car is also spacious enough for five adults and has a decent boot for airport runs. Honda's reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs makes it a safe bet for ownership beyond five years.If fuel efficiency is a priority, then the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is worth considering, though the cabin will feel tighter than the above two.Overall, choose between the Seltos and the Elevate for the most stress-free ownership experience for your father.

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Popular discussions right now

•2d

I want to buy a low-maintenance car for my father, who is 65 years old. My budget is around 15 lakh. His daily commute is around 30-40km, and he also visits our farm 7-8 times a month. Which car would you recommend?

Verified
•1d

For your father, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza petrol automatic is the most sensible recommendation. At 65, ease of use, reliability and low maintenance are far more important than outright performance or flashy features. The Brezza’s naturally aspirated petrol engine is simple, proven and well-suited to a 30-40 km daily commute, while the automatic gearbox makes city driving effortless. Maruti’s service network is the best in the country, which means low running costs and peace of mind over the long term.This Maruti Suzuki car also has enough ground clearance and a robust suspension setup to handle occasional farm visits without any fuss. It is not the most exciting car in the segment, but it is comfortable, easy to drive and built for hassle-free ownership. At Rs 15 lakh, it is one of the most dependable choices you can make for your father. Since the Brezza facelift is just around the corner, you can wait for that or try to get a good deal on the outgoing model.

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•6d

I currently own a Toyota Innova Crysta 2.8 ZX Variant AT, which has covered 55,000 km and has been an absolute peace of mind. I am now planning to upgrade my vehicle with a budget of around Rs. 30 lakh. Which car would you recommend?

Verified
•4d

If you have enjoyed 55,000 km of trouble-free ownership with the Innova Crysta, the most logical upgrade is the Toyota Innova HyCross. It retains the core strengths of the Crysta - reliability, comfort and Toyota's experience - while offering a genuinely meaningful step up in refinement, technology and efficiency. The Toyota Cars hybrid powertrain is particularly well-suited to Indian conditions, delivering strong fuel economy in the city and a smooth, effortless driving experience on the highway. The cabin is a significant upgrade over the Crysta, with a more modern layout, better materials and a more premium feel overall. The only caveat is that the HyCross does not offer the same diesel torque as the 2.8, so if you are a very heavy highway user who values that diesel punch, you may want to consider the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel as an alternative. However, for most owners, the HyCross represents the best balance of reliability, comfort and long-term peace of mind.

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•1w

Hi, I live in Ahmedabad. My daily travel is around 85 km. I already own a Maruti Suzuki Baleno and a Hyundai Accent. My budget is Rs. 25-27 lakh. Kindly suggest a few good options.

Verified
•2d

With a daily commute of 85 km, your running is very high, so fuel efficiency and running costs become the most important factor. At the same time, you already own a Baleno and an Accent, so this car should feel like a meaningful upgrade in terms of comfort, space and overall ownership experience.The best option for your usage is the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid. The hybrid system delivers excellent fuel efficiency in city and highway conditions, and the petrol engine ensures long-term reliability and low maintenance costs. The Victoris is also a very comfortable and spacious car, making it well-suited for long daily commutes. The hybrid system of the Maruti Suzuki car is particularly effective in stop-and-go traffic, where it can significantly reduce fuel consumption.If you are open to diesel, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel is also a strong option. It is a larger and more powerful SUV with excellent highway performance and a comfortable ride.Overall, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid is the best fit for your needs. It offers the right balance of fuel efficiency, comfort, reliability and ownership experience for a high-mileage daily commuter.

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Posted on: 25 Apr 2026