My dad wants a big SUV feel with status but under 20 lakh. He likes the Scorpio N, but I feel it will get outdated soon. We tried the Tata Sierra and Kia Caren but are still confused. We want good mileage and a full automatic. Our current car is a Kia Sonet, so driving should be on par or better.

Autocar India

•1d

Pick the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 petrol manual. Your driving is mostly highway and you plan to keep it 10-12 years, and this one feels the most relaxed and secure at speed, with a comfy second row and a big, usable boot when the third row is folded. The performance, refinement and reliability of the engine is also very good but the only downside is a low fuel economy, single digits or low double digit figures if you are careful. But since your driving is low this should not be a big issue. The XUV 7XO is E20-ready, as are the others, so your ethanol worry for the next decade is largely covered. If blends rise beyond E20 later, expect a small drop in economy across all petrol rather than a single clear loser. Between the rest, the Tata Safari would be an option, as it too offers a very good ride quality and stability at speed is good. The third row is also more comfortable but this would not be an advantage for you given that it would remain a luggage area only. As for the Scorpio N, it is tough but heavy and bouncy on long highway runs and noticeably thirstier; it suits rough roads more than long fast cruises. The Alcazar is easier to drive in the city and will use less fuel, but it is narrower, and it does not feel as planted or as reassuring as the Mahindra or the Tata on long highways.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari

Mahindra Scorpio N

Hyundai Alcazar

Autocar India

•1d

Get the Mahindra Scorpio N 4x4 because it’s the best mix of real off-road ability and 7-seat family use without having to spend Fortuner money. It has a proper 4x4 system with low range, so steep climbs, rocks and slush are not a worry, yet the ride is comfy enough for daily runs and long trips with family. Coming from a Swift, you will find it easier to live with than the Toyota Fortuner, thanks to lighter controls and a friendlier size in the city.However, the third row is fine for kids or short adults, and the boot is very small with all seats up. Also, there is some noticeable body roll, and the diesel does get noisy when revved hard. If you truly want the toughest 7-seater that can take abuse and don’t mind a stiff ride or a much higher price, the Toyota Fortuner 4x4 is the one. However, for value, family comfort and off-road ability, the Scorpio N 4x4 is the sweet spot.

Mahindra Scorpio N

Toyota Fortuner

Autocar India

•22h

Skoda Kylaq is the better family automatic, mainly because it gives you a bit more cabin and boot space and a calmer ride over bad roads. It feels more secure at highway speeds with a full load, and its turbo engine with the automatic pulls cleanly, so hills and quick overtakes are easy even with the AC on. The petrol Kylaq automatic uses a torque convertor gearbox which is also smoother than the dual clutch unit on the Sonet so it would fare better in city traffic. Kia Sonet makes sense if you want more features and need Kia’s service reach which is wider. For weekend trips with four on board it will do the job too, but rear seat width and long-journey comfort are not its strong points and within a year it will get a major update, thus buying it now would not be ideal.

Skoda Kylaq

Kia Sonet