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Delhi
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Mudit Varshney

11w

I am looking for a petrol 7-seater and am considering the Tata Safari and the Skoda Kodiaq. My objective is to buy the best value-for-money car. My overall driving will be mostly on highways and nearby areas of Delhi NCT, with city driving only for short distances on weekends, contributing about 25-30% of total driving. So far, my average annual driving has been limited to around 8,000 km.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
10w

Yes, the Tata Safari petrol is a good option to consider. The 170hp petrol engine is smooth and punchy, making it a lovely car to drive. 

However, if you have the budget to opt for the Skoda Kodiaq, then, quite frankly, the Safari petrol, other than a much more spacious third row, can’t match the Kodiaq, which is in a different class altogether. 

It is better engineered, has a quality feel and is superbly equipped. Also, for your driving, which is mainly on weekends and on highways, where there is less traffic, you can really enjoy the Kodiaq, which is a perfect car. The only compromise you will have to make is with the third row, which is best for kids.
 

Tata Safari

Tata Safari

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Latest questions people are discussing

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Nano

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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

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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.

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Aditya

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Dear Autocar Team, I am planning to purchase a 7-seater SUV and would greatly appreciate your expert guidance in selecting the right vehicle. My daily running is approximately 40 km, and my key requirements are: Excellent overall comfort, especially for long drives A third row that is genuinely comfortable for adults Good road presence and premium looks that match societal standards Strong fuel efficiency and reasonable running costs Good value for money My budget is around ₹35 lakh, but I can stretch it up to ₹50 lakh if the vehicle justifies the price in terms of comfort, features, and overall experience. If most SUVs in this segment do not offer a truly comfortable third row for adults, I would appreciate your recommendation on which model provides the maximum usable third-row space. Looking forward to your expert advice.

Autocar India team

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Verified
21h

Unfortunately, these days there is something of a void in the Rs 30-40 lakh price bracket, with all the models that existed here having either moved into a higher price range or been discontinued altogether. At the lower end of things, you could consider the Tata Safari, which is spacious, well-equipped, and crucially, very comfortable for all passengers. Its 2.0-litre diesel engine is a little noisy, but it is strong and efficient if driven carefully. At the other end of the spectrum, in the Rs 50 lakh range, is the MG Gloster. It is soon to be succeeded by the MG Majestor, but even the outgoing car is big on space, comfort and luxury, with a third row that's genuinely usable. It too has a strong 2.0-litre diesel engine that provides effortless torque to move this large vehicle.

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Faizan

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I am planning to buy a car for my family of 6. I am not very sure which car I should go with, but I have explored a couple of options. As I am looking to buy a car with good looks and power, I resonate with the Tata Safari and Mahindra XUV700. Do you have any better options? Also, I don’t mind buying it second-hand too. Please help.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
23h

From a pure six-seater comfort point of view, the Tata Safari is the better option. It offers a more comfortable third row, and thanks to the sliding middle row, you get more flexibility to create additional legroom and knee room for passengers sitting in the back.The XUV700’s third row is more suitable for children, and that too mainly for shorter journeys. This limitation remains even if you look at the used examples of the earlier versions.If you want an even better six-seater in terms of overall comfort, you can also consider the Toyota Innova HyCross. It offers a full-size third row and is comfortable enough even for adults, making it a stronger option if third row usability is a priority.

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Posted on: 26 Dec 2025