Hello. We are looking for a new 7-seater for our family that will mainly be driven by my 65-year-old father. The monthly running will be 800-1000 km, mostly city driving. We want comfort, good performance, decent mileage, and easy-to-use controls rather than too many tech features. Our budget is ₹25 lakh. We had shortlisted the XUV 7XO and XEV 9S, but all the controls on the screen are difficult to use even for me. Now we are confused between the Safari diesel and petrol variants regarding mileage, maintenance cost, and more. Could you please suggest other options and help clear our doubts?

Autocar India

•8w

Go for the Tata Safari turbo-petrol. It is far more suited as a seven-seater than the Mahindra XUV 7XO, due to a more spacious third row. Also, the Sierra's touchscreen and user interface are far simpler than the Mahindra's, which can feel a bit overwhelming, at least initially.

While we haven't extensively tested the Safari turbo-petrol, expect single-digit fuel efficiency in urban conditions. It is expected of such a large SUV. If running costs matter, then you could consider the diesel version instead.

Relatively smaller and easier to drive 7-seater options are the Hyundai Alcazar and Kia Carens Clavis, which come with turbo-petrol and diesel automatic options.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Safari

from ₹15.44 Lakh

Hyundai

Alcazar

from ₹16.83 Lakh

Kia

Carens Clavis

from ₹12.90 Lakh

Mahindra

XUV 7XO

from ₹15.87 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Ritz

•4d

I am looking to buy an SUV (with good ground clearance) which is fun to drive. For me, good mileage, a good audio system and a big boot space (for 3 big suitcases for a holiday trip) are important. My need is for a family of five. My overall usage is mainly city driving in Bangalore with occasional highway usage. I currently own a Ciaz Diesel and am looking to replace it. I intend to own the next vehicle for at least 7-10 years, hence it should not be too outdated technology-wise. I am open to EV’s, too. My budget is around ₹20-25 lakh (might stretch till ₹30 lakh if it's a really better option).

Autocar India

•16h

Considering your requirements, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is a good option for you. It gets the option of a smooth, refined and punchy diesel engine that is efficient, a very good audio system and a huge boot if you fold down the third row. Since you are a family of five, the third row can be folded away for most parts and be used as a huge boot. The 7XO is also packed with the latest tech and features, so you have the latest ADAS Level 2, responsive screens with app support and OTA updates and a modern powertrain too.What's also nice is the performance of the petrol engine. It is responsive and refined, and in the city, the cabin insulation is excellent, making it a lot more comfortable. The suspension, too, has been revamped with the update from 700 to 7XO and is a big jump from what it was before.As an all-round package, the Mahindra XUV 7XO would be our recommendation, and it will also fit well in your budget.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Sandesh

•1d

Hi team, I want to buy a 7-seater car. Need advice between Toyota HyCross GX (O), Tata Safari or Mahindra 7XO.

Autocar India

•12h

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

Senthil Kumar J

•2d

Hi, I am stuck between two cars with specific models: Tata Safari Adventure+ (Petrol, Automatic TC) at ₹22.62 lakh and Kia Carens Clavis 2025 model HTX(O), DVT petrol at ₹22.06 lakh (I am getting ₹2.5 lakh discount for the 2025 model in Gravity Grey). I plan to keep the car for the next 15 years. I live in a nearby town of Bangalore and don’t drive inside the city much. It's mostly towns and highways, with occasional city visits to malls. Average driving is less than 1000 km monthly. The 7-seater requirement is just a few times a year (when I club my sister's family).

Autocar India

•13h

Between the two, the Kia Carens Clavis HTX(O) petrol automatic is the better choice. It will feel easier to drive on highways and around town, and since you only need the third row a few times a year, its seating layout will work perfectly well without carrying the size and weight of a larger SUV every day.The Tata Safari does offer stronger road presence and a higher seating position, but it is a bigger and heavier vehicle to live with on a daily basis. Given your limited running and the strong Rs 2.5 lakh discount you are getting on the Carens Clavis, it also represents better overall value.

Kia Carens Clavis

Tata Safari

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