Autocar India
AN

Ankit

7w

I am looking to upgrade my 11-year-old Baleno and want to stick to a petrol automatic with a budget of around ₹20-22 lakh. I am considering either the XUV 7XO or the Tata Safari. With the Safari, I would get the Adventure X+ AT, which has some ADAS functions, while the 7XO offers more flashy features that I might not need. My running is around 100-1200 km per month, with about three outstation trips per year of around 1000 km each. Kindly suggest.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
7w

The Tata Safari is a great choice for you. It is spacious, comfortable, and the petrol engine delivers quite well on performance. While we are yet to put it through our instrumented fuel efficiency testing, it is likely to be a bit more efficient than the Mahindra XUV7XO, which is tuned more for a very spirited and lively drive. 

The Tata Safari Adventure X+ variant also gets a long list of features. So you should be quite satisfied there, and the third row of seats is better than on the 7XO, should you need to use them. 

Tata Safari

Tata Safari

AN

Ankit

7w

Thanks for the answer. I am a little worried about the new Hyperion engine from Tata.

More questions on similar cars

AS

Ashu

5d

Hi team, I am planning to buy a new car and am confused between the petrol versions of the XUV 7XO and the Safari. My usage will mostly be in the city for office commuting (around 20 km daily), and once every three months, we may go on a long trip of more than 1,000–1,500km round trip. I like the Safari in terms of looks, but my main concern is its sales numbers. Overall, in most aspects, the 7XO seems better except for mileage. My key concern is understanding the reliability, long-term running costs, maintenance, and drive quality of both. Please help me decide, as I am quite confused.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

Pick the Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol. The biggest advantage here is the engine and overall driving feel. It is more powerful and feels effortless in both city traffic and on highways, so even with a full load on long trips, it remains relaxed. It is also the newer car, with a recent update, and overall feels more polished in terms of features and execution.The Tata Safari petrol appeals with its looks, space and comfort, and the interiors feel more premium. This Tata car is also the better choice if you prioritize third row comfort, as it offers more usable space and flexibility with an adjustable middle row.The trade-off is that the Safari petrol is less powerful and not as engaging to drive, and the XUV 7XO has a stronger track record when it comes to service and long-term peace of mind.

VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
VehicleTata Safari
HE

Hemant

1d

I am currently using a Ford EcoSport and am planning to upgrade to either the Mahindra Scorpio N Z4 petrol or the Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol. My usage is primarily within the city, with a daily commute of around 60 km.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
13h

Mostly city use, with about 60 km a day, points you to the Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol, ideally with the automatic gearbox, over the Scorpio N Z4. It will suit your routine better because it feels more like a car to drive, so tight streets, quick U-turns and parking are easier than in the big, tall Scorpio. Coming from an EcoSport, you’ll find the 7XO’s steering lighter and the petrol automatic smoother in stop-go traffic, which takes strain off your left leg and keeps the drive calm every day.Ride comfort at low speeds is also friendlier in the 7XO, so bumps and broken patches in the city feel less busy in the cabin. In mid trims, you also get more city-friendly features than a Z4, like better parking aids and a nicer cabin, which makes long daily runs less tiring.

VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
VehicleMahindra Scorpio N
RK

Rajiv kumar

5d

Hi, I currently own a Maruti Suzuki Ciaz petrol and am planning to upgrade to a new SUV. My monthly driving is around 600 km, with one or two long trips in a year. I am confused between the petrol and diesel variants of the Mahindra XUV 7XO. Additionally, I am also considering the Mahindra XEV 9S and would like to know whether an EV would be suitable for my usage pattern.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
20h

The Mahindra XEV 9S fits your profile neatly. With just 15 km daily driving, you will benefit from extremely low running costs and a smooth, effortless drive in traffic, and modern EVs like this offer strong real-world range and fast charging options when needed. In a city like Mumbai, where fuel costs and traffic are high, this becomes a big advantage.However, the decision hinges on practicality. If you don’t have fixed home charging or don’t want to plan long trips around charging stops, the EV can feel restrictive despite its advantages.That is where the Mahindra XUV7XO petrol makes more sense. It is easier to live with, has no dependency on charging, and for your occasional long trips, it will feel completely effortless. Given your low monthly running, the higher fuel cost will not be a major concern.

VehicleMahindra XEV 9S
VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO

Posted on: 27 Feb 2026