I want to buy an SUV (petrol or diesel, manual) with a budget of ₹18–20 lakh. My average running is 1,200–1,400 km per month, mostly in the city with occasional long drives. Mileage is important. I’m confused between the Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV700, and Hyundai Creta — can you suggest which one to pick, or recommend better options?

Autocar India

•2h

Choose the used MG Hector Savvy Pro CVT; its taller seating and 2750 mm wheelbase give easier ingress and a cushier ride that’s kinder to sore backs and knees.With joint pain, getting in and out matters most. The Hector’s higher hip‑point means less knee bend, and the broader front seats support your thighs better on longer drives. Its 2750 mm wheelbase (about 140 mm longer than the Creta’s 2610 mm) helps the body stay flatter over potholes and speed breakers, reducing back jolts. The CVT’s smooth take‑off and creep also cut the little shunts in stop‑go traffic that often aggravate back discomfort. Since you’re eyeing a used unit, ride comfort depends heavily on condition, but when healthy, the Hector is notably plusher.The one thing you give up is easy manoeuvrability; the Hector’s turning circle is roughly 0.5 m larger than the Creta IVT, so U‑turns and tight basement slots take more effort.If most of your driving is in crowded city lanes or very tight parking, consider the Creta SX(O) IVT instead; it’s about 350 mm shorter, feels easier to place, and will strain your knees less while parking.Another point to consider is that the Hector is quite thirsty and not as fuel-efficient as the Creta

MG Hector

Hyundai Creta

Autocar India

•21h

Choose the Hyundai Creta SX (O) CVT petrol; with city‑heavy driving and your noise concern, it offers a quieter cabin and smoother low‑speed behaviour than the Honda Elevate.Your top criterion can be noise: in city speeds of 0-40 km/h, a quieter cabin cuts fatigue and lets you keep music 2-3 steps lower. The Creta feels calmer at idle and 40-60 km/h, which matches your preference. Its IVT tuning gives very smooth creep at 10-20 km/h for bumper‑to‑bumper traffic, and the suspension rounds off speed breakers better around 20-30 km/h. Please confirm SX (O) IVT availability and current pricing with your dealer.The one thing you give up is the Elevate’s slightly firmer, tied‑down feel on open roads; at 90-100 km/h, the Honda can feel more connected and roll a bit less.If your driving shifts to mostly highways above 80 km/h or you prefer a taut steering feel, consider the Honda Elevate ZX CVT instead.

Hyundai Creta

Honda Elevate

Autocar India

•2d

Given your love for long drives, you will be happier with the Renault Duster. It's got a fantastic ride and handling balance, which will make your journeys comfortable and very enjoyable. The great suspension and body control are matched by a strong 160hp, 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. Power and performance are good. Going for a Duster does come with a slight compromise in terms of cabin space. It's not as roomy as the Hyundai Creta and other models, like the Kia Seltos and Tata Sierra. If more space is a key priority, the Hyundai Creta Turbo-DCT is worth a look. Of the other alternatives, the Kia Seltos Turbo DCT and Tata Sierra turbo AT are also strong options.

Renault Duster

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra

Hyundai Creta