I am looking to upgrade to an entry-level luxury SUV, and I am confused between the GLA 220d 4Matic, the BMW X1, and the old Audi Q3 Sportback. My usage is mainly city driving with occasional highway use, so mileage is important, but so are plush interiors, comfort, and driving experience with good value for money. Should I also wait for the new generation Q3 to be launched in India? I am not entirely sold on its exterior cosmetic changes of the global variant. Should I also wait for any other launches?

Autocar India

•29m

Of these three, your best bet is the Toyota Innova HyCross. Apart from being the most affordable of the three, its MPV shape allows for maximum interior space and flexibility, and it has the best second row. It's flexible, too, with seats that slide, fold and flip. This Toyota car also has the most comfortable suspension and will transport your family comfortably and relatively silently.The Skoda Kodiaq Lounge, sadly, is outside of your budget. Although it's more luxurious and equally refined, it's simply not as spacious as the Toyota.The Jeep Meridian has strong badge value and a luxurious interior, but it's not as spacious, comfortable or refined as the Innova Hycross. Both SUVs are high on road presence, but just can't match the packaging superiority of the Toyota MPV.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Skoda Kodiaq

Jeep Meridian

Autocar India

•2h

The Safari's three rows are much more comfortable and spacious than the Mahindra Scorpio N's, and its suspension feels a lot plusher too, making it better to drive as well. Overall, the Tata Safari feels more polished in comparison, hence it gets our vote.The price difference between Pure X and Adventure X Plus variant of the Safari is approximately Rs 1.40 lakh (on-road), with the latter being more expensive. For the premium, the Adventure X Plus variant gets larger 18-inch alloys (vs 17s in the Pure X), drive modes, one-touch up and down driver's power window, electonic parking brake with auto hold, rear defogger, leatherette upholstery and an electric driver's seat with memory.While these are nice to have, none of these features is a deal-maker. Instead, the Pure X variant is very well-equipped and actually a better value for money.

Tata Safari

Mahindra Scorpio N

Autocar India

•3h

Between the two, we would suggest going for the Kia Sonet HTK (O) DCT. The Sonet and the Venue share the same 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine paired with the DCT gearbox, so performance and the overall driving experience will be very similar. In terms of equipment as well, both these variants are quite similarly equipped, but the Sonet is around Rs 1.5 lakh cheaper, which makes it an excellent value for money.That said, the Hyundai Venue is the newer car and offers slightly better rear seat space. So if rear seat comfort is an important factor for you, that is something to keep in mind.On the topic of DCT overheating, it can happen in very heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic where the car is constantly crawling forward. However, this gearbox has been around for quite some time and has seen improvements over the years. In normal usage, it is not a major concern, and there are safety systems built in to alert you if the gearbox temperature rises too much.

Kia Sonet

Hyundai Venue