The Mahindra XUV 7XO is a good option to consider. It is spacious, comfortable and has a smooth ride quality. The XUV 7XO comes with trick new 'Da Vinvi' dampers and hydraulic bump stops. This elevates its ride comfort above the older XUV700. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is refined and has a good amount of power at 203hp, and the 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox is smooth.The XUV 7XO is well equipped with safety features like multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, Level 2 ADAS features and more. The top-spec AX7 Luxury variant also gets features like a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, three 12.3-inch touchscreens, connected car tech, ventilated front and middle row of seats and much more. Although the Mahindra XUV 7XO is yet to receive a safety rating. But the older XUV700 had received 5 stars in the Global NCAP crash tests back in 2021, which bodes well for the XUV 7XO too.

Of the two, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is the better pick. The XUV 7XO is packed with tech and is far nicer to drive than the MG Hector, too. Mahindra's engines and gearboxes are highlights, and the 7XO's updated suspension also gives it the edge in ride comfort. Importantly, the 7XO offers a better third-row experience than the Hector Plus. That said, the XUV 7XO is not the best 7-seater for the money. Especially in case the third row space and comfort are a deal breaker for you. The Tata Safari offers a more comfortable third row among petrol/diesel SUVs of the segment. If you are open to electric, the Mahindra XEV 9S is worth a look. While you could think of it as an all-electric version of the XUV 7XO, the 9S does boast of a better third row. The option to slide its middle row seats makes all the difference to balance second and third row space in the cabin.

The best way to save your engine is, of course, to avoid driving in water-logged areas, except in case of an emergency. Also, if possible, park your car somewhere safe and retrieve it when the water level has subsided. No engine, no matter how reliable, should have to endure a hydrostatic lock from water entering the combustion chamber. That said, an SUV will always be far better than a sedan, owing to its higher ground clearance and the relatively higher positioning of the air intakes. Thus, if you're determined to drive through water-logged areas, consider a Force Gurkha. It comes with a high-mounted air intake and a snorkel, which allows it an astonishing 700mm of water wading capability. It should sail through most waterlogged roads without issue.

Your observations are correct. Neither the Tata Sierra nor the Kia Seltos has been crash tested by Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP yet. But Tata Motors cars have had a good track record with these tests. While the Kia Seltos uses an all-new global platform that should be safer than the outgoing model.Both SUVs feature the latest in active and passive safety features, which should be a reassurance, and thus, on the safety front, you won't be wrong to go with either. As for other factors, the Sierra is certainly the more spacious of the two and edges the Seltos out on comfort as well. However, in most other areas, it's the Seltos that comes out on top, including, as you have pointed out, after-sales experience. The Sierra is being produced at the ex-Ford plant in Sanand, Gujarat. It is said to have higher manufacturing standards, and the brand has been committed to improving its after-sales service across the country, but the results of that will take some time to show.