I currently own a 2014 XUV500 W8 and am looking to purchase a new car. My monthly usage is 1,500 to 1,800 km. My budget is Rs 20 lakh. Occasionally, I need a seven-seater, but not necessarily all the time. I am confused between the XUV700, the XEV 9S (59 kWh), the Toyota Hyryder, and the Sierra EV, though the Sierra’s specs and price are not yet clear. Please suggest which one is better.

Autocar India

•3h

While both brands are very popular, there's no doubt that Toyota has an edge over Mahindra when it comes to resale value. This is especially true of the Innova brand, which has made a strong name for itself with regard to reliability and longevity since its introduction in 2005, and that has passed on to the Innova HyCross strong hybrid as well.Moreover, given that electric cars have only been around a relatively short time and the longevity of their batteries is yet to be proven, there is uncertainty around them, and thus their resale value is generally lower than that of vehicles with an engine, which aren't solely dependent on their battery.So even after three years, the Innova will have a stronger resale value than the Mahindra XEV 9S. And yes, while the Mahindra has a long list of the latest features, the Toyota Innova HyCross in top-spec trim gets all the essentials and then some.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Mahindra XEV 9S

Autocar India

•23m

As you've rightly said, the Porsche Cayenne is probably your best option. No other large SUV handles as well as it does, and you get the option of two powerful turbo petrol engines - a 340hp V6 and a 500hp V8. However, if you're not concerned with having the Porsche badge, you should consider the Audi Q8, which is mechanically similar to the Cayenne, but comes in three performance levels, is set up to be more comfortable and usable, and is far more affordable too.At one end, there is the base V6 version, with the same 340hp engine, and at the other extreme is the 650hp, V8-powered RS Q8 Performance. However, Audi is about to launch the SQ8 - with the 500hp V8 - in India, and this could be the sweet spot between price and performance for you.

Porsche Cayenne

Audi Q8

Autocar India

•1h

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