I am confused between the Innova HyCross Hybrid and the Mahindra XUV700. Which is better? I want comfortable driving, good features, economical running, good mileage and ride quality. I also need third-row comfort and decent luggage space. Kindly assist.

Autocar India

•9h

You should go for the Toyota Innova HyCross GX (O) if you want a true 7-seater with the roomiest third row of seats. The HyCross's 2,850 mm wheelbase and flat floor make the third row friendlier for adults than the Tata Safari or the Mahindra XUV 7XO. Furthermore, it's backed up by Toyota’s proven reliability and hassle-free ownership in India.However, you will have to compromise when it comes to the powertrain. The Hycross' 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine isn't as punchy as the Tata Safari and XUV 7XO's turbocharged units, and real-world mileage is quite poor, as we managed 6.9kpl in the city and 12.4kpl on the highway. The Toyota also doesn't get a diesel engine option like the other two.If you prioritise performance and high-end features, either the Safari or the Mahindra XUV 7XO makes more sense. As for pricing, the Innova HyCross GX (O) is priced between Rs 20.43 lakh and Rs 20.56 lakh (ex-showroom).

Toyota Innova HyCross

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Autocar India

•15h

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

•6h

Since a large part of your driving will be on the Kochi-Bengaluru highway and you enjoyed the performance of your old Ford Figo 1.5 TDCi, choosing a car with strong performance and relaxed cruising ability will make your drives more enjoyable.Between the two, you will likely be happier with the Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI with the 7-speed DSG. It offers superior performance and refinement compared to the Kia Sonet diesel automatic, especially for highway usage. The Slavia’s turbo-petrol engine delivers effortless acceleration, and the DSG gearbox shifts quickly and smoothly, which makes overtaking and long-distance cruising feel easy.Another advantage is that the 1.5-litre engine features cylinder deactivation, which shuts down two cylinders under light loads such as steady cruising. This helps improve fuel efficiency when driving on the highway. The Slavia also feels more planted and stable at higher speeds, which will be noticeable on your frequent intercity drives.However, we would recommend waiting a little before making the purchase. The Slavia facelift is expected soon, and with it around the corner, it makes sense to see what updates and features the refreshed model brings before committing to the current version.

Skoda Slavia

Kia Sonet