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

•2d

For your mix of 350 km of highway driving each week and another 150 km in the city, the Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid is a sensible recommendation. It combines good fuel efficiency with easy city driving, a comfortable highway ride and, crucially, a genuinely usable third row. If you regularly travel with adults in all three rows, it makes the strongest case. Toyota’s reputation for reliability adds to its appeal for long-term ownership. The Kia Sorento is a good alternative, especially since you are already leaning towards it. We would favour the diesel if highway cruising is your priority, although your city running means the hybrid deserves consideration too. The Sorento feels more plush and better appointed, and we would rate it above this Toyota car as a highway cruiser.What could be the deal-breaker is the third row. It is better suited to children or occasional use by adults. The low seating position leaves you sitting with your knees raised, rather than comfortably supported, so make sure your intended passengers try it before you decide.On safety, we would not judge the Sorento by the reputation of other Kia models sold in India. Safety is model-specific, and the Sorento generation tested by Euro NCAP earned five stars. The Skoda Kodiaq is the driver’s choice here, with excellent dynamics and a premium cabin. If self-drive enjoyment matters more than maximum passenger space, it is very appealing. However, its third row is less accommodating than the Hycross’s, and its petrol-only powertrain is unlikely to match the Toyota hybrid’s economy for your usage.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Kia Sorento

Skoda Kodiaq

autocar.india

•3d

Go for the Kia Seltos HTX(A) DCT. At 15,000 km a year with a mix of city and highway driving, the Seltos is the more sensible choice. This Kia car is easier to drive in the city, more efficient and still comfortable on long trips. The DCT gearbox is quick but a bit jerky in traffic, but the car feels premium inside, which you already like. The Tata Safari has great road presence and more space, but this Tata car is a much bigger car to live with every day and does not feel as well-finished inside. The Seltos is the better all-rounder for your usage.

Kia Seltos

Tata Safari

autocar.india

•3d

The MG Hector Tomahawk EV is the one to go for if you need a third row, comfortable seats and a spacious boot. Just check how much luggage space remains with all three rows in use.Otherwise, we’d recommend the Mahindra XEV 9e. It’s the stronger overall product, with better performance, better ride and handling, and a more impressive spread of features. Its cabin is comfortable too, but feels more refined and far more plush than the Tomahawk’s.The MG, in comparison, feels rather ordinary, with exterior and interior designs that don’t particularly stand out. On the road, its front-wheel-drive layout doesn’t deliver the same balanced, satisfying driving experience as the rear-wheel-drive 9e. That’s a comparison between these two cars, rather than a blanket judgement on front-wheel drive.If you don’t need seven seats, this Mahindra car would be our pick. And if a third row is essential, we’d recommend considering the Mahindra XEV 9S as well. We think it’s an even better option and worth a back-to-back test drive with the Tomahawk before you decide.

MG Hector Tomahawk EV

Mahindra XEV 9e