I currently own a Maruti Ertiga VXI CNG (2015 model) and am planning to buy a new car. I am considering the Kia Carens, Mahindra XUV700, and Maruti Suzuki XL6, but I am confused about which would best suit my needs. The Kia Carens appeals to me with its premium design and CNG option, but I am unsure about the real-world mileage of the CNG variant due to mixed feedback. The XL6, being a 6-seater, is slightly less suitable as I prefer a 7-seater. I also like the Mahindra XUV700 for its premium features and design, but I am concerned about its mileage. My monthly usage is around 200-300 km, with one annual long trip of approximately 1000-1500 km. Based on this, which car would be the most suitable choice? Additionally, are there any plans for Maruti to launch a 7-seater CNG version of the Grand Vitara in the near future?

Autocar India

•2d

Seven people, mostly adults, and a Rs 25 lakh cap points to one clear choice, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel. It rides smoother than the Scorpio N and the Innova Crysta. The step-in height is friendlier for elders, and you get more features at this price.One thing to note is that the XUV 7XO's third row is not the most spacious around. Alternatively, also consider the Kia Carens Clavis diesel. It is refined and comfortable, easy to drive in the city, and the third row is comfortable for adults.We would avoid the Scorpio N for your use. Its third row is tight for adults, access is not easy, and the high step can bother older family members, even though it is very strong on rough roads.Overall, the XUV 7XO diesel 7-seater fits your family and budget best.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Scorpio N

Toyota Innova Crysta

Kia Carens Clavis

Autocar India

•13h

As you rightly pointed out, the Kia Seltos has a superb, upmarket interior that is far nicer than the rather drab cabin of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The Seltos diesel is also more enjoyable to drive, and as an overall package of performance, comfort and boot space, it feels like the better all-rounder.The Hyryder strong hybrid, on the other hand, is the one to pick if you prioritise efficiency and a smooth, relaxed driving experience in traffic. With your 70km-a-day mixed commute, you will see a clear running-cost advantage with the Toyota over the diesel Seltos, especially if you plan to keep the car for many years.As for a Seltos hybrid, there is a hybrid powertrain in the works, which could come as early as the second half of 2026. If you are willing to wait that long, that could indeed be the ideal middle path combining the Seltos’ feel-good factor with hybrid-like efficiency.

Kia Seltos

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Autocar India

•16h

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is the newer car. It offers a more refined and punchy diesel engine with strong torque, which makes both city and highway driving effortless. It is also the widest car in the segment, which makes it a genuinely comfortable five-seater, especially for three people in the rear. The ride quality is comfortable and well-suited for daily use, and it is also very well priced for what it offers.The Tata Nexon is also a solid alternative. It feels sturdy, has good road presence and offers a bigger boot, which makes it more practical for luggage. However, the diesel engine and AMT combination is not as refined or smooth as the 3XO, and overall, the car now feels a step behind in terms of drivetrain and freshness.The one clear drawback with the 3XO is the smaller boot, which is where the Nexon has a clear advantage.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Tata Nexon

Autocar India

•1d

You want a car that is comfortable in the city, easy to drive and capable of doing long trips for the next 10 years. The Toyota Innova Hycross fits this very well. The hybrid system makes it very smooth and quiet in city driving, and the automatic gearbox is effortless, which becomes more important with age. On highways, it is stable, comfortable and built for long-distance travel, which is what the Innova name has always stood for.What really works in your favour is long-term ownership. Toyota’s reliability, strong service network and resale value make it one of the safest bets if you plan to keep the car for many years. The Hycross also offers excellent space, easy ingress and egress and a comfortable ride, which are important for everyday use and for passengers as you grow older.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Autocar India

•4d

With a 70 km daily mix of traffic and highway use, we would lean towards the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong-hybrid. Your usage is high, and the hybrid will use far less fuel in city traffic while staying calm and smooth. It pulls away on electric power at low speeds, so stop-go driving feels quiet and easy.You like the Seltos for its cabin and stronger shove, and that is fair. The Seltos diesel feels stronger when you press the throttle for quick passes, and its cabin does look and feel richer. If most of your 70 km is open highway and you really value that strong pull and the Kia car interior, the Seltos diesel automatic is still a solid pick.On a Kia Seltos hybrid: Kia does intend to introduce a hybrid, but timing is not yet decided as they are trying to localise components. We estimate it could arrive in 2027, but that could change. For your mix of city and highway, the Hyryder strong-hybrid lines up best with what you need right now.

Kia Seltos

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Autocar India

•5d

Mostly highway use, about 1,000 km a month, safety first, and an automatic in the Rs 12-13 lakh range, in that brief, we would suggest the Skoda Kylaq Signature. Its torque converter is much smoother than an AMT or DCT, so city driving feels easy, and performance from the 1.0 TSI makes highway overtakes effortless. The Kylaq has a 5-star crash score from Bharat NCAP and feels steady at highway speeds, which builds confidence. It also rides well over broken patches, so you are not tossed around.Two things to keep in mind: while the front seats are comfy and supportive, space in the back seat is a bit tight. It makes up for it with a large boot and a low loading lip. If you want more space, look at the Nissan Magnite Tekna Turbo CVT, which has a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP.Overall, for highway-heavy use with safety at the top, the Kylaq lines up best in your budget.

Skoda Kylaq

Nissan Magnite