Hi, I have a budget of Rs. 40 lakh and am confused between the Skoda Kodiaq Lounge, the Toyota Innova Hycross ZX(O), and the Toyota Fortuner Petrol. I am 28 years old and want a car that is fun to drive but also comfortable for my family. My driving will be split 80:20 between on-road and off-road use.

I have hycross will share my experience with you . Before buying i was also confused with these 3 cars . Then I went for hycross reson for me was I wanted a comfortable 7 seater and that was hycross... Forruner is good but it has bounce ride road presence is to good . Kodiaq is totally different is not at all 7 seater and it dosent have after resale value car is good to drive and comfortable for 4 to may be 5 people .... For hycross what i feel iam sharing if that can help you . My Driving Experience with the Toyota Hycross Hybrid (zxo 2025 Model) I have completed around 22,000 km in my Toyota Hycross Hybrid within a span of one year. During this period, I have driven the vehicle across almost every type of terrain possible, including city traffic, highways, and long-distance road trips. On good roads, the Hycross is exceptionally smooth and comfortable. The cabin cooling is excellent. Even when the outside temperature was close to 49°C with extremely hot winds, the air conditioning kept the cabin comfortable. The only issue I have experienced is on badly damaged roads or rough patches. When the vehicle hits a pothole or a broken section of road, the suspension can feel harsh, and the impact noise sometimes gives the impression that something might fall apart, even though the vehicle remains structurally sound. As far as the engine is concerned, on paper it may seem modest — a 1987 cc naturally aspirated hybrid producing around 185 hp without a turbocharger. Initially, I was not very confident about how it would perform in the hills, but it has done its job remarkably well. The power delivery is smooth and adequate for most situations. That said, I would have loved a bit more punch, especially at highway speeds and on steep inclines. A turbocharged setup could have provided that extra surge of power, similar to what one experiences with the Innova Crysta’s diesel engine. Another area that could be improved is the front seats. While they are supportive, I found the cushioning slightly firm for long journeys and would have preferred softer seats for added comfort. I also experienced an occasional issue with the infotainment system. At times, the screen would go blank while using Apple CarPlay. It was not a frequent problem, but Toyota should work on improving the software stability and overall responsiveness of the system. The cruise control system performed flawlessly throughout my journeys. I especially appreciated the Adaptive Cruise Control, which made long highway drives far more relaxed and comfortable. Overall, the Toyota Hycross Hybrid has been an excellent companion for both city driving and long-distance travel. It offers impressive fuel efficiency, outstanding cabin comfort, modern safety features, and a refined driving experience. Despite a few shortcomings in suspension tuning, seat comfort, and infotainment software, it remains a highly practical and enjoyable family vehicle. Pros ● Excellent fuel efficiency for both city and highway driving ● Comfortable cabin with highly effective air conditioning ● Smooth and refined driving experience on good roads ● Reliable Adaptive Cruise Control and modern safety features ● Suitable for long-distance travel and family use Cons ● Suspension can feel harsh on rough or damaged roads ● Engine could use more power for highway overtakes and steep climbs ● Front seats may feel slightly firm on long journeys ● Occasional infotainment glitches with Apple CarPlay ● Impact noise over potholes can feel unsettling despite solid build quality

Is that even confusion? Kodiaq is a clear winner

I suggest you must check Jeep Meridian or Higher variants of XUV 7XO too