Autocar India
8w

I am confused about buying an SUV. I have checked the GLC, but it does not give me a proper SUV feel. The Q5 is due for an upgrade, while the X3 petrol feels underpowered, and the rear seat is not very comfortable. I currently drive a C-Class and now want an SUV that is primarily suited for highway driving. What would you recommend?

Verified
5w

Most SUVs in this category are based on their sedan counterparts and thus will feel very car-like from behind the wheel. They all offer a higher seating position, AWD and a more practical liftback boot when compared to the sedans, however, which is enough for most buyers. If you want a tougher feeling SUV in this price range, check out the Land Rover Discovery Sport. It's a bit older than the rest now, but in true Land Rover style, it delivers a solid and commanding feel from the driver's seat. It also offers the flexibility of a third row of seats, and should you ever venture off the tarmac, it has the best AWD system and off-road traction control system in the segment. Recent updates have also brought in JLR's latest Pivi Pro infotainment system, which helps mask the SUV's age well, and both its engines - petrol and diesel - are quite strong. Most of all, it's relatively more affordable than the rest, too.

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Land Rover Discovery Sport

5w

If highway comfort is the priority, I would honestly wait for the new Q5 before deciding.

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More questions on similar cars

2d

Hi, I currently own a March 2023 MG Hector Sharp CVT Petrol, top-end variant. The car is performing well except for the mileage, which is as low as 5 kpl. Would it be a good idea to sell the car and buy a used Skoda Kodiaq? If yes, I would like to hear your recommendations. Currently, I am being offered only Rs. 13 lakh for my car.

Verified
2h

The MG Hector petrol CVT is a comfortable and feature-rich SUV, but its fuel efficiency is a known weakness, especially in city driving. However, switching to a used Skoda Kodiaq is unlikely to solve your mileage concerns. The Kodiaq is a larger, heavier SUV with a 2.0 TSI turbo petrol engine, and while it is more powerful and engaging to drive, it is not significantly more fuel efficient in real-world conditions. In fact, depending on your driving style and usage, it could even be thirstier than the Hector.The bigger issue here is the financial hit. Rs. 13 lakh offer on a 2023 top-end Hector is a steep depreciation, and moving to a used Kodiaq will likely require a substantial additional outlay. Unless you are genuinely unhappy with the Hector beyond just fuel efficiency, it is not a financially sensible move.If mileage is your primary concern, the better approach is to adjust your expectations or driving habits, or consider a hybrid or diesel SUV in your next purchase cycle. The Hector remains a comfortable and well-equipped SUV, and it is worth holding on to unless there is a stronger reason to change.

VehicleMG Hector
VehicleSkoda Kodiaq

Popular discussions right now

2d

Hi, I am a teacher and a first-time female driver with a budget of Rs. 11.5 lakh. I am looking for an automatic car that I plan to keep for the next 15 years, but I am confused about whether to buy a petrol AMT, CNG AMT, or an EV due to the uncertainty surrounding ethanol blending. My daily commute is 46 km, of which 22 km is on the highway, 18 km is on normal roads, and 6 km is on bumpy village roads in poor condition. Please recommend the most suitable fuel type that will keep my overall cost of ownership low.

Verified
2d

We'd recommend a petrol automatic. With a daily running of around 46km and an ownership period of 15 years, it offers the best balance of low ownership costs, reliability and ease of use for a first-time driver.We wouldn't let E20 fuel influence your decision. Modern E20-compliant petrol cars are designed to run on it, and there is no official roadmap beyond E20. It isn't a reason to avoid buying a petrol car today. A CNG automatic will certainly reduce your fuel bills, but the higher purchase price, reduced boot space and limited automatic options make CNG car less attractive unless fuel savings are your overriding priority. An electric car will have the lowest running costs, but at your budget, you'll have to compromise on size or features, and recovering the higher upfront cost will take time.Given your budget and usage, we'd look at the Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift automatic which will launch soon if you can stretch slightly, or the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta+ AGS if you want to stay within budget. Both are easy to drive, have good ground clearance for the 6km of rough village roads and come backed by Maruti Suzuki's extensive service network. If you prefer a smoother automatic, the Hyundai Exter SX AMT is also worth considering.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Fronx
VehicleHyundai Exter
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza

Posted on: 16 Jun 2026