Mumbai

•5d

I’m looking to buy a 7-seater SUV and currently have two options shortlisted: the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX Petrol and the Tata Safari Pure Plus Petrol. I’m not very concerned about features, bells and whistles, or premium interiors. My main priorities are engine performance, long-term engine reliability, reliability with low usage, mechanical durability, ownership experience, highway stability, and comfort. My running is extremely low, but I occasionally do a ~1,500 km continuous highway trip. Between the XUV 7XO 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and the Safari 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, which one would you choose specifically for performance and long-term reliability? Also, are there any other SUVs I should consider in a similar price range?

•4m

Go for the XUV 7XO AX petrol. It is the better fit for your priorities. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol is a proven engine with a strong ownership track record, and delivers significantly better performance than the Safari’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol. The Mahindra XUV 7XO feels more effortless on the highway, especially with a full load, and overtaking is easier thanks to its stronger mid-range.

It is also the more mechanically sorted package overall, with a better-calibrated gearbox and a more mature ownership experience.

The Tata Safari’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol is adequate for city driving, but it can feel strained on the highway with a full load and does not offer the same level of performance, refinement, or long-distance ease as the engine in the Mahindra car.

For your usage pattern, low running with occasional long highway trips, petrol is the right choice, and the XUV 7XO’s engine is better suited to this kind of usage. It is a robust, reliable powertrain that can handle high mileage over the long term, and it does not suffer from the same concerns around DPF or diesel-related issues that can arise with low usage.

If you are open to alternatives, the Toyota Innova HyCross is worth considering. It is not an SUV, but it is the benchmark for long-term reliability and ownership experience. The hybrid powertrain is extremely well suited to your usage pattern. It is also a genuinely comfortable long-distance car with a proven track record.

Explore cars mentioned

Mahindra

XUV 7XO

from ₹16.51 Lakh

Tata

Safari

from ₹15.82 Lakh

Toyota

Innova HyCross

from ₹22.07 Lakh

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•3d

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Though both are Mahindra cars, they are quite different in character. The Scorpio N Z8S Petrol AT has undeniable road presence and a legacy that goes back over two decades, so it is easy to understand why it appeals to you. Its body-on-frame construction also makes it the tougher, more rugged choice, especially if your regular driving involves poor roads or occasional off-road use.However, for the usage you have described, the XUV 7XO AX7 Petrol AT would be the better fit. With only around 3,000km a year, mostly short weekend trips in Bengaluru and a few longer family journeys, you are likely to appreciate its more modern, car-like driving manners and greater everyday comfort. It feels easier to drive, more stable at highway speeds and less cumbersome in the city than the Scorpio N.The XUV 7XO also has the advantage on technology, cabin ambience and overall refinement. Its ride is more composed and its handling feels more predictable, while the Scorpio N can feel bouncier and more top-heavy, particularly when driven briskly or with a full load. For a family of five, both will work well, but the XUV’s cabin feels more premium and the third row though best kept for occasional use is better in the XUV 7XO as well.Choose the Scorpio N if its design, image and rugged character genuinely matter more to you, or if your long trips often involve badly broken roads. But if you want the more rounded family SUV, with better comfort, technology and on-road behaviour, the XUV 7XO is the one to go for.

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•1d

With a budget of Rs. 18 lakh, you're likely to get the entry-level variants of the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari. Between the two, the Tata Car has a more spacious third row; however, the XUV 7XO is the better all-rounder.The XUV 7XO is essentially the facelifted XUV700, so you get the same proven mechanical package, along with a more modern interior, updated features and a more premium feel. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is strong and refined, making this Mahindra car well suited to both city and highway driving, while the manual gearbox is smooth and easy to use.The Tata Safari is still a good car, with a comfortable ride and a spacious cabin, but the XUV 7XO feels more modern and premium inside.

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•5d

I currently drive a Jeep Compass Diesel 4x2 and want to change my vehicle within…

•1d

Assuming that you can arrange for home charging, given that you've shortlisted the Mahindra XEV 9E, it is the one to go for. It packs in strong performance, this Mahindra car is comfortable, and despite its size, it is surprisingly easy to drive. With home charging, your running costs will be very low. And finally, with a real-world range of 450-500km, as well as its ultra fast charging capability, the XEV 9E is a good choice for those occasional highway drives too.If you're keen on getting a petrol-automatic, the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Kia Seltos are options you must certainly consider.

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