I’m planning to buy an automatic petrol SUV and would appreciate your suggestions. We are a family of 3 with a 4-year-old daughter. Around 90% of our driving is within Mumbai city, with occasional highway trips. I’m 6’4”, my wife is 5’7”, so cabin space and comfort for tall occupants are important. I was almost set on the Mahindra XUV 7XO, but after seeing the Kia Seltos, I’m now confused. My priorities are comfort, ease of driving in city traffic, safety, reliability, and hassle-free ownership. Which one would you recommend and why? Are there any other options around the Rs. 20 lakh on-road budget that I should consider?

autocar.india

•5h

Pick the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol automatic. Your driving is mostly in Mumbai, and the Seltos is simply easier to live with there - smaller footprint, lighter steering, smoother low-speed manners, and it will use less fuel in traffic than the big Mahindra. For a tall family of three, the front seats have loads of adjustment, the cabin feels airy enough, and fitting a child seat is easy. Kia’s 1.5 petrol with the IVT is a proven combo, so ownership is usually fuss-free.If you were often carrying four or five tall adults or doing lots of highway miles, the XUV 7XO would swing it. It is roomier, has a cushier second row and a third row for occasional use. The flip side is its size, and the thirsty turbo petrol can be a pain in tight Mumbai commutes.If you choose the Seltos, stick to the 1.5 petrol with the automatic rather than the turbo. It suits city use better and keeps life simple while still feeling refined on the occasional highway run.

Kia Seltos

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•6h

Pick the Renault Duster Evolution DCT. Your use is long highway runs with family and Bangalore’s rough roads, and here the Duster’s 1.3 turbo and suspension make life easier and calmer. It overtakes cleanly even with four adults and luggage, rides over broken patches without slowing to a crawl, and feels very stable at speed. The Kia Seltos HTK/HTK(O) CVT is nicer inside, yes, but that 1.5 petrol with the automatic will feel flat when the car is loaded, and you hit inclines or need quick passes.Your worry about the Duster’s basic feature set with the Evolution trim is fair, but that’s the compromise that buys you the better drive for your highway trips. If most of your driving were city commutes, the Kia’s cabin and convenience would win. For your weekend highway touring, the Duster’s strengths will matter every single time.

Renault Duster

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•5h

Go for a petrol SUV, and among your shortlisted options, the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol IVT is the best fit for your Rs 18 lakh on-road budget. With only 800 km a month, diesel’s higher price and possible DPF trouble with short city runs are just not worth it. The Seltos is an easy step up from your Wagon R, with upright seating, light controls, comfy ride, and the rear bench that works well for five.If you do frequent long highway trips with five and a loaded boot, the XUV 7XO petrol gives stronger pull and extra space, but you’ll likely stretch the budget and fuel efficiency in the city will be poor. The catch with the Seltos is that its petrol is relaxed, so quick overtakes need a downshift. If you need a bit more performance, the Elevate has a slight edge on the Seltos.Overall, the Seltos is a great fit for your needs.

Kia Seltos

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Honda Elevate