We are a family of six looking to upgrade from a 2015 Hyundai Grand i10 (petrol). Our budget is ₹23–25 lakh. I’ve shortlisted the Mahindra Scorpio N, Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari but am confused about which to choose and which variant to pick. Please help with a recommendation and suggested variants.

Autocar India

•7h

If it’s features that you want, then the Tata Sierra is the one to go for. The Accomplished+ will get you the full suite of ADAS features you’re looking for and also comes with goodies like a triple-screen setup, ventilated front seats with memory and power adjustment for the driver, and an electric tailgate. It is also roomier than the Kia Seltos, and its torque-converter automatic is smoother in the city. Ride and handling are well sorted too, and refinement is on par with the Seltos.One thing to note, however, is that Kia generally has a better reputation when it comes to aftersales service, whereas Tata’s can be a bit hit or miss. That said, Tata has made improvements in that area, and the Sierra has a lot going for it.Test drive both extensively before making a decision. Take them on busy city streets and on the highway to see how the ADAS works, check which transmission feels smoother, and dig into the infotainment systems to see which is more intuitive to use.

Tata Sierra

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•12h

Pick the Kia Seltos GTX(A)Turbo Petrol DCT. For your mostly city use, shared driving with your wife, and weekend runs, it is the easier, more complete choice within your budget. It is smaller and lighter to handle than the Mahindra XUV 7XO, so parking and U-turns feel simple, and the seats and cabin quality are a clear step up from your i20. The DCT works well in normal city driving, and highway performance is good, too.One thing to be aware of is that a DCT can feel hesitant at very slow speeds if you inch forward a lot, and it can run warm in constant stop-and-go traffic. Drive it accordingly, and it is fine. The back seat is also not as wide as the Mahindra car.If you genuinely need more space or do long trips with a full family often, pick the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 T petrol automatic. It rides very comfortably and feels solid on highways, but in daily city use, its size needs more care in traffic. On the AX7 L vs AX7 T, L is the fully loaded one with boss mode controls, rear ventilated seats and larger 19-inch wheels, but if you can do without them then the AX7 T is a good pick.On your test drives, sit in slow traffic for 10 minutes to feel how each automatic behaves, and try parking in a tight spot. That will make the choice clear.

Kia Seltos

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Autocar India

•14h

We have not heard of any confirmed facelift for the Citroen Aircross X in June, so that seems unlikely for now. Based on your needs, the Citroen Aircross X 1.2 turbo automatic would suit you better than the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder for long highway trips.The Citroen Aircross offers a noticeably more comfortable back seat. It’s wide, has good thigh support, and the backrest angle is spot-on for long journeys. Ride quality is supple even on uneven surfaces, and the car stays planted at highway speeds, so rear passengers don’t get tossed around. The 1.2‑litre turbo engine has enough punch for easy overtakes, and the automatic gearbox shifts smoothly. As a five-seater, the boot is also generous, which makes it ideal for road trips.The only real drawback is Citroen’s inconsistent sales and service network. Before buying, gauge how proactive your local dealer is. If they’re indifferent during the sales process, expect even less enthusiasm during service visits. If that’s the case, it’s best to walk away.Opt for the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder only if you prioritise Toyota’s bulletproof reliability and after-sales support. But for your stated priorities, which are highway comfort and rear-seat space, the Citroen Aircross remains the more enjoyable and relaxed choice.

Citroen Aircross

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder