Hi. For the last 5 years I have been driving a Tata Nexon AMT diesel. My daily drive is about 120–150 km. The car has started giving frequent problems and breakdowns, so I’m planning to buy a new one. I’m confused between three options: (1) an EV, (2) a strong hybrid, or (3) a diesel automatic. My top priorities are reliability, mileage, and low maintenance. My budget is around ₹25 lakh. Please advise.

Autocar India

•23w

With your high daily running of as much as 150km, an EV is not advisable. While most EVs can cover that distance on a single charge, such frequent use would require more charging cycles, which is not good for long-term battery health.

A diesel automatic would be a good choice. It offers strong torque, relaxed driving, and good mileage. However, there are only a few diesel automatics left in this price range. Your best bets are the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, or Kia Syros - all known for their reliability. Just keep in mind that DPF maintenance is an added part of owning a modern diesel car.

A strong hybrid might actually be your best option. We recommend the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, which offers excellent mileage, low maintenance costs, and solid long-term reliability.

Explore cars mentioned

Hyundai

Creta

from ₹12.56 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

Victoris

from ₹12.23 Lakh

Kia

Seltos

from ₹12.79 Lakh

Kia

Syros

from ₹9.82 Lakh

More questions on similar cars

Lakshman

•3d

I'm confused with seltos HTK optional IVT vs Creta S Optional IVT petrol. Because both comes at similar price and seltos HTK has more premium feel. My drive mostly in city and highway. Suggest Drive feel comfortable vehicle with long run less maintanence between these and have good reslae

Autocar India

•1d

Hyundai and Kia belong to the same parent group and share engines, gearboxes, suspension and electrical architecture, so the Kia Seltos HTK(O) IVT and Hyundai Creta S(O) IVT are fundamentally similar in the way they drive and in long-term reliability.Where they really differ is in design, space and cabin ambience. The new Seltos has a longer wheelbase, is noticeably more spacious, and as you’ve pointed out, feels more premium inside. It also feels a bit more up-to-date in terms of dashboard design and overall cabin experience. Performance from the 1.5 petrol with IVT is effectively the same in both, so you won’t feel a big difference in outright smoothness or ease of driving.For maintenance and after-sales, Hyundai still has a slight edge with its wider, more established network, which is an advantage if you’re in a smaller town or travel widely. Kia’s support has improved quickly, though, so in most bigger cities it’s no longer a deal-breaker.On resale, the Seltos currently enjoys strong appeal, and with the next-gen Creta due around 2027, the present Creta will start to feel older sooner, which can soften its resale value earlier. So, if both are similarly priced and you like the Seltos more, I would pick the Seltos HTK(O) IVT. If you can wait, the next-gen Creta is also worth keeping in mind.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Saurab

•5d

I am looking to buy a new SUV and have considered options like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, Tata Sierra, Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV 7XO, and the new Renault Duster. I have test-driven all of them and found the Creta to be the most comfortable, though it feels slightly outdated. The Elevate also seems to lack some modern features and feels a bit dated. The Kushaq/Taigun feel slightly small for five occupants, which is a concern. I really enjoyed driving the new Duster, but rear seat comfort seemed to be an issue. This car will be my primary vehicle for weekly Jaipur–Delhi trips and occasional long drives, while city usage will mostly be handled by my secondary car (Volkswagen Polo diesel). Based on this, which SUV should I choose, and which engine option would you recommend?

Autocar India

•1d

If you found the Hyundai Creta the most comfortable but too dated, the obvious answer is the new Kia Seltos. It gives you that same relaxed, easy-going ride but is more spacious than the Creta and feels more modern and upmarket inside, which will make your frequent Jaipur-Delhi runs nicer to live with.Given your usage is mainly highway with the Polo handling city duty, we would strongly recommend the 1.5 turbo-petrol Seltos. It has a strong mid-range punch, plenty of torque for effortless overtakes, and cruises very comfortably, which is exactly what you want for long, fast runs.The new Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and Renault Duster are all very good to drive on the highway and dynamically more engaging, but as you’ve noticed, their rear seats are tighter for three adults across, and that’s a compromise on long trips with family. That’s where the Seltos scores: it strikes the best balance between space, comfort and a properly fresh cabin.

Priyanka

Hello, I am planning to buy the Hyundai Creta EV, but am confused between the Creta EV and the Creta automatic petrol. I drive around 30 km daily and intend to keep the car for the next 6-8 years. I am also concerned about resale value, as EVs are perceived to have lower resale value. I already own a Kia Seltos diesel. Kindly suggest a better option considering all these factors.

Autocar India

•1d

Pick the Hyundai Creta 1.5 petrol IVT, which is essentially a CVT automatic for 30 km a day and a 6-8 year plan, it suits you better than the Creta EV, given your clear worry about resale. Hyundai’s petrol Creta is a proven car with wide service support across India, and its resale is stronger and more predictable than most EVs today. You also already have a Kia Seltos diesel for long trips, so the Creta can focus on city duty without you having to think about charging or planning routes.One thing to be aware of: the IVT is tuned for smoothness, not speed, so fast highway overtakes with a full load need a bit more planning. Also, your fuel cost in the city will be higher than that of an EV.Consider the Creta EV only if you have hassle-free home charging and mainly city use, and you are okay with the risk of lower resale. It is very quiet and relaxing to drive, and with your Kia Seltos diesel covering highways, it can work well if charging is easy.Given your usage and time frame, the Creta 1.5 petrol IVT is the safer, simpler bet and will be easy to live with.

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

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