I need a 7-seater SUV for my father. He currently has an Innova Crysta Z 2022 model. I’m confused between the HyCross and the Scorpio N. I know both are different. As we already have a Fortuner Legender, we are looking for a different company to get a taste of it. Kindly suggest if we are making the right choice, or advise us on anything under ₹40 lakhs on-road. Yes, 4x4 is not a compulsion.

Autocar India

•33m

Go for the Tata Safari Accomplished+ diesel automatic. It best matches your performance, safety and boot-space needs today, with a strong 170 PS/350 Nm motor and a 5-star crash rating.For performance, the 170 PS/350 Nm diesel pulls cleanly from low revs, so highway overtakes feel easy even with 5–7 people on board. For safety, the new-gen Safari has a 5-star Global NCAP rating (2023), which gives more confidence than an untested newcomer. For boot space, with the third row folded, you get over 400 litres, enough for 4 medium bags. The wide opening also makes loading simpler. On waiting for the Jetour T2, there’s 0 India crash-test ratings published, no confirmed service footprint, and the launch/price by year-end isn’t firm, so you’d be betting on unknowns.The one thing you give up is a petrol option; the Safari is diesel-only, so if you want a high-rev turbo-petrol feel, this won’t suit.If outright acceleration becomes your top priority or you prefer petrol, consider the Mahindra XUV 7X0 AX7 petrol AT instead. Its 200 PS motor does 0-100 kph in under ~10 seconds.When you test drive, do a brisk 80-0 kph stop to judge brake bite and stability, and ask the dealer to fold the third row and load two 28-inch suitcases to verify real boot depth and loading height.

Tata Safari

JSW Motors Jetour T2

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Autocar India

•2d

Between the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Jeep Compass, the XUV 7XO makes more sense overall. It is a larger SUV with a more spacious cabin and will feel like a proper upgrade from your Figo in terms of comfort and practicality. If effortless performance is important to you, the XUV 7XO is the easier choice. Despite its size, the diesel engine delivers strong and relaxed performance, and it is also more refined than the diesel engine in the Compass.It is worth noting that neither of these SUVs is particularly impressive in terms of fuel efficiency, but the XUV 7XO still offers a good balance of performance and usability for long-distance driving.The Jeep Compass has its own charm and feels premium inside and out. It is also known for its driving manners. However, considering its higher purchase price, it will naturally be more expensive to run and maintain as well, which is something you need to keep in mind.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Jeep Compass

Autocar India

•13h

The Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 Diesel-AT will be the right choice for your usage. It's got a great diesel engine, smooth gearbox and very polished ride and handling manners. You'll appreciate the power and sense of confidence that the 7XO gives you on your highway drives. The 7XO AX7 also packs in quite a few features, making it a good value even at Rs 25 lakh.

Mahindra XUV 7XO