Hi Autocar India, after test drives of vehicles ranging from the Amaze CVT to the 7XO base variant, I seem to have two options to choose from: Mahindra 3XO AX5 AT and Kia Carens Clavis NA HTE(O) MT. My usage is 90% Tier 2 city and 10% highways. I have two 3-year-old kids, along with my spouse and parents. The Carens Clavis seems to satisfy the family requirements, while I prefer the torquey engine and AT of the 3XO. Should I go ahead and buy the 3XO for the time being and move to a 7-seater a few years down the line, considering crash safety?

Autocar India

•6w

We would strongly suggest opting for a 7-seater. Having a safe car but carrying six persons in a 5-seater is equally, or even more, unsafe. We recommend the Kia Carens Clavis, as it meets your space requirements. In the Clavis, you have enough room to mount two child seats (highly recommended for child safety) along with four adults, ensuring good comfort. The ride quality is also comfortable, and it is a large, practical car.

Yes, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine doesn’t have the punch of the 3XO’s turbo petrol engine, and if that is something you are after, then we would recommend stretching and going for the base variant of the Mahindra XUV 7XO. It is a 7-seater, although the third row is not as comfortable as the Clavis, but it is good enough for children, and the turbo petrol engine is powerful and has effortless performance.

Explore cars mentioned

Kia

Carens Clavis

from ₹12.90 Lakh

Mahindra

XUV 7XO

from ₹15.87 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Nik

•2w

Hello Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a new car and would appreciate your advice. In my family, we are four adults and one child, and we usually travel around 1,000 km round-trip once a month or once every two months. City driving is very minimal. Sometimes we also travel with five adults and two kids, which is why I am considering a 7-seater. However, I am confused whether it would be better to buy a 5-seater or a 7-seater, considering that such full-capacity trips happen only occasionally. My budget is around ₹15 lakh, and I am currently considering the Kia Carens Clavis. Would this be the right choice for my usage pattern and family size? If yes, which variant would you recommend within my budget? Alternatively, should I wait for the upcoming three-row version of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara from Nexa? Would that be a better long-term option compared to buying now?

Autocar India

•18h

It definitely makes sense for you to go for a 7-seat vehicle, given how you will be using it. These days, the price premium isn't too much more compared to an equivalent size 5-seater. Long trips for five would be more comfortable if the fifth passenger had a separate seat. Plus, your kid will grow, and eventually, the five-seater will feel like a squeeze. The Kia Carens Clavis is the best option, offering you a spacious and flexible interior, with good quality, comfort and decent features. However, in your budget, you'll only be able to get a low-spec variant. If you want more features, a Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is a much better value and a capable 7-seat MPV too. Sadly, plans for the 7-seat Grand Vitara have been shelved for now.

Kia Carens Clavis

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Ashish

•1w

Hi Autocar Expert, I currently own a Tata Nexon XZA diesel and am planning to upgrade. However, I have a major parking constraint at my home. I am interested in the Toyota Innova Hycross, but if it is parked in my parking space, the doors cannot be opened properly due to limited space. Because of this, I am considering buying a car that offers an automatic or self-parking feature. Could you please guide me on which cars offer this feature and would suit my situation?

Autocar India

•19h

Auto parking might not solve your problem if your parking space is too narrow to open the doors. The summon feature that the Tata Harrier EV gets could be of some use, but it won’t fit your requirements if you need a three-row vehicle like the Toyota Innova Hycross.Instead, we suggest you take a look at the Kia Carens Clavis. It is narrower than the Hycross by about 45-50mm and is roughly the same width as your Nexon, so it should fit in your parking space. In terms of interior volume, while it is not as spacious as the Hycross, it offers plenty of room in the second row and a genuinely usable third row.

Tata Harrier EV

Toyota Innova HyCross

Kia Carens Clavis

Suhas

•2d

Hello Team, I'm currently driving a Figo 1.5 Diesel, which I've driven 1.50L km since I purchased it in 2016. I'm planning on a bigger SUV, and as a diesel fan, I'm left with few options. I'm confused between the XUV7XO and the Jeep Compass (both automatic). Undoubtedly, the XUV700 beats the Compass in many aspects. I'm attracted to the Compass for its unique road presence and its reputation as a driver's car. However, I'm concerned about its poor mileage and service cost, as heard in some reviews. I need your detailed guidance.

Autocar India

•1d

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

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