Hi AutocarIndia, I have a budget of ₹23-25 lakh. My monthly running is approximately 12,000-14,000 km, with around 70% city driving and 30% highway usage. I am confused between choosing a petrol vehicle and an EV. I am not considering a diesel option since my driving is not very regular at times, and I am concerned about potential DPF clogging issues. Currently, I am evaluating the Mahindra XUV 7XO A7 T petrol, which costs around ₹25 lakh on-road in Pune. However, considering the current global war situation, I feel petrol prices may increase permanently, which is making me seriously consider an EV. I am therefore looking at the Tata Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75 kWh, which is priced around ₹27 lakh. Though I have heard that some discounts are available, and the effective price could come down to around ₹26 lakhs. Given my usage pattern, budget, and long-term cost concerns, please guide me on whether a petrol or EV would be the better choice and help me decide between these options. Thanks in advance.

Autocar India

•2d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 L (7‑seater) diesel. Within a 30 lakh budget and high monthly running of 2,500km, you'll appreciate this SUV's practicality, comfortable and feature-rich cabin and punchy and efficient diesel engine.The one thing you give up is generous boot space with all three rows up. You’ll fit roughly 2 cabin‑suitcase bags, so longer trips will require you to plan your luggage. If comfort matters more than tech, consider the Tata Safari Accomplished+ 7‑seater diesel instead. It has a more spacious third row.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari

Autocar India

•2d

The Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol manual will make a great highway companion for your needs. With 8,000-9,000 km a year, petrol is the right call; diesel usually starts to make sense above about 15,000 km/year. The XUV 7XO’s 202hp turbo feels effortless for quick 80-120kph overtakes, which is helpful on open highways. Its long wheelbase keeps it planted at speed, and the wide, supportive seats are great for long stints. The ride and handling balance, with the new suspension setup it received with the facelift, is phenomenal too.If you find that the third row is not spacious enough, then look at the Tata Safari petrol instead.On the test drive, take it on the highway and check stability, ride comfort and overtaking performance.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari

Autocar India

•20h

For your usage, which is mostly highway driving with occasional rural roads and long trips, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel manual is the better fit. It offers a more relaxed and effortless driving experience, especially over long distances.An important point in your case is what you are upgrading from. Your Jeep Compass diesel uses a 2.0-litre engine, and moving to the Kia Seltos diesel, which has a smaller 1.5-litre engine, will not feel like an upgrade in terms of performance. It will feel adequate, but not significantly stronger than what you are used to.The XUV 7XO, on the other hand, also uses a larger 2.0-litre diesel engine, and despite being a bigger car, it will feel like a proper step up. You will notice stronger pulling power, more effortless highway cruising and better overall performance. It also feels more stable and composed at speed, which suits your kind of long-distance driving. Refinement levels are also good, making it a comfortable car for extended journeys.The Seltos diesel is easier to drive in the city and feels more compact and user-friendly, but on highways and rough rural roads, it does not feel as robust or as planted as the 7XO.One important point is the budget. The 7XO diesel variants may go slightly above your Rs 18 lakh on-road range, depending on the variant and location, so you will need to check exact pricing.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Jeep Compass

Kia Seltos