I want to buy a new car with a budget of ₹25 lakh. I’m torn between the Tata Safari and the Mahindra XUV700. Many online reviews recommend the XUV700, but I’ve heard a new version is due next year. Is it sensible to buy the XUV700 now? This would be my first SUV; I currently own a Baleno.

Autocar India

•15w

It would be worthwhile to wait for the Mahindra XUV700 facelift, which is coming early next year, as it will be getting a big upgrade, especially in terms of features and tech. It is expected to retain its wide selection of variants, which includes 5-, 6- and 7-seat versions, petrol and diesel, manual and automatic, as well as 2WD and AWD.

In your budget, you should be able to find something in the middle of the range. This is a big reason why it is preferred over the Tata Safari, which currently only comes in 6- and 7-seat guises, and only with a diesel engine, and is a little more expensive than the Mahindra, spec for spec.

However, the Tata Safari petrol version is due for a launch in December 2025, with a 170hp, 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, which should provide more choice to buyers, and could be worth considering. However, there will still be no AWD version.

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Tata

Safari

from ₹15.44 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Nano

•4d

I am confused between the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX5 and Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 variants, as I prefer practicality over extra features. Alternatively, should I consider waiting for the Tata Sierra?

Autocar India

•19h

If you don't mind the additional spend, we'd recommend the Mahindra XUV 7XO in AX7 trim. Elements like its larger 18-inch alloy wheels and leatherette upholstery add greatly to the look and feel of things. While auto climate control, a 540-degree camera and front parking sensors are features you will appreciate every day. The Tata Sierra is not a like-for-like alternative to the Mahindra 7XO. The 7XO is larger, more powerful and also offers three rows of seating.Further, the 7XO is slightly pricier, too. Within Tata's range, the Tata Safari is an alternative to the 7XO.

Aditya

Dear Autocar Team, I am planning to purchase a 7-seater SUV and would greatly appreciate your expert guidance in selecting the right vehicle. My daily running is approximately 40 km, and my key requirements are: Excellent overall comfort, especially for long drives A third row that is genuinely comfortable for adults Good road presence and premium looks that match societal standards Strong fuel efficiency and reasonable running costs Good value for money My budget is around ₹35 lakh, but I can stretch it up to ₹50 lakh if the vehicle justifies the price in terms of comfort, features, and overall experience. If most SUVs in this segment do not offer a truly comfortable third row for adults, I would appreciate your recommendation on which model provides the maximum usable third-row space. Looking forward to your expert advice.

Autocar India

•22h

Unfortunately, these days there is something of a void in the Rs 30-40 lakh price bracket, with all the models that existed here having either moved into a higher price range or been discontinued altogether. At the lower end of things, you could consider the Tata Safari, which is spacious, well-equipped, and crucially, very comfortable for all passengers. Its 2.0-litre diesel engine is a little noisy, but it is strong and efficient if driven carefully. At the other end of the spectrum, in the Rs 50 lakh range, is the MG Gloster. It is soon to be succeeded by the MG Majestor, but even the outgoing car is big on space, comfort and luxury, with a third row that's genuinely usable. It too has a strong 2.0-litre diesel engine that provides effortless torque to move this large vehicle.

Tata Safari

MG Gloster

Anant Sheopuri

•2d

I am looking to upgrade from a 2018 Ertiga VXI CNG to a petrol AT 7-seater for daily Mumbai city use majorly. I have shortlisted the MG Hector Plus Savvy Pro AT, Tata Safari Adventure X Petrol AT, XUV 7XO AX7 Petrol AT and Innova HyCross GXO (non-hybrid). Which one is the best option for long-term use, comfort for a large family of five, reliability and decent mileage?

Autocar India

•2d

Since mileage is a concern, the Toyota Innova HyCross will be ruled out here. The Hycross hybrid is a lot better, but the non-hybrid version is good for 7kpl at best, which isn't the best figure. The MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari and Mahindra XUV 7XO are good and tech-laden, but the third row space is best for kids and short drives for adults.A good option to consider would be the Kia Carens Clavis. The Clavis is an MPV that is high on practicality and comfort, and gets multiple powertrain options and lots of features. The third row is spacious and close to the Ertiga in terms of roominess, thereby even adults can travel in comfort. The ride quality is good, and the turbo-petrol engine has enough punch even with a full load. The Clavis is also high on features, and it will be the best choice among all the rest.

Kia Carens Clavis

Toyota Innova HyCross

MG Hector

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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