Should I choose a diesel or petrol engine if I select an SUV like the XUV700 or Safari automatic?

Autocar India

•16w

Currently, the Tata Safari does not offer a petrol engine; however, that will change next month. Regarding your query, it really depends on what you want out of your car.

A petrol automatic Mahindra XUV700 will be refined and very peppy to drive; however, the fuel efficiency will be very low, expect a single-digit figure in the city. This is where the diesel option is better. In our opinion, the diesel engine in the Mahindra SUVs is refined enough and in our opinion the better all rounder offering a good mix of performance, refinement and efficiency.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Safari

from ₹15.44 Lakh

Mahindra

XUV700

from ₹15.86 Lakh

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

Related questions you may find helpful

Rajeev

•5d

I currently own a Land Rover Defender and really enjoy its styling and versatility. Lately, though, I’ve been wondering if there are SUVs that deliver a more premium and luxurious cabin experience. I’ve looked at the Range Rover Sport and the Lexus LX, but I’m unsure if they would feel like a meaningful upgrade. What SUVs would you suggest for someone who wants luxury, comfort, and a strong road presence?

Autocar India

•3d

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport would be a good switch from the Defender. Where the Defender has rugged appeal, the Range Rover Sport is properly posh. The classy design stands out, and the minimalist interior has a very different vibe from the Defender.Other alternatives include the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. Further up the price ladder, there's the Mercedes-Maybach GLS and Range Rover.The Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Lexus LX are also big on price and presence, but are not as comfortable as the options listed above.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Sandesh

•1d

Hi team, I want to buy a 7-seater car. Need advice between Toyota HyCross GX (O), Tata Safari or Mahindra 7XO.

Autocar India

•8h

You should go for the Toyota Innova HyCross GX (O) if you want a true 7-seater with the roomiest third row of seats. The HyCross's 2,850 mm wheelbase and flat floor make the third row friendlier for adults than the Tata Safari or the Mahindra XUV 7XO. Furthermore, it's backed up by Toyota’s proven reliability and hassle-free ownership in India.However, you will have to compromise when it comes to the powertrain. The Hycross' 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine isn't as punchy as the Tata Safari and XUV 7XO's turbocharged units, and real-world mileage is quite poor, as we managed 6.9kpl in the city and 12.4kpl on the highway. The Toyota also doesn't get a diesel engine option like the other two.If you prioritise performance and high-end features, either the Safari or the Mahindra XUV 7XO makes more sense. As for pricing, the Innova HyCross GX (O) is priced between Rs 20.43 lakh and Rs 20.56 lakh (ex-showroom).

Toyota Innova HyCross

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Senthil Kumar J

•2d

Hi, I am stuck between two cars with specific models: Tata Safari Adventure+ (Petrol, Automatic TC) at ₹22.62 lakh and Kia Carens Clavis 2025 model HTX(O), DVT petrol at ₹22.06 lakh (I am getting ₹2.5 lakh discount for the 2025 model in Gravity Grey). I plan to keep the car for the next 15 years. I live in a nearby town of Bangalore and don’t drive inside the city much. It's mostly towns and highways, with occasional city visits to malls. Average driving is less than 1000 km monthly. The 7-seater requirement is just a few times a year (when I club my sister's family).

Autocar India

•10h

Between the two, the Kia Carens Clavis HTX(O) petrol automatic is the better choice. It will feel easier to drive on highways and around town, and since you only need the third row a few times a year, its seating layout will work perfectly well without carrying the size and weight of a larger SUV every day.The Tata Safari does offer stronger road presence and a higher seating position, but it is a bigger and heavier vehicle to live with on a daily basis. Given your limited running and the strong Rs 2.5 lakh discount you are getting on the Carens Clavis, it also represents better overall value.

Kia Carens Clavis

Tata Safari

View all Posts