Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a 7-seater car for my family, with regular travel between Kolhapur–Mumbai and Kolhapur–Belgaum. I have shortlisted the Skoda Kodiaq Sportline, Toyota Innova Hycross, and Toyota Innova Crysta. Could you please help me decide which would be the best option for my usage and requirements?

Autocar India

•37m

Go for the Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid ZX(O) 7-seater, as it best fits your requirements.

It is very smooth and refined to drive for long hours, the hybrid automatic powertrain is efficient, and it stays steady and planted at highway speeds. Space is generous across all rows; the middle-row captain seats feature ottomans (leg rests), and Toyota’s wide service network gives peace of mind. On the highway, the hybrid still uses less fuel than a turbo petrol like in the Skoda Kodiaq, so you will stop less often for fuel, and the top trim comes loaded with all the convenience, comfort and safety features you'd want.

One thing to be aware of: with all three rows up, the boot is small, so carrying seven people plus bags will require some planning. Also, the cabin feels solid but not as rich as the Skoda. Pick the Skoda Kodiaq only if you want a more premium feel and stronger performance, and you are okay with higher fuel use and a smaller service network.

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Toyota

Innova HyCross

from ₹21.60 Lakh

Skoda

Kodiaq

from ₹47.54 Lakh

More questions on similar cars

Ram

•1w

I am planning to choose between the Toyota Innova Hycross GX Optional petrol and the Kia Carens petrol mid-variant. Please suggest which would be a better option for daily office commutes in Bangalore and occasional long trips. Also, what is the real-world mileage of both cars?

Autocar India

•2d

Opt for the Toyota Innova Hycross GX (O ) petrol CVT for your Bangalore office runs and the odd long trip; it is smooth, very comfortable, and easy to live with over many years. In daily traffic, it feels calm and stress-free thanks to a smooth CVT automatic. The high seat and big glass area make it easy to see out, and on weekend trips, your family will enjoy the space and ride comfort. Toyota service in Bangalore is also strong, so upkeep is simple.One thing to be aware of: the Innova is a large car, so tight basement parking and narrow lanes will need some care, and this non-hybrid petrol will use more fuel in stop-go traffic than a small car. If most days you drive alone, park in tight places, and want lower daily fuel use, the Kia Carens Clavis petrol mid variant will suit you better because it is smaller and lighter to drive.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Kia Carens Clavis

Aman Pandey

•1w

Hi Autocar Team, I am a regular reader of your reviews and truly appreciate the depth and honesty in your recommendations. I am planning to buy a new 7-seater SUV/MPV for my father, who is nearing retirement and plans to travel frequently on highways, with occasional long road trips. Comfort, space, and ease of driving are therefore top priorities. My key requirements are: Budget: ₹22-25 lakh (on-road, flexible if justified) Type: Proper 7-seater with a usable third row Usage: Mostly highway driving with some city use Mileage: Around 15 km/l in real-world conditions Priority: Comfort, reliability, and stress-free ownership Driver: Senior citizen, so it should be easy and fatigue-free to drive We currently own a 10-year-old Maruti Swift Dzire (petrol), with about 50,000 km on the odometer, and are open to exchanging it if needed. I have shortlisted the Toyota Innova Hycross, Mahindra XEV 9e, Mahindra XUV700, and Tata Safari. Could you please advise: Which of these would be the best all-rounder for our needs? Is it practical to consider an EV like the XEV 9e for long-distance travel, or should we stick to petrol/hybrid/diesel? How does the Innova Hycross compare with these SUVs in terms of comfort and driving experience? Are there any other strong options we should consider in this price range? Given our relatively low yearly usage, which powertrain would be the most sensible choice? Looking forward to your expert advice. Thank you!

Autocar India

•19h

Go for the Toyota Innova Hycross VX Hybrid 7‑seater for your father’s highway plans and comfort needs, it is the most relaxed, spacious and easy-to-drive choice in your list. The strong-hybrid setup makes city and highway driving very smooth and quiet, and the automatic is an e-CVT. It is a type of automatic that doesn’t shift gears in steps, so there are no jerks in traffic. The high seat, light steering and clear view out make it friendly for a senior driver, and the second-row captain seats (in the 7‑seat) are truly lounge-like on long days. The third row is usable for adults, and Toyota’s wide service network and proven reliability mean low stress over the years. It is also the only petrol option here that consistently meets your 15 kpl aim in mixed use; the diesels can match that mainly on highways. We feel it's worth stretching your budget for the hybrid trims If you want a stronger highway punch and don’t mind diesel, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic is a fine long-distance cruiser with lots of features, but its third row is cramped, and it's not as nimble in town. If Toyota wait times or pricing are a concern, look at the Maruti Invicto Hybrid. It drives the same way as the Hycross, with a simpler feature set, and you could get some discounts on it. Given the frequent highway usage, we don't think an EV is a good idea. Fast chargers on many routes are patchy, and stops take longer, which adds planning and stress your father does not need.Given your past low yearly use but future highway plans, the hybrid is the most sensible pick here

Toyota Innova HyCross

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Maruti Suzuki Invicto

Hardik Desai

•2d

I am planning to buy a new SUV. My daily commute is around 50km in Mumbai city with occasional intercity trips on the highway. Should I go with a diesel or a petrol engine? I have shortlisted the Mahindra XUV 7XO 7L Automatic Diesel. Which is the other option in a similar range?

Autocar India

•20h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic. With your 50 km daily running and occasional highway trips, diesel makes good sense, as you will benefit from better efficiency over time and strong low-speed torque, which helps in city traffic. The automatic is smooth enough for everyday use, and the car feels stable and comfortable on the highway, with ample space for family and luggage. Mahindra’s service network in Mumbai is also well established, which adds to peace of mind.Do keep in mind that modern diesels use a DPF system, which can require occasional cleaning runs if the car is driven only in slow traffic. Your highway trips should naturally take care of this, but if a regeneration message appears, a steady 15-20 minute drive will clear it. Also, the third row is best suited for occasional use, so it is worth checking comfort if you plan to use all seven seats regularly.If you want a close alternative, the Tata Safari diesel automatic offers a more comfortable and spacious third row, making it more suitable for frequent family use. If you prefer to avoid diesel altogether and want the smoothest city experience, a strong hybrid like the Toyota Innova HyCross is worth considering, though it comes at a higher price.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari

Toyota Innova HyCross

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