I currently own a 2021 Hyundai Venue (iMT) Petrol. I usually travel to my hometown in Punjab once a month, while the rest of my driving is within the city. I’m now looking to upgrade to an SUV that offers strong aesthetics and solid build quality. The first option that comes to mind is the Tata Harrier. I had been eagerly waiting for its petrol variant, and now that it has finally been introduced this year, I’m considering buying the Fearless+ variant in white. However, I’m a bit concerned about Tata’s reputation for manufacturing defects and resale value. Given this, would it still be a good decision to go ahead with the Harrier, or should I instead consider a better alternative like the Mahindra XUV700?

Autocar India

•1h

With your usage pattern, the diesel version of the Mahindra XUV 7XO actually makes sense. Once you are back from deployment, your monthly running of around 2,000-3,000 km is more than sufficient to justify a diesel, both from an efficiency and performance point of view.Leaving a modern diesel car unused for 4-5 months is generally not a problem as long as it is stored properly. Before leaving, it is advisable to keep the fuel tank almost full and disconnect the battery or have someone start the car occasionally if possible. The main thing to watch out for is the battery, which can drain if the car sits unused for long periods.When you return and start using the car again, make sure the car gets a longer highway drive early on. This helps the diesel particulate filter regenerate properly and keeps the engine running smoothly.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Autocar India

•3h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 Diesel Automatic, at 70 km/day (2,100 km/month), its stronger low‑rpm pull, and longer range suit daily commutes and occasional highway runs better than petrol.Your daily 70 km means you cover a serious distance, around 2,100 km a month, where diesel’s efficiency advantage becomes meaningful over time. The diesel’s stronger low‑end torque makes city overtakes and hill climbs easier, and for a diesel, it is refined, and it feels very relaxed for highway cruising too. Longer range between fills reduces weekly stops when you’re doing 300-400 km in just a few days. Also, with such regular running, the diesel’s DPF can complete regenerations reliably, keeping warnings at bay.The one thing you give up is the petrol’s quieter, smoother feel and lower upfront price; the diesel costs more and is a bit noisier at idle.If most trips are short stop‑start city runs, with few highways, consider the XUV7XO AX7 Petrol Automatic instead for smoother refinement and no DPF fuss.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Autocar India

•1d

Out of the three mentioned above, the Mahindra XUV 7XO would be the better choice. It is a lot more refined, plush and sorted overall and feels worth the money you pay. The engine is powerful, silent, and the gearbox works well in the city as well. The tech is new-age, and it feels futureproof. However, the third row, despite getting AC vents, isn't the best in terms of space and comfort. The middle row cannot slide ahead, and that restricts room in the last row. Coming from an Ertiga, you will feel the space crunch in the 7XO and even the Hector Plus or the Tata Safari. If the third row is frequently used, the Kia Carens Clavis is the right choice as it has proper space in the third row and is quite practical. It isn't as fast or powerful as the others, but it has enough punch and is almost equally packed with features. Being lighter than the bigger SUVs, it is also easy to drive around the city, and it has a smooth DCT gearbox. If third row space is not critical, then we would recommend the XUV 7XO, but if you want space in the last row, the Clavis would be ideal.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Kia Carens Clavis