I currently own a 2019 Kia Seltos HTX petrol IVT and have driven around 69,000 km, with approximately 70% of my usage on highways. I am now considering an upgrade and am confused between the Tata Safari Petrol Accomplished X+ and the Kia Carens Clavis GTX+ Could you please suggest which of these would be the better choice in terms of ride comfort, safety, space, and high-speed stability on highways for long journeys?

Autocar India

•8m

Pick the Tata Safari Accomplished+ petrol automatic for your highway‑heavy use, it gives a more comfortable ride, better stability and the strongest sense of safety. Coming from your Kia Seltos, the Safari will feel like a step up for long trips. The suspension smooths out bad patches better, the body feels more solid, and the wider seats with a relaxed driving position make hours behind the wheel easier. It also has a 5‑star crash test rating, and the petrol engine has plenty of grunt for quick overtakes on the highway.

One thing to note: the third row in the Safari is fine for kids or short adults, but the Kia’s third row is easier to access and a bit more usable for grown‑ups. Also, the Safari is a large, heavy car, so parking in tight spots needs more care. If these are deal breakers, then consider the Kia Carens Clavis instead.

During the test drive, cruise at 90‑100 kph on the highway and take on some broken patches.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Safari

from ₹15.71 Lakh

Kia

Seltos

from ₹13.01 Lakh

Kia

Carens Clavis

from ₹13.27 Lakh

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More questions on similar cars

Anay

•3d

Hi Team, I am planning to buy a new SUV and am currently inclined towards the Tata Safari Adventure X+ automatic diesel. I would like to know whether it is a better choice compared to the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Mahindra Scorpio N diesel in terms of overall experience. My monthly running will be around 1,500–2,000 km.

Autocar India

•2h

The Tata Safari Adventure X + automatic diesel is a good choice in this segment. The Safari rides very well on bad roads, the seats are wide and supportive, and the third row is the most comfortable among the cars you’ve shortlisted. The engine has good pick-up, and the automatic is smooth in traffic too. That said, the Mahindra XUV 7XO’s engine is more powerful and more refined than the Safari’s. With the recent facelift, its ride quality has also improved significantly and is now better than the Safari’s.If performance and ride quality are priorities for you, then consider the XUV 7XO. The Mahindra Scorpio N is also very powerful, but being based on a ladder-frame chassis, its ride and handling are not as good as the Safari and XUV 7XO.Test drive both the Safari and the XUV 7XO, and take them on similar routes if possible to see which drives better; also, try the third row in both.

Sanju

I am planning to buy a car and am confused between the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the MG Hector Plus. I currently own a Maruti Baleno, and this new car will mainly be used for city driving, along with occasional highway trips once or twice a year and for family/social use. Between these two options, which one should I prefer? Also, should I opt for a petrol or diesel variant based on my usage?

Autocar India

•1d

Pick the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 petrol automatic for mostly city use with the odd highway run once or twice a year; it suits you better than the MG Hector. The petrol engine feels strong even with a full load. So, it needs less effort, and the AX7 brings many safety features and driver aids that lower stress in city driving. Mahindra’s service reach is also wider than MG's, which helps if you travel outside big cities.One thing to be aware of is that the petrol will use more fuel in heavy traffic, and the third row, while better than the Hectors, is best for short trips.If the third row is a priority, then the Tata Safari petrol is a good choice too.On your test drive, do a tight U-turn and reverse into a small slot; you’ll feel why the XUV 7XO is easier to live with in the city.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari

Keshav Karekkadu

•3d

Hello Autocar, I am planning to upgrade from my Renault Duster to a 6/7-seater SUV with a budget of around ₹22 lakh. I am confused between the Tata Safari and the Mahindra XUV 7XO. My monthly usage is approximately 1,000-1,500 km. Which of these two would be the better choice for my needs?

Autocar India

•2d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX5 diesel 7-seater. With your Rs 22 lakh budget and a monthly run of 1,000-1,500 km, it is a more complete upgrade from your Duster. The diesel engine is strong, refined and feels effortless both in the city and on the highway, making long trips relaxed and overtaking easy. With the updates, the ride quality has also improved, now feeling more plush and comfortable, even compared to the Tata Safari. Overall, it is the more modern, easier and more well-rounded SUV to live with.One thing to be aware of: the third row in the 7XO is best suited for occasional use, as space and boot capacity with all seats up are limited. This is where the Safari still has an advantage, offering a more accommodating third row with better space and support for longer journeys.In terms of cabin quality, however, the Safari does not have a clear advantage. The 7XO feels just as premium, if not more modern, with better technology and overall fit and finish, so the decision really comes down to whether you prioritise third-row comfort or a more effortless driving experience.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari

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