Hi, I am confused between the Mahindra Thar Roxx Star Edition Diesel AT and the Tata Sierra Adventure+ TGDi, as both fall in a similar price range. I am looking for a fun-to-drive car with family-friendly features. My monthly driving will not exceed 1,000 km. I really like the Thar Roxx’s driving experience and physical buttons for infotainment and AC. However, with the Sierra, I am concerned about flush door handles, a fully digital interface, and potential initial issues of a new product, although I love its design. What should I choose?

Autocar India

•1d

The Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol IVT is a spacious 5-seater midsize SUV. It is well-equipped with modern feels, has a high quality interior, and a smooth and refined powertrain. Its ride doesn't feel as comfortable, or it doesn't feel as tough as a Tata Sierra, which is also a good option to consider. However, you will have to extend your budget slightly to buy the turbo-petrol automatic version of the Sierra - the 1.5 NA petrol-DCA is simply too slow for highway use.

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra

Autocar India

•2h

An EV makes the most sense when your usage pattern is clear and regular enough to justify the higher upfront cost and when charging is easy and convenient at home or work. If you are not even sure how much you will drive yet, locking yourself into an EV as your first car may be premature.The Kia Sonet is the easier no-stress option. It is easy to live with, a premium feeling inside, compact enough for a first-time driver to manage comfortably. Also, it works equally well whether your usage stays low or suddenly increases. There is also no charging dependency or range planning to think about.The Tata Nexon EV is a good product, and if your usage eventually becomes mostly city-based with regular charging access, it can make financial sense. But as a first car with uncertain usage, it adds variables you do not yet need.

Kia Sonet

Tata Nexon EV

Autocar India

•4h

These two serve very different needs, so the right answer depends on what matters more to you. If fuel efficiency, long-term practicality and genuine seven-seat comfort are your priorities, the Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid is the clear winner. It is vastly more efficient, the third row is actually usable for adults, and overall family comfort is on another level compared to the 7XO.However, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is the more value-packed and emotionally appealing choice. It is significantly more affordable for what it offers, feels more premium inside, and is much better equipped. If you want SUV presence, it delivers that in a way the Hycross simply does not. The petrol and diesel engines are both strong performers too.Where the Mahindra falls short is in practicality. The third row is cramped and really only works for very short journeys, and unlike the Hycross, you cannot slide the middle row to improve space at the back. Fuel efficiency, whether you choose the petrol or even the diesel, is also nowhere near the Hycross too.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Mahindra XUV 7XO