I am looking to buy a petrol automatic SUV (compact or midsize) with a torque converter or CVT transmission, mainly for city driving. My budget is around ₹15 lakh. My priorities are safety, comfort, and features. What are the best options?

Autocar India

•6h

Go for the Honda Elevate VX MT. Within your ₹15-16 lakh on-road budget, it balances easy city driving and occasional hill trips with dependable performance and simple ownership.Your usage is 60-70% city and 30-40 km daily (roughly 900-1,200 km/month), so a straightforward petrol manual keeps things hassle‑free without turbo/DPF complexity. The Elevate’s upright seating and good visibility reduce fatigue in traffic, and its compact footprint makes tight parking simpler than bigger SUVs. For weekend runs to the hills, the manual’s engine braking and predictable throttle response give steady control on descents and hairpins.The one thing you give up is brisk turbocharged punch. Fast uphill overtakes will need a downshift, and the features list isn’t as flashy as some rivals at this price.If you want an automatic to ease your 60-70% city commute, consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi AT instead. It’s smooth in traffic and climbs hills without fuss. However, between the two, the Elevate is a notch up in terms of comfort, fit-finish and refinement.

Honda Elevate

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Autocar India

•1d

The Mahindra XUV 3XO in the MX2 Pro fits the brief very well. It gets a powerful 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, and the 6-speed automatic is smooth, which makes stop-go driving easy and stress-free. It is also one of the most spacious cars in the segment, and its wide cabin makes it a proper 5-seater, so even when fully loaded, it remains comfortable and does not feel strained.Another good option, and a more affordable one, is the Skoda Kylaq automatic in the Classic+ variant. It comes with a strong 1.0 turbo petrol engine paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed torque converter transmission. While it is not as spacious as the 3XO, it feels noticeably smaller to drive, which makes it easier to manage in tight traffic conditions. It also offers a comfortable ride and has a larger boot than the 3XO. Despite being more affordable, it also offers useful features like auto-dimming IRVM and cruise control.Between the two, if your priority is effortless performance and space, the 3XO is the better fit. If you want something easier to drive in the city with better value and practicality, the Kylaq makes a strong case.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Skoda Kylaq

Autocar India

•1d

The Honda Elevate is a sensible, no-nonsense pick. The visibility is good due to its high seating, the seats are comfy, and the ride quality is impressive. Its petrol engine is strong and responsive, and drivability is very good too. Fuel efficiency, however, isn't its strength, with the manual and automatic (CVT) both averaging around 11kpl. If you are a new user, though, we'd recommend opting for the CVT, simply because it is smooth and makes the driving experience much more convenient.The Elevate is equipped with standard kit such as ESP, 6 airbags, etc., and most variants also get camera-based ADAS, which further adds a layer of safety.Alternatively, you could consider the new Kia Seltos, which is newer, better equipped and more spacious.

Honda Elevate