autocar-logo
Delhi
DK

Dhaval Kothari

26w

Need a 7–8 seater diesel for a family of 4 (including senior citizen parents) + frequent intercity business trips with lots of luggage. Loved the Toyota Innova, but it’s over budget. Any reliable, comfortable alternatives I can buy before Diwali? Currently drive a diesel Ford Aspire.

Anshuman Singh

Anshuman Singh

Verified
26w
Since your preference is a diesel, there are limited options. The Innova Crysta is the best choice, but if it’s over budget, it is worth checking the Kia Carens Clavis. It’s not as spacious as the Innova, but it is decent, feature-loaded, and has a good ingress-egress suitable for the elderly. You can also split-fold the third row to open up the boot space, but with the three rows up, you will have to compromise on luggage.
If not a diesel, you can check out the Maruti XL6 / Ertiga. They are available at a lower price, have a strong Maruti network, and can accommodate 7 with ease.
Finally, you can also check out used Innova Crysta, as they are highly reliable and robust.

 

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

Got a suggestion for Dhaval?

Add a Comment

Latest questions people are discussing

MU

Mudit

1w

My monthly driving is around 2,000 km (65% city and 35% highway). My budget is ₹18-20 lakh on-road. I am planning to buy the Maruti Suzuki Victoris ZXI (O) Strong Hybrid AT or the ZXI+ (O) Strong Hybrid AT, especially since there is currently a discount of around ₹1.5 lakh on the 2035 variant. Could you please suggest whether my decision to buy the Victoris Strong Hybrid is the right one for my usage, or if I should consider any other cars in this price range? Also, if I go ahead with the Victoris Strong Hybrid, should I choose the ZXI (O) or the ZXI+ (O), considering the ZXI+ (O) costs around ₹1.9 lakh more? Please note that the strong hybrid variants do not come with ADAS. I prefer an automatic car, and my city is New Delhi.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
12h

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid is a great fit for your requirements. Since most of your driving is in the city, its hybrid system should deliver excellent fuel efficiency while also offering a comfortable, reliable and well-equipped package.With regard to the variant, the ZXI (O) is quite well equipped as it is, with features like auto LED headlamps, alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, a digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch infotainment screen. However, the ZXI+ (O) adds a few niceties like powered and ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera with front parking sensors, and a larger 10-inch infotainment screen with an eight-speaker Infinity audio system.If these features are not worth the Rs 1.9 lakh premium to you, then the ZXI (O) has all the essentials and remains a good choice.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Victoris
NI

Nik

2w

Hello Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a new car and would appreciate your advice. In my family, we are four adults and one child, and we usually travel around 1,000 km round-trip once a month or once every two months. City driving is very minimal. Sometimes we also travel with five adults and two kids, which is why I am considering a 7-seater. However, I am confused whether it would be better to buy a 5-seater or a 7-seater, considering that such full-capacity trips happen only occasionally. My budget is around ₹15 lakh, and I am currently considering the Kia Carens Clavis. Would this be the right choice for my usage pattern and family size? If yes, which variant would you recommend within my budget? Alternatively, should I wait for the upcoming three-row version of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara from Nexa? Would that be a better long-term option compared to buying now?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
13h

It definitely makes sense for you to go for a 7-seat vehicle, given how you will be using it. These days, the price premium isn't too much more compared to an equivalent size 5-seater. Long trips for five would be more comfortable if the fifth passenger had a separate seat. Plus, your kid will grow, and eventually, the five-seater will feel like a squeeze. The Kia Carens Clavis is the best option, offering you a spacious and flexible interior, with good quality, comfort and decent features. However, in your budget, you'll only be able to get a low-spec variant. If you want more features, a Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is a much better value and a capable 7-seat MPV too. Sadly, plans for the 7-seat Grand Vitara have been shelved for now.

VehicleKia Carens Clavis
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Ertiga
DI

Dipesh

6d

Please suggest an automatic SUV within a budget of ₹20 lakh. My primary usage will be daily commuting in Mumbai, with a weekend drive of around 200 km once a month. I would prefer features like a 360-degree camera and good safety features, with ADAS being optional. My wife will also be driving the car, so it should be easy and comfortable to drive in city traffic.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
13h

In your budget, the Hyundai Venue and the Kia Syros are good options. Both come with the 1.0-litre engine and DCT gearbox, which should be a good fit for your usage. The engine offers good performance, and the DCT is generally quite smooth, with only occasional hesitation.In terms of safety, both come very well equipped, with six airbags as standard, and a 360-degree camera and ADAS available on the top variants. The Syros has also scored five stars in the Bharat NCAP crash tests, and while the Venue is yet to be officially tested, it is based on the same platform as the Syros.

VehicleHyundai Venue
VehicleKia Syros

Posted on: 13 Sept 2025