I currently own a Renault Duster Diesel AWD and am planning to upgrade. I am looking for a vehicle that offers a similarly engaging driving experience, but with a 7-seater configuration to better accommodate my family. What would you suggest?

Autocar India

•44m

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO Diesel AT. It is available with AWD, like your Renault Duster and offers 7-seat practicality. The Duster was regarded as having one of the best ride qualities in its segment, and the XUV 7XO, with its Da Vinci suspension, is no different. It soaks up bumps at all speeds incredibly well, while keeping the body flat and offering superb high-speed stability. It is a heavier car and will feel like it in the corners compared to your Duster, but overall, it is a confidence-inspiring handler.

The one thing against it is that the third row isn’t very spacious, and the boot is tight with all three rows up. If you use the third row very often, then you could also consider the Kia Carens Clavis.

On your test drive, carry five passengers and check that acceleration and overtaking performance are satisfactory; also, assess steering weight, body roll over quick lane changes, third-row comfort for adults, and confirm AWD variant availability and waiting periods with the dealer.

Explore cars mentioned

Mahindra

XUV 7XO

from ₹16.14 Lakh

Kia

Carens Clavis

from ₹13.27 Lakh

KEITH DSOUZA

•31m

Would the Innova hycross be a. Option?

Aman

•17m

Great suggestion thanks for the insightful answer team autocar

More questions on similar cars

Dex

•4w

Hi sir, I’ve owned a Honda Amaze for the past 12 years, and now I’m looking to upgrade to a more powerful and comfortable car, with a budget of ₹30 lakh. My driving pattern is about 600 km per month in the city, mostly bumper‑to‑bumper traffic and long trips of 1,000-1,500 km every three months (which may increase in the future). Should I split my purchase into getting two cars or go for one? For example, I’m considering an EV with battery‑as‑a‑service (like the Punch EV priced around ₹6.5 lakh) for city use, and then a mid‑luxury SUV such as the Tata Safari or Mahindra XUV for highway trips. A 5+2 seating configuration could be a preferred option for long drives. Or should I stick to one car that can handle both city driving and outstation trips? I’m also looking to keep the car for at least 10 years. Which drivetrain would be most suitable for my needs?

Autocar India

•2d

It's not a bad idea to split your budget in two, between an EV for the city and a more powerful vehicle for outstation trips. However, we would suggest you alter the split slightly, spending more on the EV and less on the larger vehicle. Rs 6.5 lakh for a Tata Punch EV sounds attractive, but in reality, you will have to spend around Rs 19,000 per year more on battery rental, over and above charging costs. It also has to be borne in mind that this is an ex-showroom price and only gets you the base model.Then, if your next vehicle under consideration is a Mahindra XUV 7XO or Tata Safari, your remaining budget will again only get you a low- to mid-range model. Thus, we would instead recommend going in for a mid-range Punch EV (with or without BaaS) and spend the rest of your budget on either a Hyundai Alcazar or Kia Carens Clavis. Both these 7-seaters offer ample space, comfort, power, luxury and features, and should be well suited to your outstation trips.

Anil Kumar

Hi Autocar, I am planning to buy a 7-seater for my family with a budget of around ₹30 lakh. My usage is about 2,500km per month. I am deciding between the XUV 7XO and the XEV 9S. Please suggest. Thank you.

Autocar India

•8h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 L (7‑seater) diesel. Within a 30 lakh budget and high monthly running of 2,500km, you'll appreciate this SUV's practicality, comfortable and feature-rich cabin and punchy and efficient diesel engine.The one thing you give up is generous boot space with all three rows up. You’ll fit roughly 2 cabin‑suitcase bags, so longer trips will require you to plan your luggage. If comfort matters more than tech, consider the Tata Safari Accomplished+ 7‑seater diesel instead. It has a more spacious third row.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari

Ahaan Asthana

•2d

Hi, I am planning to buy a new SUV and would appreciate your advice. My annual running is around 8,000-9,000 km, with approximately 90% of it on highways. I am considering petrol manual options and am confused between the Tata Harrier petrol manual and the Mahindra XUV7XO petrol manual. Which one would be a better choice for my usage, and why?

Autocar India

•23h

The Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol manual will make a great highway companion for your needs. With 8,000-9,000 km a year, petrol is the right call; diesel usually starts to make sense above about 15,000 km/year. The XUV 7XO’s 202hp turbo feels effortless for quick 80-120kph overtakes, which is helpful on open highways. Its long wheelbase keeps it planted at speed, and the wide, supportive seats are great for long stints. The ride and handling balance, with the new suspension setup it received with the facelift, is phenomenal too.If you find that the third row is not spacious enough, then look at the Tata Safari petrol instead.On the test drive, take it on the highway and check stability, ride comfort and overtaking performance.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari

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