Hi team, I am planning to buy a new car next year. I currently own a Kia Sonet GTX Plus and now want to move to a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine option. My budget is around ₹30 to 35 lakh maximum. I want strong performance, a good suspension setup, good handling and, most importantly, comfort for rear passengers and long drives. Kindly suggest which SUVs fit my budget. I have shortlisted the Jeep Compass Model S for its 4x4 option and the Mahindra XUV700 for its AWD option. I am open to other suggestions as well.

Autocar India

•14w

The Jeep Compass Model S is the more premium option, with a higher-quality interior and stronger badge value. However, it's also quite a bit more expensive when you consider the top 4x4 version, and most of all, for your requirements, the rear seat isn't all that spacious.

You should definitely go with the Mahindra XUV700 AWD, as it offers more space in the back as well as more features. Its 2.2-litre diesel engine is strong (and so is the 2.0 petrol, in case you're interested), and ride quality and handling are very good too.

If you can wait a little bit, a facelifted version of the XUV700 is arriving in early 2026, which should be improved in many areas, especially when it comes to features. In the meantime, check out our Tata Harrier vs Mahindra XUV700 vs Jeep Compass video.

Explore cars mentioned

Jeep

Compass

from ₹20.99 Lakh

Mahindra

XUV700

from ₹15.86 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Suhas

•7h

Hello Team, I'm currently driving a Figo 1.5 Diesel, which I've driven 1.50L km since I purchased it in 2016. I'm planning on a bigger SUV, and as a diesel fan, I'm left with few options. I'm confused between the XUV7XO and the Jeep Compass (both automatic). Undoubtedly, the XUV700 beats the Compass in many aspects. I'm attracted to the Compass for its unique road presence and its reputation as a driver's car. However, I'm concerned about its poor mileage and service cost, as heard in some reviews. I need your detailed guidance.

Autocar India

•1h

Between the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Jeep Compass, the XUV 7XO makes more sense overall. It is a larger SUV with a more spacious cabin and will feel like a proper upgrade from your Figo in terms of comfort and practicality. If effortless performance is important to you, the XUV 7XO is the easier choice. Despite its size, the diesel engine delivers strong and relaxed performance, and it is also more refined than the diesel engine in the Compass.It is worth noting that neither of these SUVs is particularly impressive in terms of fuel efficiency, but the XUV 7XO still offers a good balance of performance and usability for long-distance driving.The Jeep Compass has its own charm and feels premium inside and out. It is also known for its driving manners. However, considering its higher purchase price, it will naturally be more expensive to run and maintain as well, which is something you need to keep in mind.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Jeep Compass

Gautam

•2h

Hi. I'm a first time car buyer. Want to buy a spacious and comfortable car within 11 lakhs. I don't have much of a driving experience so the car should be easy to drive and maintain. Much of the car use would be within the city and my monthly run of around 200kms. I'm considering both manual as well as automatic options. I would like to know your suggestions.

Autocar India

•6m

We would suggest you consider the Hyundai i20 IVT. The gearbox is smooth, the cabin is spacious, and within your budget, you can get the Sportz (O) variant. It is compact, easy to drive and park in the city, and also offers a reasonably large boot.If you want something slightly larger, you can consider the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. It is more spacious inside, more comfortable for a larger family and also has a bigger boot. The AMT gearbox is not as smooth as the CVT in the i20, but it is well-tuned and will also be more efficient.

Hyundai i20

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Shiv Singh

•5h

I am looking for a new car recommendation for my work commute. My budget is 13 Lakh, and my monthly running is approximately 1,500-2,000 km. My typical schedule involves travelling from Mumbai to Goa and rural Konkan for three weeks out of the month, with the remaining week spent in Mumbai or Pune city traffic. My driving split is roughly 70% highway and 30% city traffic. Since I travel alone for work, my top priorities are low running costs and decent build quality. I have shortlisted the following options: 1. Kia Seltos (Base Diesel HTE) 2. Hyundai Venue (HX5 Automatic TC) 3. Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG 4. Mahindra Thar RWD Please let me know if you suggest any of these or if there are other vehicles I should consider. Additionally, given my travel patterns, would you recommend a manual or an automatic (TC) transmission?

Autocar India

•40m

From the options you listed, we would recommend going for the Kia Seltos diesel manual. Even in the base variant, the Seltos still gets most of the essential features. Being a larger car, it will also feel more comfortable and stable on long highway drives. The diesel engine offers good performance and will feel effortless on the highway, which suits your usage pattern well.From a pure efficiency point of view, it makes sense to go for the manual transmission. Torque converter automatics tend to reduce fuel efficiency slightly, and with diesel efficiency already coming down due to tighter emission norms, the manual will help maximise mileage. Also, since 70 percent of your driving is on the highway, the manual transmission should not feel inconvenient.If the lowest running cost is your main priority, then the Maruti Suzuki Victoris LXi CNG is worth considering. The running cost will be much lower than that of even diesel engine cars. Thanks to smart packaging of the CNG tanks under the boot floor, the boot space, unlike most CNG cars, is not compromised.However, compared to diesel cars like the Seltos, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine will not feel as effortless on the highway. Also, it does not come with a spare tyre, only a puncture repair kit, which is something to note, considering you spend most of your time on the highway.The Mahindra Thar will prove to be uncomfortable for your usage. Its ride quality tends to feel quite bumpy, especially on our less-than-perfect Maharashtra roads. Also, the amount of driving you do, it will become tiring over long distances. For your usage pattern, the Seltos diesel manual would be the better choice thanks to its comfort and strong highway performance. If your focus is purely on minimising running costs, then the Victoris CNG is the alternative to consider.

Kia New Seltos

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

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