I’m upgrading my car and looking for an MPV or SUV with a seven-seater option. My budget is ₹25 lakh, and I’m considering upcoming 2026 models. My monthly usage is around 2,000–3,000 km. Please advise whether I should buy a petrol or diesel, and which models to consider right now.

Autocar India

•19w

Considering you drive up to 3,000km a month, a diesel makes more sense for you. Among SUVs within your budget, the Tata Safari offers the most comfort with enough space even in the third row. MPV options include the well-rounded Kia Carens Clavis diesel, and you could even look at the Toyota Innova Crysta. Sure, the Crysta feels old, but it still delivers on seat comfort and long-distance ability.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Safari

from ₹15.44 Lakh

Kia

Carens Clavis

from ₹12.90 Lakh

Toyota

Innova Crysta

from ₹22.30 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Amitabh Sharma

•3d

I am looking for a good replacement for the Tata Hexa. My main priorities are comfort and stability, especially for long drives and highway usage. The Hexa has been a very comfortable and stable vehicle, so I would prefer something that can match or improve upon its ride quality, space, and overall driving comfort. Which cars available today would be a good replacement for the Tata Hexa?

Autocar India

•2d

The Tata Safari is a good replacement for the Tata Hexa. Like the Hexa, the Safari feels tough and has great road presence. At the same time, the Safari is also a lot easier to drive than the Hexa. Comfort and high-speed stability are highlights, and you'll also like the performance on offer. The 2-litre diesel engine and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol suit the Safari's character; we'd recommend the automatics though. As another bonus, the Safari's third row is usable and better than the Hexa's.

Tata Safari

Nano

•4d

I am confused between the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX5 and Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 variants, as I prefer practicality over extra features. Alternatively, should I consider waiting for the Tata Sierra?

Autocar India

•16h

If you don't mind the additional spend, we'd recommend the Mahindra XUV 7XO in AX7 trim. Elements like its larger 18-inch alloy wheels and leatherette upholstery add greatly to the look and feel of things. While auto climate control, a 540-degree camera and front parking sensors are features you will appreciate every day. The Tata Sierra is not a like-for-like alternative to the Mahindra 7XO. The 7XO is larger, more powerful and also offers three rows of seating.Further, the 7XO is slightly pricier, too. Within Tata's range, the Tata Safari is an alternative to the 7XO.

Aditya

Dear Autocar Team, I am planning to purchase a 7-seater SUV and would greatly appreciate your expert guidance in selecting the right vehicle. My daily running is approximately 40 km, and my key requirements are: Excellent overall comfort, especially for long drives A third row that is genuinely comfortable for adults Good road presence and premium looks that match societal standards Strong fuel efficiency and reasonable running costs Good value for money My budget is around ₹35 lakh, but I can stretch it up to ₹50 lakh if the vehicle justifies the price in terms of comfort, features, and overall experience. If most SUVs in this segment do not offer a truly comfortable third row for adults, I would appreciate your recommendation on which model provides the maximum usable third-row space. Looking forward to your expert advice.

Autocar India

•19h

Unfortunately, these days there is something of a void in the Rs 30-40 lakh price bracket, with all the models that existed here having either moved into a higher price range or been discontinued altogether. At the lower end of things, you could consider the Tata Safari, which is spacious, well-equipped, and crucially, very comfortable for all passengers. Its 2.0-litre diesel engine is a little noisy, but it is strong and efficient if driven carefully. At the other end of the spectrum, in the Rs 50 lakh range, is the MG Gloster. It is soon to be succeeded by the MG Majestor, but even the outgoing car is big on space, comfort and luxury, with a third row that's genuinely usable. It too has a strong 2.0-litre diesel engine that provides effortless torque to move this large vehicle.

Tata Safari

MG Gloster

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