I am looking for a 7-seater petrol automatic with a price range of approximately ₹20-22 lakh (+/-10%). I plan to keep the car long term and am not keen on top-spec variants or gimmicky features. Please suggest suitable options.

Autocar India

•3d

Your use is mostly long highway runs with the third row folded for your Labrador, plus a clear need for space in all three rows, parking aids and a 360 camera, and you don’t want it to feel weak when fully loaded. In that situation, the Toyota Innova Hycross 2.0 petrol automatic (non-hybrid) 8-seater is the one from your list that fits best overall. Its third row is the roomiest here, and when you fold it, you get a long, flat floor that is easy for a big dog and luggage. The CVT automatic, makes city work easy, but on the highway it has to work a bit hard to build up speed. Keep speeds steady, and you should see double-digit fuel efficiency on the highway, which matches your requirement.A couple of watch‑outs. The non‑hybrid Hycross does not get a factory 360 camera, and front sensors are limited to higher trims, so you may need a dealer‑fit 360 setup to meet that must‑have. Also, performance with a full load is just about adequate but not as strong as big‑turbo rivals if you push hard.If you must have a factory 360 camera, from your list, the Kia Clavis in a higher trim with the 1.5 turbo DCT gives you that and has a usable third row. Although your concern on DCT in heavy traffic is fair. Given your light city use, that risk is low. If you’re open to diesel, the Safari diesel AT also ticks power, highway comfort and 360 camera, but its third row is not as roomy as the Hycross. Overall, for your highway‑led use and dog‑friendly space, the Hycross non‑hybrid lines up best if you’re okay with adding a 360-camera via the dealer.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Tata Safari

Kia Carens Clavis

Autocar India

•4h

Mostly city use with a sensitive lower back and an under Rs 20 lakh cap points to a taller, easy-to-drive automatic. The Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol IVT HTX (A) fits this brief best. The seat height makes getting in and out simple without bending or climbing. So, the ride is soft at low speeds, thanks in part to this variant's smaller 17-inch wheels, so your back gets less shock from broken roads, and the automatic moves smoothly in traffic. You sit upright with a clear view out, the steering is light, and the 360 camera takes the stress out of parking. What's more, this should just about fit in your budget, and it gets you ADAS features as well. Kia’s wide service network helps with easy, reliable ownership over many years, too. The other good option is a Hyundai Creta, but getting these features will require you to move to a top-spec variant only, which is out of your budget. You could also consider the Maruti Suzuki Victoris 1.5 petrol AT, which offers even lower running costs but is not quite as comfortable as the Hyundai or Kia.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Autocar India

•6h

With 75% highway use and a Rs. 18-20 lakh cap, the Volkswagen Virtus with the 1.0 turbo petrol with the manual is the best fit. It feels quick when you press the throttle, so quick passes on the highway are easy, and it stays very steady at speed with a nice, weighty steering, which makes long drives calmer. The rear seat is wide with good legroom and a well-angled backrest, so two adults will be comfortable for hours. It also feels solid inside and out, and its crash test score is strong, which matches your build quality ask.A couple of things to note: at low speeds, the ride can feel a bit firm over sharp bumps, and Volkswagen’s service reach is smaller than Maruti or Hyundai in smaller towns, so check your nearest workshop.If you want the same driving feel but a slightly richer cabin vibe, look at the Skoda Slavia with the same 1.0 turbo. It shares the core strengths of highway stability and safety, and some find its seats a touch softer.For your brief, the Virtus 1.0 manual lines up best. However, do note that a facelift is expected later this year.

Volkswagen Virtus

Skoda Slavia