I want a 7-seater SUV with maximum ground clearance, rear-wheel drive (or AWD), a diesel engine, and an automatic transmission. Good mileage is important. My budget is ₹30-35 lakh (can stretch slightly). I live in Kashmir, so the car must handle occasional snow. Please suggest suitable models.

autocar.india

•8h

Based on your requirements, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is the most sensible choice. It offers a good balance of space, comfort and performance, and is a significant step up from both your Ertiga and Jazz. The Scorpio N is a more rugged, body-on-frame SUV and is better suited to rough roads and occasional off-roading, but it is not as comfortable as the XUV 7XO for everyday use. It is a similar story with the Thar Roxx which is more of a lifestyle vehicle.Mahindra service has made significant improvements in recent years and service quality is now largely dependent on the dealership. It is worth checking the reputation of your local dealer before making a decision.The Toyota Innova Crysta is still the benchmark for reliability and long-term ownership, but it is expensive for what it offers and does not feel as modern or feature-rich as the XUV 7XO. Alternatively, consider the Kia Carens Clavis diesel. The engine is refined, it is premium inside, and the third row is better than the 7XO or Safari, though it lacks their SUV-like appeal. Kia service is also amongst the best in the country. Overall, the XUV 7XO is the best fit for your needs and budget.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Mahindra Scorpio N

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Toyota Innova Crysta

Kia Carens Clavis

Tata Safari

autocar.india

•9h

With 40km a day in Hyderabad traffic, your priority should be a comfortable automatic with good fuel efficiency and low running costs. Since you are coming from a Harrier manual, you are already used to a large SUV, but in city traffic, a smaller, more efficient automatic will make a bigger difference to your daily experience.The best option for your usage is the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid automatic. The hybrid system delivers excellent fuel efficiency in stop-start traffic, and the automatic gearbox is smooth and stress-free. It is also a reliable, low-maintenance car with a strong service network, which is important for long-term ownership. The only drawback is that it is not as big as the Harrier, but for city use, it is the more sensible choice. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara also offer the same powertrain if you prefer the look of those.If you want something a bit more premium and are willing to compromise slightly on fuel efficiency, the Kia Seltos IVT automatic is a good alternative. It is more spacious and feels more upmarket, but it will not match the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid on fuel economy in city traffic.Overall, the Victoris Hybrid automatic is the best fit for your usage and budget. It will make your daily commute easier, cheaper and more comfortable.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Tata Harrier

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•10h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. It is the most sensible choice for a second family car under Rs 10 lakh. It offers a comfortable 5-seat layout, good ground clearance and a smooth, fuss-free driving experience. The naturally aspirated petrol engine of this Maruti Suzuki car is refined and easy to live with. Plus, Maruti’s service network and low running costs make it a very easy car to own long-term. The rear seat is comfortable for family use, and the ride quality is well-suited to bad Indian city roads.The Kia Sonet and Tata Nexon are both good cars, but the Sonet’s rear seat is spacious, and the Nexon’s would also feel tight for a family of five. The Skoda Kushaq is spacious but is a more driver-focused car, and would go well above the Rs 10 lakh mark for even the base version.The Brezza is not the most exciting car in the segment, and there is an updated one arriving in just a few weeks.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Tata Nexon

Skoda Kushaq

Kia Sonet