I have been using the Mahindra KUV100 mid variant since 2016, and it has now crossed 1.10 lakh km. I am planning to buy a new car with a budget of Rs 10-15 lakh and want an automatic. I am confused between the Mahindra 3XO and the Mahindra 7XO base variant, but I am open to other brands as well. My usage includes occasional city driving and one or two highway trips every month. Which car would be the better choice?

Autocar India

•10h

The Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 diesel manual should be your first choice. It offers a larger, more powerful diesel engine, which will feel like a proper upgrade from your Astor. It pulls strongly on highways and climbs effortlessly in high-altitude conditions. It is also spacious, feature-loaded and very comfortable for long-distance driving. If you want an automatic, go for the AX5 diesel, which is the more value-for-money option.The Mahindra Scorpio N diesel is the more rugged alternative. It is better suited for tougher terrain and rough roads, making it ideal if your Ladakh or Spiti trips involve more challenging sections. However, it is not as comfortable or as easy to drive daily as the 7XO.The Hyundai Creta diesel is the more refined and easy-to-drive option if you want something similar in size to your Astor. It is smooth and comfortable for highways, but it does not offer the same level of power or ruggedness as the Mahindra options.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Scorpio N

Hyundai Creta

Autocar India

•21h

Go for the Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid ZX(O) 7-seater costing up to Rs. 50 lakh on road, it suits a family best for comfort, space and easy driving. For moderate use, the petrol-hybrid is the sweet spot: it pairs a petrol engine with an electric motor to help in traffic. So it always feels smooth like an automatic and keeps fuel use in check without any charging. The second row is wide and very comfortable, the ride is calm on most roads, and the driving position is easy for all heights. Toyota’s service reach is strong across India, and resale is usually high, which matters in long-term family ownership.One thing to be aware of: with all three rows in use, the boot is small, so plan for that. Also, top trims with larger wheels can feel a bit firm on sharp bumps, so check this on a test drive.If you want more power and lots of features for less money, look at the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic 7-seater. It is quick, safe and gets driver-assist features that help on highways, but the third row is tighter, and the city ride can feel busier. If you often carry seven adults and drive on rough roads, the MG Gloster 7-seater is big, comfy and feels tough. With a calm highway gait, just note that it is very difficult to park and MG’s service network is smaller than Toyota’s.Overall, the Innova Hycross Hybrid is the most family-friendly and hassle-free pick; during the test drive, load all three rows and drive over broken patches to be sure the comfort works for your family.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Mahindra XUV 7XO

MG Gloster

Autocar India

•1d

The Chery-based Jetour T2 will be the first product from JSW Auto, and it is expected sometime before the festive season this year. JSW is planning to launch the Jetour T2 with a fairly high spec, so it won't be cheap and is expected to cost around Rs 38-40 lakh. For that money, you get a 380hp plug-in hybrid variant with around 610 Nm of torque. It is larger than both the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Tata Harrier/Safari in most dimensions and boasts a 580-litre boot. So if you are looking at the Jetour T2, you need to put aside a budget of Rs. 40 lakh

JSW Motors Jetour T2

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Harrier

Tata Safari