autocar-logo
Delhi
KC

Kaushik Chowdhur

•17w

I'm looking to replace my 2017 Duster. I do a lot of highway driving, city runs, and around 10–15% off-road/poor roads. I need space for four people, luggage, and two Labradors. What should I buy?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•16w

It would depend on your budget and how far you are willing to stretch it, but good options would be the Mahindra Thar Roxx and Mahindra Scorpio N (5 seater). They're both tough, ladder frame SUVs with strong petrol and diesel engines, that are great on the highway and perfect for rough roads. 

With spacious cabins and big luggage areas with split-folding rear seats, your dogs will have enough room and easy access. Of the two, we would recommend the Thar Roxx as it is the newer of the two and, as such, is better equipped, and slightly better engineered. Plus, its split-opening tailgate feature could be a nice way to give your dogs some ventilation while still being safely inside the car.

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Explore cars mentioned

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Mahindra

Thar Roxx

from ₹14.40 Lakh

Mahindra Scorpio N

Mahindra

Scorpio N

from ₹15.64 Lakh

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

Got a suggestion for Kaushik?

Add a Comment

Latest questions in the community

AB

Abhinaba

•1d

I own a Grand i10 2016 model. I am looking to upgrade to an SUV (not sub-4m ones) with good power and torque. I prefer a manual petrol and want to avoid a turbo if possible. Focus is also on after-sales service. 80% of my runs are in the city. What are the options that I can consider?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•6h

Go for the Hyundai Creta 1.5 SX MT. As a non‑turbo manual, it balances city drivability, adequate 115hp / 144 Nm performance, and Hyundai’s large, reliable service network.Since you prefer a manual petrol and want to avoid turbos, this 1.5‑litre NA with CVT gearbox suits you. With 80% city running, its linear throttle makes crawling and short bursts easy without turbo lag. The 115hp output is enough for quick overtakes up to city speeds. Hyundai’s service network and typical 10,000 km/1‑year intervals (confirm with your dealer) keep upkeep predictable. At over 4.3m, it’s a clear upgrade, not a sub‑4 m compromise.The one thing you give up is the mid‑range surge of a turbo; quick highway passes above 90-100kph will need a downshift or two to access performance.

VehicleHyundai Creta
UT

Utkarsh

•5d

I currently drive a Land Rover Defender, which I absolutely love for its design and capability. That said, I’m starting to think about SUVs that offer a bit more performance and sporty driving dynamics. I’ve briefly considered the Porsche Cayenne, but I’m curious if there are other options that balance power, handling, and everyday usability. For someone coming from a Defender, what would you recommend?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•10h

As you've rightly said, the Porsche Cayenne is probably your best option. No other large SUV handles as well as it does, and you get the option of two powerful turbo petrol engines - a 340hp V6 and a 500hp V8. However, if you're not concerned with having the Porsche badge, you should consider the Audi Q8, which is mechanically similar to the Cayenne, but comes in three performance levels, is set up to be more comfortable and usable, and is far more affordable too.At one end, there is the base V6 version, with the same 340hp engine, and at the other extreme is the 650hp, V8-powered RS Q8 Performance. However, Audi is about to launch the SQ8 - with the 500hp V8 - in India, and this could be the sweet spot between price and performance for you.

VehiclePorsche Cayenne
VehicleAudi Q8
RI

Ritz

•4d

I am looking to buy an SUV (with good ground clearance) which is fun to drive. For me, good mileage, a good audio system and a big boot space (for 3 big suitcases for a holiday trip) are important. My need is for a family of five. My overall usage is mainly city driving in Bangalore with occasional highway usage. I currently own a Ciaz Diesel and am looking to replace it. I intend to own the next vehicle for at least 7-10 years, hence it should not be too outdated technology-wise. I am open to EV’s, too. My budget is around ₹20-25 lakh (might stretch till ₹30 lakh if it's a really better option).

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•11h

Considering your requirements, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is a good option for you. It gets the option of a smooth, refined and punchy diesel engine that is efficient, a very good audio system and a huge boot if you fold down the third row. Since you are a family of five, the third row can be folded away for most parts and be used as a huge boot. The 7XO is also packed with the latest tech and features, so you have the latest ADAS Level 2, responsive screens with app support and OTA updates and a modern powertrain too.What's also nice is the performance of the petrol engine. It is responsive and refined, and in the city, the cabin insulation is excellent, making it a lot more comfortable. The suspension, too, has been revamped with the update from 700 to 7XO and is a big jump from what it was before.As an all-round package, the Mahindra XUV 7XO would be our recommendation, and it will also fit well in your budget.

VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO

View all Posts

Posted on: 17 Nov 2025