Want to replace my S-Cross. Please suggest a car around Rs 30-35 lakh.

autocar.india

•9h

Pick the Tata Safari 6-seat. It keeps the family happiest on long trips thanks to the comfiest ride and the most adult-friendly third row in this class. The suspension soaks bad roads, it stays settled at highway speeds, and the captain seats are wider with better thigh support. The third row sits a touch higher, has better recline and vents, so even two adults can manage a few hours without grumbling. Luggage space with all rows up is tight on both.Behind the wheel, the Safari is a relaxed mile muncher. The driving position is upright, visibility is great, seats are supportive, and the automatic is smooth. It is not the quickest to kick down, the engine is gruff and not as refined as the Mahindra, and there is some lag at low speeds, but on open roads, it cruises quietly. Coming from a Duster automatic, the ride upgrade is big.The Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7L is the sharper drive with a stronger diesel and snappier responses, and its ADAS feels better tuned. If you often climb hills fully loaded or love brisk overtakes, it makes life easier. For all-row comfort, choose the Safari.

Tata Safari

Renault Duster

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•1d

Pick the XUV 7XO diesel automatic for the better ride-handling balance. Over broken roads and big speed breakers, it stays calmer, and with five on board, it keeps its composure without that side-to-side bob you often feel in heavier SUVs. At highway speeds, it tracks straight, the steering has a natural weight, and body control feels more reassuring when you need to change lanes or brake hard.The XEV 9e does feel flatter through bends thanks to the battery’s low position, so quick direction changes are tidy, but its extra weight makes sharp edges and patchy city tarmac come through more firmly, and the braking feel is less consistent. On a long drive with family and bags, the Mahindra diesel’s suspension tuning feels more relaxed and confident.One caveat. In city traffic, the XEV 9e is quieter and smoother, so if most of your 10-15k km each year are short urban runs, you might enjoy that. But for mixed use as a five-seater, the XUV 7XO rides better and feels more secure.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra XEV 9e

autocar.india

•5h

Get the Toyota Innova HyCross VX(O). It delivers the most comfortable, high-quality cabin you can get under Rs. 40 lakh on-road, and the Toyota badge nails your “high quality brand” ask. Compared to your Compass and Polo, this gives you a clear step up in space and long-trip comfort. The second row is wide and supportive, the ride is plush over bad roads, and the strong-hybrid is quiet and smooth in traffic while staying efficient in the city. It is an easy, relaxing family car that still cruises confidently on highways.It also brings the peace-of-mind bit Toyota is known for, which matters when you plan to keep a car a long time. If you often carry parents or kids, they will feel the difference straight away.One honest catch: the ZX variant looks and feels even more premium, but it usually pushes past your budget in many cities. The VX(O) misses some toys, and it is not as rugged or fun to drive as your Compass. You buy this for calm and comfort.

Toyota Innova HyCross