Of the two SUVs, Tata Safari & Toyota Innova Crysta, which one would you recommend?

Autocar India

•20h

Your usage and requirements point to a tough yet comfortable diesel SUV with lots of space. In that use, the Tata Safari 6-seat diesel automatic Accomplished X+ fits you best. It rides comfortably on broken surfaces, feels steady at highway speeds, and the captain seats in the middle row are wide and easy to get in and out of, which matters when you are in the car for hours every day. They're also widely adjustable and even ventilated, which is a bonus. The diesel with an automatic gearbox means less effort in slow stretches and relaxed cruising between towns, and diesel makes sense for your monthly distance.Know the trade-offs. With all three rows up, boot space is tight, so plan for a roof carrier if you carry a lot of luggage, and Tata's aftersales and service network isn't quite as good as some other brands. If you are fine with a manual, the Toyota Innova Crysta 7-seat diesel remains a great long-term workhorse and is very reliable too. However, it's not as comfortable or well equipped as the Tata Safari.As for EVs, your two options are the Vinfast VF MP7 and the BYD eMax7. However, due to their long wheelbases, slightly lower ground clearances and underbody battery packs, we'd recommend sticking to an ICE MPV for your usage on rough roads and quarries. Additionally, their dealership and after-sales networks are still limited compared to Tata and Toyota.

Tata Safari

Toyota Innova Crysta

Vinfast VF MPV 7

BYD eMax 7

Autocar India

•1d

After almost a decade with your Hexa, a good idea is to replace it with a tough and powerful diesel SUV, and we'd recommend the Tata Harrier Adventure X Diesel AT. It gives you the relaxed, solid, long‑distance feel that you liked in your Hexa, but in a newer and easier‑to‑drive package.It works for you because the diesel has strong pull at low and mid speeds, so overtakes on two‑lane roads need less effort. The 6-speed automatic is the torque-converter type that uses a fluid coupling, which is known for smoothness and long life, and it does not get hot and fussy in traffic. Safety is strong too, with a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating and must‑have features like 6 airbags and stability control. Ride comfort is good, and though not quite as tough-feeling as your ladder-frame Hexa, this Tata car feels softer and more comfortable overall.If you want the option of a third row of seats, there's also the Tata Safari at a slightly higher price point, which has all the same strengths of the Harrier. There's also the XUV 7XO, which is a better all-rounder and more fun to drive, but it doesn't feel quite as solid and commanding from behind the wheel as the Harrier or Safari.

Tata Harrier

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Autocar India

•1d

With a family of six, a 50:50 mix of city and highway use, and some rural roads in the mix, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic is a good choice. It rides well on rough roads, has good cabin space, and fits your budget well.The diesel has strong pull at low speeds, so it moves easily with a full load and makes safe passes on two-lane highways. The layout works for your family since the second row is roomy, and the third row is fine for your young kids.There are trade-offs as well. With all three rows up, the boot is small, so you will need to plan luggage. The third row is also more cramped than the Tata Safari, which is worth considering if you plan to seat adults there.If you regularly deal with very rough rural roads, then the ladder-frame Scorpio N is an alternative, but you will be compromising on-road dynamics, interior space, and features. Overall, for your use, the Mahindra car is a great choice.

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Scorpio N

Autocar India

•5d

If you're comparing ride comfort, the Skoda Kylaq is easily the better pick, particularly variants with 16-inch wheels. Skoda has got its suspension tune spot on, its relatively softer setup makes it more suited to our road conditions. It rounds off speed breakers and rough patches better at slow speeds. Furthermore, the Kylaq feels stable at speeds and is surprisingly nimble and fun-to-drive around corners, too.In contrast, the Kushaq’s suspension feels a little firm at low speeds, so sharp bumps and small potholes do come through more in the cabin.

Skoda Kylaq

Skoda Kushaq

Autocar India

•6d

With around 1,000 km a month, two young kids and a cap of ₹14 lakh on-road, the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 is the one that fits your brief best. It rides comfortably over broken city roads and speed breakers, and the rear seat is more than spacious enough for your kids. Safety is a strong point too, with a solid feel, good driver aids for this price, and mounts to fix child seats in the back. It also fits your budget in a well-equipped trim, so you are not forced into a bare-bones version. A trade-off to note: The boot is not the biggest in this price range, so if you often carry a full-size stroller plus luggage, do a quick fit check. If you prefer a more contemporary looking cabin, the Tata Nexon Creative Plus is your alternative from your list. It offers a slightly roomier boot and a very nice interior, and is easy to drive in the city, but the petrol engine feels a bit less smooth at low speeds and Tata service quality can vary by city. The Skoda Kushaq facelift would be a good pick, but only if you can stretch your budget, as within ₹14 lakh you’ll only get the base manual model, and Skoda’s service reach is smaller. Overall, for your family use and budget, the XUV 3XO AX5 lines up best.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Tata Nexon

Skoda Kushaq

Autocar India

•1d

With a 70 km daily mix of traffic and highway use, we would lean towards the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong-hybrid. Your usage is high, and the hybrid will use far less fuel in city traffic while staying calm and smooth. It pulls away on electric power at low speeds, so stop-go driving feels quiet and easy.You like the Seltos for its cabin and stronger shove, and that is fair. The Seltos diesel feels stronger when you press the throttle for quick passes, and its cabin does look and feel richer. If most of your 70 km is open highway and you really value that strong pull and the Kia car interior, the Seltos diesel automatic is still a solid pick.On a Kia Seltos hybrid: Kia does intend to introduce a hybrid, but timing is not yet decided as they are trying to localise components. We estimate it could arrive in 2027, but that could change. For your mix of city and highway, the Hyryder strong-hybrid lines up best with what you need right now.

Kia Seltos

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder