Hi, we are a family looking for a 7-seater mainly for highways and road trips. For such usage, diesel cars seem most suitable, so we have shortlisted the Kia Carens Clavis diesel and the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic AX3. We need two cars, one for highway use and one for city use. For the city, we have decided on the Alto K10 VXi petrol manual. However, we are confused between the Carens Clavis and the 7XO for highway use. We previously owned a 2021 Tata Harrier XZ diesel manual, which was a good car, but the service experience was not satisfactory, so we want to avoid Tata. Our budget is around Rs 25 lakh, and we expect mileage of around 15-22kpl. We are fine with both manual and automatic, but will most likely choose automatic. We need a comfortable 7-seater with good mileage, suitable for long-distance travel across India, with minimal driving fatigue and a 5-star safety rating.

Autocar India

•2d

The Vinfast VF MPV 7 is a fundamentally sorted car, that is spacious, and is fitted with a large battery which promises a healthy real-world range. Do read the buyback fine print carefully. Check the guaranteed value and tenure, the yearly kilometer limit, battery health requirement, full service history rules, any finance tie-in, damage exclusions, and whether the offer transfers if you move cities. If you are within those boxes, the offer is useful.The Kia Carens Clavis is an excellent alternative, which has a more inviting interior with excellent fit-finish and quality, and despite being smaller in dimensions, it is surprisingly spacious and comfortable. Also, while the Clavis has a smaller battery, it is very efficient, hence you can expect over 350km on a single charge. Moreover, the Clavis will be cheaper to buy, making it much better value than the VF MPV 7.

Vinfast VF MPV 7

Kia Carens Clavis

Autocar India

•3d

The Safari's biggest advantage over the XUV 7XO is its third row packaging and the slightly more premium second row experience. However, once performance, drivability, technology and overall ownership proposition are considered, the XUV 7XO pulls ahead in most areas.The waiting period is understandably frustrating, but considering this is likely to be a long-term purchase, a few extra months of waiting is generally easier to justify than living with a second choice for several years.The only reason to choose the Safari would be if second row comfort is overwhelmingly more important than every other factor, and the vehicle needs to be purchased immediately. Otherwise, the XUV 7XO AX7L Diesel Automatic is the better all-around product and worth waiting for.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari

Autocar India

•3h

While both the Mahindra XUV 3XO and Hyundai Venue are competent compact SUVs, the Mahindra offers a more complete package for your budget. The diesel engine is strong and refined, making it well-suited to both town driving and highway trips. It also feels more spacious inside, especially in the rear seat, and offers a richer feature set for the money.The Venue's strengths lie in its proven ownership experience, widespread service network and easy-to-drive nature. However, it feels narrower inside and does not offer the same level of cabin space or overall value as the XUV 3XO.Since you will be using the car both in town and on highways a few times a month, the XUV 3XO's more powerful diesel engine, roomier cabin and better overall value give it an edge.However, if you are specifically considering an automatic diesel, the recommendation shifts towards the Hyundai Venue. The Venue uses a torque-converter automatic gearbox, which is smoother and more refined in everyday driving than the automated manual transmission (AMT) offered on the XUV 3XO diesel. For frequent stop-start driving, the Hyundai's gearbox delivers a noticeably better experience.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Hyundai Venue