I have a family of 6 (Parents + Me + Spouse + 2 kids below 10 years. I currently use a 2013 Swift Dzire Diesel with 90,000km on the odometer. I am planning to buy an SUV within a budget of ₹18 lakh. Which SUV would be best, considering safety and mileage?

Autocar India

•9w

The Mahindra XUV 7XO is a good option to consider. It is spacious and can seat six people, though the last row is best for your kids only. The 2.2-litre diesel engine is punchy and will be good for highway drives, and is available with an automatic gearbox, should you want one. Its all-new suspension is also very well engineered and will keep your family comfortable on their journeys.

The pre-facelift version of the XUV 7XO - the XUV700 - has a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, so it's safe to assume the new version will score highly as well. It is also available with a long list of features, including plenty of safety features.

The only downside is that the XUV 7XO is not very fuel-efficient, especially in the city, and at your budget of Rs 18 lakh, you will only get an entry-level model. However, check with your local Mahindra dealership if there are still any examples of the outgoing XUV700 left, as it is still an excellent product and could be available at a discounted rate.

Explore cars mentioned

Mahindra

XUV700

from ₹15.86 Lakh

Mahindra

XUV 7XO

from ₹15.87 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Vivek

•2d

I am interested in buying the Mahindra XUV700 AX7 L diesel automatic. However, since I work in the Navy, my car will remain parked in the garage for about 4-5 months each year. My concern is whether there could be any issues with the diesel engine if the car remains unused for 4-5 months. When I return from ship duty, my monthly running is around 2,000-3,000 km. I am not interested in the petrol version due to its lower fuel efficiency. Could you please advise whether going for the diesel model would still be a good choice in my situation?

Autocar India

•17h

With your usage pattern, the diesel version of the Mahindra XUV 7XO actually makes sense. Once you are back from deployment, your monthly running of around 2,000-3,000 km is more than sufficient to justify a diesel, both from an efficiency and performance point of view.Leaving a modern diesel car unused for 4-5 months is generally not a problem as long as it is stored properly. Before leaving, it is advisable to keep the fuel tank almost full and disconnect the battery or have someone start the car occasionally if possible. The main thing to watch out for is the battery, which can drain if the car sits unused for long periods.When you return and start using the car again, make sure the car gets a longer highway drive early on. This helps the diesel particulate filter regenerate properly and keeps the engine running smoothly.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Chetan

•1d

Hello Autocar Team, I am planning to buy the Mahindra XUV700 AX7, but I am confused about whether I should choose the diesel automatic or the petrol automatic variant. My daily driving is around 70 km. Could you please suggest which option would be the better choice for my usage?

Autocar India

•19h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 Diesel Automatic, at 70 km/day (2,100 km/month), its stronger low‑rpm pull, and longer range suit daily commutes and occasional highway runs better than petrol.Your daily 70 km means you cover a serious distance, around 2,100 km a month, where diesel’s efficiency advantage becomes meaningful over time. The diesel’s stronger low‑end torque makes city overtakes and hill climbs easier, and for a diesel, it is refined, and it feels very relaxed for highway cruising too. Longer range between fills reduces weekly stops when you’re doing 300-400 km in just a few days. Also, with such regular running, the diesel’s DPF can complete regenerations reliably, keeping warnings at bay.The one thing you give up is the petrol’s quieter, smoother feel and lower upfront price; the diesel costs more and is a bit noisier at idle.If most trips are short stop‑start city runs, with few highways, consider the XUV7XO AX7 Petrol Automatic instead for smoother refinement and no DPF fuss.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Amit Khanna

•22h

I am confused between the Mahindra XUV700 AX7T automatic and the Mahindra XEV 9S Pack 2 (above 70 kWh). My usage is mostly in the city with occasional long trips.

Autocar India

•15h

If you have home charging available, the Mahindra XEV 9e Pack 2 makes a lot of sense. Electric cars are extremely smooth in city traffic, offer instant torque and have much lower running costs compared to petrol SUVs.However, if home charging is not easily available and you prefer the convenience of quick refuelling for occasional long trips, the Mahindra XUV 7XO automatic is the safer and simpler choice. It removes the need to plan charging stops and will feel more convenient for highway travel.Choose the XEV 9e if you have home charging and want lower running costs with a smoother city drive. Choose the XUV 7XO automatic if you want maximum convenience for long trips without worrying about charging.

Mahindra XEV 9e

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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