What is the best seven-seater MUV to buy right now, with rear seat comfort as the main priority? Options include the Kia Carnival, MG M9, and Toyota Vellfire. The Vellfire seems overpriced with the new pricing, and I am also concerned about MG’s brand image in India. Daily commute is around 180 km every alternate day for real estate work, and around 20 to 30 km on other days. Current garage includes a Range Rover Velar, BMW 330i, Thar Roxx, and Nexon EV Medium Range.

Autocar India

•16w

Your daily drive of 180km is a lot of time to spend on the road. You need a car that is efficient yet comfortable. The MG M9, being an EV, would be the cheapest to run, but it's not as comfortable as the other three. The M9’s seats and ride quality are not as good as the Kia Carnival, which appears to be the most practical option for you, as you get the benefit of diesel efficiency and cost, quality interiors, cosseting seats and good ride comfort.

The Toyota Velfire is by far the best of the lot: the cabin feels a notch above the others, the hybrid powertrain delivers ultra-smooth, efficient performance, and reliability is bulletproof. We agree it is overpriced, and it's your call how much you want to spend for that extra bit of comfort.

Explore cars mentioned

from ₹80.23 Lakh

Toyota

Vellfire

from ₹1.38 Crore

Kia

Carnival

from ₹70.28 Lakh

More questions on similar cars

Drnatarajan

•1d

I currently own a Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI GT DSG and have been facing issues with jerky low-speed performance in city driving, along with persistent rattles despite multiple service visits. I am considering upgrading to either the Kia Seltos (turbo petrol DCT) or the upcoming Renault Duster (turbo DCT). My usage is around 60% city and 40% highway. My main concern is whether these alternatives will offer a smoother and more refined driving experience in city traffic compared to my current car, or if they will exhibit similar behaviour due to the nature of dual-clutch transmissions.

Autocar India

•10h

With 60% city use and you already unhappy with the Volkswagen Taigun’s DSG jerks and cabin rattles, the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol IVT automatic is the safer bet for you rather than the turbo DCTs. The IVT is a belt-type automatic (essentially a CVT) that has no clutch to slip, so it moves off smoothly in slow traffic and is jerk-free at parking speeds. It is also easier to live with in our stop-go traffic, and power is adequate for your weekend highway runs, but it won't have the punch and pace of the VW Taigun 1.5.If you switch to a Seltos turbo DCT, its relaiively jerky too. Dual‑clutch gearboxes like the VW DSG and Kia’s DCT can still give a small lurch when you crawl in bumper-to-bumper traffic. On rattles, Seltos cabins we’ve used have held up quite well, but no car is fully immune to rough roadsTwo trade-offs with the Seltos IVT: it won’t feel as quick as your 1.5 TSI when you floor it, and on bigger wheels, the ride can feel a bit firm on sharp bumps.About the new Duster: it has a wet-clutch DCT, which is a bit slower to shift than the VW DSG, and it's not as smooth as the Kia IVT. t.Overall, for your mix and your pain points, the Seltos 1.5 IVT lines up best. If you really want a turbo punch, the Seltos turbo DCT is fine, but expect similar low-speed manners to your Taigun.

Volkswagen Taigun

Kia Seltos

Raja

•1d

Hi Autocar Team, I am considering buying a compact SUV in the ₹12 lakh price range and would appreciate your expert advice. I have shortlisted the Hyundai Venue HX5 Plus, Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5, and Tata Nexon (petrol variants). My usage includes regular local driving of around 50–60 km, along with highway trips of approximately 1,500 km every 4-5 months. Could you please share how these models compare in terms of value for money, features, performance, and overall suitability for my usage? Thank you for your guidance.

Autocar India

•11h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 variant. It offers the best balance of performance, space and features in this price range. The turbo petrol engine feels the strongest, especially on highways where the extra punch makes overtakes easier, and it also has the most spacious and comfortable rear seat compared to the Tata Nexon and Hyundai Venue. At the same time, it is well equipped, so you are not missing out on key features.Two things to keep in mind with the 3XO. The boot is the smallest among the three, so check your luggage needs, and fuel efficiency is not its strongest point.

Hemant

I am currently using a Ford EcoSport and am planning to upgrade to either the Mahindra Scorpio N Z4 petrol or the Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol. My usage is primarily within the city, with a daily commute of around 60 km.

Autocar India

•13h

Mostly city use, with about 60 km a day, points you to the Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol, ideally with the automatic gearbox, over the Scorpio N Z4. It will suit your routine better because it feels more like a car to drive, so tight streets, quick U-turns and parking are easier than in the big, tall Scorpio. Coming from an EcoSport, you’ll find the 7XO’s steering lighter and the petrol automatic smoother in stop-go traffic, which takes strain off your left leg and keeps the drive calm every day.Ride comfort at low speeds is also friendlier in the 7XO, so bumps and broken patches in the city feel less busy in the cabin. In mid trims, you also get more city-friendly features than a Z4, like better parking aids and a nicer cabin, which makes long daily runs less tiring.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Scorpio N

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