Hi, I’m looking to purchase a new 7-seater car. My usage will be 30 % city and 70 % highway. I need a car with a 5-star safety rating (for both adults and kids), and it should be comfortable to drive as well as fun to drive. Reliability is very important to me. My budget is ₹29 lakh on-road. Please suggest a car that fits these criteria. Thank you.

Autocar India

•1w

The Mahindra XUV7XO is a very comfortable and fun-to-drive car and will prove to be quite reliable too. However, since you are particularly looking for a 5-star rated car, do note that the XUV7XO is yet to be tested, and so far, Mahindra only states that it is 'designed for BNCAP 5 star'.

Given, the brand's past track record and the fact that the XUV700 - on which the 7XO is based - has secured a 5-star GNCAP rating for adult and 4-star for child protection. It is likely the 7XO too would secure a similar rating.

However, if you are very particular about the rating, then opt for the Tata Safari instead, which has secured a 5-star rating in both adult and child protection in the GNCAP as well as BNCAP tests. Do remember, though, these ratings are only valid if you are always belted up and children securely seated in the specified child seats, and of course, always drive safely.

Explore cars mentioned

Mahindra

XUV 7XO

from ₹15.87 Lakh

Tata

Safari

from ₹15.44 Lakh

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More questions on similar cars

Vivek

•1d

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

•48m

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

•19h

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

•2h

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

Anant Sheopuri

•4d

I am planning to upgrade from a Maruti Suzuki Ertiga to a new three-row SUV mainly for city driving. The Tata Safari Adventure X petrol AT does not have a dedicated third-row AC unit. Will this affect cooling for third-row passengers in Mumbai’s heat during daily use? I am also considering the MG Hector Plus Savvy Pro AT and the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 petrol AT. Which would be the better choice among these?

Autocar India

•1d

Out of the three mentioned above, the Mahindra XUV 7XO would be the better choice. It is a lot more refined, plush and sorted overall and feels worth the money you pay. The engine is powerful, silent, and the gearbox works well in the city as well. The tech is new-age, and it feels futureproof. However, the third row, despite getting AC vents, isn't the best in terms of space and comfort. The middle row cannot slide ahead, and that restricts room in the last row. Coming from an Ertiga, you will feel the space crunch in the 7XO and even the Hector Plus or the Tata Safari. If the third row is frequently used, the Kia Carens Clavis is the right choice as it has proper space in the third row and is quite practical. It isn't as fast or powerful as the others, but it has enough punch and is almost equally packed with features. Being lighter than the bigger SUVs, it is also easy to drive around the city, and it has a smooth DCT gearbox. If third row space is not critical, then we would recommend the XUV 7XO, but if you want space in the last row, the Clavis would be ideal.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Kia Carens Clavis

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