Autocar India
7w

I need an SUV for my weekend drives. I travel around 240km one way, about five times a month. The route is almost entirely on highways, with very little traffic and only occasional city driving. My total budget is 22 lakh. Which SUV would you recommend?

Verified
7w

For your usage, the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX5 diesel manual is the best fit. Your running is high, the route is highway-heavy, and you are doing this regularly. The 7XO diesel is built for exactly this kind of use. The 2.2-litre diesel engine is strong, efficient and relaxed at highway speeds, and the car feels stable and planted on long runs. This Mahindra car is also spacious and comfortable, which matters when you are doing this distance five times a month. The petrol version is also good, but at this kind of running, diesel makes more sense financially and in terms of driving experience. The only thing to keep in mind is that the 7XO is a big car, so if your city driving is genuinely very limited, that is not a problem. If you want something smaller, the Kia Seltos 1.5 diesel is the alternative. It is more compact and still very good on the highway, but when you're running, the diesel 7XO is the more sensible choice.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra XUV 7XO

7w

@neerajarora Go for XUV 7XO because it looks better, feels better. But won't recommend manual Transmission. Once you get used to Automatic Transmission, manual is quite uncomfortable unless you are a driving freak.

7w

@neerajarora Go for XUV 7XO

7w

@neerajarora Go for XUV 7XO because It is more spacious with good headroom and legroom , higher ground clearance, larger boot space , good highway mileage ( I have achieved appx 17 km / lit with my XUV 700 AX7 automatic driving it between 90-100 kms speed limit) , large sunroof ,,, v ideal for long drives on highways

6w

NeerjaaroraThe best suv diesel will be jeep compass base model as per your budget

6w

7XO is very comfortable due to lite and soft suspension .. Excellent road presence on highway

6w

Go for ScorpioN don't waste time in checking other vehicles. This is the best.

7w

Good recommendation 👍

7w

I agree with this 👍

7w

I suggest you go for XUV automatic for this

7w

I need a suv 7 seater for long road trips with family that could include trips to nepal covering mukthinath mustang area in future , trips will also include to ladhak and spiti.Usually only 4 to 5 months i will be available in india for all these trips after that vehicle will be used for shorter trips within the city and some longer trips of around 1000 km. 1.Confused between petrol and diesel.For petrol,if vehicle is kept without usage for longer time due to E20 chances for fuel corrosion can takes place. 2. I am considering diesel because difference between petrol and diesel is not much comparing mahindra xuv 7xo ax7 model.Regarding dpf filters early warning and manual regeneration can help keeping filters not getting choked. 3. Is it really required to get 4x4 keeping all the long trips planned in future and also keeping in mind vehicle can be kept standstill for few months. 4. My budget is 26 lakhris

7w
Creta owner · 19,800 km

@rishi04 Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 Diesel is the top choice. The diesel suits your long-distance trips better, and unless you plan to do serious off-roading, the 4x4 isn't necessary - the standard version is more than capable for Ladakh, Spiti, and Mustang on normal routes.

7w

@adarsh_paliwal30 ok thanks

7w

I am planning to buy suv. Is Mahindra AX 3 MT good

7w
Creta owner · 19,800 km

@neerajarora Mahindra XUV 7XO Petrol Automatic would be the best choice. It offers excellent long-distance comfort, strong performance, and great safety, making it an ideal weekend tourer within your budget.

More posts on similar cars

1d

I have a high daily usage of around 120 km and am looking for a car with good seating ergonomics, proper lumbar support, and good fuel efficiency. My budget is around Rs. 30 lakh, but I can stretch it to a maximum of Rs. 40 lakh. Please suggest some suitable options.

Verified
19h

With 120km a day, fuel efficiency and comfort become the top priorities. The Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid is the best fit here. The hybrid system delivers excellent fuel efficiency, especially in city traffic, and the Innova is known for its comfortable seating and strong long-term reliability. The seats are well-cushioned, the driving position is upright and supportive, and the car is built for long-distance comfort. The hybrid system also keeps running costs in check, which is critical at your usage level.If you prefer a more SUV-like driving position, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid is a strong alternative. It uses a similar hybrid system as the HyCross, offers good fuel efficiency and a comfortable ride, and the seats are supportive for long drives. The Victoris also feels more premium inside and offers a more SUV-like experience. However, while its seats are comfortable, it is nowhere near as spacious as the Hycross, which feels like a better bet at your budget.If you are open to diesel, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel is worth considering. It offers strong performance, good fuel efficiency on the highway, and a comfortable, spacious cabin. The seats are supportive, and the car is well-suited to long-distance driving. However, with your high daily usage, the hybrid options are likely to deliver lower running costs over time.Overall, the Innova HyCross Hybrid is the most sensible choice. It combines comfort, efficiency and reliability in a way that few cars in this price range can match.

VehicleToyota Innova HyCross
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Popular discussions right now

4d

I am planning to buy a new car under 20-25 lakh for the next ten years. I have considered two cars Seltos DCT GTX(A) and Kushaq 1.5 Monte Carlo DSG but am afraid of the mileage and if I go with an EV, I am afraid that infrastructure will not be that good. I drive daily for 10-15 km and take 2-3 trips in a year on highway. Should I buy the car now or wait for Seltos Hybrid? Will it cost an additional 2-3 lakh or will it be value for money for my driving. Should I consider another car?

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3d

With a daily running of just 10-15 km and only a few highway trips a year, fuel efficiency and long-term reliability should be your top priorities. The Seltos DCT GTX+ and Kushaq 1.5 DSG Monte Carlo are both excellent cars, but their turbo-petrol engines and dual-clutch gearboxes are not the most efficient or the most stress-free choices for predominantly short city runs. The DCT/DSG gearboxes are at their best on open roads, and in stop-start city traffic they can feel a bit jerky and are not as smooth or as durable as a torque converter automatic over the long term.The Seltos hybrid is worth waiting for if you are not in a hurry. It is expected to be priced roughly Rs. 2-3 lakh above the equivalent petrol variant, and for your usage pattern it will make more sense than the turbo-petrol DCT. Hybrids deliver their biggest efficiency gains in city driving, and over a 10-year ownership period the fuel savings and smoother driving experience will more than justify the premium.If you want to buy now, the Kia Seltos IVT (naturally aspirated petrol with CVT) is the better choice for your usage. It is smooth, reliable and well suited to city driving, and you will not be paying a premium for performance you will rarely use. The Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI with the torque converter automatic is another good option if you prefer a more engaging driving experience, but the Seltos IVT is the more refined and hassle-free choice.EVs are not the right fit for you at the moment given your concerns about charging infrastructure and your low daily running. The savings are not significant enough to justify the compromises.

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5d

I’m planning to buy my first car and would appreciate some suggestions. My budget is around Rs. 13-15 lakh ex-showroom, and I’m planning to register the car under the BH series. Safety is my top priority, so I strongly prefer a car with a 5-star safety rating, preferably from Global NCAP. An automatic transmission is a must. The car will mainly be used for weekend family trips and highway drives rather than daily commuting. Since it will be a family car, I’d prefer something that looks classy and elegant while offering good comfort. A premium-looking interior would be a plus, and features such as leather/leatherette upholstery and ventilated seats would be nice to have, but they aren't deal-breakers. At the same time, I don’t want a car that is purely comfort-oriented. I enjoy driving, so I’d like something with a good engine, enjoyable handling, and a fun-to-drive character. Good rear-seat comfort and reasonable luggage space for family trips would also be appreciated.

Verified
3d

Based on your requirements, the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the recommendation. It strikes the right balance between safety, driving enjoyment and family usability. The 1.0 TSI engine is strong, the handling is engaging, and the car feels solid and confidence-inspiring on the highway. The interior feels premium, and while it may not be the largest in its segment, overall comfort is quite good. If you prefer the look of the VW Taigun, it offers largely the same experience as the Kushaq. The Renault Duster 1.3 DCT is also a strong alternative, offering excellent driving dynamics and a larger cabin. Overall, though, the Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the car that best aligns with your requirements.

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Posted on: 15 Jul 2026