Autocar India
RA

Rahul

•3d

Hey, I'm looking to buy a new car with a budget of 25L. I'm torn between the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Kia Seltos. If I go with the XUV 7XO, what's the difference between the AX7 L and AX7 T variants? If Seltos, I'm leaning towards the top-end variant. I want an automatic transmission since I'll be driving mostly in the city (50km daily) and my wife will be using it too. Plus, we plan for weekend drives (400-500km). Currently, I have an i20 petrol (2016), but it's getting old and has clutch cylinder issues, so looking to upgrade. Which one would you recommend and why?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1h
Pick the Kia Seltos GTX(A)Turbo Petrol DCT. For your mostly city use, shared driving with your wife, and weekend runs, it is the easier, more complete choice within your budget. It is smaller and lighter to handle than the Mahindra XUV 7XO, so parking and U-turns feel simple, and the seats and cabin quality are a clear step up from your i20. The DCT works well in normal city driving, and highway performance is good, too.
One thing to be aware of is that a DCT can feel hesitant at very slow speeds if you inch forward a lot, and it can run warm in constant stop-and-go traffic. Drive it accordingly, and it is fine. The back seat is also not as wide as the Mahindra car.
If you genuinely need more space or do long trips with a full family often, pick the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 T petrol automatic. It rides very comfortably and feels solid on highways, but in daily city use, its size needs more care in traffic. On the AX7 L vs AX7 T, L is the fully loaded one with boss mode controls, rear ventilated seats and larger 19-inch wheels, but if you can do without them then the AX7 T is a good pick.
On your test drives, sit in slow traffic for 10 minutes to feel how each automatic behaves, and try parking in a tight spot. That will make the choice clear.
Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

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Kia Seltos

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Mahindra XUV 7XO

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from ₹16.14 Lakh

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DP

Dhruv Patel

•2d

Hi, I am a doctor and drive 90-100km daily, with 90% highway usage and 10% city driving. I currently own a Hyundai Aura SX CNG, which has done 87,000km in 2 years. I am looking to buy a new car. My priorities are mileage, safety, and comfort. Most of my driving is solo, but for trips (6-7 times a year), we are five people. My budget is flexible, up to 18-20 lakh, but I prefer to spend as little as possible.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2h

With a healthy 18-20 lakh budget, you can get multiple cars with different powertrain options. Since your usage is heavy, you could consider looking at diesel or hybrid options. The Kia Seltos HTK(O) Diesel MT is an excellent option. It is spacious, feature-rich, comfortable, and its diesel engine is very fuel-efficient.The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Petrol S Hybrid AT variant will also fit your budget, which comes with the convenience of an automatic transmission while also being extremely efficient. As a five-seater, though, the Seltos has an edge due to its slightly more spacious cabin.If you can account for home charging, you could consider an entry-level Creta Electric, which is likely to deliver a healthy range due to its efficient electric powertrain. With an EV, your running and maintenance costs will be very low.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleHyundai Creta
VehicleToyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
PS

prasad shiraskar

•5d

I am planning to upgrade from my Tata Tiago and am considering the Maruti Suzuki Brezza (2026) and the new Kia Seltos. My key requirements are good fuel efficiency, affordable service and maintenance, and comfort for city driving. My usage will mainly be city driving in Navi Mumbai, around 75 km per day, three times a week. Could you please suggest which would be a better fit for my needs? Also, let me know if there are any better alternatives I should consider.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2d

Consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi automatic for your Navi Mumbai city use, it will be easier to live with, use less fuel than a Kia Seltos, and keep service costs lower. Coming from a Tata Tiago, you will like the higher seat and wide view out, the light steering, and the 6-speed automatic is a torque convertor unit. It is the smoothest type around, which will make stop-go traffic far less tiring. The Brezza’s suspension handles speed breakers and rough patches very well at low city speed and the ride is nice and plush. Maruti’s service network is huge with quick turnarounds and easy-on-the-pocket parts. It is also shorter and easier to park than a Seltos, which matters in tight city spots. One thing to consider, the Brezza is not as quick on highways as the Seltos, and its cabin does not feel as rich. In all other aspects, though, the Brezza will do well.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
VehicleTata Tiago
VehicleKia Seltos
LA

Lakshman

•4d

I'm confused with seltos HTK optional IVT vs Creta S Optional IVT petrol. Because both comes at similar price and seltos HTK has more premium feel. My drive mostly in city and highway. Suggest Drive feel comfortable vehicle with long run less maintanence between these and have good reslae

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2d

Hyundai and Kia belong to the same parent group and share engines, gearboxes, suspension and electrical architecture, so the Kia Seltos HTK(O) IVT and Hyundai Creta S(O) IVT are fundamentally similar in the way they drive and in long-term reliability.Where they really differ is in design, space and cabin ambience. The new Seltos has a longer wheelbase, is noticeably more spacious, and as you’ve pointed out, feels more premium inside. It also feels a bit more up-to-date in terms of dashboard design and overall cabin experience. Performance from the 1.5 petrol with IVT is effectively the same in both, so you won’t feel a big difference in outright smoothness or ease of driving.For maintenance and after-sales, Hyundai still has a slight edge with its wider, more established network, which is an advantage if you’re in a smaller town or travel widely. Kia’s support has improved quickly, though, so in most bigger cities it’s no longer a deal-breaker.On resale, the Seltos currently enjoys strong appeal, and with the next-gen Creta due around 2027, the present Creta will start to feel older sooner, which can soften its resale value earlier. So, if both are similarly priced and you like the Seltos more, I would pick the Seltos HTK(O) IVT. If you can wait, the next-gen Creta is also worth keeping in mind.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleHyundai Creta

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Posted on: 15 Apr 2026