Indian families are often large, and a regular 5-seater car or SUV can’t accommodate all members. A 7-seater vehicle then becomes a necessity, especially for family outings or long weekend trips. Here, we have compiled a list of the best five 7-seater SUVs currently available in the market within a budget of Rs 25 lakh. Read on to find out which SUV under Rs 25 lakh is the best fit for your family.
1. Mahindra XUV 7XO
Price: Rs 14.96 lakh-Rs 24.92 lakh, Autocar India rating: 9/10
The Mahindra XUV 7XO gets a pair of potent and refined petrol and diesel engines – a 203hp 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 185hp 2.2-litre diesel, both of which get 6-speed MT and AT gearboxes. It’s arguably got the best ride quality in the segment while retaining taut handling manners. The XUV 7XO is also the most premium and well-equipped SUV in its class, with third-row space also among the best. However, the petrol engine is thirsty, and most interior functions are baked into the touchscreen infotainment unit.
2. Tata Safari
Price: Rs 13.29 lakh-Rs 26.39 lakh, Autocar India rating: 8/10
The Tata Safari now has a much wider appeal, thanks to its new 170hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. It’s smooth and effortless in performance, and while the 170hp 2.0-litre diesel engine is potent, it’s not particularly refined. It’s got a well-equipped and premium interior and the most accommodating third row of all the SUVs here. Good ride and handling balance are also its strengths, but there’s a hint of firmness at low speeds.
3. Hyundai Alcazar
Price: Rs 14.50 lakh-Rs 21.20 lakh, Autocar India rating: 8/10
The Hyundai Alcazar’s biggest draw is its comfortable and feature-packed interior, offering the most amenities for second-row passengers. Both the 160hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and the 116hp 1.5-litre diesel engines offer adequate performance and are refined. Being a touch smaller than rivals, it’s easier to drive in the city, although ride quality isn’t the best, and third-row space is the least here.
4. Mahindra Scorpio N
Price: Rs 13.49 lakh-Rs 21.97 lakh, Autocar India rating: 8/10
Based on a ladder-frame chassis, the Scorpio N is the toughest SUV here with serious off-roading ability in 4x4 guise. It gets the same pair of likeable 203hp 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 175hp 2.2-litre diesel engines as the XUV 7XO, but the ride quality isn’t as comfortable as that of its monocoque rivals, nor is its interior as well-equipped or sophisticated. Third-row space is also cramped, and the boot area is not very well-designed.
5. MG Hector
Price: Rs 17.29 lakh-Rs 19.49 lakh, Autocar India rating: 7/10
The MG Hector’s strengths are its superb low-speed ride quality and feature-packed interior. However, the petrol engine lacks punch and isn’t efficient, and there’s a lot of vertical movement at high speeds. It’s also the only SUV here that misses out on a diesel engine and a 6-seat layout. Third-row space is also less than what most rivals offer. On the plus side, it is the most affordable 7-seater SUV in its category.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
