Hyundai Alcazar

The Hyundai Alcazar and Mahindra XUV700 are both competent SUVs. However, given your requirements, the Hyundai Alcazar would be a better fit for you. 

The Hyundai Car is slightly smaller in terms of dimensions, and that, coupled with its light control, means it's easier to drive in the city. It also gets a refined 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine that can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The Hyundai Alcazar mileage is 20.4kpl for the diesel manual and 18.1kpl for the automatic (company claimed).

Given your yearly running, a petrol SUV would make more sense as you won't be able to offset the upfront extra cost you would be paying for the diesel version. 

The Hyundai Alcazar is a comfortable and easy-to-drive SUV that has a good petrol engine and a convenient automatic gearbox as well. It's not as large as the other SUVs mentioned here, and that makes it easier and lighter to maneuver in the city. 

The seat height is also at a reasonable position, so getting in and out will not be difficult, especially for the elderly. The Alcazar would be our top recommendation here. 

The two cars you have shortlisted fall in different segments; in fact, where the Maruti XL6 price ends, is where the Hyundai Alcazar price begins. The Alcazar is a superior vehicle in terms of comfort, quality, features and engines. 

However, the XL6 MPV body style means that space efficiency on the interior is better. The XL6 has just a single engine option - a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. 

Also, it is not as powerful as the Alcazar, but it will be more fuel-efficient. If you are budget-conscious and want to keep running costs low, the Maruti XL6 is the better choice for you. You could also consider the Kia Carens Clavis, which falls between these two on price.

If most of your driving is in town and the third row will only be used occasionally, the Hyundai Alcazar is a better fit. The 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine isn’t very punchy, but the Alcazar’s light controls and compact dimensions make it friendlier to drive on congested roads. It also comes absolutely loaded with features and offers a 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol option.

However, if you do frequent road trips with your family or spend a lot of time on highways, the Tata Safari is the better choice. The Safari has a far more usable third row, and the 170hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine can comfortably haul six or seven passengers. It also feels tougher overall.

As for the Safari petrol, that option will take some time. Tata plans to debut its new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine in the Sierra SUV first, which will later be introduced in other Tata models, including the Safari and Harrier.

Since you're coming from a Civic, you might lean towards the Hyundai Alcazar, purely for its stronger performance and relatively sportier gearbox. Its suspension also feels stiffer than the MG's, making it handle a bit better.

The MG Hector Plus, on the other hand, is smoother to drive, albeit a bit dull, and delivers better ride comfort due to its soft suspension. Neither car has a particularly spacious third row of seats. Hence, their last row is only good for occasional use.

If you will use the third row more often to ferry adults, you could consider the Mahindra XUV700, which also delivers stronger performance than these two.