Jeep cars in India (5)

autocar.india

•8m

Being a Fiat Punto owner, a Jeep Compass diesel-automatic would have been an ideal upgrade for you, however there are far better, more affordable options available in the market. You could consider a Mahindra XUV 7XO or even a Tata Harrier, for their solid build, and confidence-inspiring driving experience. The diesel-automatic versions of both these should return respectable fuel efficiency too.However, if you want something a bit more compact and more manageable in the city, consider the strong hybrid versions of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara or Maruti Suzuki Victoris. All three are essentially the same car underneath; their hybrid powertrain is very efficient; and dynamically they are very capable too. Between these three, choose the one you think looks better, and the brand you're comfortable with.

Jeep Compass

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Harrier

autocar.india

•2w

At this price point and with your requirements, there isn't much choice available so the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel would be the most sensible option. It offers a more powerful diesel engine, a more refined driving experience and a premium cabin with a strong feature set. The diesel engine is punchy and well suited to both city driving and occasional hill station runs. The third row is not as spacious or comfy as your Tata Safari but it is usable. If the Mahindra car does not feel like an upgrade, you could consider the Jeep Meridian. It would feel larger and has a premium and classy cabin. The diesel engine of this Jeep car is the proven and familiar 2.0 litre multijet unit - the same engine that powers the diesel Safari. The Meridian will also do well for your long drives to hill stations as the ride and handling balance is outstanding with a secure handling for the ghats, good highway stability at higher speeds and a well judged ride quality over broken roads.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari

Jeep Meridian

autocar.india

•2w

Pick the Toyota Innova Crysta diesel manual. For 90% highway use, it just eats distance, the seats are genuinely comfortable for seven, and the diesel’s easy torque makes overtakes calm even with luggage. It is a proper big, tough, ladder-frame car, so your 10% on rough roads is no worry, and Toyota’s service reach and consistency are a clear step up from what you’ve seen with Scorpio.The catch is that it is not a true 4x4, so deep slush or serious trails are off the menu, and it will not wow anyone with gadgets. If you want a more SUV-looking option and still a manual, the Jeep Meridian diesel manual is worth a look for its sharper cabin and nicer highway manners, but for space, toughness and hassle-free ownership, the Toyota car fits your brief best.

Toyota Innova Crysta

Jeep Meridian

autocar.india

•3w

Get the Jeep Compass diesel automatic, ideally the 4x4, because it stays easy in the city yet feels rock solid on highways and can handle desert sand, and hill climbs without stress. You are coming from a Vento, so you will like the Compass’s tight body control, strong mid-range pull, and the calm way it cruises. The 4x4 brings real traction for soft sand and steep trails, plus good ground clearance, but it still parks like a midsize SUV, not a barge.With 10,000 km a year, diesel is fine if you do a decent weekly run to keep the system happy. If your budget is strict at Rs. 35 lakh on-road, the 4x2 automatic will fit and is still great for bad roads and long trips, just not deep sand.As an alternative, you can also look at the AWD Mahindra XUV 7XO, off-road it will not be as accomplished as the Compass, but it will be more than enough for basic trails and light off-roading.

Jeep Compass

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•7w

4WD SUVs are getting rarer by the day, but given what you're looking for, the best fit is the Mahindra Thar Roxx. For the price, it feels the closest to your Endeavour in the stuff that matters - proper 4x4 with low range, generous ground clearance even when loaded, and a strong 2.2-litre diesel that responds eagerly. The Roxx's new-gen chassis is Mahindra's best ladder frame yet, soaking up rough roads without breaking a sweat and handling highway duties reasonably well too. It's also gotten a lot more liveable than previous Thars, with genuine space, premium feel and creature comforts.There's the Jeep Compass and Meridian too, but their interiors won't feel spacious enough after your Endeavour, and on the other end are the MG Majestor and Toyota Fortuner, though those are likely to be out of budget. Of the petrols, the Kodiaq is probably the best AWD bet, but as you said, it is too expensive. A few-year-old example of any of these, however, might be a good option.On diesel in NCR, it might still make sense, if you can make your peace with the 10-year cap - and the associated resale value hit. You may see the odd winter restriction put into place, but new BS6 diesels have generally been clear of those. It's not an easy decision, but if it's for a car you'll enjoy, and you can work out a shorter ownership cycle that suits your needs, it can still work.

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Jeep Compass

Jeep Meridian

MG Majestor

Toyota Fortuner

Skoda Kodiaq