Mahindra cars in India (18)

Between the Tata Harrier and the Mahindra XUV 7XO, the XUV 7XO AX7 is the better choice for what you’re looking for. 

With the recent facelift, Mahindra has improved the 7XO incrementally across the board, making it a more compelling and well-rounded package. It is spacious, the interiors feel more premium than before, and unlike the Harrier, it even offers a third row which gives you flexibility if you ever need to carry more people. With the third row folded, the 7XO manages to offer a larger boot than the Harrier too. Performance is another key differentiator. The 7XO’s 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine with over 200 hp will feel like a big step ahead of the Harrier’s 1.5-litre turbo petrol as well.

As for the Skoda Slavia 1.5 turbo petrol, that’s also a very good buy, especially if you want a car that feels refined, composed and engaging to drive compared to your current Elite i20. However, since the Slavia facelift is expected soon, it makes sense to wait for that.

The Mahindra XUV 7XO is comfortable, feature-rich and enjoyable to drive. Its engine options are strong and refined, automatic transmissions are smooth, and with the 2026 model, its ride quality has become significant, with exceptional bump absorption capability. 

Overall, the XUV 7XO is an excellent option, and certainly one that we'd recommend.

Your understanding is spot on. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is the sportier car to drive, thanks to its larger and punchier 1.2 litre turbo petrol engine. It feels more eager, more responsive and from a pure performance and value for money point of view, the 3XO AX7 makes a very strong case.

That said, ownership experience is where the Hyundai Venue still has a clear edge. Hyundai’s mechanicals are proven, the service network is wide and consistent, and the brand has built a strong reputation for fuss free and reliable ownership. The 1.0 litre turbo petrol may not feel as explosive as the Mahindra’s engine, but it still offers good performance. Add to that the Venue’s premium feeling interiors, comfortable ride and space that works well for four adults along with a usable boot, and it comes across as a very well rounded package.

The best option for you would be the new Kia Seltos. The updated Seltos has a superior interior, is loaded with tech and features, offers one of the most sought-after ADAS systems, and rides well, too. 

There is also a diesel option if mileage is a high priority, and if it is within your budget, you can easily get the top-spec version that gets all the bells and whistles. The build quality and interior are high quality, the design is standout, and the powertrain is tried and tested. 

If you can stretch your budget a bit more and don't mind a slightly bigger SUV, the Mahindra XUV 7XO in AX7 T guise is also a fantastic option. It has a more powerful engine, an excellent ride courtesy of the new suspension and is equally loaded with tech and features. 

The Mahindra Scorpio N is a full-size SUV that focuses on cabin space, comfort and cruising. Between the powertrains, the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is definitely the more powerful one at 205hp. But with big heavy SUVs, you enjoy the low-end torque a lot more. The 2.2-litre diesel has only 175hp in comparison, but the 400Nm of torque versus the 380Nm makes it feel just as exciting as the petrol. 

If you live in an area where policies don't support diesel, petrol is surely the one to go for. If you don't do much long-distance driving and will not be covering over 20,000km in a year, even then, petrol is the right choice. 

However, if you frequent the highways, the diesel is not only more efficient, but it won't miss out on any of the petrol's fun. 

Between the Kia Sonet and the Skoda Kylaq, the Kylaq is the better choice for you, especially if driving enjoyment and long-distance comfort matter. It is the nicer car to drive, has a more comfortable ride on highways and feels excellent value for money. 

The Sonet is still a good all-round compact SUV, but it is not as engaging to drive as the Skoda Kylaq, particularly in terms of handling. Another factor to keep in mind is that the Sonet is expected to be replaced in about a year. It means there is a chance it could start feeling dated sooner than you would like. The rear seat on the Sonet is also on the tighter side.

Since you have mentioned that there will be occasions when five people travel together with luggage. It is important to note that both the Kylaq and the Kia Sonet are relatively narrow cars and are most comfortable as four-seaters on long trips. If proper five-seat comfort is a priority, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a strong alternative. Its wider body allows it to accommodate five adults in better comfort. It is also a fun car to drive thanks to its punchy 1.2 turbo petrol engine and well-sorted suspension.

Given your low daily running and usage largely limited to long road trips, it makes a lot of sense to keep your Ford EcoSport diesel if it is running fine. It is a car you clearly enjoy, its performance still holds up well, and for highway use, the diesel remains efficient and relaxed. There is also no urgency to replace it purely due to age, so holding on till the next decade is perfectly sensible.

If you decided to replace it, and are specifically looking at compact SUVs, two strong options to consider are the Skoda Kylaq and the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The Kylaq is great to drive, feels comfortable on long journeys and is spacious enough for four adults. It is also being very well priced for what it offers. Its main limitation is the narrow body, which makes it more of a strict four-seater rather than a true five-seater. 

The XUV 3XO, on the other hand, offers a wide cabin and a genuinely spacious interior, making it a better option if you often travel with five people. Its punchy 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine makes it enjoyable to drive, though fuel efficiency will be on the lower side. The boot is the smallest in the segment in terms of usable space.

All your concerns are valid, and given your high usage, we would not recommend an EV. Especially for your occasional long highway runs, an EV will require one if not two charging stops, even in something with a battery as large as the Mahindra XEV 9S. Apart from that, if you do not have a home charging setup, it's not advisable either. 

Your office charging unit will suffice on most days, but in a pickle you will have to rely on public charging infra, which has its limitations and is an inconvenience. And after 10 years, an EV's battery will be as much of a concern as a diesel ban; battery replacement is very expensive, and EV resale value plummets like a rock after 5 years. 

As you mentioned, the mileage of the petrol XUV 7XO is very low, so given your usage, that's probably not worth it. The best choice, then, is the XUV 7XO diesel. Yes, while it will be banned after 10 years in some regions, it's still worthwhile to get a decade's worth of use out of the car, and sell it or scrap it for some return at the end. If your car is driven regularly, including some highway usage, DPF maintenance should not be an issue.