Mahindra cars in India (18)

autocar.india

•4h

At virtually the same price, the Kylaq is the more satisfying car to drive. Its 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is responsive, the 6-speed Aisin torque-converter automatic is smooth and reliable, and the overall ride and handling strike an excellent balance between comfort and driver engagement. If you enjoy driving, the Kylaq has the edge.The Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 Automatic counters with a roomier cabin, a longer features list and excellent safety credentials. It is the better choice if rear-seat space and features are your priorities. However, the Kylaq feels more polished from behind the wheel.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•9h

Pick the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel AWD. With your highway-heavy use and worry about EV software stranding you, the diesel AWD is the safer long-trip tool, gives strong torque for quick overtakes, and you are free from charging stops or app glitches. It also answers your hardware questions - the AWD for grip and an independent rear suspension that keeps it stable and comfy on rough patches. The XUV 7XO comes only as a 7 seater, but you can keep the third row folded for a big, usable boot.The Tata Sierra EV is tempting, and its AWD version will be quick and quiet, but early EV software performance can still be hit-or-miss, so it's perhaps better to wait a bit.Moreover, since you have quite a lot of highway driving in your mix, an electric car, even with a range as healthy as the Sierra's, is not the ideal choice. Conversely, since you have a good mix of city and highway driving, the diesel engine in the Mahindra car will get enough of a workout to keep the DPF regenerated as required.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Sierra EV

autocar.india

•1d

Pick the XUV 7XO diesel automatic for your use. Your driving is mostly highway and those 1000 km runs every 2-3 months give the exhaust enough steady heat to keep the DPF happy. The diesel also suits long trips better - it pulls stronger with a full family and luggage, and it will use less fuel than the petrol at cruising speeds, so your trip costs stay sensible.If you live in Delhi-NCR, the 10-year cap on diesels is the real spoiler. In that one case, go petrol automatic to avoid resale and usage headaches later. Elsewhere in India, diesels are fine to keep beyond 10 years. The petrol is smoother in town but will feel thirstier on the highway and when pushed. With your pattern, the diesel’s torque and economy make the drive easier and cheaper, and your occasional long runs are exactly what prevent DPF trouble.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•1d

Go for the Kia Seltos diesel. Your daily 150 km and 75% highway use suit a diesel perfectly, and the Seltos' motor is efficient on long runs - expect an efficiency on highways in the high teens so your 3,500-4,000 km months won’t bleed your wallet. The Seltos also rides comfortably over broken rural stretches, has enough space for 3-4 people every day, and a boot sufficient for those 3,000-4,000 km family tours. Pick the automatic if you’re often stuck in traffic or drive long hours; the manual will squeeze out a bit more mileage. Safety kit and highway stability are solid, and the cabin keeps fatigue low on all-day drives.One caution: it’s not a hardcore rough-road SUV. If your “rural” is truly bad roads or light off-road trails every day, you’ll need to slow down, and tyre upgrades may help, or consider something like the diesel Mahindra XUV 7XO with AWD, though this would be a pricier option.

Kia Seltos

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•1d

Based on your usage, we'd recommend the Volkswagen Taigun GT 1.5 TSI DSG.Covering around 500km on most weekends, primarily on the highway, and prioritising performance over fuel efficiency, the Taigun is the most engaging SUV on your shortlist. The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is strong and refined, while the DSG gearbox complements it beautifully, making it a genuinely enjoyable car to drive. It also has excellent high-speed stability and feels more involving than both the Seltos and the Sierra.One SUV that isn't on your shortlist but is well worth considering is the Mahindra XUV 7XO. While your Rs. 25 lakh budget won't get you the absolute top variant, it will still buy you a well-equipped model that feels like a significant upgrade over your current Creta. It offers a spacious cabin, strong performance and a more premium overall experience.

Volkswagen Taigun

Tata Sierra

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•2h

Even with a 35km daily commute in Bengaluru traffic, we don't think you should dismiss the diesel. The 7XO is a large SUV, and its diesel engine suits its character far better than the petrol, offering stronger low-end performance, effortless highway cruising and significantly better fuel efficiency. The key question is whether your usage includes the occasional longer drive. If you do head out on the highway from time to time, the DPF should regenerate normally and is unlikely to be a concern.We also wouldn't let E20 influence your decision. Modern petrol engines are engineered with sufficient tolerance for E20 fuel, and there is currently no official roadmap beyond E20. There is no practical advantage in choosing petrol purely because of concerns over ethanol blending.If, however, your driving is almost entirely confined to Bengaluru city traffic with virtually no highway runs, then the 7XO Petrol Automatic would be the safer choice simply because it eliminates any possibility of DPF-related issues.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•2d

Pick the Tata Safari 6-seat. It keeps the family happiest on long trips thanks to the comfiest ride and the most adult-friendly third row in this class. The suspension soaks bad roads, it stays settled at highway speeds, and the captain seats are wider with better thigh support. The third row sits a touch higher, has better recline and vents, so even two adults can manage a few hours without grumbling. Luggage space with all rows up is tight on both.Behind the wheel, the Safari is a relaxed mile muncher. The driving position is upright, visibility is great, seats are supportive, and the automatic is smooth. It is not the quickest to kick down, the engine is gruff and not as refined as the Mahindra, and there is some lag at low speeds, but on open roads, it cruises quietly. Coming from a Duster automatic, the ride upgrade is big.The Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7L is the sharper drive with a stronger diesel and snappier responses, and its ADAS feels better tuned. If you often climb hills fully loaded or love brisk overtakes, it makes life easier. For all-row comfort, choose the Safari.

Tata Safari

Renault Duster

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•2d

Pick the BMW iX1 LWB. The extra spend gets you what you already liked on the drive - a tighter, more confidence‑inspiring feel than the Mahindra XEV 9e/9s, and a premium, normal‑to‑use cabin your family will prefer over Tesla’s sparse setup. You also sidestep your BYD worries with stronger brand pull and a wider service network.On our roads, the iX1’s steering and body control make everyday driving feel calmer and cleaner, whether in Hyderabad traffic or on the ORR. Fit and finish, seats, and infotainment feel a class up, so it will still feel special three years in, not just on day one.Be aware that rear space and boot are not as generous as the XEVs or Model Y L; the ride is on the firmer side on rough patches, and range and fast‑charge speeds are not class‑leading. If you carry tall adults in the back often or do frequent very long highway runs, you will notice those.If your deal lands close to Rs. 55‑57 lakh on road, the premium isn’t just badge tax, it’s daily satisfaction. If not, the XEV 9e/9s are a strong value, but for your priorities, the BMW is the right call.

BMW iX1 LWB

Mahindra XEV 9e

Mahindra XEV 9S

autocar.india

•3d

Pick the XUV 7XO diesel automatic for the better ride-handling balance. Over broken roads and big speed breakers, it stays calmer, and with five on board, it keeps its composure without that side-to-side bob you often feel in heavier SUVs. At highway speeds, it tracks straight, the steering has a natural weight, and body control feels more reassuring when you need to change lanes or brake hard.The XEV 9e does feel flatter through bends thanks to the battery’s low position, so quick direction changes are tidy, but its extra weight makes sharp edges and patchy city tarmac come through more firmly, and the braking feel is less consistent. On a long drive with family and bags, the Mahindra diesel’s suspension tuning feels more relaxed and confident.One caveat. In city traffic, the XEV 9e is quieter and smoother, so if most of your 10-15k km each year are short urban runs, you might enjoy that. But for mixed use as a five-seater, the XUV 7XO rides better and feels more secure.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra XEV 9e

autocar.india

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If you want something that's compact and easy to drive while being efficient, then consider the Maruti Fronx or Toyota Taisor 1.0 Turbo 6AT. The engine is smooth, performance is strong, and the transmission works seamlessly. If you want a more "SUV" feel, then you could consider the turbo-petrol automatic versions of the Hyundai Venue, Skoda Kylaq or even the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The XUV is the most spacious and has the strongest engine; the Kylaq feels the sportiest to drive; while the Venue is very well-rounded, and thanks to its light steering, it feels easy to drive.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Hyundai Venue

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO