Mahindra cars in India (17)

Of the two options on your shortlist, the Mahindra XEV 9S suits your requirements better. It's got a significantly better third row with more adjustability and space than you get on the XUV 7XO. Third row space and comfort will become more important as your kids grow. 

The fact that you can install a charger at home also eliminates a big hurdle to living with an EV. EVs typically don't hold their value as well as petrol or diesel cars, but you also have to factor in lower ownership and running costs over your usage. 

As for your concerns on the XUV 7XO, the petrol engine is tuned to run on ethanol blends and will not give issues. However, fuel economy is on the lower side. The diesel engine will not give issues provided care is taken as per the manufacturer's recommendations. 

The best option for you would be the Mahindra XUV 7XO. It is spacious, comfortable, and has an excellent ride quality. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is punchy and fun to drive, and it is also quite refined. However, if you wish to clock in a lot more kilometres, there is a strong and refined diesel engine option too. 

Both engines offer very good performance, so if you are a keen driver, these will not disappoint you. The steering is light, but also changes character depending on the drive mode. Also, the new DCx dampers give it fantastic stability and bump absorption.  

The XUV 7XO is also available with a 5-star safety rating. Mahindra has updated the safety with newer ADAS tech that is a lot better than the segment competitors. 

Within your budget, you can get the AX7 L, which is the top-spec version with all the bells and whistles. 

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.

You will have to stretch your budget significantly to purchase the Tata Sierra automatic. For around Rs 12 lakhs on-road, what you can shortlist instead are the Mahindra XUV 3XO MX3 Turbo-AT and Skoda Kylaq Signature AT, both of which are safe, spacious, comfortable, and also get a sunroof. 

The Maruti Brezza is likely to get an update in the coming weeks. Since you are not in a hurry, you could wait and see what it has to offer wait for, before going ahead with the purchase.

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.