Mahindra cars in India (13)

Opting for an electric SUV could be save you from a lot of uncertainties in the future around fuel mix, registration validity, etc., which might concern ICE vehicle owners. 

With a budget of Rs 20 lakh, the most sensible and trouble-free EV option is an entry-level Hyundai Creta Electric. If you want space, features and a fully-loaded car, the MG Windsor EV is also a good option to consider. 

The entry-level Mahindra BE 6 is a stand-out EV that also falls within your Rs 20 lakh budget.

If your Kia Carens is running fine and you don't mind holding onto it for some more time, wait for the Mahindra XUV700 facelift that's expected in the first quarter of 2026. 

It will have a thoroughly updated exterior, interior, as well as an equipment list similar to the Mahindra XEV9S, which could include a three-screen layout.

Of your three shortlisted cars, the Mahindra XUV 3XO checks the most boxes. It has a very spacious cabin - although not a very spacious boot - and has a comfortable ride and loads of features. 

As for longevity, any car can be kept for 10+ years if you drive it carefully, maintain it well and have it serviced regularly. That said, Mahindra's aftersales and service isn't as well-regarded as, say, Maruti or Hyundai's, so that's something to keep in mind. 

You should also consider the newly launched Hyundai Venue, which also meets all your requirements very well, and comes with more modern tech inside the cabin.

All the compact SUV options you've listed are powered by turbo-petrol engines, and since you are looking for efficiency, be warned, in typical city driving (stop-go conditions), these turbo-petrol engines aren't likely to be very efficient. 

Also, these are very sensitive to the driving style and ambient conditions, which can drop the mileage down to single digits. Among the options you've listed, the Mahindra XUV3XO 1.2 Turbo (MPI) AT is likely to satiate your need for performance while offering a smoother and comfortable experience overall. 

Another option you may consider is the Citroen Basalt X/Aircross X, provided there is a Citroen touchpoint in your city. However, if you want to keep the running costs down at all costs without sacrificing performance, go for the Tata Nexon EV 45.

While the Tata Sierra is an impressive-looking SUV, we have yet to drive it on the road and experience its performance. 

Also, the price list for all the variants is not out yet, so it’s uncertain which variant will be available within your ₹15 lakh budget.

Tata's after-sales and service support does have some catching up to do in comparison to Maruti and Hyundai. If you really liked the way the Sierra looks and what it offers, it would be worth waiting for. 

However, if it does not turn out as per your requirements, the Mahindra XUV 3XO in AX5 L variant is very good. It has a smooth powertrain and a good feature list, along with a spacious rear seat and low maintenance costs. 

Buying a diesel does have some level of uncertainty given the constant negativity around it, be it from official statements as to its certified life or restrictions on its usage on heavy air pollution days. 

Thus, if you are open to an electric, we would advise you to go ahead with this. Furthermore, your daily running is low, and even your occasional long distances are 300kms which should be manageable with something like the Kia Carens Clavis EV. 

The Clavis EV also has a nice and premium interior and is very well equipped in typical Kia fashion. The recently launched Mahindra XEV 9S is also a very good option, again with a premium interior and a good equipment list.