If you want a proper 6 seater, the Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid is the better option. It is a more spacious and comfortable 7-seater of the two. Mahindra XUV 7XO has been updated recently and is rich in tech; its last row is not comfortable for adults. 

Toyota Hycross also meets all your priorities - Stable drive, reliable and fuss-free ownership. Added advantage, you will get excellent mileage with its strong hybrid powertrain. 

If you are worried about the range on any EV, then it's best to stay away. An EV only makes sense if you have provision for charging at your home or place of work, and if your long runs can be done with ideally none, to no more than one stop to charge. 

We tested the larger battery (79kWh) Mahindra XEV9e in our standard test cycle, and it showed a range of 456 kms in the mixed city and highway cycle. Thus, if your long trips are around 300 to 350 kms with not too many inclines and a lot of load in the car, you should be fine for a stop-free trip. 

If this proves to be a problem for you, opt for the Toyota Innova HyCross. As for your query about the Exclusive edition, we don't think it will be available at dealers, as it was supposed to be a limited run. In any case, the differences were mostly cosmetic, with only an air purifier, a wireless charger, and a footwell lamp being the added equipment.          

There aren't many choices in the Rs 50 lakh range for seven-seater cars, but there are a few options to consider. If the third-row space is not critical and will only be used occasionally for short trips, the best seven-seater for your budget is the Skoda Kodiaq. It drives exceptionally well, thanks to a smooth and strong turbocharged petrol engine, as well as good handling. 

The cabin is well-equipped and feels pretty premium, too. You could also consider the Volkswagen Tayron. It will be launched next month and is in the same league as the Kodiaq, though the price has not been announced yet. 

If third row comfort and all-around space are your priority, then Innova Hycross hybrid is your best option. But, it is a step down from the Kodiaq, and Tayron. Being a hybrid, you will find it exceptionally smooth, especially when it runs in full electric mode.
 

The Hyundai Alcazar is a decent option for a 6/7-seater SUV with a comfortable ride quality. However, its third row of seats is not the most spacious or comfortable for adults. 

If you're fine with going for an MPV, take a look at the Toyota Innova Hycross strong hybrid. It's got a refined petrol-strong hybrid CVT powertrain that has a claimed fuel efficiency of 23.34kpl. 

Moreover, its cabin is far more spacious and comfortable than the Alcazar, and it has a comfortable ride on the highways too. Toyota Innova Hycross strong hybrid prices range from Rs 26.30 lakh to Rs 32.38 lakh (ex-showroom, India). 

You are right, the Innova, especially the Innova Hycross, is far more comfortable and refined than the Fortuner, which feels crude in comparison. There is no doubt the Toyota Fortuner has tremendous road presence with its height and imposing looks, but the suspension is bumpy, the interiors are basic, and the diesel engine is quite noisy, too. 

The Fortuner is the one to go for if you regularly drive to remote regions and want power and the ability to go anywhere. The Innova Hycross, on the other hand, is powered by a far smoother petrol engine. 

The Hycross has a far more comfortable cabin, too, and overall is the better everyday car. You also have the option of the Innova Crysta diesel, which is more comfortable than the Fortuner. But it is only available with a manual variant and is not as well-equipped as the Hycross.