MG Hector

Autocar India

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Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 L petrol automatic for your parents, it feels like a true step up from the MG Hector in smoothness, ride comfort and overall finish, while staying within your Rs 35 lakh budget. Coming from the Hector DCT, they will straight away notice the gearbox feels calmer in slow traffic. The seats are supportive, the suspension takes bad roads well, and the cabin stays quiet, which makes long drives easier. It also brings stronger safety and driver-assist tech, a clearer 360 camera and a more modern screen setup, and Mahindra’s service reach is wide across India.One thing to be aware of is that the size of the XUV 7XO will make it a bit more cumbersome to manoeuvre in traffic than the Hector.If third row comfort matters more, look at the Toyota Innova Hycross VX(O) Hybrid. It is very quiet, easy to drive, and the third row is more usable than the Mahindra's, though it can have a long waiting period.On the test drive, do a 20-minute loop with slow stop-go traffic and a rough patch to judge the low-speed smoothness and how well the car takes bumps.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

MG Hector

Toyota Innova HyCross

Autocar India

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Choose the used MG Hector Savvy Pro CVT; its taller seating and 2750 mm wheelbase give easier ingress and a cushier ride that’s kinder to sore backs and knees.With joint pain, getting in and out matters most. The Hector’s higher hip‑point means less knee bend, and the broader front seats support your thighs better on longer drives. Its 2750 mm wheelbase (about 140 mm longer than the Creta’s 2610 mm) helps the body stay flatter over potholes and speed breakers, reducing back jolts. The CVT’s smooth take‑off and creep also cut the little shunts in stop‑go traffic that often aggravate back discomfort. Since you’re eyeing a used unit, ride comfort depends heavily on condition, but when healthy, the Hector is notably plusher.The one thing you give up is easy manoeuvrability; the Hector’s turning circle is roughly 0.5 m larger than the Creta IVT, so U‑turns and tight basement slots take more effort.If most of your driving is in crowded city lanes or very tight parking, consider the Creta SX(O) IVT instead; it’s about 350 mm shorter, feels easier to place, and will strain your knees less while parking.Another point to consider is that the Hector is quite thirsty and not as fuel-efficient as the Creta

MG Hector

Hyundai Creta

Autocar India

•3w

Since mileage is a concern, the Toyota Innova HyCross will be ruled out here. The Hycross hybrid is a lot better, but the non-hybrid version is good for 7kpl at best, which isn't the best figure. The MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari and Mahindra XUV 7XO are good and tech-laden, but the third row space is best for kids and short drives for adults.A good option to consider would be the Kia Carens Clavis. The Clavis is an MPV that is high on practicality and comfort, and gets multiple powertrain options and lots of features. The third row is spacious and close to the Ertiga in terms of roominess, thereby even adults can travel in comfort. The ride quality is good, and the turbo-petrol engine has enough punch even with a full load. The Clavis is also high on features, and it will be the best choice among all the rest.

Kia Carens Clavis

Toyota Innova HyCross

MG Hector

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Autocar India

•4w

The Kia Seltos would be the right pick for you. The second-gen Seltos was launched just a few months ago and packs in the latest features. Further, the new Seltos is built on a new-gen platform that brings with it advancements in technology and refinement, as well as the promise of greater safety. In that sense, the Seltos is a newer and more future-proof package. The Seltos DCT HTX is a good pick.The MG Hector has been refreshed multiple times, but under the skin, it is no different to the car that was launched in 2019.

Kia Seltos

MG Hector

Autocar India

•3w

Among mid-size SUVs, there are several with genuinely spacious and comfortable rear seats, but the best choice depends a bit on your budget and whether you’ll be chauffeur-driven or driving yourself.At the top end of the segment, the Mahindra XUV 7XO offers a very roomy and supportive rear bench with good legroom and headroom The electric Mahindra XEV 9S goes a step further with a sliding middle row, which lets you prioritise either legroom or boot space as needed, and this adjustability makes a big difference if you often have adults in the back or use a child seat.Lower down the price band, the Tata Sierra stands out for rear seat comfort. It has an exceptionally accommodating back seat with loads of legroom, a natural, slightly elevated seating position and well-cushioned seats that give you that “loungy” feel. It’s the kind of rear bench you can spend hours in without feeling tired.If outright rear space is your priority, though, the MG Hector is still the benchmark. Its rear seat is very wide, so three passengers can sit comfortably, and the flat-ish floor helps as well. The low step-in height makes it easy for elderly passengers to get in and out, and the soft suspension setup does a good job of smoothing out broken urban roads. These traits make the Hector particularly well-suited if the car will be largely chauffeur-driven and rear seat comfort is at the top of your wish list.

MG Hector

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra XEV 9S

Tata Sierra

Autocar India

•4w

If you want peace of mind, ownership, and a well-rounded package, the Kia Seltos is the easiest recommendation. Regardless of which engine you choose, it delivers a satisfying experience. The 1.5 turbo petrol is great if you enjoy strong performance, especially on highways. The 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol with the CVT automatic is smooth and relaxed, making it ideal for city driving. And if you have high running, particularly on highways, the diesel option is refined and efficient. On top of all this, the Seltos feels premium inside, offers good space and comfort for four adults and is very competitively priced.If you are considering the Tata Sierra, the turbo-petrol would be the better engine choice. It is refined, punchy and enjoyable to drive. The diesel also performs well but is not as refined as the Kia diesel unit, while the naturally aspirated petrol can feel underpowered, particularly in fast moving traffic or on highways.In terms of space, the Sierra actually has an advantage over the Seltos. Its wider body gives it a more comfortable five-seat layout, and the seats and suspension make it a good long distance cruiser.The MG Hector still offers excellent value, especially after the recent update that added more features and competitive pricing. It offers a phenomenal rear seat space and comfort, which makes it a good choice if the car will often be chauffeur-driven. However, it is not as engaging to drive as the Seltos or the Sierra.

Kia Seltos

MG Hector

Tata Sierra

Autocar India

•5w

The MG Hector Savvy Pro petrol automatic is a good choice. It’s spacious, comfortable and very well-equipped for the price. The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with the CVT is smooth, especially in stop-and-go city driving, which makes it easy to live with daily. The captain seats in the middle row are genuinely comfortable, and adding to the comfort is the soft ride quality, along with the relatively low step-in height, which makes getting in and out quite easy for family members.The main downside of the Hector is fuel efficiency. If your running is limited, you can live with it, but if you frequently do long drives, the higher fuel consumption will show. Also, the suspension is tuned on the softer side. While that helps with comfort, at highway speeds, it doesn’t feel as planted or as confidence-inspiring as something like the Tata Safari.In your budget, the Safari is really the only other proper 6-seater with middle-row captain seats worth considering. This Tata car is also spacious, comfortable and well-equipped. The new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is smooth and strong enough for most needs, and the Safari feels more stable at higher speeds. It also gets a useful “Boss Mode,” which allows the rear passenger to electrically move the front passenger seat forward for more legroom.

Tata Safari

MG Hector

Autocar India

•6w

Without knowing your budget, it's hard to pinpoint exactly which car to recommend to you. However, given you're looking to upgrade from a 12-year-old Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, and given your requirements, we would recommend the MG Hector.It's not a particularly flashy or exciting car, but when it comes to space for five, comfort and practicality, it is the best in its segment. The biggest highlight is its 587-litre boot, which is huge for the segment, and on top of that, it is incredibly comfortable as well.If you don't mind a manual gearbox, the 2.0-litre diesel is strong and relatively efficient. If you want an automatic, however, you have to choose the petrol CVT, which is not very fuel efficient, but then your usage is quite low, so perhaps it won't be that much of an issue.

MG Hector

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Autocar India

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While there's a lot to like about the MG Hector Plus, like its upmarket interior and plush ride comfort, it isn't a spacious or comfortable seven-seater, due to a cramped third row.The Tata Safari is certainly a better 7-seater SUV. Passengers will be comfortable in all three rows, and this Tata car feels tough and well-built. It is also well-equipped and has a stronger pair of engines - turbo-petrol and diesel.

MG Hector

Tata Safari

Autocar India

•7w

The MG Hector is a good choice if you’re happy with the way it drives and feels. It’s a size up from the Sierra and offers a wider, more accommodating rear seat. In fact, Hector’s back seat is among the most comfortable in its class. It’s easy to get in and out of, and the soft ride only adds to the sense of comfort. The boot is larger than the Sierra’s too, with a generous 587 litres of space.The Tata Sierra is a good option as well and is nicer to drive, but it is a bit more expensive and not as spacious as the Hector. Yes, the Hector does have a reputation for being a bit of a gas guzzler, but, as you mentioned, since you don’t drive much, it shouldn’t hit your pocket too hard.

MG Hector

Tata Sierra