Mahindra Thar Roxx

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Based on your requirements, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is the most sensible choice. It offers a good balance of space, comfort and performance, and is a significant step up from both your Ertiga and Jazz. The Scorpio N is a more rugged, body-on-frame SUV and is better suited to rough roads and occasional off-roading, but it is not as comfortable as the XUV 7XO for everyday use. It is a similar story with the Thar Roxx which is more of a lifestyle vehicle.Mahindra service has made significant improvements in recent years and service quality is now largely dependent on the dealership. It is worth checking the reputation of your local dealer before making a decision.The Toyota Innova Crysta is still the benchmark for reliability and long-term ownership, but it is expensive for what it offers and does not feel as modern or feature-rich as the XUV 7XO. Alternatively, consider the Kia Carens Clavis diesel. The engine is refined, it is premium inside, and the third row is better than the 7XO or Safari, though it lacks their SUV-like appeal. Kia service is also amongst the best in the country. Overall, the XUV 7XO is the best fit for your needs and budget.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Mahindra Scorpio N

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Toyota Innova Crysta

Kia Carens Clavis

Tata Safari

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Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol automatic. It suits your city-heavy use, is the most feature-rich here, and its turbo petrol has serious shove for highway and mountain climbs. It is easy to drive in traffic, rides comfortably, and the automatic is smooth. Tech like a 360 camera helps in tight city spots, and the safety and ADAS kit are handy on long trips.One thing to live with: fuel economy in the city will be far lower than your Grand Vitara. Expect single-digit kpl in heavy traffic.The next best alternative is the Tata Safari petrol automatic. It's got a refined engine and very smooth automatic gearbox. Again, fuel economy will be significantly down on your Grand Vitara, so account for that. The Tata feels tough and packs in plenty of equipment in the top end. Of the others, the Scorpio N and Thar Roxx aren't as comfortable while the MG Hector's high speed ride comfort and engine performance aren't great for highway and mountain drives.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Scorpio N

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Tata Safari

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

MG Hector

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The Mahindra Thar Roxx is far more comfortable than the three-door version, but as a family car, the ride is still on the firmer side. Within your budget, if most of your driving is on the road, there are more comfortable options available.Within Mahindra, you could wait for the XUV 7XO, which is expected to launch in January 2025 and is essentially the facelifted XUV700. Despite its size, it will be easy to drive, and the petrol and diesel engines are well-suited for both city and highway use. Given your limited driving, the petrol makes more sense. It will also be more spacious, with a larger boot, and being a 7 seater, it gives you added versatility whenever you need the extra seats. We expect the top AX7 petrol variant to fit within your budget.If you want something smaller and more efficient, you could also consider the new Tata Sierra. Even the top turbo-petrol automatic fits within your budget, and based on our experience, this Tata car delivers good driving pleasure and comfort while offering a class-leading feature list. The smaller 1.5-litre engine, while down on power compared to Mahindra’s 2.0-litre, is still strong enough and should prove to be more economical as well.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Tata Sierra

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Yes, the Mahindra Thar Roxx, in diesel guise, and especially in petrol guise, is not fuel-efficient. One car worth considering is the recently revealed Tata Sierra, which is likely to be available with multiple petrol engine options. And given Tata cars' recent track record of high NCAP crash test ratings, you can expect a good rating from the Sierra as well. You could also wait for the next-gen Kia Seltos. It is expected to launch by late 2025 or early 2026. The new model is likely to be larger and more spacious than the current version. There are also rumours of a hybrid powertrain, which could be the answer to your long-distance road trips. There will be many more new launches before April 2027, including models that haven’t been revealed yet. So if you’re not in a hurry, waiting could give you even better options.

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Tata Sierra

autocar.india

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Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel automatic. It is the best fit for your requirement. The 3XO diesel automatic is a tough enough option from the compact SUVs in this price range. The diesel engine has good low-end torque, which makes a big difference on broken roads and steep inclines, and the automatic gearbox is smooth and well suited to everyday use. The suspension is robust and the car feels solid over rough terrain, which is exactly what you need for your weekly drives. It is also compact enough to be easy to live with in the city, while still offering enough ground clearance and durability for challenging conditions. The only thing to keep in mind is that the boot is on the smaller side, so if you regularly carry a lot of luggage, you may need to plan accordingly. At your Rs. 17 lakh budget you will also get a very well equipped variant. If however your tough terrain is really very bad, consisting of off-road trails then you would be better off in a Mahindra Scorpio N or the Thar Roxx, but these would be well over your budget and would come in just above the Rs. 20 lakh mark.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Mahindra Scorpio N

Mahindra Thar Roxx