I have been driving a Mahindra XUV500 for the past 10 years, and the odometer now shows 1,60,000 km. I am planning to change my car and want to stay in the same segment. I have a stipulated budget of ₹18 lakh and am looking for a similar 7-seater SUV with minimal electronics, great comfort, better mileage, and strong safety. My typical running is about 10,000 km every six months. Please suggest what I should go for.

Asked by: Nithyanand

You have not specified which fuel type is your preferred choice, but if you want good mileage in 7 seater segment, we suggest you go for Diesel.

Since you are driving a Mahindra XUV 5OO, a good upgrade for you is the soon-to-be-launched Mahindra XUV 7XO. However, at 18 lakhs, you will have to choose the MX or AX5 variants, but unless Mahindra gives 6 airbags in these variants, it will fall short on the safety criterion.

A very sensible alternative is the Kia Carens Clavis diesel. It’s comfortable, practical, and well-suited to family use, with a ride quality that works well both in the city and on the highway. It should also deliver good mileage and is generally easy to live with day to day.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Answered by

Autocar India Team

Dec 26, 2025

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