My monthly running is approximately 2,000 km, with 70% on highways and 30% in the city. Twice a year, I also take long drives to hilly areas and other regions around NCR, covering about 1,000 km per trip. Please suggest the best car within a budget of ₹17 lakh. I’m considering diesel or CNG options. Should I choose the Creta, Seltos, Grand Vitara, Victoris, XUV 3XO, Nexon, Sonet, or Brezza?

Asked by: Arjun Singh

Since most of your running is on highways and you often take long drives to hilly areas, opting for a diesel makes sense. Among the compact SUVs you’ve listed, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a strong choice thanks to its punchy diesel engine, spacious cabin, and extensive feature list.

However, if you frequently go on road trips, you might find its boot space limited. The larger Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos offer more practicality, though, within your budget, you’ll have to choose from their lower variants.

Hyundai Creta

Hyundai Creta

Answered by

Autocar India Team

Oct 28, 2025

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