[Anand2712]

Hi BhPians,

Been here for ages and recently got stuck while thinking of purchasing a car.

@Mods - I could not find an existing latest thread so creating a new one but please feel free to merge it.

Bit about myself (age - 39): Based in Bangalore. Have a wife, newborn baby girl, full time nanny and 4 year old crazy Shih Tzu at home. I have an existing Jeep Compass 1.4 petrol AT bought in Jan 2022. We love traveling (1 international and 4-5 domestic trips annually) and our pet is used to sitting in his carrier seat. Infact since he was small, he has gotten so used to his car seat, that we did Goa to Bangalore and he slept the entire way and only got up when we took a break and he realised that he could too take a pee break.

Dilemma: With the newborn and the nanny, I think the Compass might not be sufficient. The baby car seat and the pet car seat pretty much don't leave any room in the back seat, although my wife is super thin and can maybe manage it. However we want to be comfortable especially if we go on long trips. Additionally Compass boot is not that huge, and now with the stroller, and luggage for 3 adults and 1 baby, it will 100% fall short.

Query: We want a car within a budget of 30-40 lacs (need to be strictly adhered) with below criteria:
1. Can seat 5 folks comfortably
2. Ample amount of luggage space and places to keep small items
3. Hybrid or EV
4. All bells and whistles - top safety, good audio, ventilated seats. Most probably will go for the top model to make sure of these aspects
5. No change in model atleast for next 18 months - basically do not want something which will get a new itineration soon
6. 0 to 100 under 10 secs, instant torque, good to have feature especially on highways during overtakes

Options in my mind:

1. Hycross - I love it but my wife hates it. I have tried convincing her but she always makes the statement "do whatever you want" - a territory while literally blissful but has multiple dangerous meanings. On top of it, since the car will be bought on company lease by my wife, I don't want her to go for something like this with such a half hearted attitude.

2. XEV 9E - looks good but been on team bhp for too long and know the opinions about forum members about a just launched Mahindra ie avoid the first batch. But fits the bill to the "T".

3. XUV/XEV 7E (basically the Electric version of XUV 700) - yet to be launched but if it does before Diwali, will be the best option.

Others: Tata Sierra/Safari EV versions - No idea about the launch date and how spacious they will be.

Dream car which does not exist but if it did, this query would not have been posted on this forum - Fortuner in a monocoque chasis with good hybrid petrol (if wishes were horses)

I will be keeping this car for 5-7 years minimum and looking for some suggestions. Please feel free to advise if I have missed out on any other models which I can consider. You can also ask my any additional questions if I have missed them in the information provided above.

[IshaanIan]

Ideal car would be a monocoque 7 seater like you mentioned. Hycross/Invicto is the perfect car currently available. Ultra smooth and quiet also. Perhaps a thorough test drive might convince your wife? Is something like a Camry Hybrid not possible? Also considering it will be a lease, assuming you wouldn’t be buying it after the lease period, the heavily discounted X-Trail may also do the trick

[Anand2712]

Originally Posted by IshaanIan

Ideal car would be a monocoque 7 seater like you mentioned. Hycross/Invicto is the perfect car currently available. Ultra smooth and quiet also. Perhaps a thorough test drive might convince your wife? Is something like a Camry Hybrid not possible? Also considering it will be a lease, assuming you wouldn’t be buying it after the lease period, the heavily discounted X-Trail may also do the trick

Thanks for the quick reply. Plan is to get her to take a test drive but I am afraid it feels like a lost cause for now. Budget is 30 lacs extendable to 40. Camry will be around 55-60 lacs in Bangalore and is definitely out of budget. We do plan to purchase the car once the lease ends in 3 years. Nissan seems to be a lost cause right now with multiple news coming of them exiting India or stopping their operations. On top of it, it's a CBU so parts might be difficult to procure in future.

[heydj]

I would suggest keep compass for sometime now as space wise should be ok even with nanny. My cousin has same setup and does same thing in seltos and is perfectly fine. If after a year or so it feels that adjusting is not working out then look for a car. Right now why waste money, in this economy with us paying almost 150% in taxes to government for buying a car. Changing cars frequently only makes government the winner. If anything they would love if we buy new car every year.

If you are bored and this is just an excuse then its a different matter. Go for Tucson then, i have Diesel variant and love it.

[Taxman]

I would recommend do check out if there are any unsold units of the Skoda Superb. It has a voluptuous boot and can easily accommodate 5 people. At 40 big ones you may also be able to get an Audi A4 technology variant after some hard negotiations (Do check out Luxury car price thread have read couple of posts mentioning similar prices there).

For the SUV/Coupes your options are Safari twins (no petrol), XUV700 (facelift due next year) and the Hycross as considered by you. I personally still believe that we do not have adequate infrastructure for EV to be sole vehicle in the garage and hence would not recommend the same considering you also do significant road trips.

[Sanidhya mukund]

If you are particular about getting a hybrid or an EV, your best bet is the Hycross. I’ve had one for the last 1 year now and it has already touched Assam, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and U.P. It is an excellent car for long journeys. We have the ZX (o) with the ottoman seats, which eliminate fatigue in the middle row. The audio system is nice, the cabin is quiet, the AC is effective and the boot is quite large. It is also very fuel efficient. It isn’t slow either; in sports mode, the pickup is at par with my W204 Mercedes C200. I guess Toyota does claim a sub 10 second 0-100.



However, I do appreciate the fact that it may not be to everybody’s tastes, given the van like shape and the taxi image that it may carry for some people.

If not Hycross, I would suggest the Hyundai Tucson. This one was our second choice, but we went with the Innova because of the Hybrid power train. Tucson has a large boot, a good audio system and a very premium cabin. It can rival an Audi Q5 on every single aspect. However, it doesn’t feel all that fast, and the availability of parts could be an issue.

Third best choice would be the Mahindra XUV700. You’d have to let go of your preference for a Hybrid/EV, but other than that, it delivers almost everything that you’re looking for.

If you’re open to trying pre-owned, a 2022+ BMW X1 or a 2020+ Mercedes GLC could also suit your budget and requirements. Maybe even a used Lexus NX.

[speedfreak77]

First off, congratulations on the arrival of your baby girl, wishing you and your family countless joyful moments ahead. You've painted a picture that many of us here can relate to - the intersection of heart, head, and a car boot full of baby essentials. With that in mind, I wanted to share some thoughts on a few options that might strike the right balance between practicality, comfort, and long-term satisfaction.

Let’s start with the Toyota Innova Hycross. It may not have the appeal of a German SUV or the flair of some newer electric crossovers, but spend a bit of time inside it, especially in the ZX (O) Hybrid trim, and its quiet confidence becomes clear. The second-row ottoman seats are a real game-changer, it’s hard to overstate how much of a difference that kind of comfort makes, especially with a child seat installed beside. The cabin is bright and airy, the panoramic sunroof makes long journeys feel less tiring, and the hybrid powertrain is remarkably smooth, with no jerks or engine grumble, just a silent, composed drive that keeps everyone relaxed. Add to that a generous boot that handles luggage, strollers, and pet carriers with ease, and of course Toyota’s peace-of-mind reliability, and it becomes the sort of vehicle that doesn’t need to shout to be the right choice. Take the whole family for a long test drive, baby and all - the cabin sells itself.

If you're leaning toward something more modern and dynamic, the Volvo XC40 Recharge brings an entirely different kind of experience. It’s fast, lightning quick off the line with that instant EV torque, but it also wraps you in a cabin that feels truly premium. The clean, minimalist Scandinavian design, Google-powered infotainment, and quality materials all work together to give it a calm, upscale presence. Safety, as expected from Volvo, is top tier, with well-tuned ADAS features and a solid Euro NCAP rating. Yes, the boot is smaller and rear seat space is more modest than in the Hycross, but if you pack smart and your pet’s okay riding in the footwell or boot, it’s workable. The real joy of the XC40 Recharge is in the drive, effortless, silent, and always ready, and if the heart is craving something stylish and exciting without compromising on family safety, this one’s worth a serious look.

Then there’s the Kia EV5, not launched yet, but firmly on the horizon and shaping up to be a contender worth waiting for. Based on a dedicated EV platform, it promises a flat floor, spacious second row, and a cabin that looks both futuristic and inviting. The expected range of over 500 km, fast charging, and vehicle-to-load capabilities add to the appeal, especially for future-proofing your purchase. If priced right (under ₹40L for the higher trims), it could deliver a mix of practicality and tech that’s rare in this segment. That said, it’s still a few months away from hitting Indian roads, and real-world impressions will be key. Kia’s after-sales service has improved, but it’s not quite at Toyota or Volvo levels just yet, something to keep in mind if long-term reliability is a top concern.

Ultimately, if you're buying now and comfort, space, and peace of mind are top priorities, the Hycross feels like the most complete and family-friendly option. If you want something more engaging to drive and don’t mind the compromises in space, the XC40 Recharge delivers a refined, premium EV experience. And if you're open to waiting a few months for something newer with all the latest tech, the EV5 might just surprise you. Whatever you pick, here’s to peaceful road trips, quiet naps in the back seat, and the beginning of many wonderful family drives.

[SRS]

The Harrier EV will launch on June 3rd, 2025, so do look out for it. It should meet all your requirements. Else the XEV 9E is definitely worth it in my opinion and considering the newer batches have most niggles ironed out, you should be good to go.

If an MPV isn't an issue, the BYD eMax 7 with the 71.8 kWh battery should be a good choice as well. However, considering your wife isn't happy with the Hycross/Invicto, I doubt if the eMax will fare any better.

If you are fine with Diesels. Then the XUV700 Diesel AT or Tucson Diesel AT are good options.

[Anand2712]

Thank you all for your valuable suggestions! I did read through all your comments and it definitely gave me some perspective. Extremely helpful!

I will start with a few test drives of Hycross and XEV 9E. I am hoping the Ottoman seats in Hycross might curry some favour with my wife as somehow I totally missed it during my discussion. Will also be keeping a lookout for some of the upcoming launches. Plan is to buy before Diwali, so am not in extreme hurry.

On the watch out for some of the cars which have been suggested by BHPians.

[FredTilson]

If you are open to non-EVs/Hybrids, you can consider the Tucson Diesel. You'd have to do with the non 4WD variant in your budget but otherwise it's a fantastic car. Excellent engine, built to global standards, boot is massive as well. Would be a big upgrade over Compass in all respects.

[Sk8r]

Considering the passenger manifest and your love for road trips, I think you might be better off without an EV to avoid "forced", "scheduled" breaks to charge your car.

Eyes closed, go with a Hybrid. Unfortunately, you have no other option than the Hycross for now. Only gripe would be the "cab" like looks, but trust me it is comfortable.

You might want to spruce up the exterior looks by the usual combination of Alloys / Blacked out bits to make it look a bit SUVish.

Most importantly, there could be ways to overcome the dreadful "do whatever you want" phrase

[GoBabyGo]

Hi, do check out the Kia Clavis which offers interior space comparable to the Toyota Hycross. It has a decent 216-litre boot, which means you can still carry family luggage without folding the third row of seats.

The top variant is expected to come with premium interiors and an expected on-road price of under Rs.26 lakhs in Bengaluru, making it an excellent value proposition in its segment. It is powerful MUV with a 160 BHP engine & 253 Nm of torque.

The only notable drawback could be its safety rating, in my view it is expected to score around 4 stars in the Bharat NCAP, and there are concerns about body shell stability (similar to what was observed in the tested Kia Carens). However, if safety concerns are not a deal-breaker for you, the Clavis stands out as a well-rounded and compelling 7-seater MUV in this price range.

Its price will reveal today (23rd June 2025).

[shobhit.shri]

I was on a similar boat as you a few months ago, except that I needed one seat less. My budget was also in the same range at around 45-50L, and I am also in Bangalore. We are also not big on long roadtrips, Ooty is my limit


I finally decided to save money on the car itself, and bought Creta EV for 24L, on road. The car is great and fits my needs well. The genius of this plan, if it works out, lies in the fact that the saved money, including fuel cost, can finance 8-10 international trips! That will last the lifetime of this car for us

[supertinu]

Given the budget and the restriction of EV or hybrid your options are very limited. Technically you need a large 5 seater something equivalent of a XUV700 size to handle 3 adults + 1 child seat + 1 pet + all carry ons. Creta equivalent size will not fit the bill. Hycross is about perfect but then better half's preference is more important . You could wait for XUV700 EV and it would fit the bill.

Alternately, if running is not very high then include petrol also in the list and look at likes of Tuscon, XUV700, Alcazar/Clavis. They have diesel options too if running is higher.

[thivis01]

Your requirements scream XUV700 AT Diesel. It’s mighty fast, plenty of road presence, has a good safety record, loads of space on offer, excellent headlights (IMO a very important point if you frequently do highway drives, also a weak point in the Hycross) and almost every other feature one might need. Any reason why it isn’t on your list?