Upgrading from a hatchback; Which 4x4 SUV should I pick?

Having already owned a hatchback, I am keen on buying a reliable suv with 4x4. Use of the vehicle would be predominantly in the city (read Delhi) and occasional weekend getaways and lots of long drives

BHPian theunstabledesi recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

I drove a Volkswagen polo for almost seven years. I had to sell it due to personal reasons. A very driver friendly and enthusiast car which i had to sell with a heavy heart.

Having already owned a hatchback, I am keen on buying a reliable suv with 4x4. Use of the vehicle would be predominantly in the city (read Delhi) and occasional weekend getaways and lots of long drives. Budget is somewhere between 30-40 lakhs. Volkswagen is out of question as i have already owned the brand.

Following are the non negotiables :

- SUV with 4x4 which is Fun to Drive.
- I would be using this vehicle for atleast the next 10-15 years and hence long term reliability.
- Decent fuel efficiency.
- Preferably a 7 seater however not a mandatory requirement.
- Basic creature comforts like good entertainment system, panoramic sunroof, apple car play, ventilated seats, good aircon etc.
- Budget 0f 30-40 lakhs.

Having test driven the limited 4x4 SUVs available in the market, I am confused between the following :

Jeep Meridian Limited 4x4

Floored and totally impressed after my first test drive. Thoroughly engineered and a driver friendly vehicle with amazing handling and dynamics. Contrary to popular opinion, I found the vehicle fun to drive. Interiors are luxurious as well as ergonomic.

Few concerns : Future of Jeep Stellantis (will they pack up and leave), vehicle is beyond my budget by approximately 3-4 lakhs (can be managed), service concerns including limited service centres, long term reliability concerns. Ownership reviews on the vehicle is mixed.

In case I buy this, it would be a "heart over head" decision. Is it worth putting in so much of money on this "heart over head" decision.

Mahindra Thar Roxx 4x4

I found the vehicle to be value for money (considering the features and 4x4 capability) as well as having amazing street presence. Took the test drive in a city and found it extremely city friendly. The latest mocha interiors, availability of service centres and comparatively low maintenance cost makes it a very attractive option. Across the board, people only have good things to say about the vehicle.

Concerns : Long waiting list of almost a year, mad rush for Mahindra vehicles, the non friendly attitude of Mahindra dealership from which we took a test drive.

Toyota Hilux

Have been trying to get a test drive since last 3-4 months. I tried for a test drive in various cities but still have not been able to test drive one. Sometimes the vehicle is not available and sometimes the dealership does not respond back.

Though the vehicle looks appealing, concerns about how it would look coming to office in a pick up truck exists. This is especially with the family. But what makes me lean towards the Hilux is that it would outlast me in terms of longevity. This is a big plus.

Second Hand 4x4 vehicles

I was exploring the used car market and found good and well maintained examples of three to four year old Ford Endeavour 4x4, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 (budget might get stretched) and about 20-22 years old Toyota Land Cruiser in Delhi.

I personally want to go for Ford Endeavour 4x4 and Landcruiser. However, these are the concerns :

Ford Endeavour 4x4 : As with any second hand vehicle, concerns of maintenance issues and any previous history of major accidents.

Land Cruiser : Twenty years is really old. Though Land Cruisers vehicles have a reputation of lasting very very long, I intend to keep the vehicle I buy for atleast another 10-15 years. Will a twenty year old land cruiser last another 10-15 years? What would be the maintanence issues i would be facing and likely expenditure to be incurred? Restrictions on using diesel vehicles in Delhi is an added concern.

Vehicles Ruled out

Hyundai Tucson : Did not find it worth 40 lakhs. Interiors are not luxurious and the vehicle is not fund to drive.

MG Gloster : Beyond my budget

Force Gurkha : Vehicle is too basic and I am not a hardcore off roader. Plus I happened to visit a Force showroom for a test drive and found their response even less than "lukewarm"

Toyota Fortuner : Bumpy ride and I found the vehicle overrated and expensive.

New Tata Sierra ICE : Launch dates have not been confirmed. Plus not sure if the vehicle would have 4x4 capability.

New Ford Endeavour (if launched) : Not sure of the launch dates. Moreover at approximately 50 lakhs, the vehicle is way beyond my budget.

Considering the "fun to drive factor (akin to Polo) and long term reliability and longevity :

- which of the vehicles mentioned would you suggest?

- Is there any vehicle that i missed out and should be considering?

Thanks in advance

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