Mahindra XUV300 or Kia Carens: Best 5 or 7-seater SUV, MPV under Rs 15 lakh?

I want to buy a new car 5- or 7-seater SUV/MPV with a maximum budget of Rs 15 lakh. I have shortlisted the Mahindra XUV 300 W8 diesel and Kia Carens Prestige Plus petrol with an iMT gearbox. I am not interested in an automatic.

Chetan Amesur, Nashik

Autocar India says: Both cars are very different and it really depends on your usage. If you are driving yourself, the XUV300 with the T-GDi petrol will be the most enjoyable as it offers superb performance and is very refined, albeit a bit thirsty. The diesel, on the other hand, has a smooth and efficient 1.5-litre diesel and does the job quite well. However, if you are looking at a more practical option and want the flexibility of three rows, the Carens is a better choice. Also, compared to the XUV300, the Carens has far better interiors and more space.

Also see:

2019 Mahindra XUV300 review, road test

2022 Mahindra XUV300 TurboSport review: Power Play

2022 Mahindra XUV300 TurboSport video review

2022 Kia Carens review, test drive

2022 Kia Carens video review