What are the best cars for long drives, or highway driving in India? Today, we compare the top variants of 7-seater premium SUVs in India (Tata Safari 2023, Mahindra XUV700 2024, Mahindra Scorpio-N, and MG Hector Plus), and find out what makes them comfortable cars for road trips in India.
In this article, we will share
- What a mile muncher, or long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
- Tata Safari 2023 vs Mahindra XUV700 2024 vs Mahindra Scorpio-N vs MG Hector Plus – an in-depth analysis of their features, fuel efficiency, space, and safety
- How to pick the right car for you
What a Long-Distance Road Trip Lover Looks for in a Car
What a long-distance road trip lover should look for in a car:
- Fuel Efficiency – The car should have high fuel efficiency so that long-distance trips are economical
- Space – The car should have good space for a comfortable and enjoyable trip
- Safety – The car’s safety ratings should be high, and adequate safety features
- Handling – The car’s handling must be superior, and it should have high-speed stability
Mile munchers are individuals who enjoy long-distance driving and frequently embark on road trips. They prioritize vehicles that offer a comfortable and spacious cabin, excellent ride quality, and a powerful yet efficient engine. Features such as supportive seats, ample legroom, and a quiet cabin are essential for a fatigue-free driving experience.
Mile munchers also appreciate advanced infotainment systems, premium audio setups, and connectivity options to keep them entertained during long journeys. Additionally, they value a large fuel tank capacity and good fuel efficiency to minimize frequent stops during their travels.
Why Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra Scorpio N and MG Hector Plus are popular
The Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra Scorpio N, and MG Hector Plus have gained popularity among mile munchers due to their impressive combination of comfort, performance, and features that cater to the needs of long-distance travelers.
The Tata Safari offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, with ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. Its plush seats provide excellent support, ensuring a fatigue-free experience during long drives. The Safari’s suspension setup strikes a balance between comfort and stability, offering a smooth ride quality even on rough roads. The powerful 2.0-liter Kryotec diesel engine delivers ample power and torque, making it effortless to cruise on highways.
The Mahindra XUV700 is another popular choice among mile munchers, thanks to its refined and powerful 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine. The XUV700’s cabin is well-insulated, offering a quiet and serene environment for long journeys. The spacious interior, coupled with comfortable seats and ample storage spaces, makes it an ideal companion for extended road trips. The XUV700 also boasts advanced features such as adaptive cruise control and a large touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing the overall driving experience.
The Mahindra Scorpio N, particularly the Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT variant, has gained a following among mile munchers. Its robust 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine offers impressive power and torque, making it capable of effortless highway cruising. The Scorpio N’s suspension setup is tuned for a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and undulations with ease. The spacious cabin, with its supportive seats and ample legroom, ensures a comfortable journey for all occupants.
The MG Hector Plus, with its 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine and CVT transmission, offers a smooth and refined driving experience. The Hector Plus’s cabin is well-appointed, with premium materials and a host of comfort and convenience features. The spacious interior, coupled with the option of captain seats in the second row, provides a luxurious and relaxing environment for long-distance travel. The Hector Plus also offers a range of connectivity options and a large touchscreen infotainment system, keeping mile munchers entertained and informed throughout their journey.
These SUVs have been designed with the needs of mile munchers in mind, offering a perfect blend of comfort, performance, and features to make long-distance driving a pleasurable experience.
Top variants of Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra Scorpio N and MG Hector Plus
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 7 May 2024 |
| Mahindra Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT | ₹2,454,100 |
| Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD | ₹2,699,000 |
| MG Hector Plus 1.5 Turbo Savvy Pro CVT | ₹2,267,800 |
| Tata Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT | ₹2,734,000 |
Mahindra Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT
This variant is an excellent choice for mile munchers, thanks to its powerful 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine that delivers 172.45bhp and 400Nm of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and effortless gear changes, making long-distance driving a breeze. The spacious cabin, with its supportive seats and ample legroom, provides a comfortable environment for extended journeys. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Scorpio-N with Maruti Suzuki Invicto.
Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD
The XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD is a top pick for mile munchers, featuring a refined 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine that produces 182.38bhp and 450Nm of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission offers smooth and seamless shifts, enhancing the driving experience. The luxurious cabin, with its premium features and advanced infotainment system, keeps mile munchers comfortable and entertained during long drives. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can check out our guide to the best petrol variants of XUV700.
MG Hector Plus 1.5 Turbo Savvy Pro CVT
This variant is a strong contender for mile munchers, offering a smooth and refined driving experience with its 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine and CVT transmission. The spacious and well-appointed cabin, with its premium materials and advanced connectivity options, provides a luxurious and relaxing environment for long-distance travel.
Tata Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT
The Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT is an impressive choice for mile munchers, powered by a capable 2.0-liter Kryotec diesel engine that delivers 167.62bhp and 350Nm of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and effortless gear changes, making long-distance driving a pleasure. The spacious and comfortable cabin, with its supportive seats and ample legroom, provides a fatigue-free experience during extended journeys. If you’re safety conscious, you can check out our comparison of the Safari 2023 with Maruti Suzuki Invicto.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra Scorpio N and MG Hector Plus for Mile Munchers
After considering the features and attributes of the shortlisted variants, the Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD emerges as the best option for mile munchers.
The XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD is powered by a refined and powerful 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine that produces an impressive 182.38bhp and 450Nm of torque. This engine offers excellent performance, enabling effortless highway cruising and confident overtaking maneuvers. The 6-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and seamless shifts, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable driving experience during long journeys.
The XUV700’s cabin is well-insulated, offering a quiet and serene environment that minimizes road and wind noise, allowing mile munchers to travel in peace. The spacious interior, coupled with comfortable seats and ample legroom, ensures a fatigue-free experience for all occupants, even during extended drives. The Luxury Pack variant adds premium features such as leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a large panoramic sunroof, elevating the overall comfort and ambiance of the cabin.
In terms of ride quality, the XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD features an advanced suspension setup that strikes a perfect balance between comfort and stability. The McPherson strut independent suspension at the front and multi-link independent suspension at the rear work in harmony to absorb bumps and undulations, providing a smooth and composed ride on various road conditions.
The XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD also boasts advanced features that enhance the long-distance driving experience. The adaptive cruise control system maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing driver fatigue on long highway stretches. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with its crisp graphics and intuitive interface, keeps mile munchers entertained and informed throughout their journey. The premium 12-speaker audio system delivers an immersive audio experience, making long drives more enjoyable.
Other notable features that make the XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD an attractive choice for mile munchers include the AWD system for enhanced traction and stability, a 360-degree camera for easy maneuvering in tight spaces, and a host of advanced safety features such as seven airbags, electronic stability control, and hill hold assist.
Considering its powerful and refined engine, spacious and comfortable cabin, advanced suspension setup, and a range of premium features, the XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD is the top choice for mile munchers looking for a premium 7-seater SUV that excels in long-distance driving.
The Top 3 choices
- Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD
- Tata Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT
- Mahindra Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT
| Attributes | XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD | Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT | Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT |
| Diesel Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 Litres | 50 Litres | 57 Litres |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 6 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 240 Litres | 420 Litres | 460 Litres |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Max Power | 182.38bhp@3500rpm | 167.62bhp@3750rpm | 172.45bhp@3500rpm |
| Max Torque | 450Nm@1750-2800rpm | 350Nm@1750-2500rpm | 400Nm@1750-2750rpm |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD stands out with its powerful and refined 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine, spacious and comfortable cabin, and advanced features like adaptive cruise control and a premium audio system.
- The Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT impresses with its capable 2.0-liter Kryotec diesel engine, spacious interior, and a large 420-liter boot space for extended journeys.
- The Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT offers a robust 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine, a spacious cabin with ample legroom, and the largest boot space among the three at 460 liters.
All three variants come with automatic transmissions, ensuring smooth and effortless gear changes during long drives. The XUV700 has the highest power output at 182.38bhp, followed closely by the Scorpio N at 172.45bhp and the Safari at 167.62bhp. In terms of torque, the XUV700 leads with 450Nm, while the Scorpio N and Safari offer 400Nm and 350Nm, respectively.
The XUV700 boasts the highest diesel fuel tank capacity at 60 liters and an impressive ARAI-certified mileage of 16.57 kmpl, making it an ideal choice for mile munchers who prioritize fewer fuel stops during their journeys. All three SUVs offer a compelling package of performance, comfort, and features, making them excellent companions for long-distance adventures.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
