What are the best cars for long drives, or highway driving in India? Today, we take a look at the Mahindra XUV700 and Kia Carens, and their variants for long-distance road trip lovers.
In this article, we will share
- What a long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
- Mahindra XUV700 vs Kia Carens – an in-depth analysis of their features, fuel efficiency, space, and safety
- How to pick the right car for you
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
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
A long-distance road trip lover seeks a blend of comfort, safety, and performance in a car. Essentials include a robust engine, fuel efficiency, spacious interiors, and a generous boot capacity for luggage.
Safety features like ABS, airbags, and traction control are paramount. Convenience features such as advanced infotainment system, climate control, and comfortable seating arrangements enhance the journey’s enjoyment.
High ground clearance and good high-speed stability are critical for tackling various terrains, while modern driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and parking assistance lend a helping hand in ensuring a relaxed drive.
Why Mahindra XUV700 and Kia Carens are Popular
Mahindra XUV700 and Kia Carens are grabbing attention among long-distance road trip aficionados due to their outstanding blend of comfort, technology, and performance.
Mahindra XUV700 boasts a robust engine, with variants offering both petrol and diesel options ensuring a punchy performance. Its spacious interiors, generous boot capacity, and high ground clearance make it a formidable choice for extended journeys. Moreover, the presence of essential safety features underscores its appeal.
On the other hand, Kia Carens matches up with its ergonomic design, modern tech interfaces, and a comfortable cabin. The car offers a stable drive, even at high speeds, essential for long drives. Its fuel efficiency and moderate body roll further enhance its appeal for long-distance travel.
The ease of handling and a plethora of convenience features like power windows, rear AC vents, and manual seating adjustments add to the driving pleasure, making both these cars a favorite among the road trip lover community.
Mahindra XUV700 and Kia Carens Variants Shortlist in Rs 14-15 Lakh Range
For Kia Carens, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 29 September 2023 |
| Prestige Plus iMT | ₹14,75,000 |
For Mahindra XUV700, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 29 September 2023 |
| MX Diesel | ₹14,45,000 |
| MX E | ₹14,51,000 |
| MX E Diesel | ₹14,95,000 |
Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT
This variant stands out for its fuel-efficient petrol engine, adequate safety features, and modern gadgetry like touchscreen navigation. Its moderate body roll and stable high-speed drive make it suitable for long road journeys. The boot capacity of 216 liters, though not the highest, is reasonable for long trips. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Carens with Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
Mahindra XUV700 MX Diesel
With a diesel engine, this variant promises better fuel efficiency, which is vital for long journeys. The boot capacity of 240 liters is slightly more generous than the Kia Carens, and the high ground clearance of 200 mm makes it a strong contender for rough terrains encountered in long drives.
Mahindra XUV700 MX E
Similar to its diesel counterpart, this variant also offers a decent boot space, high ground clearance, and stable high-speed stability. However, being a petrol variant, it might not provide the same level of fuel efficiency. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the XUV700 with MG Hector.
Mahindra XUV700 MX E Diesel
This variant encapsulates all the good of MX Diesel but with an extra edge in performance due to its advanced engine. It’s well-suited for long-distance road trips with notable features like a generous fuel tank capacity and excellent visibility which is crucial for safe long drives. If you enjoy off-roading adventures, you can read our comparison of the XUV700 with Jeep Compass.
Our Pick for the Best Variant among Mahindra XUV700 and Kia Carens for Long-distance Road Trip Lovers
The Mahindra XUV700 MX E Diesel emerges as the best variant for long-distance road trip lovers among the lot. The diesel engine ensures better fuel efficiency, crucial for long journeys, coupled with a high fuel tank capacity of 60 liters that allows for extended travel without frequent refueling stops.
The generous boot capacity of 240 liters accommodates ample luggage, and a ground clearance of 200 mm is well-suited for diverse terrains. The stable high-speed stability is a boon for highway driving.
Although it lacks some convenience features like rear AC vents and manual seating adjustments, the basic safety and performance attributes significantly align with the requirements of long-distance road trip lovers, making it a compelling choice.
The Top 3 Choices
- Mahindra XUV700 MX E Diesel
- Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT
- Mahindra XUV700 MX Diesel
| Attributes | Mahindra XUV700 MX E Diesel | Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT | Mahindra XUV700 MX Diesel |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags (number) | 2 | 6 | 2 |
| Boot capacity (liters) | 240 | 216 | 240 |
| Fuel Efficiency | Yes (15 kmpl) | Yes | Yes (15 kmpl) |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 200 | 195 | 200 |
| High-Speed Stability | Stable | Stable | Stable |
| Fuel tank capacity (l) | 60 | 45 | 60 |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Mahindra XUV700 MX E Diesel is a stellar choice for long-distance journeys owing to its superior fuel efficiency, substantial boot space, and commendable ground clearance.
- Following closely, the Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT boasts modern tech interfaces, adequate safety features, and a reasonable fuel efficiency, providing a blend of comfort and utility.
- Lastly, the Mahindra XUV700 MX Diesel mirrors the attributes of MX E Diesel, lacking slightly in engine performance, making it a viable yet slightly less appealing option for long-road trip enthusiasts.
These choices resonate well with the fundamental requisites of a long-distance road trip lover, offering a blend of safety, comfort, and performance. As such, they are comfortable cars for road trips in India.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered
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