The Mahindra XUV 7XO is a good option to consider. It is spacious and can seat six people, though the last row is best for your kids only. The 2.2-litre diesel engine is punchy and will be good for highway drives, and is available with an automatic gearbox, should you want one. Its all-new suspension is also very well engineered and will keep your family comfortable on their journeys.
The pre-facelift version of the XUV 7XO – the XUV700 – has a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, so it’s safe to assume the new version will score highly as well. It is also available with a long list of features, including plenty of safety features.
The only downside is that the XUV 7XO is not very fuel-efficient, especially in the city, and at your budget of Rs 18 lakh, you will only get an entry-level model. However, check with your local Mahindra dealership if there are still any examples of the outgoing XUV700 left, as it is still an excellent product and could be available at a discounted rate.