I am looking to upgrade to a premium SUV, and after recently driving my friend’s Jeep Compass diesel AT in Leh, I was impressed with its performance. Compared to the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta petrol ATs, is it worth buying a diesel AT Compass, as the cost delta is significant? Also, between the new Mahindra Thar Roxx and the Compass, which is better? My monthly running is around 1,000km in the city and on the highway, and we are a family of four. My priorities are ride and handling, maintenance costs, resale value and the outlook for diesels.

Sachin Yeole, Pune

Autocar India says: We can understand why you were impressed with the Compass in Leh, as it’s a very capable vehicle in the mountains, over bad roads and long distances. However, in bumper-to-bumper traffic in the city, the Creta and Seltos petrol ATs are smoother and have a softer ride. They also have better-equipped interiors and a more spacious back seat. If you are doing a fair bit of highway driving, the Compass, with its strong 2.0-litre diesel, makes a good case for itself. However, if you are mainly driving in the city, we would lean towards the Creta and Seltos, which are also decent highway cars.

The Thar Roxx is a different kind of vehicle altogether, as it thrives on rough roads and feels indestructible. The Roxx is not as practical as these other SUVs, but it’s worth taking a test drive, as it’s high on emotion and tugs at your heartstrings. It could win you over.

Also See:

2024 Hyundai Creta video review

Hyundai Creta review: Even more wholesome now

Mahindra Thar Roxx review: An SUV that does it all?

Mahindra Thar Roxx: 3 reasons to buy and 3 not to

2021 Jeep Compass review, test drive

Jeep Compass: 6 things to consider before buying