The Seltos nails the fundamentals, plush interior materials that shame pricier rivals, a ride quality tuned for real-world Indian roads, and enough features to justify the price tag. The IVT petrol is the no-drama choice: smooth, refined, and reliable in city traffic without the premium fuel demands or overheating quirks of the turbo DCT. But if you're considering the diesel for fuel economy, know this: the BS6.2 emission system demands highway runs every 1000-1500km to burn off soot, turning what used to be a city-friendly workhorse into a high-maintenance companion unless you regularly log open-road miles. Match the powertrain to your actual commute and you'll love it; ignore that and you'll be managing DPF warnings instead of enjoying the drive.
Volvo built the XC90 around a safety cage so robust that salvage yards need special equipment to crush it, and that obsessive engineering carries through to the seats (like living room furniture), the crash ratings, and the peace of mind families actually pay for. The tradeoff is European luxury upkeep: maintenance costs run higher than a Lexus or Acura, parts take longer to arrive, and your neighborhood quick-lube will be lost under the hood. The infotainment is the universal complaint, laggy, temperamental, still tethered to a cable for CarPlay. If safety and comfort top your list and you can budget for the care it demands, the XC90 delivers on its promises. If you're stretching to afford it or expect Toyota-level running costs, the Highlander is the honest answer.