Published 19 Oct 2026
In short
A sedan fits 4 people, an SUV like an Innova fits 6 to 7, and a Tempo Traveller comes in 9, 12 and 17 seaters. Above 6 people a Tempo Traveller usually makes more sense than two cabs, especially on hill routes with luggage. Ask each quote what is included before comparing.
Seats at a glance
Sedan (such as a Dzire or Etios): 4 passengers. Ertiga-type MPV: 5 to 6. SUV such as an Innova or Innova Crysta: 6 to 7. Tempo Traveller: 9, 12 or 17 seats, depending on the layout.
Rated seats are not the same as comfortable seats. Once bags are in, a vehicle is comfortable at a few seats below its rated count, which is why the 9 and 12 seaters suit groups of 6 to 10.
Group size thresholds
Up to 4 people: a sedan is the simple choice. 5 to 7 people: an SUV, or a 9 seater Tempo Traveller if you have a lot of luggage. 8 to 10: a 9 or 12 seater. 11 to 16: a 17 seater. Above 20: two vehicles or a mini coach.
Two cabs for 8 people split the group across two cars and two drivers, which changes the feel of the trip and adds a second set of costs. Compare it with one 12 seater on the same route.
Luggage
A sedan boot takes two or three medium bags. An Innova holds more, but with every seat used the rear bags often go on the last row or a roof carrier. A Tempo Traveller has a rear boot and overhead racks, and a 12 seater leaves more luggage room than a full 17 seater.
For a week in the hills with winter clothing, size up one category or leave a row empty.
Hill roads
On long mountain stretches such as Manali, Spiti or Kashmir, an SUV is often more comfortable for 4 to 6 people, with better ground clearance. A Tempo Traveller is a good fit for groups and handles the main highways well, but narrow village roads, such as the last stretch to some valleys, may need a smaller local vehicle for the final leg.
Ask the operator whether the driver has done the specific route, and whether the vehicle is allowed on it. Some areas have local taxi rules.
What drives the price, and what to ask
Quotes for the same trip can look very different because the items covered differ. Ask each operator about: the per-km rate and the minimum kilometres per day; whether the quote is one way or return, since the vehicle often has to come back empty; the driver's night halt and food allowance; toll charges; state entry or permit tax when you cross a state border; and parking or other permit fees.
Get these in writing as included or extra, then compare the totals. A lower per-km rate can end up costing more once night halt, tolls and state tax are added.
How to decide
Pick the smallest vehicle that seats everyone and the bags without squeezing. Share your route, dates, group size and luggage on WhatsApp, and we will name the vehicle and list what is included in the quote.