Best SUVs under 20 lakh in India

There are a dime a dozen SUVs priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh in India. Buyers shopping in this space will obviously be spoiled for choice as multiple carmakers have one or more than one offering in this segment. The sub-4m SUVs are thriving in India but parallelly, we can also witness a major boost in the compact SUV space. The Hyundai Creta is the 10th best-selling car in India for October 2023 and it is a Rs 20 lakh SUV. The market has evolved rapidly, and at the moment, there are quite a number of options ranging from 5 to 7-seater SUVs and off-road focused as well. In a bid to make your buying process effortless, we have compiled a comprehensive list of best SUVs that are priced under Rs 20 lakh in India. 

Overview

Skoda Kushaq 

Skoda’s compact SUV for India, the Kushaq, offers the buyers a gateway to the Czech brand, which made its debut with the original Octavia. Skoda has had an SUV in the past –  the Yeti, a brilliantly overlooked product that is now reserved to the used car space. The Kushaq is based on a modular platform and it shares its powertrain and chassis with the Volkswagen Taigun. There are two engine options on offer – a 1.0-litre TSI engine with 110 PS and 175 Nm of twist and a firecracker of a 1.5-litre TSI mill that develops a punchy 150 PS and 250 Nm of twist. The gearbox options include either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG. The Kushaq is known for its likeable styling, punchy engines, dynamics and the features on offer. So as a compact SUV, we don’t see many reasons why we wouldn’t suggest one. Except if you want a diesel or a hybrid, then we do have a reason not to suggest the Kushaq. 

Skoda Kushaq Specifications

• Engine: 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol, 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol
• Transmission: 6-speed manual/auto, 7-speed DSG
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5

Kia Seltos

Kia innings in India started with the Seltos back in 2019. It was deemed to win the moment Kia showcased the SUV and announced its pricing. The Seltos single handedly established the Korean brand in India and accelerated the growth of the compact SUV space. Seltos’ winning formula is that it is the jack of all trades. The design is on point, the features are class-leading, the engines deliver, it rides and handles well, and there’s far too many variants and engine-gearbox combinations to choose from. Some of these include a 1.5-litre diesel (115 PS/ 144 Nm), 1.5-litre petrol (116 PS / 250 Nm) and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol (160 PS/ 253 Nm). Moving on, there are 4 gearbox options – 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, 6-speed automatic and a 7-speed DCT. Essentially, in a nutshell, there’s a Seltos for everyone. No wonder why you see so many of them on the roads. 

Kia Seltos Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre  petrol, 1.5-litre turbo petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed manual/auto, 6-speed iMT, 6-speed DSG
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol/Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5

Hyundai Creta

The Creta in itself is a brand today and one of the most successful SUVs in India. With the latest facelift, the Creta is on track to become the benchmark compact SUV with a staggering amount of features and a design package that seems to have hit the bulls-eye. Some of the features highlights include a dual 10-inch display, Bose sound system, 8-way powered seats, and a full suite of ADAS features for that added safety net. In terms of engine-gearbox options, it shares the same combination as the Seltos. This also includes the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine that dishes out 160PS of power. The recent update ushers in a new design language that is in tune with the modern Hyundai cars. The previous generation car had a love or hate design which the new car fixes. It also transforms the Creta into a mature SUV that will appeal to even more buyers. 

Hyundai Creta Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre  petrol, 1.5-litre turbo petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed manual/auto, 6-speed iMT, 6-speed DSG
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol/Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5

Honda Elevate

It is not news that Honda has been struggling with volumes out since the BS6 emission norms kicked in and phased out most of its lineup. The Japanese carmaker banks on its compact SUV, the Elevate to be a game-changer. An all-rounded SUV, the Elevate makes do with some missing features and a turbo petrol or hybrid engine. However, from a buyer’s perspective, the Elevate is a fantastic SUV with a proven engine – a 1.5-litre petrol engine (121 PS/145 Nm), mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT. Although we said it misses some features in contrast to its rivals, it still gets all the essential ones. Some of these include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system,  sunroof and some impressive driver assistance kit with the inclusion of ADAS. Great design, road presence, Honda’s reliability and an overall likeable package makes the Elevate a safe option in the compact SUV space in India. 

Honda Elevate Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre petrol engine
• Transmission: 6-speed manual, CVT
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5

Mahindra Scorpio-N

The Mahindra Scorpio has been around since 2002 and it is safe to say the SUV has a cult following in India. With the Scorpio-N, Mahindra has developed a brand new SUV that builds up on Scorpio’s image with a better chassis and engines that offer impressive performance. Mahindra has completely transformed Scorpio’s image with these changes and it currently enjoys a premium SUV status in India. Prices range between Rs 13.26 – 24.54 Lakh. Under the hood are two engine options: a 2.2-litre diesel and a 2.0-litre turbo petrol. The former develops 132 PS/300 Nm and the latter develops just a whim over 200PS and 380Nm. Gearbox options include a 6-speed manual or a torque converter 6-speed automatic. If a 4X4 hardcore SUV pulls your heartstrings, the Scorpio-N is a stellar option and it is better than ever before. 

Mahindra Scorpio-N Specifications

• Engine: 2.2-litre diesel, 2.0-litre turbo petrol
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic/manual 
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol/Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 8

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

It was huge news when Maruti Suzuki brought back the Grand Vitara nameplate. It was one of the most hotly anticipated cars of recent times as well. The biggest talking point of the Grand Vitara is its hybrid powertrain unit. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is mated to a strong hybrid system which totals the output to 103 PS and 137 Nm of twist. Maruti Suzuki also offers a mild-hybrid version with 92 PS and 122 Nm of twist. Both these engines come with an e-CVT gearbox option. Apart from the hybrid powertrain options, the Grand Viatara is also known for its smart styling, impressive features and good ride and handling balance. A brilliant option under Rs 20 lakh, the Grand Vitara is for those buyers who prefer to eke out the maximum fuel economy while also not compromising on other bits a lot. 

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre petrol engine with mild and strong hybrid 
• Transmission: e-CVT, 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic 
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5

MG Astor

With the success of the Hector, MG set out to reign the lower end of the compact SUV. They brought in the Astor for the job. Astor’s USP is its tech-laden feature list and its ADAS kit. Couple this with a clean design, premium cabin and great proportions, the Astor has a winning formula. However, it hasn’t quite managed to scorch the sales chart like some other SUVs on this list. This can also be a plus since the Astor can be a unique buy and something that you don’t see often. Power comes from two petrol engine options, a 1.3-litre turbo with 140 PS and a 1.5-litre with 110 PS. Gearbox options include a 5-speed manual or a CVT. The Astor’s biggest takeaway is that it comes at a stellar price point, undercutting most compact SUVs in its segment. MG’s ask for the Astor is anywhere between Rs 9.98 and 17.90 Lakh (ex-showroom). For that price, we suggest you take a look at this underrated SUV. 

MG Astor Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre petrol, 1.3-litre turbo petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed manual, CVT
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5

Summary

All the 8 SUVs featured on this list are capable and competent in their own ways. And it all comes down to specific buyer preferences and what you’re looking for in a SUV today. If you want to transport more people and do a bit of off-roading, the Scorpio-N might be a good bet. If you want a soft-roader that could do the urban SUV duties with ease, there are plenty of options such as the Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta. The Honda Elevate is for those who like a no-nonsense and well-built SUV with proven powertrain options. For the fuel economy conscious, there’s always the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara or its Toyota version, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. You cannot go wrong with any of these SUVs as they really offer something unique that you might be out looking for. All it takes is that final test-drive that will nudge you to seal the deal.