SUVs are known for their power, style, and capability, but when it comes to fuel efficiency, they often fall short. With their large size and powerful engines, SUVs are notorious for being gas guzzlers, which can be a significant concern for those who want an SUV that won’t break the bank.
While CNG has already made a mark in the hatchback segment, it is now gradually making its way into the SUV category, offering a pocket friendly alternative to traditional petrol and diesel engines. With the increasing popularity of CNG (compressed natural gas) as an alternative fuel, people have an emerging option for those who want SUVs for its road presence and practicality, and don’t mind the reduced power of a CNG vehicle. These are the CNG SUVs in the Indian market:
| Name | Maximum Output | Fuel Economy | Ex-Showroom Price |
| Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara | 85.8 PS | 26.6km/kg | ₹14.84 Lakhs |
| Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder CNG | 85.8 PS | 26.6km/kg | ₹13.23 Lakhs |
| Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG | 85.8 PS | 26.6km/kg | ₹12.36 Lakhs |
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG
Maruti Suzuki has been a pioneer in CNG-powered vehicles and with the Grand Vitara CNG, it has ensured that the technology is not limited to small, entry-level offerings. Priced at Rs 95,000 more than its equivalent mild-hybrid petrol variants, the Grand Vitara costs Rs 11.90 lakh for its Delta variant and Rs 13.89 lakh for its Zeta variant. The biggest improvement that this SUV showcases is the overall packaging of the factory-fitted CNG kit. The CNG tank is fully covered, leaving much of the boot compartment clutter-free and practical for storing large items. It comes with a 1.5-litre K15 engine that produces 88 PS and 121.5 Nm of torque in CNG-spec, which is only slightly less than the petrol-only model. The SUV is offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox and has a claimed fuel efficiency of 26.6km/kg in CNG mode.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG Key Specs:
- Engine: 1.5-litre petrol-CNG engine
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transmission
- Mileage: 26.6km/kg
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: SUV
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder CNG
Next on the list is the Hyryder CNG, a midsize factory-fitted CNG SUV priced between Rs 13.23 lakh and Rs 15.29 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Built on Suzuki’s Global C platform, it shares its underpinnings with the second-generation Maruti Brezza. Powertrain options for the Hyryder CNG include a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, K12C engine that delivers 88 PS and 121.5 Nm in CNG mode and 103 Ps and 136 Nm in petrol mode. It comes mated with a 5-speed manual transmission and a 26.6km/kg fuel economy. The Hyryder CNG is available in S and G trims and has a 60-litre CNG tank in the boot, which affects the storage capacity. The exterior design of the Hyryder CNG is similar to its mild-hybrid petrol version, with the addition of CNG badging while the interior is exactly identical. Overall, the Hyryder CNG is an impressive midsize SUV with a factory-fitted CNG kit, offering a good balance between fuel economy and the practicality of an SUV.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder CNG Key Specs:
- Engine: 1.5-litre petrol-CNG engine
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transmission
- Mileage: 26.6km/kg
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: SUV
Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG
Wrapping this list is the Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG, which is now offered with two fuel options after the diesel version was discontinued in 2020. The CNG variant is likely to have an automatic and manual gearbox option and be equipped with the same powertrain as the Ertiga CNG.
The Brezza CNG is anticipated to cost Rs 95,000 more than its petrol counterpart, and the CNG tank will reduce boot space. The interior will feature an all-black design and be available in mid-spec VXi and ZXi variants, with similar features as other Maruti CNG models. The Brezza CNG is expected to be the first CNG-powered model in India to have an automatic transmission.
The Brezza CNG is expected to have a 1.5-litre K15C DualJet engine, similar to the Ertiga CNG, which can produce 100 PS and 136 Nm in petrol mode and 88 PS and 121.5 Nm in CNG mode. Maruti Suzuki claims that the Ertiga CNG has a fuel efficiency of 26.11 km/kg, and the Brezza CNG’s fuel efficiency could be similar or better due to its lighter weight compared to the Ertiga.
The exterior of the Brezza CNG will remain unchanged, except for the S-CNG badge, which is present on other Maruti CNG models. With six airbags, a rear-view camera, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SmartPlay Pro+ and voice assistant, the Brezza CNG is expected to be a comfortable and convenient ride.
Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG Key Specs:
- Engine: 1.5-litre petrol-CNG engine
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transmission
- Mileage: 26.6 km/kg
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: SUV
Conclusion
CNG SUVs offer a compelling choice to potential SUV buyers who are cost-effective. The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder are among the best CNG SUVs in the Indian markets. Considering the rising environmental concerns, the government is also offering schemes to push people to buy CNG cars, and with the SUV segment overlapping the CNG segment, this is the best opportunity to buy a big, bold, and burly yet sustainable SUV without compromising affordability or environmental impact.
