Best Diesel Cars in India

Be it power, torque or mileage, diesel cars are known to offer a substantial advantage over petrol cars, especially when it comes to heavy-duty driving. Despite the rising anti-diesel sentiment all across the nation, diesel vehicles continue to woo consumers who are looking to get the best out of their vehicles in terms of overall performance and mileage. Whether it is a car for your personal needs or for the needs of the entire family, a diesel engine can do both like a boss without breaking a sweat. So if you too are a fan of diesel engines, then here are the 10 best diesel car options in India right now.

Tata Altroz

The gold standard of premium hatchbacks, the Tata Altroz is an exceptionally well-built product that is cherished for its perfect 5-star safety, a host of premium features, and a power-packed turbocharged diesel engine that offers great driving dynamics. All this comes together in a package that is adorned with muscular yet modern looks.

Topped with features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a semi-digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, and even a single-pane sunroof, the Altroz is an impressive hatchback inside out. The 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine onboard offers a solid punch of power that makes the drive feel solid. The engine, however, comes mated only to a 5-speed manual, but that helps the Altroz return an exceptional mileage of up to 23.64 km/l. Overall, the Altroz comes as an exceptional product that impresses those looking for a safe, reliable and efficient hatchback.

Tata Altroz Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel (90 PS/200 Nm). 
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual 
• Mileage: Up to 23.64 km/l
• Airbags: Dual Front Airbags as Standard
• Seating Capacity: 5

Kia Sonet

The affordable compact SUV from the house of Kia, the Sonet carries forward the brand’s vision both outside as well as inside. Filled to the brim with premium features, the Sonet with its latest facelift comes forth as a modern yet muscular-looking SUV that is best known for its premium in-cabin experience that offers several top-notch features such as an electric sunroof, 10.25-inch touch infotainment system and digital drivers display along with ventilated seats, premium BOSE audio and much more.

Even in terms of powertrain, the Sonet impresses with a well-refined and power-packed 1.5-litre CRDi engine that is offered with multiple transmission options including a 6-speed manual, 6-speed AMT along with Kia’s signature 6-speed iMT that makes the overall driving experience super fun and convenient. The engine scores well in terms of mileage as well, returning up to 24.1 km/l with the manual and up to 20 km/l with the automatic trims. Coupled with impressive safety features onboard, the Kia Sonet facelift in its diesel avatar comes as a fun-to-drive SUV that offers a premium experience for a price that’s rather impressive.

Kia Sonet Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre diesel engine (116PS/250NM)
• Transmission: 6-speed manual/AMT/iMT
• Mileage: Up to 24.1 km/l for diesel automatic and up to 19 km/l for manual
• Airbags: 6 as standard
• Seating Capacity: 5

Tata Nexon

With an exciting new facelift working wonders, the Tata Nexon now offers contemporary looks and a host of exciting features onboard a package that is safe, reliable and fun to drive and practical. With over 6 lakh units sold, the Nexon was and continues to be one of the most popular SUVs currently in the market. 

A big reason behind the Nexon’s unmatched success is its availability across multiple fuel options including a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine, that is even included with an option 6-speed AMT automatic, alongside the 6-speed manual. The Nexon in its diesel avatar offers exciting driving dynamics, power, refinement and mileage that goes up to 24.08 km/l, that too with the automatic. With several impressive features such as an illuminated steering, electric sunroof, touch panel dashboard controls, 10.25-inch touch infotainment and much more, the Nexon is a value-for-money option that offers a lot more for a lot less.

Tata Nexon Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine (115PS/260NM)
• Transmission: 6-speed manual/6-speed AMT
• Mileage: Up to 24.08 km/l for diesel automatic and 23.23 km/l
• Airbags: 6 as standard
• Seating Capacity: 5

Kia Seltos

Good-looking, feature-rich, practical and capable. The Kia Seltos comes as a dynamic SUV that offers a little something for everyone. What makes the Seltos a highly popular SUV is its highly impressive exterior design and its premium interiors.  Filled to the brim with top-notch tech and features, the Seltos does justice to the brand’s feature-oriented ideology. With its latest facelift offering goodies such as a panoramic sunroof, 10.25-inch touch infotainment system and digital driver display along with ventilated seats, premium BOSE audio and LEVEL-2 ADAS, the Seltos offers one of the most exquisite in-cabin experiences in the segment.

All this comes coupled with the Seltos’s impressive, power-packed and fun-to-drive 1.5-litre diesel engine that even offers the convenience of a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission that is more efficient and smoother than conventional AMTs. This is a great addition for the Seltos which also offers a 6-speed iMT as well. With a mileage of up to 20.7 km/l for manual and 19 km/l for Diesel automatic, the Seltos comes as a package that offers overall value coupled with modern-day features.

Kia Seltos Specifications

• Engine:1.5-litre diesel engine (116PS/250NM)
• Transmission: 6-speed iMT/torque converter automatic.
• Mileage: Up to 20.8 km/l for Diesel manual and 19 km/l for automatic.
• Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
• Seating Capacity: 5

Hyundai Creta

Ever since the Hyundai Creta hit the market in 2015, it has been one of the best-selling SUVs in India. And now with its latest facelift taking over the market, the Hyundai Creta has become even more bold, charismatic and extraordinary. With Hyundai’s new parametric design language coupled with a premium cabin, the Creta now offers a much more premium approach with features such as integrated infotainment and cluster screens, dual-zone climate control, smart panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, Level-2 ADAS and much more.

But what makes the Hyundai Creta truly a bliss amongst enthusiasts is the SUV’s tried and tested 1.5-litre diesel engine that truly packs a punch. The engine is well-refined, with ample torque and power figures that make the Hyundai Creta return a rather exciting performance. With a mileage of up to 21.8 km/l, the Hyundai Creta does better than the Seltos, thanks to its 6-speed Manual transmission which the Seltos misses out on. Overall,  the Creta is efficient, good-looking, smart and stylish.

Hyundai Creta Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre diesel engine (116PS/250NM)
• Transmission: 6-speed manual/6-speed AMT
• Mileage: Up to 21.8 km/l for manual and 19.1 km/l for automatic 
• Airbags: 6 as standard
• Seating Capacity: 5

Mahindra Scorpio N

An evolution of the classic Scorpio, the Scorpio N is truly the big daddy of SUVs. With its ladder-on-frame chassis, tough bodyline, and rugged exteriors, the Scorpio N redefines what a tough modern-day SUV stands for. Offering premium features such as a 7-inch instrument cluster, 8-inch touch infotainment system, premium SONY audio, electric sunroof, dual-zone AC and much more, the ScorpioN is luxurious on the inside and tough on the outside.

While the Scorpio N comes powered with both petrol and diesel powertrains, it is the SUV’s power-rich 2.2-litre diesel engine that makes the Scorpio N an undisputed king of the segment. With both automatic and manual transmission options onboard, the Diesel engine does justice to the SUV’s go-anywhere approach with ample power and torque figures that are intelligently tuned to offer the best output depending on the transmission chosen. This is also the reason why the ScorpioN’s 4×4 trim comes only with the diesel powertrain. With a mileage of up to 18 km/l the ScorpioN, scores well in the mileage game as well, especially considering the engine’s massive size. Overall, the ScorpioN in its diesel version is a go-anywhere SUV that has evolved into a modern-day piece of art that can seat up to 7 in sheer comfort.

Mahindra Scorpio N Specifications

• Engine: 2.2-litre diesel engine (132PS/300NM) or (175 PS/up to 400 NM)
• Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed AMT
• Mileage: Up to 18 km/l (Manual) and Up to 16.5 km/l (Automatic)
• Airbags: Dual front airbags as standard
• Seating Capacity: 6 and 7

Mahindra XUV700

A repeated best-seller every month, the Mahindra XUV700 has been one of the most iconic 7-seater cars in India, ever since its launch in 2021. Fast forward to today, the XUV700 continues to woo new buyers with its muscular and captivating looks, premium cabin, impressive features and an engine that does justice to it all. With features like ADAS, 360-degree camera, 10.24-inch uninterrupted touch infotainment, 3D sound system and AdrenoX-connected car tech, the Mahindra XUV 700 offers a best-in-class experience that truly elevates the in-cabin experience.

But what’s worth all the praise is the XUV700’s 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine that offers the best power figures in the segment and is available in two states of tune. This translates to an unmatched driving experience with ample power to explore the roads, even where there are none. With four driving modes, the diesel engine of the XUV700 is tuned to adapt and perform without breaking a sweat. Offered with both a 6-speed Manual as well as an AMT, the XUV700 diesel offers a mileage of up to 17 km/l which is quite impressive. With the diesel trim, buyers can also enjoy the AWD trims of the SUV that offer one of the best off-road capabilities in the segment.

Mahindra XUV 700 Specifications

• Engine: 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine (155 or 185PS/450NM)
• Transmission: 6-Speed Manual/AMT
• Mileage: Up to 17 km/l (Manual) and 16.57 km/l (Automatic)
• Airbags: Dual front airbags as standard
• Seating Capacity: 5 and 7

Tata Harrier

One of the most exciting options in the full-size SUV segment, the Tata Harrier is a reliable, robust and well-built SUV that is safe, modern, feature-loaded and dynamic. With a recent facelift granting the SUV a new-age look and appeal, the Tata Harrier is now more popular than ever before. Topped with impressive features such as a voice-enabled panoramic sunroof, a touch-based central control panel, a 12.2-inch touch infotainment, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, ventilated seats and much more, the Harrier offers a truly upmarket appeal.

Powering the Harrier is Tata’s 2.0-litre Diesel engine that offers seamless gearshifts, punch of power, responsive acceleration and exhilarating performance. Offered with both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic, the engine offers terrain mode selection and paddle shifters as well. A bliss to drive around, the Harrier returns a mileage of up to 16.8 km/l making it quite efficient as well. With ADAS onboard along with 5-star safety, the Harrier could be the perfect diesel SUV for your family.

Tata Harrier Specifications

• Engine: 2.0-litre Diesel engine (170PS/350NM)
• Transmission: 6-Speed Manual/AMT
• Mileage: Up to 16.8 km/l (Manual) and 14.60 kmpl(Automatic)
• Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
• Seating Capacity: 5

Tata Safari

The best of what Tata has to offer, the Safari comes as one of India’s most iconic SUVs with a legacy that’s over 25 years old. In its latest generation, the Safari stands as a modern-day evolution of the tough SUV pedigree that is adorned with several premium features including a panoramic sunroof,  a 12.2-inch touch infotainment, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, ventilated seats and much more. 

Powering the Safari is the same 2.0-litre Diesel engine that does duty on the Tata Harrier. As a result the Safari also offers seamless gearshifts, punch of power, responsive acceleration and exhilarating performance with multiple terrain modes, drive modes and paddle shifters. With a mileage of up to 16.30 km/l the Safari is an efficient, safe, practical and premium choice, especially for those looking for an SUV that caters to the entire family.

Tata Safari Specifications

• Engine: 2.0-litre Diesel engine (170PS/350NM)
• Transmission: 6-Speed Manual/AMT
• Mileage: Up to 16.3 km/l (Manual) and 14.50 kmpl (Automatic)
• Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
• Seating Capacity: 5

Toyota Innova Crysta

A legend in its own right, the Toyota Innova is one of India’s most loved MUVs. In its current generation, the Innova adorning the Crysta badging comes as a bold, muscular and imposing MUV that has been unmatched and unrivalled for ages. With an 8-inch touch infotainment system, ambient lighting, automatic climate control, rear AC vent etc., the Innova Crysta’s biggest USP is its in-cabin experience that can seat up to 8 passengers without any compromise on comfort. With several comfort features onboard, the Innova Crysta suits those looking to make the entire family feel at home with a package that’s efficient, power-packed and reliable.

Powering the Innova Crysta is the brand’s massive 2.4-litre Diesel engine that comes with a sole 5-speed manual returning a mileage of up to 14 km/l. The tried and tested diesel units return exceptional performance that does complete justice to Innova’s sizable body and power requirements. Overall, the Innova Crysta is undoubtedly one of India’s best diesel-powered MUVs.

Toyota Innova Crysta Specifications

• Engine: 2.4 litre Diesel engine (150/343NM)
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual
• Mileage: Up to 14 km/l
• Airbags: 4 as standard
• Seating Capacity: 7 and 8

Best Diesel Cars Summary

With their impressive power, torque and mileage figures, diesel engines continue to be an integral part of the market, especially in the SUV segment, despite their declining popularity. With several automakers axing their diesel engines, there still are options that can cater to your needs, providing you know where to look. This is why we compiled a list of the top ten diesel cars in India so that you can bring home the best.

FAQs about Best Diesel Cars