Best SUVs In India

Looking to bring home an SUV that can cater to all your needs? From comfort to performance, there’s a lot that an SUV can deliver. But with a plethora of options in the market, choosing the one that suits your needs is quite a task. While some offer exciting off-road capabilities, some are bred for the city. Be it a compact SUV or a sizable one, a perfect blend of practicality, performance, space and utility is what makes an SUV truly desirable. So here’s a list of some Best SUVs In India that deliver in every aspect. And to help you pick better, the crème de la crème of the SUVs are arranged in ascending order of their price, so that you know what suits you best.

Also Read – MUV Cars

List of Best SUVs in India

Tata Punch

When it comes to the best SUVs in India, the Punch cannot be missed. Launched in 2021, the Tata Punch has managed to sell over 1.3 lakh units; a feat seldom achieved by established cars. What makes the Punch an absolute sensation is its compact bodyline, best-in-segment ground clearance and tough SUV-inspired looks.

With a perfect 5-star safety rating, the Punch comes forward as one of the safest cars in its segment. In addition to safety, the Punch is also high on features, space and comfort. Powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, the Punch offers the perfect blend of power, utility and practicality in a package that is highly affordable compared to the competition.

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Tata Punch Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre Petrol Engine
• Transmission: 5-speed manual and AMT
• Mileage: Up to 20.09 kmpl
• Airbags: Dual Airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5

Hyundai Venue

Next up in line is Hyundai’s popular compact SUV that is loved for its good-looks, features, dynamic powertrain and compact build. A bliss to drive around in the city as well as the highways, the Venue has always evolved per the buyers’ needs. Recently receiving another upgrade, the 2023 Hyundai Venue now offers a more powerful diesel engine along with a feature reshuffle. 

Overall, the strongest suit of the Venue is its diverse powertrain that offers as many as three engine choices with automatics such as DCT and iMT up for grabs. Despite the RDE norms kicking in, the Venue’s diesel engine comes as a treat for all diesel loveRs.  And with features so good, the Venue is quite fascinating.

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Hyundai Venue Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel
• Transmission: 5-speed manual (1.2-litre petrol), 6-speed iMT/7-speed DCT (1.0-litre turbo) and a 6-speed manual (1.5-litre diesel). 
• Mileage: Up to 18.4 kmpl on petrol and Up to 18 kmpl on diesel.
• Airbags: Up to 4
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• 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 also comes forth as a good-looking modern-day SUV. What makes the Sonet a highly preferred choice is its value-for-money aspect and a plush interior that is topped with many segment firsts such as ventilated seats, BOSE sound system and a 10.25-inch touch infotainment system.

Even in terms of the powertrain, the Sonet is multidimensional and offers as many as three engine choices, all of which are highly dynamic and frugal. For a more cool factor, the X-Line of the Sonet offers a matte exterior that gives it a vibe that is unmatched.

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Kia Sonet Specifications

• Engine: 1-litre turbo-petrol engine, a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine.
• Transmission: 6-speed iMT/7-speed DCT (1.0-litre turbo), 5-speed manual (1.2-litre petrol and 6-speed manual/AMT (1.5-litre diesel).
• Mileage: Up to 18.4 kmpl for petrol and Up to 24.1 kmpl for diesel
• Airbags: Up to 6 airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5

Tata Nexon

An SUV that is instrumental in making Tata Motors one of the best selling carmakers in India, the Nexon has truly changed the game. With over 1.6 lakh units sold last year, the Tata Nexon is one of the most popular compact SUVs in India. What makes the Nexon a highly reliable vehicle is its impeccable safety, robust build quality, ample features and value-for-money package.

One of the very few cars offering a BS6 turbocharged diesel engine, the Nexon offers multiple drive modes that make the overall driving experience dynamic and exciting. Be it petrol or diesel, the Nexon’s tried and tested platform makes it a capable SUV that delivers on every aspect.

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Tata Nexon Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol or a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine 
• Mileage/Range: Up to 24.07 kmpl for diesel and Up to 17.33 kmpl for petrol
• Airbags: Dual front airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel and Electric
• Seating Capacity: 5

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Ever since the Brezza received its much-awaited facelift, the compact SUV has become even more popular. Selling over 1.2 lakh units last year, the Brezza is undoubtedly one of the most preferred SUVs in India. What makes the Brezza a runaway success is its highly frugal engine, value-for-money approach and Maruti’s glorious legacy as India’s largest carmaker.

Updating as per the needs of the consumer, the new Brezza is the perfect blend of modernity and style. With top-notch features now onboard, the Brezza is tough to compete for any other vehicle in its segment. And despite missing out on a diesel engine, the Brezza’s highly refined petrol engine and CNG powertrain offer superb driving dynamics with mileage that won’t make you miss the diesel powertrain.

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Maruti Suzuki Brezza Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre petrol engine 
• Transmission: 5-speed manual/6-speed AMT.
• Mileage: Up to 20.15 kmpl
• Airbags: Up to 4
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5

Mahindra XUV300

A car that shares its DNA with some of the best SUVs to ever hit the Indian market, the XUV300 offers nothing but the best in terms of performance, safety, features, space and comfort. With three engine options to choose from, every engine of the XUV300 offers the best in segment torque.

In addition to capable engines, the XUV300 also brings on board several best-in-segment features such as the longest wheelbase, dual-zone climate control AC, smart steering system, and largest cabin space. A cherry on top is the XUV300’s 5-star safety ratings with added safety features such as all four disc brakes and up to 6 airbags on offer. Overall, the XUV300 comes forth as a high value-for-money package that offers a lot in every trim.

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Mahindra XUV 300 Specifications

• Engine: A 1.2-litre MPFI turbo-petrol, a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine and a 1.2-litre TGDI turbo-petrol.
• Transmission: 6-speed manual and 6-speed AMT
• Mileage: Up to 18.24 kmpl for petrol and Up to 20.1 kmpl for diesel
• Airbags: Up to 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5

Mahindra Thar

From sales charts to Punjabi songs, a name that is omnipresent throughout the nation, the Mahindra Thar is truly a cult. With a legacy of over a decade, the Mahindra Thar was and continues to be one of the best SUVs in India, especially for those who love offroading. 

Offered in both RWD and 4×4 guise, the Mahindra Thar is practical, capable, tough, rugged and dynamic. With advanced all-terrain capabilities and thrilling driving dynamics, the Thar can take on whatever the journey entails, thanks to its rich SUV DNA. With ample safety features onboard, the Thar offers a safe driving experience that inculcates a sense of confidence.

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Mahindra Thar Specifications

• Engine: A 2-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 2.2-litre diesel engine for AWD variants and a 1.5-litre diesel engine for the RWD variants.
• Transmission: 6-speed manual/AMT for AWD and a 6-speed manual for RWD
• Mileage: Up to 15.2 kmpl for Petrol and Up to 16 kmpl for diesel
• Airbags: Dual Airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• 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 6 airbags as standard, the Seltos comes as a safe ride that is ready to take on the roads. With a choice of two peppy and punchy engines, the Seltos’ superb driving dynamics make it fun to ride and high on style. Overall, the Seltos comes as a worthy SUV that has what it takes to rule the market.

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Kia Seltos Specifications

• Engine:1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine
• Transmission: six-speed manual, six-speed CVT for petrol along with a six-speed iMT and torque converter automatic.
• Mileage: Up to 16.8 kmpl for petrol and Up to 20.8 kmpl for Diesel
• Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• 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. With great looks, premium interiors, spacious cabin and great practicality, it seems as if Hyundai has cracked the recipe of making the perfect Indian SUV. 

What makes the Hyundai Creta a great pick in the segment is its remarkable style quotient, interiors that feels premium, and powertrain that delivers in every aspect. While the 1.4-litre turbo engine of the Creta is temporarily discontinued, the Creta is still appealing to the masses. Over the years, the SUV has come a long way offering timely upgrades, facelifts and changes to suit the needs of the consumeRs.  And with a new turbo petrol engine likely to come onboard, the Creta is as exciting as it gets.

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Hyundai Creta Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed CVT (Petrol) and 6-speed AMT (Diesel)
• Mileage: Up to 16.8 kmpl for petrol and Up to 18 kmpl for Diesel
• Airbags: Up to 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• 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 ample premium features onboard, the ScorpioN is luxurious on the inside and tough on the outside.

Powered by both petrol and diesel engines, the Scorpio N also comes with a 4×4 trim that is capable enough for all kinds of terrains. With multiple drive modes on offer and all-around safety onboard, the Scorpio N asserts itself as a go-anywhere SUV that has evolved into a modern-day piece of art that can seat up to 7 in sheer comfort.

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Mahindra Scorpio N Specifications

• Engine: 2.2-litre diesel unit and a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine
• Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-spent AMT
• Mileage: Up to 16.23 for petrol and Up to 18.57 for diesel
• Airbags: Up to 4
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 6 and 7

Mahindra XUV700

Commanding as much as 45.89% of the entire sales in its segment, the XUV700 is undoubtedly one of the best SUVs in India. Ever since the XUV700 hit the Indian market, it has managed to create a ripple with its never-seen-before technology, premium interiors, capable drivetrain and a package that offers a lot.

Powered by the most powerful turbocharged engines in its class along with an AWD drivetrain on offer, the XUV700 offers driving modes for every mood. 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 for up to seven passengers. 

Also Read – 7 Seater Cars

Mahindra XUV 700 Specifications

• Engine: 2-litre, turbo-petrol engine and a 2.2-litre diesel engine 
• Transmission: 6-Speed Manual/AMT
• Mileage: Up to 16 kmpl
• Airbags: Up to 7
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5 and 7

Best SUVs In India Summary

With the SUV segment growing every year, no wonder carmakers are doing their best to capture the market. And since the SUV segment itself is quite a large one, a plethora of cars flood the market making it difficult for prospective buyers to bring home the best. But despite a lot of options in the market, only a few have truly managed to pass the test of time. In this article, we brought to you eleven of the best SUVs currently dominating the Indian market arranged in order of their price, so that you can pick the best.

FAQs about Best-Selling Cars of the year

Q. Which are the best SUVs under 10 Lakhs in India?

The Punch, Venue, Sonet, Nexon, Brezza and XUV300 are the best SUV under 10 lakhs in India.

Q. Which are the best SUVs in India for a budget of 10 to 15 Lakh?

The Thar, ScorpioN, XUV700, Seltos and Creta are the best SUVs in India for a budget of 10 to 15 Lakhs.

Q. Which are the safest SUVs under 10 Lakhs?

The Punch, Nexon and XUV300 are the safest SUVs in India under 10 Lakhs. All three SUVs come with a 5-star GNCAP safety rating.

Q. Which is the best SUV offering ADAS in India under 20 Lakh?

The XUV700 is the best SUV in India offering ADAS under 20 Lakhs.