Over the past decade, SUVs have transformed the Indian car market. Once considered luxury vehicles, they are now available in every price bracket, from budget-friendly compact SUV options to premium 4×4 SUVs designed for adventure. Whether it’s about everyday city driving, highway comfort, or tackling rough terrains, SUVs do it all. The winning combination of affordable SUV price, impressive SUV mileage, modern SUV features, and a variety of SUV variants makes them the go-to choice for Indian families.
In this article, we’ll explore why SUVs continue to dominate sales, highlight the best SUVs India has to offer, and provide detailed insights into SUV safety ratings, transmission choices like SUV automatic vs manual, rugged SUV 4×4 models, and transparent SUV ex-showroom price comparisons.
SUV Price
When it comes to SUV price, buyers have a wide range of choices. Compact SUVs like Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, and Maruti Suzuki Brezza start as low as ₹6–7 lakh (ex-showroom), while premium SUVs like Toyota Fortuner and Jeep Meridian go beyond ₹40 lakh.
The affordable entry-level SUV segment has grown rapidly because Indian customers want the commanding driving position, high ground clearance, and road presence of an SUV without spending a fortune. Automakers have responded by offering budget-friendly models packed with essential SUV features.
SUV Mileage
One common myth about SUVs is poor fuel economy. Modern engineering has changed this perception. Compact SUVs with 1.0 L to 1.2 L engines deliver mileage close to 18–22 km/l, making them nearly as efficient as hatchbacks.
For example:
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Hyundai Venue Petrol: ~18 km/l
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Maruti Brezza CNG: ~25 km/kg
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Kia Sonet Diesel: ~21 km/l
This shows that owning an SUV no longer means burning a hole in your pocket. Mileage-focused buyers now have multiple options in both petrol and diesel SUVs.
SUV Features
Today’s SUVs are loaded with high-tech and comfort features once reserved for luxury cars. Depending on the SUV variants, you can find:
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Large infotainment screens with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
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Wireless charging & multiple USB ports
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Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)
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Panoramic sunroofs & ventilated seats
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360-degree cameras & connected car technology
These SUV features make every drive—whether in traffic or on a long trip—more enjoyable and stress-free.
SUV Variants
Car makers offer multiple SUV variants to match diverse budgets. A single SUV model often comes in 5–7 trims. For example, the Tata Nexon has XE, XM, XZ, and XZ+ variants, each with different features and prices.
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Entry-level SUV variants focus on affordability and mileage.
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Mid-level variants add extra comfort and tech features.
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Top SUV variants include luxury touches like leather seats and premium sound systems.
This tiered approach ensures that whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced car enthusiast, there’s an SUV variant that matches your needs.
Best SUVs India
Choosing the best SUVs India offers can be overwhelming given the variety. But based on popularity, performance, and features, here are some standouts:
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Maruti Suzuki Brezza – Known for excellent SUV mileage and low maintenance.
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Tata Nexon – 5-star SUV safety ratings and wide SUV variants.
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Hyundai Creta – A perfect blend of SUV features and affordability.
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Mahindra XUV700 – Packed with premium technology and a rugged design.
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Toyota Fortuner – The ultimate SUV 4×4 for off-road enthusiasts.
SUV Safety Ratings
Safety is now a top priority for buyers. Many SUVs have earned impressive SUV safety ratings in Global NCAP crash tests. For example:
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Tata Nexon – 5-star safety rating
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Mahindra XUV300 – 5-star safety rating
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Kia Seltos (2023 facelift) – 3-star rating but improved safety features
Features like six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and hill-hold assist are becoming standard in higher SUV variants, giving families peace of mind.
SUV Automatic vs Manual
A big debate in India is SUV automatic vs manual.
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SUV Manual Transmission: Lower SUV price, better mileage in some cases, and more control on highways.
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SUV Automatic (AMT, CVT, DCT, Torque Converter): Hassle-free in city traffic, smoother ride, but slightly higher price.
For city dwellers, automatics are gaining popularity, while highway lovers and budget-conscious buyers still prefer manual SUVs.
SUV 4×4
For those who want adventure, SUV 4×4 models like the Mahindra Thar, Force Gurkha, and Toyota Fortuner dominate the market. These vehicles handle mountains, deserts, and forests with ease.
Though SUV price for 4×4 models is higher, they provide unmatched thrill and capability. If you’re an off-road enthusiast, investing in a SUV 4×4 is worth every penny.
Compact SUV
The rise of the compact SUV has been revolutionary. Cars like Hyundai Exter, Tata Punch, and Renault Kiger are redefining affordability in the SUV market.
With a starting SUV ex-showroom price below ₹7 lakh, compact SUVs offer great SUV mileage, stylish looks, and premium features while being easy to park and maneuver in crowded cities.
SUV Ex-Showroom Price
When buying, understanding the SUV ex-showroom price is crucial. This is the base cost of the car without registration, insurance, and road tax. On-road price can be 10–15% higher depending on the state.
For example:
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Hyundai Venue (ex-showroom): ₹7.9 lakh
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On-road (Delhi): ₹9.2 lakh approx.
Knowing the SUV ex-showroom price helps buyers compare models fairly and make informed decisions.
Conclusion
From affordable compact SUVs to premium SUV 4×4 off-roaders, India’s SUV market offers something for everyone. With balanced SUV price, excellent SUV mileage, advanced SUV features, wide SUV variants, and strong SUV safety ratings, it’s no surprise that SUVs remain the most popular choice for Indian buyers.
Whether you’re buying your first car or upgrading to the SUV top model, you’ll find that modern SUVs are designed to offer comfort, technology, safety, and adventure—all in one package.
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