Sports utility vehicle or SUV’s have grown immensely popular not just in India but on a global scale. There was a time when SUV’s meant to be guzzlers and elaborately difficult to maintain vehicles, things have changed for the better drive-ability, compact proportions and improved fuel efficiency figures dominating the SUV segment. Moreover, manufacturers are making SUV’s more and more affordable given the growing demand for the type of vehicles.
Here’s a list of the top 10 SUV’s ruling the Indian market
1. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza
Quite a while ago, Maruti Suzuki had shown strong indication towards their entry in sub-compact SUV segment and Vitara Brezza is the company’s answer to this segment. Vitara Brezza is built on Maruti Suzuki’s global C-platform. It has been completely developed in-house by Maruti and also made it global debut in India at the 2016 Auto Expo. Vitara Brezza stands to be one of the most preferred choice being the most compact SUV, generous space, bulky exteriors and a tried and tested diesel engine under the hood. Vitara Brezza comes with a 1.3 Liter diesel engine churning 89bhp with a peak torque of 200nm. Fuel efficiency of 24.3 kmpl and the price of range of Rs. 7.26 Lac to 9.70 Lac undoubtedly make it a feasible option.
Find: Maruti Suzuki Car Dealers2. Hyundai Creta
During the past years Indian passenger market has witnessed Hyundai rolling out popular models back to back but the launch of the Creta SUV catapulted the company’s fortunes in the SUV segment, where it had limited presence. What works for the car is its contemporary design and well-proportioned body. Moreover, the cabin has been equipped with feature which adds to its attributes. The styling is Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture 2.0 design language, which is accentuated by the headlamps, front grille, rising waistline and the taillights. Creta falls under the range of Rs. 9.28 Lac to 14.63 Lac with engine specification as follows.
- • 1.6-Liter petrol – 121bhp and 155nm- 15.29 kmpl
- • 1.6 Liter diesel (AT/MT)- 126bhp & 260nm- 19.67 kmpl
- • 1.4-Liter diesel- 89 bhp& 200nm – 21.38 kmpl
3. Ford Ecosport
Ford Ecosport revived the automaker’s fortune in India, as one of the first sub-compact SUV’s and still stays a strong contender in the segment. Ford Ecosport offers a brilliant mix of good driving dynamics, peppy engine options and features at competitive price tag. Ecosport still packs in a strong punch with its good looks and sorted driving dynamics making it a highly likeable SUV. Most of all, its affordable pricing falling in the price range of 7.18 Lac to 10.46 Lac makes it more appealing.
- • 1.5-Liter petrol – 110bhp and 140nm – 15.8 kmpl
- • 1.0-Liter Ecoboost – 123bhp and 170nm – 18.88 kmpl
- • 1.5-Liter diesel – 90bhp and 204nm – 22.7 kmpl
4. Mahindra XUV 500
Mahindra XUV looks like the company’s most attractive offering till date. The SUV has a very aggressive style quotient which makes it for a great deal. XUV 500 costs between 12.08 Lac to 18.05 Lac. It comes with a 2179cc direct injection diesel engine generating a power of 140bhp @ 3750 rpm and a torque of 330nm @ 1600-2800 rpm which outperforms Mahindra’s Scorpio with similar engine. The SUV is at its spacious best with a boot space of 475 Liters.
5. Renault Duster
Renault India first found success with the Duster compact SUV and the model continues to be a good choice for those looking at something rugged with an urban touch. The facelift version arrived with a host of cosmetic changes, bringing in some freshness to the model. It is also one of the SUV’s to get an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) making it more fuel efficient and cheaper than other models in the segment. A duster would cost you within 8.64 Lac to 13.88 Lac.
- • 1.6 Liter petrol – 103bhp and 148nm – 13.06 kmpl
- • 1.5 Liter diesel – 84bhp and 200nm – 19.87 kmpl
- • 1.5 Liter diesel – 108bhp and 245nm – 19.64 kmpl
6. Mahindra Scorpio
Mahindra introduced the Scorpio for the first time in the year 2002 after which it still remains as a hot favorite among the SUV buyers. Though its styling has remained unchanged all these years, it received a new engine in 2006 and a minor facelift in 2008. However, in September, 2014 it got a new platform, chassis, transmission, features, interior design and slightly different exteriors. A Scorpio would cost nearly 9.84 Lac to 13.92 Lac.
- • 2.2-Liter diesel – 75bhp and 200nm – 15.4 kmpl
- • 2.5-Liter diesel – 120bhp and 280nm – 15 kmpl
7. Mahindra TUV 300
The ‘more affordable’ SUV from Mahindra, the TUV 300 may not be a hot seller but works put for those who are looking to fulfill that ‘Jeep’ dream. The TUV looks rugged, has boxy proportions and an extremely spacious cabin. It is also one of the sub-compact SUV’s that can seat 7, with the additional jump seats in the boot and if offered with the 1.5 Liter engine paired to a manual and AMT gearbox options. TUV 300 is a good choice for those looking for fuel efficient SUV without compromising on space and looks. TUV 300 comes at an affordable price range of 7.56 Lac to 9.91 Lac.
- • 1.5 Liter diesel – 84/100bhp and 230/240nm – 18.49 kmpl
8. Mahindra Thar
Mahindra knows its SUV right and The Thar is one of its proudest creations. The automaker brought back the no-frills SUV with the Mahindra Thar that put the focus back on off-roading. The facelifted version arrived in 2015 and is currently on sale, introducing new and safer bumpers, a slightly upmarket cabin and air-conditioning on the top variants. There was also the addition of a limited slip differential for better control when traversing the road less taken. Mahindra Thar would cost between 6.27 Lac to 8.99 Lac.
- • 2.5 Liter diesel – 105bhp and 247nm – 16.5 kmpl
- • 2.6 Liter diesel – 63bhp and 182.5nm – 18.06 kmpl
9. Nissan Terrano
Based on the Duster SUV, Nissan Terrano is yet another worthy contender in this price range. The rugged SUV borrows styling cues from the French partner Renault’s popular model Duster. Offering generous space inside, the SUV comes packed with some of the vital features. The facelifted version has also added new features to the model. The AMT equipped version is also available on the Terrano. Terrano falls in the price range of 9.99 Lac to 14.20 Lac.
- • 1.6 Liter petrol – 103bhp and 145nm – 13.06 kmpl
- • 1.5 Liter diesel – 83bhp and 200nm – 19.87 kmpl
- • 1.5 Liter diesel – 108bhp and 248nm – 19.64 kmpl
10. Tata Safari Storme
Tata motors gave a comprehensive facelift to its popular sports utility vehicle Safari, which also got a new template- Safari Storme. The bulky SUV gets a changed fascia and spruced up interiors. Purists swear by its off-roading power but it can also turn into a mile muncher on highways without compromising on passenger comfort. A Safari Storme would cost in between 10.63 Lac to 14.11 Lac.
- • 2.2 Liter diesel – 154bhp and 400nm – 12.3 kmpl
You may also like:
List of Top 10 Sedan Cars in India List of top 10 Hatchback Cars in India List of top 10 MUV Cars in IndiaReference:
- https://www.drivespark.com/best-suvs/
- https://auto.ndtv.com/news/best-suvs-in-india-under-rs-12-lakh-757503
