SUVs, once appreciated mainly for their size and ruggedness, have now found a place in smaller mass-market segments, with many models measuring less than 4 meters in length. The shift in consumer preferences in India shows a growing inclination towards SUV body styles, as reflected in the decreasing popularity of hatchbacks and sedans. Below is a curated list of the most affordable SUVs available in India, with all mentioned models priced below Rs 10 lakh.
10. Tata Nexon
Starting at Rs 8 lakh
The Tata Nexon offers 9 different variants under Rs 10 lakh, including petrol-MT, petrol-AMT, diesel-MT, and CNG-MT options. It features a 120hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with both 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmission options, in addition to an AMT. The 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel model and the 100hp, 1.2-litre CNG variant are also available with manual gearboxes only. Although the petrol variant includes a 7-speed dual-clutch auto option, it falls outside this budget.
9. Kia Sonet
Starting at Rs 7.99 lakh
The Kia Sonet is priced comparably to the Nexon and offers 7 variants under the Rs 10 lakh threshold. Buyers can choose from an 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine with a 5-speed manual, a 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol with a 6-speed iMT, or a 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel with a 6-speed manual. While the turbo-petrol and diesel variants come with automatic options (a 7-speed dual-clutch and a 6-speed torque converter, respectively), these are not priced within the budget.
8. Mahindra XUV 3XO
Starting at Rs 7.99 lakh
The Mahindra XUV 3XO has 4 variants available for less than Rs 10 lakh, lacking any automatic gearbox options. The lower trims feature a 111hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 117hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine. Higher variants of the petrol model do offer a 6-speed torque converter automatic, while the diesel version has a 6-speed AMT option.
7. Hyundai Venue
Starting at Rs 7.94 lakh
Hyundai’s answer to its competitors, the Hyundai Venue, offers 7 variants priced under Rs 10 lakh. Although it shares the same engine options as the Sonet, lower-spec models are equipped only with 1.2-litre petrol and turbo-petrol engines. The next-generation Venue has also been spotted undergoing tests in India and is rumored to launch during this year’s festive season.
6. Toyota Taisor
Starting at Rs 7.74 lakh
The Toyota Taisor comes in 6 variants under Rs 10 lakh, with five equipped with a 90hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine available in both manual and AMT options. Additionally, a 76hp CNG variant is offered in manual form. Higher variants include a 100hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox options.
5. Maruti Fronx
Starting at Rs 7.55 lakh
The Maruti Fronx, essentially a rebadged version of the Toyota Taisor, is competitively priced with 10 variants below Rs 10 lakh, including two CNG models and one turbo-petrol variant. Engine and gearbox options are identical to those found in the Taisor.
4. Tata Punch
Starting at Rs 6.20 lakh
Every variant of the Tata Punch featuring a manual gearbox is available at a price below Rs 10 lakh. Additionally, 8 out of 9 CNG models and 10 out of 12 AMT variants also fall into this category. The Punch is powered by an 88hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine, along with the option of a 74hp CNG version of the same engine.
3. Renault Kiger
Starting at Rs 6.15 lakh
The Renault Kiger is available in 15 variants, which includes dual-tone color options, with 11 of those priced under Rs 10 lakh. It provides all four engine and gearbox configurations within this budget: the 72hp, 1.0-litre petrol, available with both manual and AMT options, and the 100hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, which offers manual and CVT options. The Kiger also features a recently added CNG option, with 6 out of 7 variants fitting within the budget. A facelift of the Kiger is anticipated to launch later this year.
2. Nissan Magnite
Starting at Rs 6.14 lakh
The Nissan Magnite, essentially a counterpart to the Kiger, shares mechanical components and comes in 18 variants, 13 of which are priced below Rs 10 lakh. A CNG variant is expected to be introduced soon, expanding the Magnite’s lineup.
1. Hyundai Exter
Starting at Rs 6 lakh
The most budget-friendly SUV in India is the Hyundai Exter, starting at a mere Rs 6 lakh. Hyundai’s compact SUV boasts an impressive variety, featuring 41 variants, with only 3 priced above Rs 10 lakh. The Exter shares its 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine with the lower-spec Venue and offers both manual and AMT transmissions, alongside a factory-installed CNG version capable of producing up to 69hp.
