Is it worth buying a diesel SUV in 2026? I currently own a Jimny Alpha AT and an i20 N Line DCT, but my monthly commute has increased to 1,800-2,000 km, mostly on 4-lane highways. I plan to get a diesel automatic SUV for highway commuting, as the Jimny AT is very inefficient for daily use. My budget is approximately ₹20 lakh. Please help.

Autocar India

•7w

Multiple diesel-automatic options will fall within your budget, but if you want a car as compact as the Maruti Suzuki Jimny. You could consider the new Hyundai Venue, which is well-equipped, and delivers good performance and efficiency. Albeit a bit pricey at the top-end, it feels like a well-rounded package.

Alternatively, you could also consider a mid-spec Kia Seltos, which shares its powertrain with the Venue. But will be a lot more spacious and will feel like a big upgrade over your Jimny.

Explore cars mentioned

Hyundai

New Venue

Kia

New Seltos

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Latest questions people are discussing

Alok Tirkey

•2d

I need a 7-seater family car under a ₹16-17 lakh budget with safety and mileage for medium running. Ertiga, XL6, Clavis, Scorpio N, etc. I want to invest in only one car for long-term, 10+ year use. Please suggest.

Autocar India

•7h

The Kia Carens Clavis would be a good option for you. The insides and comfy, and the third row is spacious for two adults and has AC vents as well as type C ports for charging. With three rows up, there's also a fairly useable 216-litres of boot space, and there is some more space under the boot floor too.Kia cars have proven to be quite reliable, and this would serve you well since you plan to keep it for a long time. The car is well-equipped with a host of safety features that are standard, and since mileage is also your priority, we would suggest you opt for the diesel or the naturally aspirated (non-turbo) 1.5-litre petrol engine.

Kia Carens Clavis

sathish

•2d

I need a car within ₹10 lakh on-road in Bangalore. 80-90% city usage and 10-20% highway. It should have all the necessary features, inside and outside. It should be comfortable for my parents, with low maintenance, tension-free and reliable ownership. Occasionally, I may use it for long trips as well. This is my first car, and I am a new driver, so an automatic is better.

Autocar India

•7h

We would recommend you take a look at the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. Being a Maruti car, it will meet your requirements of being low on maintenance and generally tension-free. The car is also slightly higher off the ground compared to sedans and hatchbacks at this price, and thus, this will offer an easy entry and exit for your parents. Rear seat head and legroom are also good, and for two adults, the rear is very spacious and a comfortable place to be in.The Fronx fits within the 'small car' definition as it measures less than 4-meters in length, thus it is very manageable in crowded city conditions. For your few highway trips, too, you will find the handling secure, and the car remains planted at regular highway speeds.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Kushal Yadav

•1d

I am planning to buy a Brezza CNG Zxi. I have heard a facelift is expected around April-May 2026, which may come with an underbody CNG tank and a manual 6-speed gearbox replacing the existing 5-speed gearbox. Should I wait, or should I buy right now?

Autocar India

•8h

The update is expected around April-May 2026, and there are chances that the CNG version could get improvements such as a better-packaged CNG tank, like in the Maruti Victoris and possibly a 6-speed manual. Even if the exact changes are different from what is currently expected, the facelift will at least bring cosmetic updates and feature additions.Since the timeline is quite close, waiting a few weeks will give you clarity on what the updated model offers. If the changes are meaningful, you can buy the new version. If they are minor, you can still choose the current model, often with better discounts as dealers clear older stock.Given how close the facelift appears to be, it makes sense to wait a little before buying the Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG so you can decide with full information once the updated model is revealed.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

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