Rajeev singh

•10w

Hi, I am using a Duster 110 RXZ and now want to sell it and buy a new SUV. What would you suggest, a petrol or a diesel SUV? My monthly run is around 1,000 km, and I have already driven 85,000 km in 8 years. My budget is around Rs 20 lakh, and I need a good, tough SUV that can be used for very long drives.

Autocar India

•10w

Since your monthly running is not very high, you can opt for a petrol SUV. In the Rs 20 lakh budget, you can consider the Tata Sierra, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Skoda Kushaq, to name a few. All three are good options and will serve you well.

The Hyundai Creta and Seltos are mechanically identical, while the Kushaq and Taigun share a lot between them. To be fair, it comes down to the design and features you prefer.

The Renault Duster is also a great option to consider, and while prices are not out yet, it is likely to be in the same range as the above-mentioned SUVs. However, our recommendation will be to wait for the new upcoming Duster.

Since you already have the older version and have a good experience with it, the new one will be worth waiting for. It has modern looks, a premium cabin and lots of features, making it a strong contender in this segment.

Explore cars mentioned

Kia

Seltos

from ₹12.79 Lakh

Hyundai

Creta

from ₹12.56 Lakh

Renault

Duster

from ₹12.22 Lakh

Skoda

Kushaq

from ₹12.45 Lakh

Raju

•10w

My monthly running is 6000kms currently I used Wagon R CNG I want to change it. Budget is 10-15 lakhs. Suggest me .

Soumya Sinha

•10w

As suggested by Team Autocar the best option for you is to wait for the new Duster especially the hybrid powertrain in case it fits your budget once prices get revealed as on paper the hybrid boasts of one of the best in class mix of power & fuel efficiency

More questions on similar cars

Dhiraj

•3d

My monthly travel is around 1,050 km, with a mix of city and highway driving. I also take a long-distance highway trip of around 300 km once every two months. I currently own a Honda Amaze diesel and am planning to upgrade to an SUV. Kindly suggest a suitable SUV under ₹20 lakh.

Autocar India

•14h

Go for a turbo petrol SUV, and shortlist the Tata Sierra and the new Kia Seltos mid variants which just about fit in your budget. Both suit your usage well, but the decision comes down to driving feel versus long-term peace of mind.The Tata Sierra turbo petrol automatic is the better choice if you prioritise comfort and smoothness. It feels more relaxed to drive, the engine is punchy without being aggressive, and the torque converter gearbox is smoother in daily city use as well as on highways. This Tata car is also larger and more comfortable, which makes a difference during longer drives.The new Kia Seltos turbo petrol DCT is the more proven and dependable option overall. The powertrain is well-established, refinement is strong, and importantly, Kia has built a wider and more consistent aftersales network across India, which gives better ownership peace of mind. While individual experiences can vary, Kia’s service consistency across cities are generally considered more reliable than Tata’s, where service quality can still differ from dealer to dealer. The DCT gearbox of the Kia car also feels quicker and can be efficient in steady traffic, though it is not as smooth as a torque converter in stop-go conditions.So the difference is clear. The Sierra feels smoother and more comfortable to drive. On the other hand, the Seltos feels more sorted as a long-term ownership package, especially because of its more established service ecosystem.

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra

Annesha Chakraborty

•2d

I am looking to buy an automatic petrol car within a budget of ₹18 lakh. My requirements are: 5-star safety, comfort for family use, mostly city driving, and occasional trips outside the city. I have explored the Skoda Kushaq, Slavia, and Tata Nexon, but I do not want to go with Tata as I already own a Tiago. I am open to options from Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia, provided they meet my safety requirements. Please advise.

Autocar India

•1d

On a Rs 18 lakh budget, for your requirements, the Hyundai Verna HX6+ IVT automatic is a good pick because it meets your 5-star safety needs and feels the most relaxed in traffic. The IVT, a CVT by another name, is a type of automatic that does not shift in steps, so it feels very smooth at low speeds, which makes stop-and-go driving easy. The back seat is roomy, the ride is comfortable over rough patches, and Hyundai’s wide service network adds peace of mind on those occasional trips out of town. The latest Verna has a 5-star Global NCAP crash test rating in India, so you are not compromising on your main ask. You could stretch to the HX8 variant if you want more features and your budget is flexible.Two things to keep in mind with the Verna: it sits lower than a taller car like the Skoda Kushaq, so you need a bit more care on big speed breakers, and the rear seat is set a little low, so elderly family members who prefer a higher seat may not love it. If you want a higher seating position and more ground clearance without giving up 5-star safety, go for the Kia Seltos HTK(O) Petrol CVT, which recently got a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. Though you might sacrifice some features in this variant on your budget.

Amit

I am planning to purchase a mid-segment SUV. The options I have tested include the Tata Harrier, Tata Sierra, and Kia Seltos. My budget is around ₹20 lakh. My driving will be primarily in the city, with occasional highway use. I am looking for the best option that offers steady performance along with good power. Additionally, I would like guidance on whether a diesel or petrol variant would be more suitable for my usage.

Autocar India

•1d

Pick the Kia Seltos petrol IVT if you are considering the naturally aspirated options. It is the best fit for your usage.The Seltos’ petrol engine feels more usable and refined, and the IVT gearbox is very smooth in city driving. It is easy to live with, consistent in traffic and suits your primarily urban usage perfectly. The power delivery is linear and predictable, which gives you the steady performance you are looking for without feeling stressed or jerky.Coming to the Tata Sierra, the naturally aspirated petrol is not a great match. It is a larger and heavier SUV, and the engine feels flat and underpowered for its size, especially in city conditions. However, if you are open to the turbo petrol version, the Sierra becomes a better option. The turbo engine feels stronger and more responsive, and the torque converter automatic is smoother and more robust for everyday use compared to a DCT.Between the Sierra and the Harrier, we would suggest going for the Sierra. It is the newer car, feels nicer to drive and offers the same turbo petrol engine with a smoother torque converter automatic option.

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra

Tata Harrier

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