I'm considering purchasing an SUV within a ₹25 lakh budget and am particularly interested in models that offer a driving experience akin to electric vehicles, characterized by smoothness and refinement. Could you recommend suitable options in both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) categories that fall within this price range?

Autocar India

•1d

For a daily 100 km run in Delhi with a Rs. 20-25 lakh budget, the Hyundai Creta Electric Excellence LR is the right fit. It has enough real-world range to cover a few days of running for you and still leave a healthy buffer. In our testing, it delivered a real-world range of around 432 km. Its size also makes it easy to park and weave through city traffic, the cabin feels premium and feature-rich, and the ride quality is comfortable as well. The Creta Electric was also updated recently, bringing improvements in both range and charging speeds.Downsides to note: while performance is smooth and seamless, it does not feel as powerful on the highway as some larger and more expensive electric cars. Also, it doesn't have the wow factor generally associated with new-age EVs. Alternatively, if you want something flashier, consider the Mahindra BE 6.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Mahindra BE 6

Autocar India

•11h

Mostly city use with a sensitive lower back and an under Rs 20 lakh cap points to a taller, easy-to-drive automatic. The Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol IVT HTX (A) fits this brief best. The seat height makes getting in and out simple without bending or climbing. So, the ride is soft at low speeds, thanks in part to this variant's smaller 17-inch wheels, so your back gets less shock from broken roads, and the automatic moves smoothly in traffic. You sit upright with a clear view out, the steering is light, and the 360 camera takes the stress out of parking. What's more, this should just about fit in your budget, and it gets you ADAS features as well. Kia’s wide service network helps with easy, reliable ownership over many years, too. The other good option is a Hyundai Creta, but getting these features will require you to move to a top-spec variant only, which is out of your budget. You could also consider the Maruti Suzuki Victoris 1.5 petrol AT, which offers even lower running costs but is not quite as comfortable as the Hyundai or Kia.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Autocar India

•11h

With 40 km a day and mostly highway, from your list, the Tata Nexon diesel fits best. It will use less fuel on long runs, feel more relaxed at 80-100 kph, and give easier overtakes with family and luggage. Your mix has enough highway, so the diesel’s exhaust filter should stay healthy. As a fuel type, CNG is cheap to run, but for 60% highway, it can feel slow, and needs more planning for refills. Better for mostly city use.Maruti Suzuki Victoris petrol will be simpler to own and should be reliable, but on highways with a full load, it will use more fuel than the Nexon diesel. Also consider the Hyundai Venue diesel, which is available with a smooth 6-speed auto. Overall, from your choices, the Nexon diesel lines up best.

Tata Nexon

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Hyundai Venue