I am planning to buy a 5-seater SUV with a budget of around ₹22 lakh. My yearly driving will be approximately 10,000 km, with 70% city use and 30% highway driving. My main priorities are comfortable driving, good boot space, and strong fuel efficiency. Another key factor for me is reliable after-sales service and a wide service network across India, as we often travel to remote areas. I am open to strong hybrid options, but I am not interested in an EV. Which SUV would you recommend considering my requirements?

Autocar India

•4d

Since your annual driving isn't all that high, it would be sensible to buy a petrol SUV. A diesel, or strong hybrid, makes sense if you end up driving a lot more to save on fuel cost and offset the premium you pay during purchase.

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara would be a good option to consider since it will tick the boxes you want. It is easy to drive and comfortable over Indian roads, has a good boot, and the 1.5-litre petrol engine with mild-hybrid tech is efficient too.

In comparison to its rivals, the Grand Vitara returns better fuel efficiency. Being a Maruti, it has a good reach of service centres and spares available at an affordable cost, and if you do end up on tricky roads often, there is also the AllGrip version that gets AWD for better traction and grip.

If not, the Alpha (O) trim is the top-spec and is generous with features and equipment.

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki

Grand Vitara

from ₹12.54 Lakh

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Mayank

•3d

Nice suggestion

Latest questions people are discussing

Yogesh

•1d

Hi all, I have been using a Skoda Rapid for the last 12 years, and it has amazing power and stability on the highway. I generally drive at the highest permissible speed on the expressway, and my Rapid has never disappointed me. Now it has started ageing and I am looking for a 5-star NCAP-rated SUV. Any recommendations for me, considering I drive weekly 150km in the city and occasional outings? The budget is around ₹30 lakh. Thanks for your recommendation.

Autocar India

•29m

Since you have had a positive experience with the Rapid, sticking to a Skoda would be ideal. The updated Skoda Kushaq was recently revealed, and the price launch is just around the corner. It will continue to get the 1.5 TSI engine that is unanimously loved for its performance inside the city and out on the highway. The facelift has not been tested for the Global NCAP rating, but the old Kushaq had scored a perfect 5-stars and the facelift is likely to follow the same.The new Kushaq is a facelift that brings with it new equipment and refreshed design, but mechanically, it has carried over its powertrain for the bigger engine. The smaller 1.0-litre TSI will feature a new 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, but since you are a keen driver, we would recommend you stick to the 1.5.The engine also features cylinder deactivation, which helps save fuel in the city, and the DSG gearbox is smooth and effortless. The top-spec version would be well under your budget when it gets launched.

Skoda Kushaq

Rishabh

•1d

I am looking to buy a car which has an SUV touch, feels tough and is easy to drive in narrow or tier-II cities. Travelling is around 500-700km per month maximum, mostly within city driving. Budget around ₹12 to ₹13.5 lakh. It can be low on features as I am elderly, but needs a good feel, touch and driving comfort.

Autocar India

•1h

The Tata Nexon would be an ideal choice considering your requirements. It has a sense of toughness, especially over bad roads, is compact enough for narrow streets and comes with a modern cabin with the necessary creature comforts.This Tata car also offers a soft and comfy seat set at an ideal height, making it easy to get in and out of. Since your driving is fairly low, a petrol version would be the ideal choice. The Creative +S variant will fit in your budget and get you a good set of features too. If you want an automatic, there is also an AMT option that won't be as feature-loaded but will give you the convenience of an auto.

Tata Nexon

Philip Strange

•1d

Suggest a good automatic car petrol within 6 lakh.

Autocar India

•1h

Unfortunately, you don't have too many automatic options within Rs 6 lakh (on-road). Your options are Maruti Alto, Maruti S-Presso, Renault Kwid, and thanks to some on-going discounts, you could even manage to get a Celerio VXi AMT, which is the nicest and most premium option among the ones listed.

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Renault Kwid

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