Which is the best SUV to buy under ₹20 lakh?

Autocar India

•28m

Since you want a 6 seater for your city-heavy use and you have a budget of up to Rs 30 lakh, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic is what you should consider. Given that your running is fairly high, about 15,000km a year, a diesel would make sense, and it will be more efficient than the petrol. Mahindra's 2.2-litre diesel is refined and punchy, and the 6-speed torque converter automatic is smooth, making city drives stress-free. The 7XO has a comfy, premium cabin and can be had in either 6-seat (with captain's chairs in the middle) or 7-seat seating configurations. It also rides over speed breakers and broken roads with ease and comes absolutely loaded with features. Know this before you buy: the third row is best for kids or short adults on longer trips, and with all seats up, the boot is small, so airport runs and road trips will require planning.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Autocar India

•4h

Mostly city use, a Rs.15 lakh budget and a focus on low running costs, point straight to the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. It fits your brief for long-term reliability, low maintenance and service costs, and good fuel efficiency. It is a size up from the Tata Punch/Hyundai Exter segment, but is still manageable in the city while feeling stable on the highway.Why it fits: service and parts costs are among the lowest in the class, and Maruti’s service network is widespread, so upkeep stays simple for years. The petrol engine and torque convertor auto are smooth in traffic and remains efficient if driven with a light foot. Cabin space is good for five, the rear seat is comfortable, and the boot is useful for the occasional weekend trip.Trade-offs: the cabin does not feel particularly premium, and the engine lacks the punch of a turbo-petrol on the highway. It is also worth noting that a facelift for the Brezza is expected towards the end of the year, possibly with a turbo-petrol engine. Alternatively, consider the Hyundai Venue 1.0 DCT if you want a more modern cabin and stronger highway performance.Overall, for city-first use and long-term peace of mind, the Brezza is a good fit.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Exter

Tata Punch

Autocar India

•5h

With a daily 200 km Delhi-NCR commute, mostly highway, five seats and no diesel, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong-hybrid (petrol automatic) is the best fit. It keeps engine revs low on the highway and switches to electric drive often in slow city parts, so it feels smooth and calm after a long day. Toyota’s hybrid tech has a strong track record, and the brand’s wide service reach adds peace of mind for a first-time buyer. For safety, you get key features like six airbags and stability control on the higher trims, and the car feels steady at speed, which matters on expressways.Know the trade-offs. The hybrid costs more than a regular petrol, and the boot is a bit smaller because of the battery. Also, it is quick enough for safe passes, but it is not a thrill machine.If you prefer a sedan then consider the Honda City strong-hybrid.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Honda City