I want to purchase an SUV, and my budget is 15 lakhs maximum. My daily drive is around 10-15 kms in the city, and occasionally I go out of the city, like once in a quarter, and that too, maximum up to 300 kms. The vehicle should give decent mileage. It should be safe as well. Kindly suggest a few options.
Go for the Hyundai Venue. Given your limited usage, there's no need to spend extra for the diesel engine, and either of the petrol engines should be sufficient. The 1.2-litre engine is perfect for your largely city use, with sufficient power and a light clutch and gear shift. However, for your highway trips, it might feel underpowered, and in that case, the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol is a better bet, and even comes with a DCT automatic option. However, this engine isn't as fuel-efficient as the 1.2.
Being one of the newest SUVs in the compact segment, the Venue comes with the latest tech, high-quality interiors, good space and good comfort too. With your budget of Rs 15 lakh, you can go up to the HX8 variant, which has a lot of features and tech. This includes safety features, and you'll be reassured by the fact that it has scored 5 stars in Bharat NCAP's crash tests. The only downside is that it's not particularly exciting to drive compared to some rivals.
Speaking of which, alternatives include the Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV 3XO, which have also scored 5-star NCAP ratings, but aren't as fuel-efficient as the Venue. Or conversely, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Fronx, which are more fuel efficient, but haven't yet been tested by Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP. Overall, we think the Venue is the best bet for you.
Hyundai Venue
Explore cars mentioned
More questions on similar cars
Curated collections
Popular discussions right now
Posted on: 16 Jun 2026
Need expert advice?
Ask the Autocar community and experts.









