I need an SUV or crossover under Rs 20 lakh on-road that can handle bad roads on a daily basis without major suspension issues and also deliver good mileage. I am open to both diesel and electric vehicle options.

Autocar India

•1w

We would recommend waiting for the new Renault Duster, whose launch is just a few weeks away, on March 17. Like the original Duster, it is expected to offer a tough yet comfortable suspension, and it has a whopping 212mm of ground clearance, which should keep it from bottoming out on bad roads. It comes with a choice of turbo-petrol engines - a 100hp 1.0-litre and 160hp 1.3-litre - both of which are understood to be quite fuel efficient.

However, if you can wait until Diwali, Renault is launching a strong hybrid version of the Duster that uses a 1.8-litre petrol engine, 1.4kWh battery and 49hp electric motor for a total of 160hp, and promises exceptional mileage. If you want a diesel option, check out the Tata Sierra diesel, and if you want an EV option, check out the Tata Nexon EV, both of which have robust suspension to tackle rough roads.

Explore cars mentioned

Renault

Duster

from ₹12.23 Lakh

Tata

Sierra

from ₹13.37 Lakh

Tata

Nexon EV

from ₹13.27 Lakh

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

Latest questions people are discussing

Akhil Singh

•1d

I am looking for an EV as my daily travel is around 75 km. I have a 3.3kW charging facility free at my office, plus a fast DC charger nearby. My budget is flexible as I am exploring the new Tata Punch EV, Nexon EV and Curvv EV, considering the ₹3.5 lakh discount on the Curvv EV. What should be the logical choice, considering I don’t have much experience in driving, hardly, for 4-5 months as of now?

Autocar India

•1h

Among the options you mentioned, the Tata Punch EV Long Range is the most logical choice. It is compact, easy to manoeuvre and park, and its smooth electric power delivery makes city driving very simple for someone with limited driving experience. With your daily running and office charging facility, range should never be a concern. The new car is also very well-priced and a great value for money, thanks to the price cut compared to the older car.The Tata Nexon EV is a good step up if you want more space and a slightly more premium feel. It offers a bigger cabin and boot, which can be useful if you regularly travel with family.The Tata Curvv EV becomes attractive because of the ₹3.5 lakh discount, but it is a larger car and may feel slightly intimidating to drive initially.

Sagar Dhavali

I am looking to replace my Volkswagen polo with a SUV for term usage. My running is occasional few times in city and twice a year long journey. I am looking at Honda Elevate and Renault Duster. Do you have any other suggestions?

Autocar India

•2d

Why don't you consider the Skoda Kushaq facelift instead? Being part of the VW group, the Kushaq will be a natural upgrade from your Polo - it is well-built, well-equipped and it drives well too. Both its engines (1.0L and 1.5L) deliver good performance. This should be high up on your shortlist.The Honda Elevate is a no nonsense option with excellent ride comfort, and a strong naturally aspirated petrol engine. The seating position is good, and it is nice to drive too. Refinement however isn't its strong suit.The Renault Duster also looks like a good option but we'll reserve our judgements till we actually drive it extensively.

Skoda Kushaq facelift

Honda Elevate

Renault Duster

pooja

•2d

I am planning to buy a new petrol car with a manual gearbox. My budget is around ₹13 lakh. My usage will be 70% city and 30% highway. Could you please suggest SUV options within this budget?

Autocar India

•22h

With a daily running of around 50 to 60 km, a diesel automatic makes good sense as your monthly usage will easily justify the better fuel efficiency and relaxed nature of a diesel engine.Between the two options, the Kia Seltos diesel automatic is the better choice overall. The diesel engine is refined, and the 6-speed torque converter automatic is smooth and well-suited for normal city traffic as well as highway drives.The Tata Sierra is also a strong Midsize SUV with more cabin space. But its diesel engine is noticeably noisier and less refined than the Hyundai-Kia diesel. It is also over a lakh more expensive in comparable automatic variants.For your usage and preference for an automatic, the Seltos diesel automatic is the more balanced and sensible option thanks to its refinement, smooth gearbox and lower price.

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra

View all Posts