If you are looking for a new three-row executive SUV, there are currently quite a few competent offerings in the market to choose from. The Toyota Fortuner has been the long-undisputed sales champion in this segment, but some newer models offer greater tech and sophistication while costing significantly less. Here, we have listed the five best three-row SUVs that you can currently buy within a budget of Rs 50 lakh.
Skoda Kodiaq
Price: Rs 36.99 lakh-Rs 46.99 lakh
The Skoda Kodiaq is the most well-rounded three-row SUV under Rs 50 lakh. It has the most premium, inviting and feature-packed interior, a potent 204hp 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and great driving dynamics, too. The third row is tight on space, but average-sized adults or kids will be fine for short journeys. The only real drawback is the lack of a diesel engine option. A lower-spec 5-seat version also makes for an affordable entry point into the line-up. Objectively speaking, the Kodiaq is a more wholesome package than even some entry-level luxury SUVs from Mercedes, BMW and Audi.
MG Majestor
Price: Rs 40.99 lakh-Rs 44.99 lakh
The MG Majestor impresses with its space, features, refinement and ride quality. The only SUV here to offer captain chairs for the middle row, it has the most usable third row and is reasonably priced, too. With rugged ladder-frame underpinnings, the Majestor is also thoroughly capable off-road, better even than perhaps a Toyota Fortuner. However, the 215hp 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox is really sluggish at low rpms, and its size could be a deterrent in the city. Its heft also doesn’t do it many favours in terms of handling manners.
Jeep Meridian
Price: Rs 23.33 lakh-Rs 37.48 lakh
The Jeep Meridian is a sheer bargain compared to its rivals. It feels premium, is feature-packed and offers fantastic ride and handling balance. Despite being a monocoque SUV, it’s sufficiently capable off-road as well. The 170hp 2.0-litre diesel engine is strong and torquey but not particularly sporty owing to its lazy 9-speed automatic gearbox. Even the engine becomes quite audible inside the cabin when revved hard. Third-row space is also the least among all SUVs here, and it misses out on a petrol engine option.
Volkswagen Tayron
Price: Rs 46.99 lakh
The Volkswagen Tayron is a badge-engineered Skoda Kodiaq, so its inherent strengths and weaknesses are the same. It remains a driver-focused SUV with a punchy 204hp 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and tidy driving manners. Offered in R Line guise, the Tayron also gets the requisite visual drama. However, unlike the Kodiaq, the Tayron is offered only in a single, fully loaded trim, which makes it a lot more expensive than its Skoda sibling. Here, too, the third row is best for children or average-sized adults for short journeys.
Toyota Fortuner
Price: Rs 34.76 lakh-Rs 50.46 lakh
The Fortuner feels indestructible over bad roads and rough terrain. It’s a proven off-roader, too, and its reliability and brand equity are second to none. The Fortuner is the only SUV on this list to offer both petrol and diesel options, but it’s the latter that lends itself better in this SUV. The diesel engine offers strong performance, although there’s no getting away from the grumbly sound. It’s also the most dated SUV on this list, lacking modern features and sophistication, and the ride quality feels bumpy and unsettled. Top-end trims also don’t quite justify their price.
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
Viraaj Bhatnagar
