We compare the real-world fuel efficiency of India’s top mid-size petrol automatic SUVs to see how they stack up.
- Creta, Elevate and Astor get a CVT with the petrol engine
- MG Astor is the heaviest while Grand Vitara is the lightest
- Grand Vitara and Creta get fuel-saving auto start-stop tech
Creta vs Grand Vitara vs Elevate vs Astor: specifications
All get a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine
All contenders in this test are powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, though they differ in power outputs and transmission types. The Hyundai Creta (also representing the Kia Seltos), Honda Elevate, and MG Astor use a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the Maruti Grand Vitara (also representing the Toyota Hyryder) is paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
Among them, the Honda Elevate is the most powerful, while the Grand Vitara/Hyryder are the least. Interestingly, the MG Astor is also the heaviest at 1,349kg, followed by the Creta (1,282kg), Elevate (1,258kg), and Grand Vitara (1,215kg).
Creta vs Grand Vitara vs Elevate vs Astor: mileage test results
Grand Vitara leads the pack, while Astor has a sub-10kpl average
The Honda Elevate and MG Astor lack any fuel-efficiency-enhancing features. The Grand Vitara, however, gets a mild-hybrid system with auto engine stop-start, torque assist, and brake energy recuperation. The Hyundai Creta also features auto stop-start and adds an Eco drive mode.
Before we dive into the results, a disclaimer: these tests were conducted at different times of the year, so ambient temperatures varied. The MG Astor was tested in the coolest conditions (25–29°C), the Creta between 28–33°C, while the Honda Elevate and Maruti Grand Vitara were tested in hotter weather (above 35°C), causing their air-conditioners to work harder.
Despite the temperature differences, the Maruti Grand Vitara emerged as the most fuel-efficient, while the MG Astor was the least. Interestingly, the Creta and Elevate took the second and third spots respectively, though their efficiency figures were significantly different.
Autocar India’s fuel efficiency testing
Before our real-world fuel efficiency test, we fill the tanks of our test cars to the brim and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendation. These cars are driven in fixed city and highway loops in Navi Mumbai and the adjoining state highway, and we maintain set average speeds. Throughout our test, we ran the air-con and other electricals like the audio system, indicators and wipers when required, just like how a regular user would. Periodic driver swaps further neutralise variations in driver patterns. At the end of each cycle, we calculate efficiency by filling them up to the brim again.
Saptarshi Mondal
Viraaj Bhatnagar
