We'd narrow your search down to the two Kia SUVs. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder NeoDrive AT is decent but unexciting to drive and also has a ride that's slightly on the firmer side. 

The Kia Seltos IVT makes for a great option. It's got a very smooth CVT gearbox that works really well with the 1.5-litre petrol engine. It's not an out-and-out quick vehicle, but the build of power is likeable, and performance is more than adequate for both city and highway duties. Further, the Seltos also has the best ride comfort of the three models, and is significantly larger as well, giving way more passenger space. 

The Kia Sonet DCT has a sportier vibe with its more powerful engine and quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Performance is good, and you can enjoy yourself driving one. On the flip side, the gearbox isn't super smooth at low speeds and can even feel hesitant at crawling speeds. The Sonet is also essentially a smaller vehicle and doesn't offer the same level of space as the Seltos. 

Do note, for the same money, you could get a better-equipped Sonet. Still, of the two Kias, it's the Seltos IVT that we'd opt for. You will get an HTE(O) trim in your budget, but it's advisable to extend it a bit for the higher-spec HTK trim. It will add a rear wiper, rear defogger, alloy wheels, tilt adjust for the steering and more. 

• Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXI AT: Down on wow features to the Venue, but has a smoother gearbox, plusher ride, and more comfortable seats.
• Skoda Kylaq Signature+ AT: Again, not as well-equipped as the Venue, but it has a smoother gearbox and punchier engine. Space at the back is less, but it shouldn't be a deal breaker for you.
• Kia Sonet HTX Petrol DCT: It is due for replacement within a year, but it is very competent. Packs in plenty of tech and shares its engine and gearbox with the Venue, and is actually a better value for money. Space is less at the back, but it shouldn't be a deal breaker for you.
• Mahindra XUV 3XO REVX A: Stronger engine, lots of features, and feels tougher in its build. Boot space is less than the Hyundai car.

If you want to buy any of these SUVs, we suggest increasing your budget by ₹2-3 lakh. At a ₹10 lakh on-road budget, you will have to settle for the lower variants, which is a personal choice but does mean missing out on key features. 

Within a ₹10 lakh budget, a good option for you is the Hyundai Exter. It allows you to choose a fully loaded variant that comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, sunroof, cruise control, wireless phone charger, rearview camera, and other useful features. It gets a smooth and refined 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder engine that delivers power in a predictable and easy-to-manage manner. 

Since you are a new driver, opting for the AMT would be a sensible choice, as it adds to everyday driving comfort and convenience.

Amongst the cars you mentioned, you can consider the Tata Nexon or Kia Sonet. 

It really depends on your priorities. If you want a feature-loaded vehicle, it makes more sense to go for the top variant of the Kia Sonet. 

But if interior space and comfort are more important to you, then the Kia Seltos is the better choice. In most cases, choosing one variant below the top gives you the best value for money. 

In this case, the new Seltos pricing announced on 2 January 2026 can help make the decision clearer.

If you want efficiency, the Kia Sonet diesel is the one to go for. Beyond the cost advantage of running a diesel, the Sonet diesel is actually nicer to drive than the Maruti-Suzuki Fronx petrol. 

The Sonet 1.5 diesel offers better performance and works well with the 6-speed automatic transmission. The Fronx is, of course, cheaper, but if you have the budget and want a car with low running costs and want an alternative to petrol, then the Sonet diesel is for you. 
 

First things first, you should know that some of the punch that you like about your Hyundai Creta's diesel engines is missing on modern day diesel engines. Engine calibration to meet the latest BS6 emission norms has, sadly, taken away that mid-range kick older turbo-diesels were known for. However, there are still some great diesel-automatic options available today. 

Among compact SUVs, the new Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and Mahindra XUV 3XO are worth a look. In the mid-sized SUV space, the new Tata Sierra, new Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta make for good, if unexciting, long-distance diesel SUVs. 

If your budget allows, you should consider the upcoming Mahindra XUV 7XO in diesel-automatic form. The engine-gearbox will be carried over from the current XUV 700. 

The 2.2-litre diesel engine is a smooth and strong unit and is really well complemented by the 6-speed automatic transmission. It is our pick of the diesel-automatic options.