Autocar India

SUV cars in India (189)

SUVs have become India's most popular passenger vehicle segment, thanks to their higher ground clearance, commanding driving position, and practicality. The category has expanded rapidly over the last decade, with manufacturers now offering SUVs across almost every price point, from entry-level models to premium luxury offerings. 

Buyers today can choose from five-, six-, seven-, and even nine-seat SUVs, with petrol, diesel, CNG, hybrid, and electric powertrain options available across the segment. Popular SUV manufacturers in India include Hyundai, Mahindra, Tata, Maruti Suzuki, Kia, Toyota, Skoda and Volkswagen, while luxury SUVs are offered by brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Land Rover, Porsche and Lexus.

With SUVs now available across such a wide range, price is the first factor that separates the market into distinct choices.

SUV Cars in India by Price

Price is one of the simplest ways to narrow down the SUV market, with models ranging from affordable sub-4-meter options to luxury SUVs costing well over Rs 30 lakh. 

Price range

SUVs buyers can consider

What this segment offers

Under Rs 10 lakh

Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite

Compact dimensions make these SUVs easy to drive and park in the city, while higher ground clearance and SUV styling add everyday practicality.

Rs 10–15 lakh

Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Maruti Brezza, MG Hector (base variants)

More choice of engines, gearboxes and variants, with several models offering enough space and performance for both city and highway use.

Rs 15–20 lakh

Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, MG Hector, Mahindra XUV 7XO (lower variants)

Larger cabins and a wider choice of powertrains, including strong-hybrid options on the Grand Vitara and Hyryder, along with higher equipment levels.

Rs 20–30 lakh

Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV 7XO, Jeep Compass, Jeep Meridian

This range brings larger SUVs and three-row options, with more powerful engines and features such as level 2 ADAS available on select models.

Above Rs 30 lakh

Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, Jeep Grand Cherokee, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7

The segment moves into larger and luxury SUVs, with bigger cabins, more powerful powertrains and, on select models, four-wheel drive and higher levels of equipment.

 

Note: Prices are ex‑showroom and based on 2026 model positioning. On‑road costs vary by city and can move some variants into adjacent price bands. 

 

Price is only one way of separating the choices. SUVs within the same budget can have very different dimensions and seating layouts. 

SUV Cars by Size in India

SUVs in India can broadly be grouped by their dimensions and seating capacity. The range starts with sub-4-metre models and extends to large three-row and luxury SUVs.

Sub-4-metre SUVs

The Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and Mahindra XUV 3XO are among the key sub-4-metre SUVs in India. Their compact dimensions also place them in a lower vehicle tax bracket, while their smaller footprint makes them suited to congested urban environments.

Midsize SUVs

The Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq form the core of the midsize SUV market. They sit between compact SUVs and larger three-row models, with five-seat layouts and greater interior volume than most sub-4-metre SUVs.

Three-row SUVs

The Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV 7XO, MG Hector Plus and Toyota Innova Hycross cater to buyers who need additional seating. Third-row space varies between models, while the Alcazar, XUV 7XO, Safari and Hector Plus are available in both six- and seven-seat configurations.

Large and luxury SUVs

The Toyota Fortuner and Jeep Grand Cherokee occupy the larger end of the mainstream SUV market, while luxury choices include the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne. These models offer larger dimensions and more elaborate interiors, with multiple powertrain and drivetrain options depending on the model.

The other major distinction between SUVs is what sits under the bonnet, with buyers now able to choose from several powertrain types.

SUV Cars in India by Fuel Type

Petrol, diesel, CNG, hybrid and electric powertrains are all represented in India's SUV market, although availability varies by model and segment.

  • Petrol: Available across almost every SUV category, from the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch to the Toyota Fortuner and luxury SUVs. It has the widest representation across the market.
  • Diesel: Mainly available on larger SUVs and models aimed at buyers covering higher annual distances. Examples include the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Mahindra Scorpio-N, Tata Safari and Toyota Fortuner.
  • CNG: Available on models including the Maruti Brezza, Maruti Fronx, Hyundai Venue and select Tata SUVs such as the Punch and Nexon. The main attraction is lower running costs, although the CNG hardware can reduce usable boot space.
  • Hybrid: The Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder offer strong-hybrid powertrains in the mainstream SUV market. Luxury options include hybrid versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5.
  • Electric: The Tata Punch EV, Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra XEV 9e are among the electric SUVs available in India, spanning compact models to larger SUVs.
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Maruti Suzuki Brezza Front Left Three Quarter
Maruti Suzuki Brezza Front Left Three Quarter
Maruti Suzuki Brezza Color Lustrous Beige
Maruti Suzuki Brezza Front Left Three Quarter
Maruti Suzuki Brezza Front Left Three Quarter
8
20.0-26.9 kmpl
CNG, Petrol
Automatic, Manual
Mahindra Scorpio N Front Left Three Quarter
Mahindra Scorpio N Front View
Mahindra Scorpio N Rear Right Three Quarter
Mahindra Scorpio N Closed Bonnet
Mahindra Scorpio N Front Right Three Quarter
8
Diesel, Petrol
SUV
Hyundai Exter Front Left Three Quarter
Hyundai Exter Color Ranger Khaki
Hyundai Exter Color Golden Bronze
Hyundai Exter Front Left Three Quarter
Hyundai Exter Color Atlas White
8
19.4-27.1 kmpl
CNG, Petrol
Manual
New
Tata Punch Front Logo
Tata Punch Rear View
Tata Punch Front View
Tata Punch Front Right Three Quarter
Tata Punch Left Side View
8
CNG, Petrol
Manual
5 seater
Kia Seltos Front Left Three Quarter
Kia Seltos Closed Bonnet
Kia Seltos Front Left Three Quarter
Kia Seltos Closed Bonnet
Kia Seltos Left Side View
8
15.6-19.4 kmpl
Diesel, Petrol
Automatic, Manual
Volkswagen Taigun Left Side View
Volkswagen Taigun Front Left Three Quarter
Volkswagen Taigun Front Left Three Quarter
Volkswagen Taigun Rear Left Three Quarter
Volkswagen Taigun Front Left Three Quarter
7
18.9-20.0 kmpl
Petrol
Manual
Upcoming
Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric Front Left Three Quarter
Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric Front Left Three Quarter
Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric Front Right Three Quarter
Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric Front Left Three Quarter
Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric Front Left Three Quarter
November 4, 2026
Exp. Launch
MG Hector Front Left Three Quarter
MG Hector Front Left Three Quarter
MG Hector Right Side View
MG Hector Color Aurora Silver
MG Hector Color Celadon Blue
7
12.3-13.8 kmpl
Petrol
Automatic, Manual
Tata Punch EV Front Logo
Tata Punch EV Front View
Tata Punch EV Left Side View
Tata Punch EV Front Right Three Quarter
Tata Punch EV Rear Right Three Quarter
9
468 km
Electric icon
Electric
5 seater
Hyundai Venue Front Left Three Quarter
Hyundai Venue Front Right Three Quarter
Hyundai Venue Front View
Atlas White color image
Atlas White With Abyss Black Roof color image
8
17.9-21.0 kmpl
Diesel, Petrol
Automatic, Manual
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Front Logo
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Front View
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Front Right Three Quarter
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Left Side View
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Rear Left Three Quarter
8
20.0-28.5 kmpl
CNG, Petrol
Automatic, Manual
Land Rover Defender Color Borasco Grey
Land Rover Defender Color Carpathian Grey
Land Rover Defender Color Fuji White
Land Rover Defender Color Gondwana Stone
Land Rover Defender Color Santorini Black
9
6.8-10.8 kmpl
Diesel, Petrol
Automatic
Pre-bookings Open
Atlas White color image
Atlas White with Black Roof color image
Classy Blue color image
Classy Blue Matte color image
Ecotronic Grey color image
October 26, 2026
Exp. Launch
Petrol
Manual
SUV
Upcoming
Hyundai Compact EV
Late 2026
Exp. Launch
Electric icon
Electric
SUV
Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella Closed Bonnet
Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella Front Left Three Quarter
Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella Front View
Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella Left Side View
Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella Rear View
6
543 km
Electric icon
Electric
5 seater
Mahindra Bolero Neo Color Jeans Blue (Dual Tone)
Mahindra Bolero Neo Second Row Seats
Mahindra Bolero Neo Front Right Three Quarter
Mahindra Bolero Neo Front Left Three Quarter
Mahindra Bolero Neo Headlight
6
18.0 kmpl
Diesel
Manual
Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq Color Rosso Impulso
Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq Color Deep Forest
Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq Color Desert Myst
Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq Color Everest White
Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq Color Firestorm Orange
548-683 km
Electric icon
Electric
SUV
Upcoming
Mahindra BE.07 Front View
Mahindra BE.07 Front View
Mahindra BE.07 Front Left Three Quarter
Mahindra BE.07 Left Side View
Mahindra BE.07 Rear Left Three Quarter
2027
Exp. Launch
Electric icon
Electric
SUV
MG Hector Tomahawk EV Front View
MG Hector Tomahawk EV Front Right Three Quarter
MG Hector Tomahawk EV Front Right Three Quarter
MG Hector Tomahawk EV Front Left Three Quarter
MG Hector Tomahawk EV Color Aurora Silver
7
517 km
Electric icon
Electric
5-7 seater
MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV Front Left Three Quarter
MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV Color Aurora Silver
MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV Color Turquoise Green
MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV Color Shadow Gold
MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV Color Turquoise Green With Pearl White Roof
40.0 kmpl
Petrol-Electric Hybrid
7 seater
Concept Revealed
Mahindra Thar e Wheel
Mahindra Thar e Front Left Three Quarter
Mahindra Thar e Front Left Three Quarter
Mahindra Thar e Front Right Three Quarter
Mahindra Thar e Front Left Three Quarter
2027
Exp. Launch
Electric icon
Electric
SUV
Mahindra Thar OG Front Left Three Quarter
Mahindra Thar OG Front View
Mahindra Thar OG Front Left Three Quarter
Battleship Grey color image
Artemis Silver color image
7
Diesel, Petrol
4 seater
SUV
Concept Revealed
Mahindra Vision S Front View
Mahindra Vision S Front Right Three Quarter
Mahindra Vision S Left Side View
Mahindra Vision S Rear Left Three Quarter
Mahindra Vision S Rear View
2027
Exp. Launch
Petrol
SUV
Mahindra Bolero Closed Bonnet
Mahindra Bolero Front View
Mahindra Bolero Front Right Three Quarter
Mahindra Bolero Right Side View
Mahindra Bolero Color Stealth Black
6
16.5 kmpl
Diesel
Manual
Upcoming
Land Rover Range Rover Electric Front View
Land Rover Range Rover Electric Front Left Three Quarter
Land Rover Range Rover Electric Front Left Three Quarter
Land Rover Range Rover Electric Front Right Three Quarter
Land Rover Range Rover Electric Front View
2026
Exp. Launch
Upcoming
Land Rover Range Rover Sport Electric Front Left Three Quarter
Land Rover Range Rover Sport Electric Right Side View
Land Rover Range Rover Sport Electric Right Side View
Land Rover Range Rover Sport Electric Rear Left Three Quarter
Land Rover Range Rover Sport Electric Underbody
March 2027
Exp. Launch
BMW X1 LWB Front Left Three Quarter
BMW X1 LWB Front Left Three Quarter
BMW X1 LWB Color M Carbon Black
BMW X1 LWB Color Skyscraper Grey
BMW X1 LWB Color Night Dusk Blue
8
15.5 kmpl
Petrol
5 seater
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Front Left Three Quarter
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Front View
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Front Left Three Quarter
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Color Gravity Gold Matte
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Color Midnight Black Pearl
9
690 km
Electric icon
Electric
5 seater
Land Rover Range Rover Velar Front Right Three Quarter
Land Rover Range Rover Velar Front Left Three Quarter
Land Rover Range Rover Velar Rear Right Three Quarter
Land Rover Range Rover Velar Right Side View
Land Rover Range Rover Velar Rear Right Three Quarter
7
10.4-17.6 kmpl
Diesel, Petrol
Automatic
Hyundai Creta Front Left Three Quarter
Hyundai Creta Front View
Hyundai Creta Front View
Atlas White color image
Atlas White with Titanium Black color image
9
17.4-21.8 kmpl
Diesel, Petrol
Automatic, Manual

Trending Questions on SUV Cars - Answered by Autocar Experts

•1d

I am planning to buy a petrol automatic subcompact SUV primarily for city driving, with a monthly running of hardly 300km. My main priorities are reliability and rear seat comfort. Which would be a better choice between the Skoda Kylaq and Kia Sonet, considering my requirements?

•2d

I am currently driving a 10-year-old Hyundai i20 and am planning to upgrade to an SUV. My annual running is relatively low, at around 8,000 to 10,000 km, with approximately 70% city driving and 30% highway driving. My top priority is safety, followed by fuel efficiency. My budget is around Rs 22 lakh on-road, and I am not considering an EV. Given these requirements, which SUVs would you recommend as the best options?

•1d

A base variant of a bigger SUV or a fully loaded smaller one? Which should I choose in the range upto 15L?

•3d

Hi, I am planning to buy a car that can comfortably fit 5 people (2 people are 6 feet tall and 3 people are healthy). I mostly ride in the city (Mumbai and Goa) and occasionally I drive between the 2 cities. So, it is an average of 300-400km per month. I am happy to buy Dzire as well but I have heard that five people cannot fit in it. Can you please help me with a 5-star safety rated car that offer decent mileage with less maintenance. Considering the bad roads, I need a car with good clearance. It can be a compact SUV or SUV.

•4d

Hi Autocar Team, I am looking for an SUV for my family of four to five members. My current car is a Maruti Suzuki Celerio, and my maximum on-road budget is Rs. 24 lakh in Bangalore. My annual usage will be around 14,000 km, with a 40:60 split between city and highway driving. My priorities are an automatic transmission, comfortable seating, a good balance of performance and mileage, and a strong safety rating. Which SUVs would you recommend based on my requirements?

SUV Cars User Reviews

View all Maruti Suzuki Brezza Reviews

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

JR

JAYASAI RAJAGOPAL•23 October 2026

5/5

If you are frequently traveling long distance, particularly at night times, then Maruti Suzuki Brezza is the ideal choice for you. It is a comfortable family five seater with enough luggage space. Suspension is very good even in rough roads. Reliable, good after sales-service and easy maintenance are other noteworthy factors. I would recommend Maruti Suzuki Brezza for the long run.

View all Brezza Reviews
View all Mahindra Scorpio N Reviews

Mahindra Scorpio N

PN

Praveen N K•03 October 2026

4/5

The Mahindra Scorpio 7XO AX7L version is a better choice, especially without ADAS. It hits the sweet spot for an upgrade.

View all Scorpio N Reviews
View all Hyundai Exter Reviews

Hyundai Exter

S

Shabir•22 October 2026

4/5

I own an Exter and have been driving it for two years. It's a fantastic city car with an average of 16.7 kmpl. The driving experience is great with smooth suspension and quiet operation. The steering is soft and the features are top-notch. Two things could be better: the looks aren't universally liked and it struggles a bit on slopes with the AC on. But for city driving, it's hard to beat.

View all Exter Reviews
View all Tata Punch Reviews

Tata Punch

AN

Anand N Shirolkar•21 September 2026

5/5

I would love to drive the Punch , very elegant and safe car to drive

View all Punch Reviews
View all Kia Seltos Reviews

Kia Seltos

AM

Aman Malik•24 October 2026

5/5

Kia Seltos is the greatest car. It's perfect for this generation. One day I will buy it for my family. The safety features are top-notch, and the interior design is beautiful. The exterior looks awesome.

View all Seltos Reviews
View all Volkswagen Taigun Reviews

Volkswagen Taigun

AK

Anil kumar•21 October 2026

4/5

Tigun 1.5 is designed for sporty choice of driving. It's good if you can manage it with showroom service only.

View all Taigun Reviews
View all MG Hector Reviews

MG Hector

R

Raj•12 October 2026

4/5

If considering an EV, try the MG Hector Tomahawk EV. It offers a premium feel.

View all Hector Reviews
View all Tata Punch EV Reviews

Tata Punch EV

RC

Raman Chikki•24 October 2026

5/5

Amazing EV car in this segment with a mind-blowing range. Best in interior and safety with new features like level 2 ADAS, and a very big boot space. This is possible only because of Tata.

View all Punch EV Reviews

SUV Cars - FAQs

SUVs offer higher ground clearance, a commanding driving position and a more practical cabin than most hatchbacks and sedans. Many SUVs also offer larger boots, higher seating capacity and all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options, depending on the model.

SUVs generally offer higher ground clearance, a taller seating position and greater practicality. Sedans, however, often provide better ride comfort, handling and fuel efficiency. The right choice depends on your driving needs and priorities.

Many SUVs in India are available with six-, seven- or even nine-seat layouts. Popular options include the Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra Scorpio N, Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, Jeep Meridian and Mahindra Bolero Neo+.

Yes. Compact and midsize SUVs are well suited to city driving, combining a higher seating position with manageable dimensions. Many models are also available with automatic transmissions, making them convenient for daily commutes.

SUVs are generally preferred for their styling, higher ground clearance and driving position, while MPVs focus on maximising passenger space and comfort. Buyers looking for seven- or eight-seat family vehicles should consider both body styles before making a decision.

No. Most popular SUVs sold in India are front-wheel drive, while selected models offer all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, particularly those designed for off-road driving or premium segments.

While SUVs have traditionally been less fuel efficient than hatchbacks, many modern SUVs are available with CNG, hybrid and electric powertrains that significantly improve efficiency. Fuel economy ultimately depends on the vehicle's size, engine and powertrain.

Need an expert opinion on your car related queries?

Last Updated on: 24 Oct 2026