In the Indian car market, SUVs are hugely popular with their good looks, spacious interiors and powerful engines. But with so many options and varying SUV prices in India, finding the perfect one can be tricky! Don’t worry, we’re here to help. This guide will show you some of the best SUV cars in India under ₹20 lakhs. We’ll compare features and help you pick the SUV that best suits your needs and budget. By the end, you’ll be ready to find your perfect match and hit the road! Our experts have also suggested paint protection tips to keep your brand new SUV looking as good as new from day one.
Table of contents
Mahindra XUV700
The Mahindra XUV700 is a head-turning SUV that combines bold design with impressive performance. It’s perfect for those who want a spacious and powerful vehicle for city adventures or highway road trips. This Mahindra is a strong contender in the ₹20 lakh and above SUV segment, offering a luxurious feel, advanced technology and a long list of safety features. With its powerful engine options, spacious interior and tech-loaded features, the XUV700 is a compelling choice for those seeking a premium SUV experience.
| Feature | XUV700 |
|---|---|
Engine Type | Petrol & Diesel |
Mileage (ARAI) | 16-20 kmpl (depending on variant) |
Safety Features | Airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Driver Drowsiness Detection |
Technology | Dual HD Screens (infotainment & instrument cluster), Wireless Connectivity |
Price (Ex-showroom) | Starting from ₹13.99 lakh |
Tata Nexon
The Nexon is a compact SUV that offers a comfortable cabin with plenty of space for passengers and luggage. It also boasts a powerful engine, making it a great choice for both city and highway driving. This Tata is a strong contender in the under-Rs.20 lakh SUV market and its feature-loaded infotainment system is sure to keep you entertained on long journeys. Remember, SUV cost can vary depending on the variant you choose, but the Nexon’s starting ex-showroom price is around Rs. 8.14 lakh.
| Feature | Nexon |
|---|---|
Engine Type | Petrol & Diesel |
Mileage (ARAI) | 16-22 kmpl |
Safety Features | Airbags, ABS, Traction Control |
Technology | Touchscreen Infotainment System, Connected Car Tech |
Price (Ex-showroom) | Starting from Rs. 8.14 lakh |
Hyundai Creta
A popular choice for many years, the Creta continues to impress with its smooth driving experience and modern design. It also offers excellent after-sales service from Hyundai, giving you peace of mind on the road. This SUV is known for its spacious interiors and comfortable seating, making it a great choice for families. While the SUV cost will vary depending on the engine option you pick (petrol, diesel or turbo petrol), the Creta’s starting ex-showroom price is around Rs. 10.99 lakh.
| Feature | Creta |
|---|---|
Engine Type | Petrol, Diesel & Turbo Petrol |
Mileage (ARAI) | 16-21 kmpl |
Safety Features | Airbags, ABS, Hill Assist Control |
Technology | Touchscreen Infotainment System, Panoramic Sunroof |
Price (Ex-showroom) | Starting from Rs. 10.99 lakh |
Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos is a head-turning SUV that stands out with its premium design and advanced technology. It offers a range of engine options to suit your needs, making it a strong contender amongst the top SUV cars in India under Rs. 20 lakh. Stepping inside the Seltos, you’ll be impressed by the luxurious feel of the cabin – perfect for those who appreciate comfort and style. The Seltos’ starting ex-showroom price is around Rs. 10.89 lakh.
| Feature | Seltos |
|---|---|
Engine Type | Petrol & Diesel |
Mileage (ARAI) | 16-21 kmpl |
Safety Features | Airbags, ABS, 360° Camera |
Technology | Touchscreen Infotainment System, Ventilated Seats |
Price (Ex-showroom) | Starting from Rs. 10.89 lakh |
Mahindra Scorpio N
The Mahindra Scorpio N is a powerful and versatile SUV that builds upon the legacy of the iconic Scorpio. It’s ideal for those seeking a capable vehicle for off-road adventures or comfortable rides on city streets. This Mahindra offers a combination of ruggedness, advanced technology and ample space for the whole family. With a starting price of around ₹16.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the Scorpio N positions itself competitively in the mid-size SUV segment. The Scorpio N boasts a powerful engine, a robust build and a long list of safety features, making it a compelling choice for those who value adventure and peace of mind.
| Feature | Scorpio N |
|---|---|
Engine Type | Petrol & Diesel |
Mileage (ARAI) | 16-18 kmpl (depending on variant) |
Safety Features | Airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Driver Drowsiness Detection |
Technology | Connected Infotainment System, Driver Display |
Price (Ex-showroom) | Starting from ₹16.99 lakh |
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara builds upon the heritage of the popular Grand Vitara name, offering a feature-rich and fuel-efficient SUV experience. This Maruti Suzuki is ideal for those seeking a comfortable and stylish vehicle for city driving or weekend getaways. The Grand Vitara combines a spacious interior with a range of advanced features, making it a strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment.
PS: The S-Cross would have been featured here too, but the entire team laughed at our writer upon insisting that compact SUVs are SUVs too.
| Feature | Grand Vitara |
|---|---|
Engine Type | Petrol & Strong Hybrid |
Mileage (ARAI) | Up to 27.97 kmpl (Strong Hybrid) |
Safety Features | Airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Hold Assist |
Technology | Smart Play Pro+ Infotainment System, Heads-Up Display (select variants) |
Price (Ex-showroom) | Starting from ₹10.99 lakh |
MG Hector
The MG Hector is a feature-packed family SUV that prioritises comfort for everyone on board. It boasts a spacious cabin with a panoramic sunroof, bringing in natural light and creating an airier feel. This MG is a great choice for tech-savvy drivers, offering connected car technology that keeps you informed and entertained on the go. The Hector is a strong contender amongst the top SUV cars in India under Rs. 20 lakh, with a starting ex-showroom price of around Rs. 13.99 lakh.
| Feature | Hector |
|---|---|
Engine Type | Petrol & Diesel |
Mileage (ARAI) | 14-17 kmpl |
Safety Features | Airbags, ABS, Electronic Parking Brake |
Technology | Panoramic Sunroof, Connected Car Tech |
Price (Ex-showroom) | Starting from Rs. 13.99 lakh |
Volkswagen Taigun
The Volkswagen Taigun brings a touch of German engineering excellence to the compact SUV segment in India. This stylish and feature-rich SUV is perfect for navigating city traffic with confidence. While compact, the Taigun offers a surprisingly spacious interior and a powerful engine for a thrilling driving experience. With a starting price of around ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the Taigun positions itself slightly above some other options on this list, but it offers the prestige and performance expected from a Volkswagen brand.
| Feature | Taigun |
|---|---|
Engine Type | 1.0L TSI & 1.5L TSI EVO (Petrol) |
Mileage (ARAI) | 18-20 kmpl (depending on variant) |
Safety Features | Airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Hold Control (and more) |
Technology | Digital Cockpit Display, Touchscreen Infotainment System with Wireless Connectivity |
Price (Ex-showroom) | Starting from ₹10.99 lakh |
Tata Safari
The Tata Safari 2024 is a bold and capable SUV designed for adventure. It’s ideal for those who want a spacious and powerful vehicle for exploring off-road trails or cruising comfortably on highways. This Tata offers a combination of rugged good looks, a long list of features and ample space for the whole family. With a starting price of around ₹16.19 lakh (ex-showroom), the Safari caters to those seeking a feature-rich SUV experience.
| Feature | Safari 2024 |
|---|---|
Engine Type | Diesel |
Mileage (ARAI) | 16.3 kmpl |
Safety Features | Airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control (and more) |
Technology | Panoramic Sunroof, Touchscreen Infotainment System with Connected Features |
Price (Ex-showroom) | Starting from ₹16.19 lakh |
Toyota Hyryder
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is a stylish and fuel-efficient SUV that combines the legendary reliability of Toyota with the benefits of hybrid technology. This Toyota is perfect for those seeking a comfortable and eco-friendly vehicle for city driving or weekend getaways. The Hyryder offers a spacious interior and a range of advanced features, making it a strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment. Starting prices are around ₹11.14 lakh (ex-showroom).
| Feature | Urban Cruiser Hyryder |
|---|---|
Engine Type | Petrol & Strong Hybrid |
Mileage (ARAI) | Up to 27.05 kmpl (Strong Hybrid) |
Safety Features | Airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Hold Assist (and more) |
Technology | Toyota Smart Connect Infotainment System, Heads-Up Display (select variants) |
Price (Ex-showroom) | Starting from ₹11.14 lakh |
Protect Your Beast from Day One!
You’ve found your perfect SUV, congratulations! Now, let’s talk about keeping it looking showroom-fresh for as long as possible. Just like putting a phone case on your new phone, consider adding a protective layer to your car’s paint. There are two main options: PPF coating or ceramic coating.
PPF coating, also known as paint protection film, is like an invisible shield for your car’s paint job. It acts as a tough barrier against scratches, minor dents and even UV rays from the sun. Think of it like invisible armour protecting your SUV from everyday wear and tear.
Ceramic coating is a different approach. It forms a glossy glass-like coating on the car’s paint, interlocking with the clear coat on the body, creating a hydrophobic (water-repellant) layer on it. This helps to prevent dirt, dust and stains from sticking to your car. It also adds an extra layer of scratch resistance and keeps your paint looking shiny and new.
Both PPF coating and ceramic coating are great options to keep your SUV looking its best. They protect your car’s paint from the elements and everyday use. Once you’ve got the delivery of your car, bring it to CarzSpa Detailing Studios in your city (any of the 90+ franchises all over India and Nepal) and choose from either CrystalShield Ceramic Coatings or Aegis Paint Protection Films. No matter which option you choose, you’ll be ensuring your prized possession stays looking showroom-new for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between SUV price and SUV cost?
SUV price refers to the ex-showroom price, whereas SUV cost includes insurance, registration and other on-road charges.
2. Are SUVs expensive to maintain?
Maintenance costs vary depending on the SUV model and your driving habits. Generally, SUVs can have slightly higher maintenance costs compared to hatchbacks.
3. What is the benefit of ceramic coating vs PPF?
Ceramic coating provides a hydrophobic layer for easier cleaning and a glossy finish, while PPF offers superior physical protection against scratches and dents.
4. How often should I get my SUV serviced?
Refer to your car’s owner’s manual for the recommended service intervals. Typically, servicing is recommended every 6 months/10,000 km.
5. Is PPF coating a one-time application?
Yes, PPF coating is a one-time application that lasts for several years with proper care.
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