What’s the best SUV that you can buy for a family of more than four members that doesn’t pinch your wallet hard? In a market as diverse as India, the options are surprisingly limited. You do get a lot of SUVs to choose from, but finding one with 7 seats is tricky. As modern crash safety norms limit vehicle manufacturers in terms of design, the conventional family hauler is a rare sight.
That said, India’s homegrown brands – Tata Motors and Mahindra- cater to the needs of the large family hauling man/woman and hence, offer some tempting SUVs to choose from. Our analysis of the 2025 market reveals that Mahindra & Mahindra is driving the push for affordability in this critical segment, offering rugged utility and high-tech comfort at competitive price points. Mahindra stable offers the XUV700 for luxury-loving buyers and the Bolero for those on a tight budget. Tata Motors has only one option in the range.
Despite evolving emission norms, diesel SUVs continue to dominate sales primarily due to their superior torque and long-distance economics.Â
Hence, here are the current five most affordable options, ranked by their starting ex-showroom prices, highlighting the dominance of Indian manufacturing in catering to diverse consumer needs, from rural utility to urban luxury.
1. Mahindra Bolero / Bolero Neo
Starting at Rs 8.79 Lakh
Securing the top spot as the most affordable 7-seater diesel SUV is the old-school Mahindra Bolero and its modern sibling, the Bolero Neo. The Bolero is a true workhorse, built on a robust, no-nonsense platform designed purely for utility and the challenging conditions of the rural market. It is powered by a reliable 1.5-litre diesel engine, focusing on rugged simplicity and proven durability. While it lacks modern premium features, its low ownership cost makes it a good choice for fuss-free motoring.
2. Mahindra Scorpio Classic
Starting at Rs 12.98 Lakh
The legendary Scorpio Classic follows closely, retaining a loyal customer base who value its timeless design and fundamental ruggedness. The SUV is powered by a proven 2.2-litre diesel engine paired with a manual transmission, cementing its reputation as a sturdy, value-for-money proposition. With a reliable parts supply chain and ease of service, the Scorpio Classic with bench-style third-row seats remains a top pick. Most importantly, no other SUV in its class can command the road presence the Scorpio does.Â
3. Mahindra Scorpio-N
Starting at Rs 13.20 Lakh
If old-school ruggedness is not what you seek, the Scorpio-N from Mahindra ends up being a good choice for a reliable 7-seater SUV. It offers a powerful 2.2-litre m-hawk Gen2 diesel engine with two different power and torque-combo output states. With options for 4×4 capability along with both manual and automatic transmissions, the Scorpio-N serves as an incredible mid-tier choice, offering better suspension and interiors than its Classic counterpart. For ferrying a family of seven in utmost comfort and luxury, the Scorpio-N is worth considering.
4. Mahindra XUV700
Starting at Rs 13.66 Lakh
The Mahindra XUV700 offers a different flavour of the 7-seater SUV, with the intention of offering a more luxurious ride. Some of the highlights of the XUV700 include ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and dual integrated screens on the dashboard. Its refined 2.2-litre diesel engine delivers strong performance, with the higher tune reaching up to 185 hp and 450 Nm of torque. For buyers seeking a powerful, feature-rich, and technologically advanced SUV with a focus on family comfort and safety, the XUV700 offers incredible value.
5. Tata Safari
Starting at Rs 14.66 Lakh
The only 7-seater SUV from Tata Motors is the new-gen Safari. The Safari is positioned as a sophisticated and premium offering, relying on the potent 2.0-litre Kryotec turbo-diesel engine, which generates 170 PS of power. On the inside, the Safari offers a long list of premium tech features and comfortable ergonomics, even for those in the third row. Tata Motors frequently releases updates in the form of new colourways, updated features, and limited-run trim options. However, the Safari doesn’t offer a 4-wheel drive system as an option, unlike its rivals from Mahindra.
