SUV demand in India has reached unprecedented levels, growing steadily each year. Within this segment, the sub-4 metre category is the most fiercely contested, often drawing customers away from both hatchbacks and compact sedans. If you’re considering purchasing a compact SUV, here are the top options available under Rs 10 lakh that you should explore.
Tata Punch — From Rs 5.99 lakh
The Punch is the most affordable SUV in the Indian market. It was the best-selling vehicle in the 2024 calendar year. It is the only compact SUV that’s available in petrol, CNG and EV. The 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol makes 86.5 bhp and 115 Nm, while the CNG produces 72.4 bhp and 103 Nm. The EV is available in two battery pack options — 25 kWh and 35 kWh. The smaller battery makes 80 bhp and has a range of 315 km while the long-range model churns out 121 bhp and 190 Nm with a claimed range of 421 km. The Punch range starts from Rs 5.99 lakh to Rs 14.44 lakh, ex-showroom.
Nissan Magnite / Renault Kiger— From Rs 6.14 lakh / Rs 6.15 lakh
Both the Magnite and Kiger are the same vehicles but with different badges. The SUVs come with two 1-litre petrol trims. The entry-level SUV get a naturally aspirated powertrain while the top model is equipped with a turbo petrol motor. The NA produces 71 bhp and 96 Nm while the turbo makes 99 bhp but the manual offers 160 Nm while the CVT has 152 Nm. The Nissan Magnite costs from Rs 6.14 lakh to Rs 9.27 lakh, ex-showroom. The Renault Kiger starts from Rs 6.15 lakh to Rs 11.23 lakh, ex-showroom. The French manufacturer also offers the Kiger in CNG, which can be retrofitted and costs an additional Rs 79,000.
Hyundai Exter — From Rs 6.21 lakh
The Exter offers a variety of trims including a dual-tone roof and special Knight Edition. The Hyundai SUV in two powertrains, the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol and CNG. The petrol produces 82 bhp and 113.8 Nm and the latter model churns out 68 bhp and 95.2 Nm of torque. The price range of the Exter starts from Rs 6.21 lakh to Rs 10.51 lakh, ex-showroom.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx / Toyota Taisor — From Rs 7.55 lakh / Rs 7.74 lakh
This is the curious of the same SUV but with two different badges. The Fronx and Taisor are identical compact SUVs. The SUVs get three engine options —1-litre turbo boosterjet, the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated and CNG. The turbo produces 99 bhp and 147.6 Nm, the NA makes 88.5 bhp and 113 Nm and the CNG makes 76.4 bhp and 98.5 Nm of torque. The range of the Fronx is from Rs 7.55 lakh to Rs 12.91 lakh, ex-showroom, while its Toyota counterpart costs from Rs 7.74 lakh to Rs 12.88 lakh, ex-showroom.
Hyundai Venue — From Rs 7.94 lakh
The Venue’s next generation is expected to make its debut later this year. Currently, the SUV gets three powertrain options starting from the tried-and-tested 1.2-litre NA Kappa, the 1-litre turbo and the 1.5-litre motors. The NA produces 82 bhp and 113.8 Nm like the Exter, while the turbo makes 118 bhp and 172 Nm and the diesel churns out 114 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. The Venue starts from Rs 7.94 lakh to Rs 13.53 lakh, ex-showroom.
Kia Sonet — From Rs 8 lakh
The Sonet is based on the Venue but has its own unique characteristics as it is more focused on handling, which is ideal for enthusiasts. The Kia compact offers the same three powertrains as the Venue but is priced at a premium starting from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 15.74 lakh, ex-showroom.
Mahindra 3X0 — From Rs 8 lakh
The 3X0 is Mahindra’s most affordable SUV, which is packed with features like Level 2 ADAS. It is available in three engine trims with the 1.2-litre turbo in two outputs. The entry-level version makes 110 bhp and 200 Nm, while the upper variant makes 129 bhp and 230 Nm. The 3X0 also offers a diesel option that has an output of 115 bhp and 300 Nm of torque. The 3X0 is priced from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 15.80 lakh, ex-showroom.
Tata Nexon — From Rs 8 lakh
The Nexon is the only compact SUV that is available in petrol, diesel, CNG and all-electric. The 1.2-litre turbo petrol has an output of 118 bhp and 170 Nm, the 1.5-litre diesel churns out 113 bhp and 260 Nm and the CNG is the most powerful in its segment with 99 bhp and 170 Nm. The Nexon EV is available with two battery packs — 30 kWh and 45 kWh. The former is 127 bhp and 215 Nm with a range of 325 km while the long-range churns out 143 bhp with 215 Nm and a range of 489 km. There’s one catch here the EV starts from over Rs 10 lakh and costs Rs 12.49 lakh onwards. The internal combustion range is from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 15.40 lakh, ex-showroom.