Best mileage petrol/diesel cars/SUVs in India

The Indian automobile market is dominated by value for money cars and SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles). The reason behind it is the buyer sentiment that leans towards the ‘value for money’ a vehicle offers. One of the highlights of a budget-friendly car is the mileage or fuel-efficiency. If you are in the market for a car or SUV, mileage plays a vital role in selecting your next car. This article brings you the list of the best mileage cars in India.

List of top/best mileage cars/SUVs in India

Here’s the list of best mileage cars available in India.

*Mileage - As per ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India)

List of best petrol cars in India (2021 updated list)

Below is the updated (2021) list of petrol cars in India with best fuel efficiency.

1. Maruti Dzire

Fuel efficiency: 24 kmpl

The Maruti Dzire is one of the best-selling compact sedans in the country. The car is available with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, and when it is coupled with a 5-speed AMT gearbox, it delivers an impressive fuel economy of 24.12 kmpl. Currently, the Dzire AMT is the most fuel-efficient petrol car in India. The manual variant of the compact sedan returns a fuel efficiency of 23 kmpl.

2. Maruti Baleno

Fuel efficiency: 24 kmpl

Maruti Baleno is a premium hatchback, and it is one of the best-selling cars in its segment. The Baleno offers a perfect blend of premium design, stellar performance and excellent fuel economy. The mild-hybrid variant of the hatchback returns a fuel efficiency of 23.87 kmpl. The impressive handling of the Baleno makes it for a good car for long drives as well as city commutes.

3. Maruti Swift

Fuel efficiency: 24 kmpl

Maruti Swift is one of the most popular hatchbacks in the Indian market. Along with the sporty exterior design, the hatchback also delivers excellent fuel efficiency. Under the bonnet is Maruti Suzuki’s tried and tested 1.2-litre petrol engine, which with the combination of an AMT gearbox, returns a fuel economy of 23.76 kmpl. The manual variant of the Swift is equally impressive, with a fuel efficiency of 23 kmpl.

4. Maruti Alto

Fuel efficiency: 22 kmpl

Maruti Suzuki’s entry-level hatchback Alto is one of the most preferred cars of first-time buyers in the country. Powering the Alto is the frugal 0.8-litre petrol engine with a fuel efficiency of 22.05 kmpl. The combination of high fuel economy and low maintenance makes Alto a value for money proposition. The compact dimensions of the hatchback are suited for daily driving.

5. Renault Kwid

Fuel efficiency: 22 kmpl

The Renault Kwid is available with two engine options: 0.8-litre petrol and 1-litre petrol, and the latter delivers fuel efficiency of 22 kmpl when coupled with an AMT gearbox. The 1-litre petrol-manual combination returns a fuel economy of 21.74 kmpl, whereas the 0.8-litre engine is good for 20.71 kmpl with a manual transmission combination.

6. Datsun redi-GO

Fuel efficiency: 22 kmpl

Datsun redi-GO shares the mechanicals with the Kwid. Hence the fuel efficiency figures are also identical. The hatchback gets the same 0.8-lire and 1-litre petrol engine, and the fuel economy figures for both the engines remain the same at 22 kmpl. The compact dimensions of the red-GO make for a perfect car for urban driving. The hatchback also gets decent features inside the cabin.

7. Maruti Wagon R

Fuel efficiency: 22 kmpl

Maruti Suzuki’s tall-boy hatchback Wagon R is one of the popular choices amongst first-time car buyers. The reason for it is the fuel-efficient engines. The 1-litre petrol unit delivers an impressive fuel economy of 21.79 kmpl while the 1.2-litre petrol engine returns 20.52 kmpl. With the option of manual and AMT gearbox, the Wagon R is an excellent daily driver.

8. Maruti S-Presso

Fuel efficiency: 21 kmpl

Maruti S-Presso sports a unique exterior design that is a combination of a hatchback and SUV. It features the stance of a micro-SUV, but technically it’s a hatchback. The S-Presso is offered with a 1-litre petrol engine delivering a fuel economy of 21.7 kmpl (AMT) and 21.4 kmpl (manual). S-Presso is a well-rounded package with its quirky exterior design.

9. Maruti Celerio/Celerio X

Fuel efficiency: 21 kmpl

The Celerio is a compact hatchback, and the Celerio X is the crossover hatchback variant with subtle changes to the exterior design. Both the variants get the same 1-litre petrol engine with a 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT gearbox. The hatchback returns a fuel economy of 21.63 kmpl (manual and AMT).

10. Maruti Ignis

Fuel efficiency: 21 kmpl

The Maruti Ignis is a premium offering retailed through the NEXA dealership network. The hatchback is available with the same 1.2-litre petrol engine with a 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT transmission. Both the variants deliver 20.89 kmpl, which is excellent considering that the Ignis is a car suited for daily commutes.

List of best diesel cars in India (2021 Updated list)

Here are the diesel cars that deliver the best fuel economy.

1. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Fuel efficiency: 25 kmpl

The Grand i10 Nios is equipped with the smallest diesel engine available in India. The 1.2-litre unit comes mated to a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. When coupled with the manual gearbox, the engine returns an impressive fuel economy of 25.1 kmpl. ARAI has not revealed the mileage for the AMT gearbox variant of the hatchback. However, the AMT variant is likely to be as fuel-efficient as the manual model.

2. Hyundai i20

Fuel efficiency: 25 kmpl

The new third generation of the Hyundai i20 comes with a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine which also does its duty on the Venue SUV. The 1,5-litre diesel engine is known for its tractable nature and good fuel economy. On the i20, the engine returns a fuel efficiency of 25.2 kmpl, which is impressive considering it is a premium offering. With a sporty exterior and peppy performance, the i20 is a complete package.

3. Hyundai Aura

Fuel efficiency: 25 kmpl

The Aura is Hyundai’s Maruti Dzire rival, and the compact sedan is available with a 1.2-litre turbo-diesel engine. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT gearbox. The AMT variant is good for 25.40 kmpl, while the manual variant returns a fuel economy of 25.35 kmpl. The Aura is the most fuel-efficient diesel compact sedan in India.

4. Tata Altroz

Fuel efficiency: 25 kmpl

The Altroz is Tata Motors' take on the premium hatchback segment, and it rivals the likes of Maruti Baleno and Hyundai i20. The hatchback is available with a powerful 1,5-litre turbocharged diesel engine. When coupled with the 5-speed manual transmission, the engine returns an impressive fuel economy of 25.11 kmpl. Overall, the Altroz is a well-rounded package with a sporty exterior, powerful engine, and premium features.

5.  Hyundai Verna

Fuel efficiency: 25 kmpl

The Verna is a mid-size sedan, and Hyundai has equipped it with a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine which can also be seen on the Creta SUV. The diesel engine, in combination with the 6-speed manual gearbox, returns a mileage of 25 kmpl. However, when coupled with the automatic transmission, the fuel economy drops to 21.3 kmpl. But the automatic gearbox is one of the best in the business in terms of driving experience.

6. Honda Amaze

Fuel efficiency: 25 kmpl

The Honda Amaze gets a powerful 1.5-litre diesel engine with a 5-speed manual and CVT gearbox options. The manual variant of the Amaze is claimed to deliver a fuel economy of 24.7 kmpl, and the manual transmission variant returns a mileage of 21 kmpl. However, the CVT gearbox offers a smooth driving experience.

7. Ford Figo/Aspire

Fuel efficiency: 24 kmpl

Ford Figo is a hatchback, and the Aspire is a compact sedan. Both the vehicles are equipped with a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Despite the difference in the segment and the kerb weight, Figo and Aspire have identical mileage figures of 24.4 kmpl.

8. Honda City

Fuel efficiency: 24 kmpl

The new fifth-generation Honda City draws power from a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine. The same engine is also employed on the WR-V SUV. The Honda City has an ARAI rating of 24.1 kmpl, which is impressive for a sedan. Other highlights of the City include tractable low-end power, linear power delivery and refined engine.

9. Ford Freestyle

Fuel efficiency: 24 kmpl

The Freestyle is a crossover hatchback, and under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine tuned to perfection. The Freestyle gets an ARAI rating of 23.8 kmpl, and the fun-to-drive nature of the hatchback is the cherry on top. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, and the Freestyle is the only diesel crossover hatchback in India.

List of best petrol SUVs in India (2021 Updated list)

SUVs are the new trend in the Indian automobile market. The reason for it is the introduction of affordable SUVs with impressive mileage. Here is the list (2021) of petrol SUVs with good fuel economy.

1. Nissan Magnite

Fuel efficiency: 20 kmpl

Nissan Magnite is a compact SUV with a funky exterior design. Under the bonnet of the SUV is a 1-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. The manual transmission variant delivers a fuel economy of 20 kmpl, while the CVT variant has an ARAI rating of 17.7 kmpl. Such high mileage figures make the Magnite a value for money SUV.

2. Maruti S-Cross

Fuel efficiency: 18 kmpl

The S-Cross is a premium 5-seater SUV from the stable of Maruti Suzuki. It draws power from a 1.5-litre petrol engine, and the transmission options include a 5-speed manual and automatic gearbox. The manual variant is good for 18.55 kmpl, while the automatic variant delivers a fuel economy of 18.43 kmpl. Maruti Suzuki has done a commendable job with the engine to provide such high mileage figures.

3. Maruti Vitara Brezza

Fuel efficiency: 18 kmpl

The Maruti Brezza is one of the most popular compact SUVs in the country. It has topped the sales charts for several years due to its affordability and mileage. The SUV gets a 1.5-litre petrol unit with a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearbox. The automatic variant returns a mileage of 18.76 kmpl, and the manual is good for 17.03 kmpl.

4. Kia Sonet (Petrol)

Fuel efficiency: 18 kmpl

Kia has made its mark in the Indian market with its SUVs, and the Sonet belongs to the compact SUV segment. Powering the Sonet petrol is a 1.2-litre engine. The manual variant with a 5-speed gearbox returns a mileage of 18.4 kmpl. The automatic model gets a 1-litre petrol engine, and the fuel economy stands at 18.3 kmpl.

5. Hyundai Venue (Petrol)

Fuel efficiency: 18 kmpl

Hyundai Venue is another popular compact SUV in the Indian market. The variant with the 1-litre turbocharged engine delivers the highest mileage. The manual variant with 6-speed MT/iMT gearbox delivers a fuel economy of 18.27 kmpl, and the automatic variant returns 18.15 kmpl. The engine offers a peepy performance along with impressive mileage.

6. Tata Nexon (Petrol)

Fuel efficiency: 17 kmpl

The Nexon is a compact SUV that has made a name in the Indian market with its safety features and fuel-efficient engines. The petrol variant of the Nexon draws power from a 1.2-litre engine coupled with a 6-speed manual or AMT gearbox. Both manual and AMT variants deliver a fuel economy of 17 kmpl. Affordable pricing, excellent build quality and reliable engine are the highlights of Nexon.

7. Mahindra XUV300

Fuel efficiency: 17 kmpl

The XUV300 is one of the best-selling compact SUVs in the country. The XUV moniker has worked well for Mahindra when it comes to the compact SUV segment. The petrol iteration of the SUV draws power from a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The SUV returns an excellent mileage of 17 kmpl.

List of best mileage diesel SUVs in India (2021 Updated list)

Below is the list of diesel SUVs with best mileage figures.

1. Honda WR-V

Fuel efficiency: 24 kmpl

The WR-V is a 5-seater compact SUV with a quirky exterior design. Under the bonnet of this diesel SUV is a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. This combination returns a fuel economy of 23.7 kmpl. The highlights of the WR-V are funky exterior design, powerful diesel engine and good low-end power. Honda’s build quality makes it an even better package.

2. Kia Sonet (Diesel)

Fuel efficiency: 24 kmpl

The diesel iteration of the Kia Sonet utilises the 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, which is also seen on the Hyundai Venue. When mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the engine delivers a fuel economy of 24.1 kmpl. However, if you opt for the automatic variant, the mileage drops to 19 kmpl. The compact dimensions of the Sonet and the peppy engine makes it an excellent daily driver.

3. Hyundai Venue (Diesel)

Fuel efficiency: 23 kmpl

Hyundai Venue with an oil burner engine is the best choice due to its high mileage. The diesel variant draws power from the same 1.5-litre engine as the Kia Sonet. When coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission, the SUV returns a fuel economy of 23.3 kmpl. With the combination of elegant styling, a plethora of features and a fuel-efficient engine, the Venue is a perfect SUV for Indian roads.

4. Tata Nexon (Diesel)

Fuel efficiency: 22 kmpl

The Tata Nexon is one of the safest compact SUVs in the Indian market. The Nexon's diesel avatar uses a 1.5-litre engine mated to a 6-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. The diesel-manual variant has an ARAI rating of 22.4 kmpl, which is excellent for a compact SUV. Apart from the fuel economy, Nexon offers a lot in the safety and features department.

5. Ford EcoSport

Fuel efficiency: 22 kmpl

Ford EcoSport was the pioneer of the compact SUV segment in India. The SUV has been in the market for quite some time and still offers a good value for money proposition. Powering the SUV is a 1.5-litre diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. This combination returns a fuel economy of 21.7 kmpl. Overall, the EcoSport is a well-built SUV with a reliable and fuel-efficient engine.

6. Hyundai Creta

Fuel efficiency: 21 kmpl

The new Hyundai Creta is one of the best-selling SUVs in the country. The diesel variant of the SUV is equipped with a 1.5-litre engine. When coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission, the engine returns a mileage of 21.4 kmpl. Hyundai has tuned the engine to offer both performance and fuel efficiency.

7. Kia Seltos

Fuel efficiency: 21 kmpl

Kia Seltos is a vehicle that revolutionised the SUV segment with its advanced connected car features. The diesel iteration of the Seltos is also a fuel-efficient SUV. Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre oil burner mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. This combination delivers fuel efficiency of 20.8 kmpl. The diesel-manual variant of the Seltos is a sensible choice if you are looking for a feature-loaded SUV.

Note: Fuel efficiency figures are as per the ARAI rating.

Also, read: Petrol vs diesel car

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best mileage cars/SUVs in India.

Which is the most fuel-efficient car in India?

Currently, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios (Diesel) is the most fuel-efficient car in India. The diesel variant of the hatchback returns a mileage of 25 kmpl.

Which car should I buy for the best mileage, petrol or diesel?

You can go for a diesel car if you are looking for the best mileage. Since diesel engines offer better fuel efficiency than petrol engines, a diesel car is a sensible choice.

Does a manual car return more mileage than an automatic car?

Generally, manual cars return higher fuel efficiency than their automatic counterparts. But this has changed with the advent of advanced technology. The AMT and DCT gearboxes use new technology, which ensures that the fuel economy is not hampered. So, automatic cars are on par with manual cars when it comes to mileage.

Which are the best low budget cars with good mileage?

Here are some of the best low budget cars available in India with good mileage.

• Renault Kwid

• Maruti Alto

• Maruti Wagon R

• Maruti Celerio

• Maruti S-Presso

• Datsun redi-GO

• Maruti Dzire

• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

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