Best SUV cars in India, 2021

Sports Utility Vehicles or SUVs have revolutionised the Indian automotive industry. They come in all sizes: micro, compact, mid-size and large. Such is the evolution of the SUV segment, especially in India. They offer a rugged exterior look, spacious interiors and an excellent driving experience that suits the Indian roads. That’s the reason why you see so many SUVs on roads. If you plan to buy one, this article brings you the list of the best SUV cars in India.

List of top/best SUV cars in India 2021

Below are the best SUVs available in India

Best SUVs in India

Here are more details about the best SUV cars available in India.

Note: The ranking of SUVs is not as per numbering. They are the best SUVs available in the Indian market.

1. Tata Punch

Price: Rs. 5.49 lakhs to Rs. 9.39 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Tata Punch?

• The Punch is an ideal micro-SUV if you are looking for a daily driver car.

• It features an elegant design with Tata Motors’ new design language.

• It is also one of the safest SUVs, with a 5-star safety rating.

• The SUV comes with premium features such as automatic climate control, engine start/stop button, etc.

• The Punch is loaded with all the necessary safety features.

• It gets a fuel-efficient petrol engine which is suited for daily commutes.

2. Nissan Magnite

Price: Rs. 5.71 lakhs to Rs. 10.15 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Nissan Magnite?

• Nissan Magnite is a feature-loaded compact SUV with excellent build quality.

• It sports a sporty exterior design with alloy wheels, roof rails, etc.

• The interior is premium and offers good knee room for the rear passengers.

• It gets all the tech gizmos such as a wireless charger, air purifier, an infotainment system, etc.

• It comes loaded with advanced safety features such as hill-start assist, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, etc.

• The Magnite draws power from a powerful petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox options.

3. Kia Sonet

Price: Rs. 6.89 lakhs to Rs. 13.55 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Kia Sonet?

• Kia Sonet is a premium compact SUV.

• It features a funky exterior design with signature design elements such as Kia tiger-nose grille, body cladding, etc.

• The interior is spacious and comes loaded with premium features such as an electric sunroof, a touchscreen display for the infotainment system, etc.

• It gets all the safety features such as six airbags, TPMS, ABS, ESC, etc.

• Kia offers a bunch of engine and gearbox options.

4. Maruti Vitara Brezza

Price: Rs. 7.61 lakhs to Rs. 11.10 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Maruti Vitara Brezza?

• The Vitara Brezza is one of the value-for-money SUVs in the market.

• It features a classic SUV design with premium elements such as alloy wheels, LED lighting, etc.

• You also get the option to personalise the SUV as per your liking.

• The interior is spacious with split-folding rear seats.

• It gets Maruti Suzuki’s reliable petrol engine that is also fuel-efficient.

• The service and maintenance cost is on the lower side.

5. Tata Nexon

Price: Rs. 7.28 lakhs to Rs. 13.23 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Tata Nexon?

• Tata Nexon is a compact SUV that sports Tata Motors’ Impact design philosophy.

• It features a coupe-inspired design with premium bits such as LED DRLs, LED tail lights, etc.

• The SUV sports a three-tone dashboard with a floating infotainment display.

• It comes with premium features such as a sunroof, digital instrument cluster, connected car tech, etc.

• The Nexon is one of the safest SUVs in India as it gets all the essential safety equipment.

• Available in both petrol and diesel engine options.

6. Hyundai Venue

Price: Rs. 6.99 lakhs to Rs. 11.85 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Hyundai Venue?

• The Venue is a compact SUV with Hyundai’s signature cascading front grille.

• The interior is spacious and premium and can easily accommodate five people.

• It comes with many features, including a sunroof, air purifier, rear AC vents, etc.

• The SUV gets connected car technology.

• Hyundai Venue is available with a host of engine and gearbox choices.

• It comes with safety features such as six airbags, ESC, VSC, rear parking camera, etc.

7. Mahindra XUV300

Price: Rs. 7.95 lakhs to Rs. 13.46 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Mahindra XUV300?

• The XUV300 is a compact SUV from the stable of Mahindra.

• It features a bold design with body cladding, roof rails and skid plates.

• It comes with a dual-tone dashboard and premium features such as a sunroof, connected car tech, etc.

• It is one of the safest vehicles in India, with a 5-star safety rating for adult protection.

• It gets powerful petrol and diesel engine options with best-in-class torque figures.

8. Kia Seltos

Price: Rs. 9.95 lakhs to Rs. 18.10 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Kia Seltos?

• Kia Seltos is a mid-size SUV with premium design language.

• It sports a premium interior with advanced features such as connected car technology.

• Other premium features include a sunroof, a 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, air purifier etc.

• The SUV also gets a premium 8-speaker audio system from Bose.

• Kia offers powerful petrol and diesel engine options with manual and automatic gearboxes.

• The Seltos is available with safety features such as six airbags, disc brakes on all wheels, TPMS, etc.

9. Hyundai Creta

Price: Rs. 10.16 lakhs to Rs. 17.87 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Hyundai Creta?

• Hyundai Creta is one of the best-selling SUVs in India.

• It features Hyundai’s new design language with bumper-mounted headlights.

• It features a premium interior with a neatly laid out dashboard.

• The Creta comes loaded with features such as a panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, cooled glovebox, etc.

• The tech gizmos include a touchscreen infotainment system, connected car technology, rearview monitor, etc.

• The Creta gets six airbags, VSC, ESC, hill-assist and many more safety features.

• The SUV is available in a bunch of engine and gearbox options.

10. Tata Harrier

Price: Rs. 14.39 lakhs to Rs. 21.09 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Tata Harrier?

• The Harrier is Tata Motors’ flagship offering.

• It sports a new design language with premium elements such as alloy wheels, LED DRLs, LED tail lights, etc.

• It features a premium dashboard with a floating touchscreen display for the infotainment system.

• Seats are premium and offer a comfortable experience for the passengers.

• It also gets top-of-the-line safety equipment such as six airbags, ESP, hill-hold and descent control, etc.

• The panoramic sunroof makes for a pleasant driving experience.

• The diesel engine offers good performance.

11. MG Hector

Price: Rs. 13.49 lakhs to Rs. 19.35 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a MG Hector?

• MG Hector is a mid-size 5-seater SUV with a premium exterior design.

• The SUV sports a premium interior with ample space for rear passengers.

• The highlight of the dashboard is a massive touchscreen display for the infotainment system.

• The Hector gets connected car tech which offers a plethora of features.

• The SUV comes with features such as automatic AC, cruise control, automatic headlamps and much more.

• The SUV gets 25+ standard safety features.

• MG Motor offers powerful petrol and diesel engine options with manual and automatic transmission.

12. Hyundai Alcazar

Price: Rs. 16.30 lakhs to Rs. 20.14 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Hyundai Alcazar?

• The Alcazar is Hyundai's latest full-size SUV with three-row seats.

• The SUV sports a luxurious interior with all the bells and whistles.

• Some of the premium features of the SUV include a panoramic sunroof, air purifier, power driver seat, connected car tech, etc.

• The SUV comes with six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, a blind view monitor, etc.

• The Alcazar is available with powerful petrol and diesel engine options with an automatic or manual gearbox.

13. Mahindra Thar

Price: Rs. 12.78 lakhs to Rs. 15.08 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Mahindra Thar?

• If you are looking for an off-roading SUV, the Thar could be an ideal choice.

• The new-gen Thar retains the silhouette of the original SUV but comes with modern features.

• The all-new interior comes with modern features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, and the overall look of the dashboard is elegant.

• The SUV is available with hardtop and soft-top roof options.

• It gets all the essential safety features.

• The engines are powerful, and the SUV can easily tackle off-roads with a 4x4 system.

14. Mahindra XUV700

Price: Rs. 12.49 lakhs to Rs. 22.99 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Mahindra XUV700?

• The XUV700 is the replacement for the popular XUV500 SUV.

• The SUV retains the original silhouette of the XUV500.

• It also gets new design elements such as a large front grille and striking LED DRLs.

• The interior is loaded with goodies such as an integrated dual HD display for the instrument cluster and infotainment system.

• The SUV also gets advanced features such as adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, traffic sign recognition, etc.

• Apart from that, the XUV700 comes with standard safety features such as airbags, ESP, and the top-spec variants also get a front collision warning system.

• Mahindra offers powerful petrol and diesel engine choices.

Also, read: 10 Low Maintenance SUVs in India

15. Toyota Fortuner

Price: Rs. 30.73 lakhs to Rs. 38.18 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Toyota Fortuner?

• The Toyota Fortuner is a full-size SUV with a commendable road presence.

• The interior is simple yet elegant, with a neatly laid out dashboard.

• It also gets premium features such as ventilated seats, a wireless charger, ambient lighting, etc.

• On the safety front, the SUV gets seven airbags, VSC, ABS, EBD, etc.

• The Fortuner is a powerful SUV thanks to the capable petrol and diesel engines.

16. MG Gloster

Price: Rs. 29.98 lakhs to Rs. 36.78 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a MG Gloster?

• MG Gloster is a full-size SUV with an option of 6 or 7-seater configurations.

• The exterior is bulbous, with its large front grille and sporty alloy wheels enhance the looks.

• The interior is top-notch with dual-tone treatment and chrome accents. You can also customise the interior trims as per your liking.

• The Gloster gets all the bells and whistles you can imagine.

• The advanced safety features of the SUV include blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, etc.

• The Gloster comes with a powerful diesel engine offered in two states of tune.

17. Jeep Compass

Price: Rs. 17.29 lakhs to Rs. 28.84 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Jeep Compass?

• Jeep Compass is a mid-size 5-seater SUV known for its off-road prowess.

• The SUV features a signature Jeep design with the seven-slat grille upfront.

• The interior is classy and elegant with an all-black them with silver accents.

• The cabin space is generous, and it doesn’t feel claustrophobic, thanks to the panoramic sunroof.

• The SUV comes with all the creature comforts features such as ventilated leather seats, a wireless charger, automatic dual-zone AC, etc.

• The Compass comes with safety equipment such as airbags, a 360-degree camera, ESC, TPMS, etc.

• The powerful petrol and diesel engines and the 4x4 system makes Compass a capable off-roader.

18. Tata Safari

Price: Rs. 14.99 lakhs to Rs. 23.17 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Tata Safari?

• The Tata Safari is the 6/7-seater version of the Harrier SUV.

• It sports a similar design as the Harrier except for subtle changes to the rear profile.

• The interior also remains identical to the Harrier, barring the three-row seats.

• The Safari offers premium features such as a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, power-adjustable driver seat, third-row AC vents, etc.

• Coming to safety, the SUV is equipped with six airbags, disc brakes on all four wheels, TPMS, etc.

• Powering the SUV is the same diesel engine that does its duty on the Harrier.

19. Skoda Kushaq

Price: Rs. 10.49 lakhs to Rs. 17.99 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Skoda Kushaq?

• If you are in the market for a premium mid-size SUV, Kushaq is an ideal option.

• The SUV features a typical Skoda design with a butterfly grille and sleek headlights.

• The interior screams quality and the new two-spoke steering wheel gives it a unique look.

• The vehicle comes with all the necessary features such as a sunroof, a wireless charger, connected car tech, etc.

• The SUV gets airbags, ABS, ESC, rollover protection, brake disc wiping, etc.

20. Volkswagen Taigun

Price: Rs. 10.49 lakhs to Rs. 17.49 lakhs

Key specifications

Why should you buy a Volkswagen Taigun?

• The Taigun is Volkswagen’s take on the premium 5-seater SUV segment.

• It sports a classic SUV design with chrome treatment all over the body.

• The Taigun gets a premium dual-tone interior with features such as ambient lighting, leather seat upholstery, etc.

• The SUV also comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, a wireless charger, ventilated seats, connected car tech, etc.

• The Taigun is also loaded with safety equipment such as six airbags, rearview camera, ESC, etc.

• The Taigun gets the same petrol engine that does its duty on the Skoda Kushaq.

Note: All prices are ex-showroom Delhi          Fuel efficiency figures as of ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) rating.

List of the best SUV cars between Rs. 10 lakhs - Rs. 15 lakhs in India

Below is the list of SUVs between Rs. 10 - 15 lakhs price bracket.

• Hyundai Creta

• MG Hector

• Tata Harrier

• Mahindra Thar

• Tata Safari

• Skoda Kushaq

• Volkswagen Taigun

Why are SUV cars popular in India?

In the past few years, the Indian automotive market has seen a shift towards the SUV segment. With more and more new SUVs hitting the roads, the segment is getting competitive with each passing day. But why are SUVs in so much demand? Below are the reasons.

• Looks: Sport Utility Vehicles sport rugged and large body proportions. It helps in enhancing the road presence, which a sedan or a hatchback cannot offer you. The design elements such as body cladding, roof rails, etc., give SUVs an upper hand in the design department.

• Spacious interior: One of the main advantages of the large body proportions of an SUV is the spacious interior. The passengers get ample headroom, legroom and shoulder room. An SUV can easily accommodate 5/7 people, depending on the seating configuration.

• Performance: Generally, SUVs come with powerful engines that generate ample amounts of torque—the torque nature aids in effortless highway cruising and tackling rough terrains.

New upcoming luxury SUV cars in India

Here’s the list of upcoming luxury SUV cars in India.

• 2022 Mahindra Scorpio

• Kia Seltos 7-seater

• 2022 Hyundai Tucson

• 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

• Maruti Jimny

• Hyundai Nexo

• Volvo XC40 Recharge

• Toyota Land Cruiser

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the commonly asked questions and their answers related to SUV cars in India.

Which are some of the value for money SUVs in India?

Some of the value for money SUVs in India are Nissan Magnite, Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Tata Harrier, Kia Seltos, Mahindra XUV300 and Hyundai Venue.

Are SUV cars suitable for daily driving in the city?

Not all SUVs are ideal for daily commuting. However, micro-SUVs and compact SUVs make for an excellent everyday car. The compact dimensions and easy driving controls are the pros of such SUVs.

I'm looking to buy a premium car, should I go for a sedan or SUV?

The choice depends on your requirements and driving needs. If you do not mind the interior space and stick to highways, a premium sedan makes sense. On the other hand, an SUV is a good choice if you are looking for spacious interior and off-road capabilities.

Which are some of the best mileage SUV cars in India?

Here’s the list of SUVs with good fuel efficiency.

• Kia Sonet

• Tata Nexon

• Nissan Magnite

• Hyundai Venue

• Mahindra XUV300

• Hyindai Creta

Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only. It is recommended to take the help of an expert before making a decision. ACKO Drive is not responsible for any action taken based on the information mentioned here.

Explore More:

1. Best Selling Cars in India

2. Upcoming Electric Cars in India

3. Top Mileage Cars

4. Best CNG Cars

5. Top Electric Cars in India

6. Low maintenance cars in India

7. Upcoming cars in India

8. Best Hybrid Cars in India

9. 7 Seater cars in India below 5 lakhs