How to Choose an SUV Under 25 Lakhs?

Gone are the days when a small hatchback or a sedan used to be an ideal family car. Now, SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicle) are gaining popularity in the price-conscious Indian market. SUVs offer a commendable road presence, spacious interior and a host of premium features. Are you also planning to buy a new SUV? Then you are at the right place. Read ahead to know about the points you should consider before choosing an SUV under Rs. 25 lakhs.

How to Choose an SUV Under Rs. 25 lakhs?

Choosing a new car or an SUV is a tricky decision given the available options in the market, as several manufacturers are offering full-size SUVs. With a budget of around Rs. 25 lakhs, you cannot afford to go wrong with your purchase decision. There are several factors to consider before you zero in on an SUV that is as expensive as Rs. 25 lakhs. Let's glance through some of the factors you should consider before buying a premium SUV.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing an SUV Under Rs. 25 Lakhs

Here are the points you should consider before purchasing an SUV in the range of Rs. 25 lakhs.

• Engine: Once you have finalised the budget for the SUV, the next big question is whether to buy a petrol or a diesel SUV? The answer is pretty simple, a diesel engine produces more power and torque and is suitable for long drives. A petrol engine is easy to maintain, and the NVH (Noise, Vibrations, Harshness) levels are lower than the diesel engine. So, if you are buying the vehicle for long trips, a diesel SUV makes sense. However, if you use the SUV as a daily driver, you can consider the petrol model as the maintenance cost of a petrol engine is low.

• Transmission: If you are a purist and looking for that raw driving pleasure, you can opt for an SUV with a manual gearbox. Go for an SUV with an automatic gearbox if you are looking for a relaxed and smooth driving experience or using the vehicle as a daily driver. There is no hassle of operating the clutch pedal if you opt for an automatic model. Some automatic SUVs even come with paddle shifters, which allows you to override the automatic gearbox and shift gears manually. These kinds of SUVs offer the best of both worlds.

• Drivetrain: The next critical factor to consider when buying a premium SUV is the drivetrain. It all depends on your requirements. If you are not that adventurous and don’t drive on off-roads, a front-wheel-drive (FWD) SUV will do the job for you. But if you are an off-road enthusiast and like to take the beaten path (occasionally), then you should go for a four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) SUV.  Note that four-wheel-drive vehicles are expensive and it also requires proper maintenance. So, make your choice depending on your needs.

• Ground Clearance: In simple words, ground clearance is the distance between the bottom of the vehicle’s body and the ground. So, consider buying an SUV with high ground clearance as it can drive over obstacles without damaging the underbody. In India, ground clearance is crucial in tackling the speed breakers on the roods and rocks, creeks, etc., while driving on rough roads. If you are an off-roading enthusiast, ground clearance will play a critical role in choosing the SUV.

• Driveability: SUVs are not the most aerodynamic vehicles due to their large body proportions. So, you can experience a lot of body roll when driving around the corners. Make sure you take a test drive before zeroing in on an SUV. Get a feel for the handling of the vehicle, and check if it suits your driving style. Also, watch out for blind spots, as an SUV is a large vehicle. Finally, see if you are comfortable with seating ergonomics by test driving the SUV.

• Interior Space and Comfort: The most significant advantage of an SUV is the spacious interior. But before buying one, make sure you get a first-hand experience of the comfort levels of the vehicle. If it's a seven-seater model, check the amount of knee room, headroom and shoulder room on all three rows. Also, ensure that the seats offer adequate support and comfort. Last but not least, do not forget to check the boot space, especially if you are someone who goes on road trips.

• Comfort Features: If you are investing close to Rs. 25 lakhs on an SUV, it should be equipped with all the bells and whistles to match its price tag. Look out for features such as automatic climate control, rear passenger AC vents, leather seats, electrically adjustable front seats, a wireless smartphone charger, etc., before making your purchase decision.

• Safety Features: Safety is one of the most critical aspects of any vehicle, be it an SUV or a small hatchback. Ensure that the SUV has all the necessary safety features such as airbags, parking sensors, traction control, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), etc. Never compromise on the safety front, especially when purchasing a premium vehicle.

• Technology: Connected car technology has become a new norm in the automotive world. Several SUVs are equipped with embedded SIM and provide internet connectivity. Connected car tech allows you to operate the vehicle functions from your smartphone remotely and offers several other security features. So, look for such features when choosing an SUV. 

• Brand Value: Consider buying a vehicle that has a good brand value in the market. It will help you in the longer run. For instance, if you want to sell your SUV, maybe 3-4 years down the lane, a popular car brand will earn you good resale value. So, it is crucial to choose a brand that is doing well in the market. Buying a premium SUV is a significant investment, so you cannot afford to go wrong with it.

Best SUV Cars Under Rs. 25 Lakhs in India

Choosing an SUV under Rs 25 lakhs can be a tricky task with so many options in the market. On paper, all the models may have similar specifications and features. So, test driving the vehicles gives you a clear picture of the real-world performance of the SUV. Here are some of the best SUVs in India that you can buy for under Rs 25 lakhs.

• Jeep Compass

• MG Hector Plus

• Mahindra XUV500

• MG Hector

• Tata Harrier

• Tata Safari

• Volkswagen T-Roc

• Hyundai Tucson

Purchasing a new car or an SUV is an important milestone in an individual's life. Buying a premium SUV in the range of Rs. 25 lakhs is a significant investment, and you cannot afford to go wrong with it. Therefore, do not rely on the exterior design and on-paper specifications while choosing an SUV. Instead, conduct thorough research on the factors mentioned in this article, and take a test drive before making your purchase decision.

Also, read: Best vehicles for senior citizens in India

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about SUV cars.

Which is a better option, petrol or diesel SUV?

It depends on your usage and requirements. A petrol SUV is easy to maintain and delivers a smooth driving experience. A diesel SUV produces more power and torque, but the maintenance cost is on the higher side. Aso, the refinement levels of diesel engines are not as good as petrol engines.

What is the use of paddle shifters in an SUV?

Paddle shifters are located behind the steering wheel, and they allow you to shift the gears manually. You can override the automatic gearbox if you like to take control of the vehicle.

What type of SUV is suitable for off-roading?

If you are looking for an SUV for off-roading, then go for a model that has the high ground clearance and the option of four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Are automatic SUVs expensive to maintain?

Surprisingly, automatic SUVs are not that expensive to maintain. An automatic gearbox is very efficient as it shifts the gears at the right time. A manual gearbox is not as efficient as its automatic counterpart and may require more maintenance than an automatic SUV.

Explore More:

• 7 Seater cars in India below 5 lakhs

• 10 Low Maintenance SUVs in India