The Ultimate Guide to 19 Sensational SUVs Under ₹10 Lakh in India (May 2025)
Finding the perfect SUV that combines style, performance, safety, and affordability can be an exciting journey. If you’re in the Indian market looking for a capable companion that doesn’t break the bank (specifically under ₹10 lakh), you’re in the right place!
This comprehensive guide, based on reviews and reports as of May 2025, delves into 19 popular and upcoming SUVs. We’ll break down their key features, real-world and ARAI mileage figures, and a blend of expert and user opinions to help you navigate your options and drive home with confidence.
Also Read: Top 10 Best SUVs Under ₹10 Lakh in India (2025)
Let’s explore what these contenders have to offer:
1. Tata Punch
The Tata Punch has made a significant mark with its bold design and strong safety credentials.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • 5-star Global NCAP safety rating • Two driving modes • Idle start/stop feature • Wide body cladding • 90° door opening • Spacious cabin & large boot space • Decent ground clearance • Higher variants include: Touchscreen infotainment, automatic climate control, connected car technology |
Mileage | Petrol (User Reviews): City: 12-13 km/l Highway: 14-15 km/l Highway (Eco, careful driving): 20+ km/l CNG: Good reported mileage |
Expert/User Opinion | What’s Liked: Solid build quality & safety • Comfortable ride • Commanding driving position • Muscular looks, “mini Harrier” appeal • Great value for money Points to Consider: • Petrol engine can feel underpowered at times • Some cabin noise and vibrations |
Safety Rating | 5-star Global NCAP |

2. Tata Nexon
A consistent bestseller, the Tata Nexon is lauded for its robust safety and multiple powertrain choices.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • 5-star Global NCAP safety rating • Powertrain Options: Petrol, Diesel, CNG • Transmission Options: Manual, AMT, DCA • Touchscreen infotainment system • Connected car technology • Sunroof (available in higher variants) |
Mileage | Petrol (User Reviews): City: Around 12-13 km/l Highway: Around 17-18 km/l Diesel: Generally better mileage CNG: Higher fuel efficiency ARAI figures: Vary by powertrain/transmission |
Expert/User Opinion | What’s Liked:• Excellent safety record • Stylish design • Feature-rich & spacious cabin • Comfortable ride & good performance Points to Consider:• Potential panel gaps reported • Service experience can vary by location |
Safety Rating | 5-star Global NCAP |

3. Maruti Suzuki Fronx
The Fronx brings a coupe-like SUV design to Maruti’s Nexa lineup, offering style and efficiency.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • Engine Options: 1.2L NA Petrol, 1.0L Boosterjet Turbo-Petrol • Transmission Options: Manual, AMT, AT (sold via Nexa) • Features may include: 9-inch touchscreen, Head-Up Display (HUD), 360-degree camera, up to 6 airbags (variant dependent) |
Mileage | Petrol (User Reviews, pre-first service): City: 12-14 km/l Highway: 15-19 km/l CNG Variants: Excellent mileage reported (28+ km/kg) ARAI figures: Generally good |
Expert/User Opinion | What’s Liked:• Stylish & unique design, good road presence • Refined engines, comfortable ride • Maruti’s service network & resale value Points to Consider:• Some features missing in lower/mid variants • AMT can lag during overtaking • Interior feels dark to some |
Safety Rating | Not specified (some variants includes 6 airbags) |

4. Maruti Suzuki Brezza
A household name, the Brezza is known for its reliable performance and family-friendly appeal.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • Engine: 1.5L Petrol (CNG option available) • Transmission Options: Manual, AT • Features include: Touchscreen, push-button start, sunroof, 360-degree camera, HUD, up to 6 airbags (variant dependent) |
Mileage | Petrol AT (User Reviews): Around 14.6 km/l Petrol Manual (User Reviews, highway): Around 18 km/l CNG Variants: ~20km/kg ARAI figures: 17.38 km/l (manual), 19.80 kmpl(TC), CNG Manual: 25.51 km/kg |
Expert/User Opinion | What’s Liked:• Strong & smooth performance, comfortable drive • Good looks, relatively low maintenance • Airy cabin, ample storage, Maruti service network Points to Consider:• Ride quality at lower speeds • Engine may lack punch for some • AT variants can be costly • Boot space on the smaller side |
Safety Rating | 4 Star Bharat NCAP |

5. Mahindra XUV 3XO
The updated Mahindra XUV 3XO comes packed with features and strong safety credentials.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • Engine Options: 1.2L turbo-petrol, 1.2L TGDi turbo-petrol, 1.5L diesel • Transmission Options: Manual, AMT, TC • Panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS suite • Dual-zone climate control, Two 10.25-inch screens • Rear AC vents, 6 airbags as standard |
Mileage | ARAI figures: 17.96 to 21.2 km/l (engine/transmission dependent) User-Reported Mileage: Petrol: 13.86 kmpl (city) to 18.29 kmpl (highway). Diesel: City (14-17km/l) Highway (17-20km/l). |
Expert/User Opinion | What’s Liked:• Sorted ride, engaging drive, ample space • Modern features (ADAS, panoramic sunroof) • Auto options across engines, strong diesel pulling power Points to Consider:• Exterior design can be polarizing • Light-colored interior may be hard to maintain • Boot space perceived as limited by some |
Safety Rating | 5-star Bharat NCAP |

Also Read:
- Best 5 Hatchbacks Under ₹10 Lakhs in India for 2025
- 10 Must-Have Cars Under ₹10 Lakh in India (2025): The Ultimate Guide
6. Hyundai Venue
The Hyundai Venue is a popular compact SUV known for its refined engines and extensive feature list.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • Engine Options: 1.2L Petrol, 1.0L Turbo-Petrol, 1.5L Diesel • Transmission Options: Manual, iMT, DCT, AT • Connected car technology, Touchscreen infotainment • Sunroof (available in higher variants) |
Mileage | User Reviews (engine/driving style dependent): City: Around 10-14 km/l Highway: Around 16-18 km/l ARAI figures: Competitive within segment |
Expert/User Opinion | What’s Liked:• Feature-packed, comfortable ride • Good driving dynamics, refined engines Points to Consider:• Rear middle seat less comfortable for long journeys • Ventilated seats missing in some variants • No wireless Android Auto on top variant (seen as an omission) |
Safety Rating | 4 Star for Adults and 3 Star for Child by Global NCAP |

7. Renault Kiger
The Kiger offers a sporty design and a value-for-money proposition in the competitive compact SUV space.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • Engine Options: 1.0L NA Petrol, 1.0L Turbocharged Petrol • Transmission Options: Manual, AMT, CVT • Touchscreen infotainment, LED headlamps, Multiple airbags |
Mileage | ARAI Range: 18.24 to 20.5 km/l User Reviews (City): Around 10.5-11.5 km/l (can drop in summer) User Reviews (Highway): Decent |
Expert/User Opinion | What’s Liked:• Sporty design, comfortable ride (especially CVT) • Value for money, good turbo engine performance Points to Consider:• Minor long-term niggles (e.g., trip meter resetting) • Slight vibrations at lower speeds • Light steering lacks feedback |
Safety Rating | 4-star Global NCAP |

8. Nissan Magnite
With its aggressive styling and feature-rich offerings, the Magnite stands out as a strong value contender.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • Engine Options: 1.0L NA Petrol, 1.0L Turbocharged Petrol • Transmission Options: Manual, CVT • Touchscreen infotainment, 360-degree camera (higher variants), Multiple airbags |
Mileage | ARAI Range: 19.35 to 20.0 km/l User Reviews (varied): Bumper-to-bumper traffic: Around 8-10 km/l Highway (Turbo-CVT): 18+ km/l |
Expert/User Opinion | What’s Liked:• Aggressive styling, value for money • Feature-rich for its price, fun-to-drive turbo-CVT • Comfortable ride, good road presence Points to Consider:• Vibrations at lower speeds reported • Some users desire a CNG version |
Safety Rating | 4-star Global NCAP |

9. Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor
Sharing its underpinnings with the Fronx, the Taisor brings Toyota’s reliability to the stylish SUV-coupe form.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • Shares mechanicals/features with Maruti Fronx • Engines: 1.2L Petrol, 1.0L Turbo-Petrol (CNG available) • Transmissions: Manual, AT • Features include: Touchscreen, HUD, 360-degree camera (higher variants) |
Mileage | ARAI: Similar to Fronx, competitive figures CNG (User Reviews): Excellent, around 29 km/kg |
Expert/User Opinion | What’s Liked:• Reliable, fuel-efficient (especially CNG), Toyota backing • Stylish looks, comfortable interior, good driving experience • Value for money Points to Consider:• Some feel certain features missing at specific price points |
Safety Rating | Not specified (likely similar to Fronx) |

10. Hyundai Exter
Hyundai’s entry into the micro-SUV segment, the Exter, comes packed with features and a focus on city driving.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • Engine: 1.2L Petrol (CNG option available) • Transmissions: Manual, AMT • Features include: Sunroof, dashcam, digital cluster, up to 6 airbags, ESC, wireless charging (higher variants) |
Mileage | ARAI: 19.2-19.4 km/l (Petrol), 27.1 km/kg (CNG) Long-term Review (City, heavy traffic): Around 9 km/l |
Expert/User Opinion | What’s Liked:• Compact size, easy city driving • Comfortable & spacious interior, generous features • Very effective AC Points to Consider:• Styling can be polarizing • Highway performance & boot space need more testing by reviewers • Lack of center armrest (minor) |
Safety Rating | Not Available (has up to 6 airbags and ESC) |

11. Kia Sonet
The Kia Sonet is known for its striking design, premium interior, and a wide array of engine and transmission options.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • Engines: 1.2L Petrol, 1.0L Turbo-Petrol, 1.5L Diesel • Transmissions: Manual, iMT, DCT, AT • Features include: Touchscreen, connected car tech, sunroof, ventilated seats, Bose sound system, up to 6 airbags, ADAS (higher variants) |
Mileage | ARAI: Varies by powertrain/transmission User Reviews (Petrol): ~11-13 km/l (city), better on highways User Reviews (Diesel): ~18-19 km/l (city), 24+ km/l (highway, careful driving) |
Expert/User Opinion | What’s Liked:• Stylish design, premium & feature-rich interior • Refined engines, ADAS in higher variants • Well-regarded diesel performance Points to Consider:• Rear seat best for two adults • Ride can be bouncy at high speeds • Slight DCT delay in reverse mentioned |
Safety Rating | Not Available (has up to 6 airbags and ADAS) |

12. Mahindra Bolero
A legend in the Indian automotive scene, the Bolero is synonymous with ruggedness and reliability.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • Engine: 1.5L mHawk75 Diesel • Transmission: Manual • Rugged build, 7-seater capacity • Basic features: Digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth music system |
Mileage | ARAI: Around 16 km/l |
Expert/User Opinion | What’s Liked:• Ruggedness, reliability, practicality (especially rural/semi-urban) • Durability, low maintenance costs • No-nonsense utility vehicle Points to Consider:• Lacks modern features & advanced safety • Outdated interior design/materials |
Safety Rating | Not specified in source |

13. Mahindra Bolero Neo
The Bolero Neo offers the traditional Bolero toughness with some modern touches and a more SUV-like appeal.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • Engine: 1.5L mHawk100 Diesel • Transmission: Manual, Rear-wheel drive • Ladder-on-frame chassis, 7-seater (jump seats in 3rd row) • Features include: Touchscreen infotainment (higher variants) |
Mileage | User Reviews: Ghats: 10-12 km/l Cities: 14-16 km/l Highways: ~18 km/l (up to 20 km/l possible) ARAI: Around 17.29 km/l |
Expert/User Opinion | What’s Liked:• Proper sub-4m SUV feel (body-on-frame, RWD) • Good road presence, strong performance • Comfortable seating, spacious cabin, underrated & capable Points to Consider:• Average interior fit/finish • Vibrations in gear handle, some engine noise in cabin |
Safety Rating | 1 Star by Global NCAP |

14. Citroen C3
The Citroen C3 brings French flair with a focus on comfort and a unique design.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • Engines: 1.2L NA Petrol, 1.2L Turbocharged Petrol, CNG • Transmission: Manual, Auto • Touchscreen infotainment, High ground clearance • Comfortable ride |
Mileage | User Reviews (Base Petrol City): Around 11 km/l User Reviews (NA Petrol with AC/passengers): Around 19 km/l ARAI figures: Petrol: Manual(NA/Turbo): 19.3 km/l, Auto: Turbo 18.3 km/l CNG: 28km/kg |
Expert/User Opinion | What’s Liked:• Stunning looks, awesome suspension, comfortable ride • Spacious interior, high ground clearance • Pocket-friendly base model, value for money Points to Consider:• Power delivery concerns in slow traffic (base model) • Hard gear shifting, high engine noise reported • Negative service quality feedback from some • Basic features missing in lower variants |
Safety Rating | 0 Star for Adult & 1 Star for Child by Global NCAP |

15. Tata Punch EV
Taking the popular Punch to an all-electric future, offering a green and zippy city commute.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • Electric powertrain, Two battery pack options (Medium/Long Range) • Automatic transmission, Spacious interior • Sunroof (higher variants), Large central display • Fast charging support |
Mileage (Range) | User-Reported (Long Range, Real-World): 210-230 km/charge ARAI Range: Claimed to be higher |
Expert/User Opinion | What’s Liked:• Strong & instantaneous performance, comfortable ride • Spacious cabin, easy city driving, fast charging Points to Consider:• Lack of dedicated rear AC vents • Occasional software glitches • Real-world range a concern for frequent long highway trips |
Safety Rating | 5-star Bharat NCAP |

16. Skoda Kylaq
Skoda’s compact SUV contender, the Kylaq, aims to bring European engineering and driving pleasure to a wider audience.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • Shares platform & 1.0L turbo-petrol engine with Kushaq/Slavia •Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed torque converter • Notable features: 10-inch infotainment, sunroof (higher variants), electrically adjustable front seats, 6 airbags standard • Spacious for 4, large boot |
Mileage | ARAI (as per Autocar India): 19.05 km/l (MT), 19.68 km/l (AT) • Note: Real-world mileage sensitive to driving style; turbo-petrol not always most fuel-efficient. |
Expert Opinion | Rating: 8/10 What’s Liked:• European engineering, fun driving manners, peppy engine • Comfortable ride, well-synced gearboxes • Aggressive entry price, nimble handling • Skoda safety & durability reputation Points to Consider:• Top variants priced near better-equipped competitors • Refinement, rear seat comfort, ride quality could improve |
Safety Rating | 5-star Bharat NCAP (6 airbags standard) |

17. Kia Syros
Positioned to bridge a gap in Kia’s lineup, the Syros is expected to offer unique styling and a feature-rich experience.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • Positioned between Sonet & Seltos; Unique angular styling • Engines: 1.0L turbo-petrol (120hp/172Nm), 1.5L diesel (116hp/250Nm) • Transmissions: 6MT/7DCT (petrol), 6MT/6TC (diesel) • Highlights: Dual 12.3″ displays, panoramic sunroof, reclining/sliding rear seats (cooled rear seat base option), ADAS (top variant), 360° camera, 6 airbags • Spacious, practical interior, large boot (390-465L) |
Mileage | ARAI: Petrol MT: 18.2, Petrol AT (DCT): 17.68 km/l Diesel MT: 20.75, Diesel AT (TC): 17.65 km/l Real-World (City): Petrol MT: ~9.10, Petrol AT: ~8.30, Diesel AT: ~10.80 km/l • Note: Less frugal than Kylaq/Sonet. |
Expert Opinion | What’s Liked:• Spacious & practical cabin, comprehensive features (segment-firsts) • Modern tech, peppy turbo-petrol, strong diesel low-end torque • Compelling city SUV for comfort & convenience Points to Consider:• Unconventional styling may divide opinion • Engines can be vocal when pushed, slightly stiff ride • Some body roll, lacks outright sportiness & highway refinement |
Safety Rating | 5-star Bharat NCAP (6 airbags) |

18. Citroen Basalt
The Basalt introduces a distinctive coupe-SUV design from Citroen, focusing on ride comfort and style.
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • Coupe-SUV design • Engines: 1.2L NA petrol (82hp/115Nm, 5MT), 1.2L turbo-petrol (110hp/190Nm MT, 205Nm AT) • Transmissions: 5MT (NA), 6MT/6TC (turbo) • Features: LED headlamps, 16″ alloys, auto climate, rear AC vents, wireless charging, 10.2″ touchscreen (wireless AA/CP), digital cluster • Boot: 470L; Ground Clearance: 180mm |
Mileage | Claimed: NA Petrol: 18 km/l Turbo-Petrol MT: 19.5 km/l Turbo-Petrol AT: 18.7 km/l • Note: Real-world mileage can drop significantly. |
Expert Opinion | Rating: 7/10 What’s Liked:• Unique styling, plush ride quality, strong turbo-petrol performance • Spacious, practical, large boot, good ground clearance • Ride comfort is a strength Points to Consider:• AT gearbox needs fine-tuning, misses features vs rivals • NA engine least powerful in class, vibrations at idle • Engine noise intrusion, soft suspension leads to nose dive & floatiness |
Safety Rating | 4-star Bharat NCAP (6 airbags, ESC, ISOFIX standard) |

19. Citroen Aircross
Aspect | Details |
Key Features | • Available in 5-seater configuration • Powered by 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine (80 bhp/115 Nm) • 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment (Plus variant) with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay • 7-inch digital instrument cluster • Electrically adjustable ORVMs (Plus variant) • Rear parking sensors • High ground clearance (200mm) • Spacious cabin, comfortable seats, good legroom • Large boot space (511 litres in 5-seater) • Distinctive exterior design • Focus on ride comfort |
Mileage | • ARAI Claimed: 17.5 kmpl (1.2L NA petrol, Manual) • User Reviews: Varies depending on driving conditions/style |
Expert/User Opinion | What’s Liked:• Excellent ride quality and comfortable suspension • Spacious and practical cabin (especially boot) • Unique and stylish design • Responsive and well-weighted steering • Value-for-money in terms of space and comfort Points to Consider:• NA petrol engine adequate for city, less peppy on highway • Significant lack of features vs rivals (Auto AC, push-button start, sunroof, ventilated seats, more airbags in lower variants) • Less widespread sales/service network • Some ergonomic quirks (rear power window switch placement) • Base variants feel basic • No Global NCAP safety rating (though some variants offer 6 airbags) |
Safety Rating | • No Global NCAP safety rating available (Some variants offer 6 airbags) |

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on reviews, reports, and publicly available data as of May 2025. Mileage figures, especially user-reported ones, can vary significantly based on driving conditions, vehicle maintenance, and driving style. Features may vary by variant. It is always recommended to visit a dealership, take a test drive, and consult the latest brochures before making any purchasing decisions. Prices are not explicitly covered here but all models are generally positioned under the ₹10 lakh mark for at least some of their variants.
All prices are Ex-Showroom Delhi.