Best Cars Under ₹20 Lakh with Built-in Air Purifiers in India

As December comes to a close and we enter 2026, North India is once again battling the infamous smog blanket, especially in regions like Delhi NCR, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Crop burning in fields mixes with urban exhaust and dust, pushing air quality indexes (AQI) into the very poor or worse zones. Coughs, itchy eyes, and that heavy feeling in your chest become unwelcome passengers on every drive. 

Car air purifiers can help counter poor air quality concerns to a certain extent when you are on the road. These nifty systems scrub the cabin air of tiny PM2.5 particles, allergens, bacteria, and even viruses using advanced filters like HEPA or UV-C tech and often come with real-time AQI displays. 

In a season when stepping outside feels risky, a purifier transforms your car into a safer space, allowing you to focus on the road (and maybe that playlist) without worrying about the conditions outside. 

If you're in the market for a new car, below is a curated list of standout options, specifically the variants that come equipped with an air purifier, with their ex-showroom prices.

Tata Nexon

The Nexon is one of the most popular compact SUVs in its segment. Its Fearless Variant, starting at ₹12.35 lakh, features a full-spectrum air purifier with an Active Carbon HEPA filter and UV-C light to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). This system also includes dust sensors and a real-time AQI readout on the infotainment screen.

Kia Sonet

A more stylish and sportier sibling of the Venue, the Kia Sonet, has been a go-to option for many buyers. Its GTX Plus Variants, priced starting at ₹13.51 lakh, are equipped with a Smart Pure Air Purifier offering virus and bacteria shields via advanced filtration. This unit comes with intuitive controls in the armrest for quick and easy adjustment access.

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Hyundai Creta

The Creta needs no introduction. It gets an integrated Auto Healthy Air Purifier from the SX Variant onwards. Priced from ₹14.94 lakh, it features HEPA tech, haptic controls, and even a perfume diffuser option, along with a live air quality reading display, helping keep the cabin fresh.

Kia Seltos

The Seltos is the Creta’s sportier sibling, packing a Smart Pure Air Purifier from the HTX Variants, starting at ₹15.24 lakh. It gets virus neutralisation and PM2.5 filtration, which is seamlessly connected to the dual-zone climate control for all-around freshness. However, the next-generation Seltos, launching in January 2026, is likely to miss out on an in-built air purifier.

MG Hector

The MG Hector was recently updated with minor design tweaks and some additional features. The Savvy Pro variants of the Hector (₹18.99 lakh) and the Hector Plus (₹19.49 lakh) feature a PM2.5 Air Purifier, which also includes an ioniser for odour-free air, easily monitored via the 14-inch display alongside ventilated seats to combat dry winter air.

Skoda Kushaq

The Skoda Kushaq delivers compact SUV prowess with a premium European build and sharp handling. Its Onyx Edition, priced at ₹13.12 lakh, is the most affordable variant featuring a Climatronic air purifier that removes pollutants and shows AQI on the dashboard, offering customizable modes.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara shines as a fuel-efficient hybrid crossover with versatile appeal. From the Zeta Variant onwards, starting at ₹13.70 lakh, it features an Auto Purify system with a PM2.5 display that automatically filters out contaminants, complemented by ventilated seats for warm, clean rides.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, a durable hybrid twin to the Grand Vitara, comes with Toyota's reputed bulletproof reliability. From the S Variant onwards, starting at ₹12.46 lakh, it provides a PM2.5 Air Filter to capture fine particles, plus an AQI monitor on the infotainment for hassle-free awareness.

Tata Sierra 

Tata Motors recently revived one of its first and most iconic cars with the all-new Sierra, and it has lived up to the hype. The Sierra is feature-loaded in its top-spec Accomplished+ variant (₹20.29 lakh to ₹21.29 lakh), and includes a BreatheIQ Air Purifier with live AQI Display.

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Tata Harrier

The Tata Harrier stands out as a commanding, spacious SUV for bold explorers facing polluted paths. Its Adventure X Plus Variant, from ₹18.30 lakh, integrates the XOMATIC purification system to swiftly eliminate pollutants and bacteria, with dual-zone AC ensuring fresh air everywhere and proactive AQI alerts.

Mahindra XUV700

The Mahindra XUV700 blends tough terrain capability with upscale features for seamless long trips. From the AX5 Variant onwards, priced at ₹17.29 lakh, it delivers a dual-zone air purifier with PM2.5 filtration and virus neutralisation, boosted by AdrenoX modes for consistent all-weather freshness.

These cars not only keep the polluted air out, but most of them also score high on safety and mileage, making them smart choices. All the prices mentioned are ex-showroom. Check with your nearest dealerships for on-road prices.

Best Aftermarket Car Air Purifiers 

If your existing car or potential new car misses out on an in-built air purifier, you can still opt for aftermarket plug-and-play alternatives that clip to vents or dashboards, or can be placed in the cupholders on the centre console. These compact air purifiers run on USB/12V power, and often pack HEPA filters or ionisers for quick cabin refresh. Easy to install, they're a decent ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 fix for polluted winters. 

Here are a few top-rated, popular picks based on user reviews for effectiveness, quiet operation, and value:

1. Honeywell Move Pure 4 - 3-in-1 HEPA eliminates 99.99% PM2.5/PM10, odours, VOCs. It has 3 USB ports. Available on Amazon for ₹2,800.
2. Qubo Car Air Purifier Pro - This gets an ioniser with UV light, great for allergies, covers up to 5 sqm cabins quietly. Around ₹3,300.
3. Philips GoPure S3601 - Featuring sensor auto-mode, its Vitamin C filters kill bacteria and odours.  At ₹3,200, it is available on Amazon. 
4. Reffair AX30 - Equipped with plasma tech for virus busting and PM2.5 filtration, with a sleek design that fits any dash. It is popular for its easy setup, and costs around ₹2,500 on Amazon and many other sites.

Hero Image Source: Reffair India