Best SUVs Under 10 Lakhs

With rising demand for SUVs, automakers in India are doing everything to win the hearts of potential buyers. All of them are putting their best technology, features, and practicality into their products. However, there’s one thing that India is very sensitive to, and that’s the pricing of cars.

 Sometimes, even good products don’t sell well owing to a higher price tag. On the other hand, most of the time, even a subpar product sells well, thanks to an affordable price tag. Let’s dive deeper into the Indian automotive market and know about the best SUVs to buy under 10 lakh.  These are ex-showroom prices , add upto 1-2 lakhs more to account for RTO and other charges

15. Nissan Magnite 

The Nissan Magnite has been a game changer for the brand in the Indian car market. Most of Nissan's products did not work out, but amid financial woes, the Magnite shone brightly and changed the brand’s fortunes. 

Nissan’s pricing strategy with the Magnite was spot on, while its styling was the cherry on the cake. The Magnite quickly gained traction in the Indian market and easily made it to the list of the best SUVs under 10 lakh in India. 

14. Hyundai Exter 

The most recent and smallest SUV from Hyundai is one of the most affordable options available. The Exter follows quite an unconventional route with its styling and something that’s not seen on other Hyundai cars. It might be one of the reasons for its slow sales, but besides that, there’s nothing wrong with this SUV. 

13. Renault Kiger 

The Renault Kiger, which shares the Nissan Magnite platform, features the same powertrain and fundamental specifications as its cousin, providing a similar driving experience. The Kiger differentiates itself, though, with unique styling that creates a sportier and more youthful image. 

Strong value proposition notwithstanding, the Kiger has yet to capture the hearts and minds of Indians, largely due to Renault's relatively modest brand presence and recognition level compared to more established competitors
 

12. Maruti Suzuki Fronx 

The Maruti Fronx, built on the same platform as the Baleno hatchback, blends crossover practicality with a bold, SUV-inspired design. Its front fascia, borrowing cues from the larger Grand Vitara, gives it a more rugged and premium look. Backed by Maruti’s strong brand reputation and expansive service network, the Fronx enjoys solid market acceptance. 

Though it is not a market leader in sales, its competitive pricing, CNG variant availability and reliable after-sales service render it a favourite among price-conscious SUV buyers.

11. Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor 

The Toyota Taiso is a rebadged version of the Maruti Fronx, utilising the same chassis, engine, and transmission solutions. While Toyota has introduced some distinctive styling elements to provide it with a unique identity, the updates are largely cosmetic. 

Like the Glanza, a rebadged Baleno, the Taisor has enabled Toyota to reach a new segment and increase its sales numbers. It inherits all the key strengths of the Fronx - modern design, fuel-efficient powertrains, and good value for money. However, it slightly lags in terms of after-sales reach, as Toyota’s service network isn’t as widespread as Maruti’s.

10. Tata Punch 

The Tata Punch was a game-changer for Tata Motors in the SUV category. Its confident design, impressive quality build, and robust safety features propelled it up the ranks to become Tata's top-selling model, and in 2024, it even outsold Maruti Suzuki to become India's best-selling car. 

Its sensibly priced, feature-packed nature and top safety rating have found the sweet spot with customers. What also makes the Punch stand out is the fact that it comes in an electric version, providing a distinct advantage in a rapidly EV-savvy market space, which has yet to be delivered by rivals such as Maruti, Nissan, Renault, and Toyota in this category.

9. Hyundai Venue 

The Hyundai Venue has made a strong mark in the Indian market, regularly being the brand's second-best-selling SUV after the Creta. With an average monthly sale of between 9,000 to 10,000 units, its popularity does not seem to diminish. Hyundai has been updating and freshening up the Venue with timely facelifts and updates, keeping it a top choice among compact SUVs. 

It comes with a variety of engine options - petrol, turbo-petrol, and diesel—in response to a broad spectrum of driving preferences. The sporty N-Line version adds value to its appeal, particularly to those who desire a more spirited drive. Supported by the very strong after-sales presence of Hyundai, the Venue remains a dependable and value-for-money alternative for Indian consumers.

8. Kia Sonet 

The Kia Sonet might borrow its platform from the Hyundai Venue, but it's much more than a rebadged sibling. Boasting bold styling and individual character, the Sonet has cut out its niche and remains Kia's second-best seller in India after the Seltos. Its aggressive design, as well as constant mid-cycle refreshes, keeps it current and attractive to the masses. 

Under the bonnet, it has several petrol and diesel engine choices available with several transmission options such as manual, automatic, and DCT-providing buyers ample choice. What adds to the Sonet's strength is Kia's increasingly expanding brand value and growing service network across India, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV category.

7. Skoda Kylaq 

The Skoda Kylaq is the latest addition to the compact SUV ranks, introducing a dash of European sophistication at a price that's unexpectedly reasonable. Although it's available with only one engine choice, the vehicle excels with its well-designed interior and intelligent, easy-to-use features that contribute to the driving experience overall.

 One of its most compelling USPs is the ample boot room, which beats many of its competitors and provides some real-world utility. 

That being said, future customers may wish to factor in the limited service network and comparatively higher servicing costs that accompany the Skoda badge. A Volkswagen cousin on the same platform will arrive soon, a bit higher priced in the market, further increasing the options in this premium-biased compact SUV class.

6. Tata Nexon 

The Tata Nexon was a game-changer car for Tata that brought bold styling with several powertrain choices - petrol, diesel, CNG, and electric. Constant updates have ensured that it remains relavant, and its excellent safety ratings make it stand out in the compact SUV space.

 Its extensive variety of trims and Tata's wide service network in the country tip it into a popular and consistent option. The Nexon remains one of the most capable and dependable SUVs in its segment.

5. Mahindra XUV 3XO

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is more than a mere facelifted XUV300 - it introduces future-looking design, contemporary features, and punchy powertrain options that endow it with a commanding lead in the compact SUV market. With a five-star safety rating and Mahindra's heritage of SUV engineering, it combines performance and peace of mind. 

It's already the second-best-selling model for the brand, accounting for 18% of sales overall, and solidifies Mahindra's dominance of the SUV market with an exciting new proposition.

4. Citroen C3 Aircross 

The Citroen C3 Aircross is a lesser-known SUV in the segment, yet it boasts its distinctive French comfort and exceptional ride quality. It's highly practical, with a unique seven-seat configuration and large boot area. The pricing is aggressive, presenting a compelling value proposition.

 Low service touchpoints and low brand awareness in India may be a deterrent for some consumers seeking long-term assurance, though.

3. Kia Syros 

The Kia Syros is the company's newest addition to the SUV category and certainly one to keep an eye on. It's notable for its unconventional design, a generous array of features inside, and generously spacious seating that is well-suited for both city and highway driving. 

With a range of powertrain choices and Kia's increasing popularity and reliability in India, the Syros offers a solid combination of style, functionality, and performance, making it a tempting option in the rapidly growing SUV market.

2. Maruti Suzuki Brezza 

The Maruti Brezza marked the brand’s strong entry into the compact SUV space and has remained a consistent performer. The latest version packs in modern features while keeping pricing sensible, making it a value-driven choice. 

Offered with proven powertrain options, the Brezza benefits from Maruti’s trusted reputation, low cost of ownership, and an unmatched nationwide service network - factors that continue to make it a popular pick among Indian SUV buyers.

1. Citroen Basalt 

The Citroen Basalt is the company's newest model in its India lineup, adding a coupe-like SUV body to the equation. Though its shape might provoke comparison with theTata Curvv, the Basalt has a distinct personality of its own with its design and character. 

It comes in both turbo and non-turbo petrol engine variations, addressing various driving requirements. As with other Citroen offerings, it's still striving to make a bigger presence in the extremely competitive compact SUV market.