SUVs Under 10 Lakhs With Best Mileage In 2026

I think we can all agree that SUVs are shaping the future of the Indian car market. Industry data shows that SUVs accounted for roughly 52 percent of all new passenger vehicle sales in 2025, clearly highlighting how buyer preference has shifted toward higher ground clearance, better road presence and improved practicality.

 Almost every manufacturer is now focused on launching new SUVs or updating existing models across price segments, while also working on improving fuel efficiency, safety and feature content to stay competitive.

This list focuses on every SUV available under ₹10 lakh on road, along with their ARAI claimed mileage and real world fuel efficiency figures. On road pricing has been used instead of ex showroom prices because the actual amount paid by buyers includes registration, insurance and taxes, which usually add at least ₹1 lakh to the sticker price. 

Ex showroom figures alone can therefore be misleading for real world budgeting.

Real world mileage numbers have been taken from professional road tests and long term usage reports published by established automotive publications that test cars in everyday traffic, highway runs and mixed driving conditions. These figures give a far more accurate picture of what owners can expect in daily use.

As seen across most models, ARAI mileage claims tend to be optimistic, with real world efficiency often lower by 10 to 50 percent depending on driving style, load, road conditions and climate. This comparison should help buyers set realistic expectations and make better informed decisions

28.51 km/kg – Maruti Suzuki Fronx iCNG

The Maruti Fronx continues to dominate the crossover segment in 2026, largely due to its striking "mini-Grand Vitara" looks and incredible running costs. Powered by the 1.2L DualJet engine, the CNG version delivers a staggering 28.51 km/kg. In the 2026 market, the Sigma and Delta variants remain the sweet spot for a ₹10 Lakh budget. While it lacks a sunroof in these trims, you get automatic climate control and a decent safety suite. 

28.5 km/kg – Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor CNG

The Taisor is Toyota’s version of the Fronx, and for 2026, it has carved its own niche through the "Toyota Touch" service experience. The E CNG variant is the one to watch under ₹10 Lakh. While it shares the same 1.2L engine and 28.51 km/kg efficiency as the Fronx, Toyota offers a slightly different warranty structure that many find more reassuring. 

For 2026, Toyota has introduced new "Heritage" color schemes that make the Taisor look distinct from its Maruti sibling. If you plan on keeping your car for 10+ years, the Taisor's perceived build quality and the stellar reputation of Toyota dealers for long-term maintenance make it a compelling alternative to the more common Maruti models.

27.1 km/kg – Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo

Hyundai’s Exter has stayed ahead of the curve by introducing the "Hy-CNG Duo" technology, which uses twin-cylinder tanks to reclaim almost all the usable boot space. For 2026, the Exter remains the feature-king in the micro-SUV segment. Even the S and SX CNG variants often fit under ₹10 Lakh on-road, offering a factory-fitted dashcam and six airbags as standard.

 Its 1.2L Kappa engine is exceptionally refined, providing a smooth, vibration-free experience that rivals like the Punch struggle to match. Recent 2025-26 updates have refined the AMT gearbox logic, making the petrol automatic an equally compelling fuel-efficient choice. 

With a mileage of 27.1 km/kg, it is a tech-heavy alternative for those who find the Fronx too long for tight city parking.

Also Read: Every 6-8 Seater Cars Under 10 Lakhs On-Road
 

26.99 km/kg – Tata Punch iCNG (2026 Facelift)

The newly refreshed 2026 Tata Punch features a sharper, EV-inspired front fascia and improved interior ergonomics. It remains India’s safest micro-SUV with a 5-star GNCAP pedigree. The Adventure and Accomplished iCNG trims are the high-value picks here. Tata’s twin-cylinder tech was the pioneer in this segment, and for 2026, they have further optimized the engine to reduce the "CNG lag" during overtakes. 

The Punch excels in ruggedness; with 187mm of ground clearance, it handles rural roads better than any other car on this list. While the 3-cylinder engine is slightly noisier than Hyundai’s, the commanding seating position and robust build make it the top choice for buyers prioritizing safety and a "big car" feel on a budget.

25.51 km/kg – Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG

The Brezza is unique because it is the only car in this budget offering a larger 1.5L K15C engine. This makes the LXI and VXI CNG variants far superior for highway cruising compared to 1.2L rivals. Even in CNG mode, the torque delivery feels linear and effortless. For 2026, Maruti has been planning a facelift due soon

While the interior remains functional rather than flashy, the sheer reliability of the Maruti service network and the high resale value make it a "safe" financial bet. Delivering roughly 25.51 km/kg, it balances size, power, and economy perfectly for small families who frequently travel between cities and need that extra engine displacement.

24.1 kmpl – Kia Sonet Diesel (HTE/HTE-O)

In a market where many brands have abandoned small diesels, the Kia Sonet 1.5L CRDi remains a rare gem. For 2026, the HTE and HTE (O) variants are still priced aggressively to stay near the ₹10 Lakh on-road mark in several states. This is the ultimate "mileage marathoner" for heavy users, offering a real-world highway efficiency of over 22–24 kmpl.

The 2026 model benefits from the recent facelift, giving even the base trim a very modern, aggressive look. You get a highly refined engine with 250Nm of torque, making it feel significantly faster than any petrol car on this list. If you drive more than 1,500 km a month, this diesel remains the most satisfying choice for performance and savings.

Also Read: Safest Cars Under ₹10 Lakhs
 

24.08 km/kg – Tata Nexon iCNG (Turbo)

The 2026 Tata Nexon iCNG is a technical marvel as India’s first Turbocharged CNG car. By pairing CNG with a turbo-petrol engine, Tata has eliminated the power loss usually associated with green fuels. The Smart and Smart Plus trims fit within the ₹10 Lakh on-road bracket. These variants now come with a revamped 6-speed manual gearbox, providing better highway legs than the 5-speed units found in the Punch or Exter. 

The Nexon’s cabin feels the most "premium" on this list, with heavy doors and high-quality switchgear. With the 2026 updates, Tata has also improved the infotainment response time. It is the best option for those who want a "no-compromise" SUV that is both environmentally friendly and fun to drive.

24 km/kg – Nissan Magnite CNG AMT

The biggest news for 2026 is the launch of the Nissan Magnite CNG AMT, the first in its segment to pair an automatic gearbox with factory-fitted CNG. This has solved the biggest pain point for city drivers: the constant shifting in traffic. The Visia and Acenta CNG trims are incredibly affordable, often leaving you with change from your ₹10 Lakh budget. 

Nissan has also refreshed the Magnite's exterior for 2026, adding a more premium LED signature and improved cabin insulation. While the 1.0L naturally aspirated engine is modest in terms of power, the convenience of the AMT combined with 20+ km/kg efficiency makes it a disruptor for 2026. It’s the smartest choice for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to drive a manual.

20.5 kmpl – Renault Kiger Petrol

The Kiger remains the "Value King" in 2026. It offers the largest boot space in the segment (405 liters) and a 4-star safety rating. The RXE and RXL variants are priced so competitively that they are significantly cheaper than even the micro-SUVs like the Punch. For 2026, Renault has updated the Kiger with a new digital instrument cluster and improved air filtration. 

While it lacks a CNG option from the factory, its lightweight construction allows the 1.0L engine to deliver a respectable 19–20 kmpl on the highway. It is the best choice for buyers who need maximum physical space—for luggage or family—without breaking the bank on the initial purchase price.

Also Read: Upcoming Cars in 2026 Under ₹10 Lakh

20.36 kmpl – Hyundai Venue Petrol

The Venue remains a staple for those who prefer the refinement of a Hyundai petrol engine. In 2026, the E and S variants are the primary contenders under ₹10 Lakh on-road. While they don’t offer the raw economy of CNG, the 1.2L Kappa engine provides a smooth and silent urban experience. 

The 2026 Venue features a revised grille design and updated seat upholstery that breathes better in hot Indian summers. Hyundai’s focus for this year has been on "Standardized Safety," meaning even these lower trims get 6 airbags and TPMS. It is a sophisticated, well-built compact SUV that appeals to buyers who value a clutter-free dashboard, light controls, and a stress-free ownership experience over peak fuel efficiency.

19.68 kmpl – Skoda Kylaq

The 2026 Skoda Kylaq is the most exciting new arrival, bringing European driving dynamics to the sub-10 Lakh segment. The Classic variant is specifically priced to target the on-road budget of ₹9.5–10 Lakh. It uses a 1.0L TSI turbo-petrol engine that is far more engaging to drive than the naturally aspirated engines in the Venue or Exter.

 Despite being a Skoda, the Kylaq has been localized heavily to keep maintenance costs low. It delivers around 19.7 kmpl and features a rock-solid build that feels immensely stable at high speeds. For a buyer who loves driving and wants a "solid" feel, the Kylaq is the best-handling car on this entire list.

18.89 kmpl – Mahindra XUV 3XO Petrol

Mahindra's 3XO (formerly XUV300) has been a massive hit since its rebranding, and in 2026, the MX1 and MX2 petrol variants are the primary budget entries. This car offers the widest cabin in its class, easily seating three adults in the rear. The 1.2L Turbo-petrol engine is standard even on the base model, giving it best-in-class torque and acceleration. 

While the boot is smaller than its rivals, the 3XO makes up for it with a "big car" ride quality that feels like it belongs to a segment above. For 2026, Mahindra has added more soft-touch materials to the door pads even in lower trims, making it feel less like a "base" model and more like a premium SUV.

18.5 kmpl – Citroen C3 Aircross (Puretech 82)

The 2026 C3 Aircross has seen a significant price realignment, making the base You variant a surprising contender for the ₹10 Lakh on-road bracket. Its biggest selling point is size; it is physically larger than any other car here, offering a ride quality that Citroen calls "Flying Carpet" comfort. For 2026, Citroen has finally added features that were missing earlier, like LED headlamps and automatic climate control in the lower-mid trims. While it uses a 1.2L naturally aspirated engine in this price range, the sheer amount of sheet metal and cabin space you get for the money is unmatched. It’s perfect for those who want a full-sized SUV presence on a compact car budget.

Images Source: Respective Carmakers' Websites