Top 5 cheapest compact SUVs in India

The compact SUV segment in India has become intensely competitive with several new launches in recent years. In fact, most major automakers offer an SUV in the segment, including Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, Kia, and Hyundai to name a few. That being said, customers prioritise features, aesthetics, mileage, safety, space, and, notably, cost when considering these SUVs. Despite belonging to the same segment, there is a significant difference in starting prices among the offerings. Here are the top 5 cheapest compact SUVs and what they offer.

MG Astor

Priced between Rs 9.98 lakh and Rs 17.90 lakh (ex-showroom), the MG Astor is the most affordable compact SUV in India. The 2024 Astor features an upgraded i-Smart system and a new Sprint variant. It is available with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (110PS/140Nm) and a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol unit (140PS/220Nm). Transmission options include a five-speed manual, a six-speed torque converter automatic, and a CVT automatic.

Citroen C3 Aircross

The C3 Aircross from the French automaker is the second most affordable model, with prices ranging from Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 12.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Initially available with a manual gearbox, automatic transmission variants have been introduced recently. It is equipped with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol Puretech 110 engine, producing 110PS and 190Nm of torque (205Nm with automatic transmission).

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki's Grand Vitara, priced between Rs 10.70 lakh to Rs 19.92 lakh (ex-showroom), gained popularity quickly. It offers a strong-hybrid powertrain in its top-spec variants, with all-wheel drive as an option. The SUV features a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with mild hybrid technology (103PS/137Nm) and a 1.5-litre petrol unit with Toyota's TNGA Atkinson cycle hybrid technology (116PS/122Nm). Transmission options include a six-speed manual, a CVT automatic, and an e-CVT automatic.

Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos, one of the highest-selling SUVs in the segment, recently received a mid-life update. With prices starting from Rs 10.90 lakh (ex-showroom) and going up to Rs 20.30 lakh (ex-showroom), it offers Level 2 autonomy. The 2023 Kia Seltos facelift is powered by a new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (160PS/253Nm) with transmission options of a six-speed iMT or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. It also comes with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (115PS/143.8Nm) and a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine (116PS/250Nm).

Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta, priced between Rs 11 lakh and Rs 20.15 lakh (ex-showroom), has been the best-selling SUV in its segment. The recent facelift introduced a new design, interior, features, ADAS, and a turbo-petrol engine option. It is available with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (160PS/253Nm), a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit (115PS/143.8Nm), and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine (116PS/250Nm). Transmission options include a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and a CVT automatic.

Ex-showroom prices of the other SUVs in the segment are as mentioned below:

Toyota Hyryder - Rs 11.14 lakh to Rs 20.19 lakh

Honda Elevate - Rs 11.68 lakh to Rs 16.50 lakh

Volkswagen Taigun - Rs 11.70 lakh to Rs 21.10 lakh

Skoda Kushaq - Rs 11.89 lakh to Rs 20.49 lakh