Sure, all the knowledge regarding automobiles has its own set of boons, but every now and then, we auto journos stuck with the same question; which is the best SUV in the Indian market? As simple as this question sounds, the answer is quite complex. You see, with the ever-increasing affection for SUVs, almost everyone now wants one in their garage.
And given the current state of SUVs in each segment, we’re left with the question; which one’s the best SUV in a specific price segment? So, I decided to compile the list of all the best SUVs out there, starting with the sub-4m ones.
List of Top 5 SUVs in India in 2021
Here are the five best SUVs from their own respective segments, under the 50-lakh INR mark. Read on.
Hyundai Venue
| Hyundai Venue Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| ARAI Mileage | 18.15 kmpl |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45.0 |
| Engine Displacement (cc) | 998 |
| Max Power (bhp@rpm) | 118.35bhp@6000rpm |
| Max Torque (nm@rpm) | 171.6Nm@1500-4000rpm |
| TransmissionType | Automatic |
| Boot Space (Litres) | 350 |
| Body Type | SUV |
Goes without saying, the Hyundai Venue is perhaps the best compact SUV in the segment. A blend of modern design, modern technological wizardry, and a vast number of powertrains make the Venue our choice in the segment, and also, the ICOTY 2020. Sure, it does not impress when it comes to the overall dynamic prowess, but the Venue is an all-rounder which makes a lasting impression in terms of its build quality, segment-first features – as in the case with many Hyundais – and, of course, its connected-car technology.
Kia Seltos
| KIA SELTOS Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| ARAI Mileage | 17.8 kmpl |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 |
| Engine Displacement (cc) | 1493 |
| Max Power (bhp@rpm) | 113.4bhp@4000rpm |
| Max Torque (nm@rpm) | 250nm@1500-2750rpm |
| TransmissionType | Automatic |
| Boot Space (Litres) | 433 |
| Body Type | SUV |
If a sub-4m compact SUV feels too compact and if budget is not a restraint, the mid-size SUVs are the ones to choose from. This is, in my opinion, is a perfect size for an urban runabout and it shows too. Sales numbers for the Seltos has been tremendous since day one. With a vast variety of powertrain options covering an expansive price range, the Seltos easily becomes our pick of the range in the mid-size SUV department. It impresses in terms of build quality and it’s even surprisingly very European to drive. It even outshines the Hyundai Creta since the design of the Seltos is more pleasing to the eyes.
Jeep Compass
| Jeep CompaSS Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| ARAI Mileage | NA |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 |
| Engine Displacement (cc) | 1956 |
| Max Power (bhp@rpm) | 167.67bhp@3750rpm |
| Max Torque (nm@rpm) | 350nm@1750-2500rpm |
| TransmissionType | Automatic |
| Boot Space (Litres) | NA |
| Body Type | SUV |
But wait, we already discussed our pick for the best mid-sized SUV right above, so why is the Jeep Compass on this list? Well, even though the Jeep Compass is only marginally bigger than the Kia Seltos, its price puts it in a different league altogether. And since it does lose out on the value-for-money quotient, the Compass impresses with its striking design, build quality, and, of course, Jeep’s vast experience for making SUVs. It is now also upgraded to meet the stringent BS-VI emission norms and its diesel-automatic powertrain remains to be our pick of the range.
Ford Endeavour
| Ford Endeavour Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| ARAI Mileage | 13.9 kmpl |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 |
| Engine Displacement (cc) | 1996 |
| Max Power (bhp@rpm) | 167.62bhp@3500rpm |
| Max Torque (nm@rpm) | 420Nm@2000-2500rpm |
| TransmissionType | Automatic |
| Boot Space (Litres) | NA |
| Body Type | SUV |
Ford has just downsized its full-size SUV with a smaller 2.0-litre heart. Regardless, the Ford Endeavour still remains to be our pick in this segment, since the Fortuner doesn’t come close to the Endy’s dynamic prowess by a long shot. The Endy now comes with a 10-speed gearbox and it ditches the old five-cylinder engine for a sizeably smaller 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel. It still comes feature-loaded and is the only car in the segment to feature an active noise cancellation system. The addition of better headlamps and the SYNC3 touchscreen infotainment system makes the Endy a rather compelling package. And, of course, it’s a great set of feels for the occasional off-roading too!
Volvo XC40
| Volvo XC40 Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| ARAI Mileage | NA |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 |
| Engine Displacement (cc) | 1969 |
| Max Power (bhp@rpm) | 141.683 |
| Max Torque (nm@rpm) | 300Nm |
| TransmissionType | Automatic |
| Boot Space (Litres) | 460 |
| Body Type | SUV |
Sure, it’s smaller than the Ford Endeavour you just read about, but the Volvo XC40 lies under a different category altogether, for it is an entry-level luxury SUV, and perhaps the best SUV this side of the 50-lakh INR mark. While the Volvo XC40 was first introduced as a diesel-only model, Volvo has to axe the diesel engine to make its smallest SUV adhere to the cleaner tailpipe emission criteria. Therefore, the XC40 is now a petrol-only model, which is compliant with the stringent BS-VI emission standards. Available in just a single R-Design spec, the XC40 still comes with the lengthiest equipment list in the segment and offers the most value-for-money luxury experience. Sure, it isn’t as dynamically impressive as the BMW X1, but it doesn’t claim to be either.
So, folks, these are the best SUVs in the sub-50 lakh INR space, each in its own respective segment. The list is in reference to all the cars that are on sale as of mid-2021.
