Since the Ford EcoSport became the market leader in 2013, compact SUVs have grown much more popular, and several of them now appear in the top 10 monthly sales rankings. This is aided by their low cost and the SUV body shape that Indian automobile customers desire. Affordable SUVs in India 2025: Top 10 Models for Every Budget Without further ado, here are the cheapest SUVs available in India right now. Please take note that we have only listed the most affordable models that cost at least Rs 10 lakh for each model on our list.
Here are the Top 10 Budget-Friendly SUVs in India for Every Buyer
10. Tata Nexon
Starting at Rs 8 lakh
There are 9 Tata Nexon variants that fall under the Rs 10 lakh mark, including those with petrol-MT, petrol-AMT, diesel-MT, and CNG-MT powertrain options. The 120hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine is available with 5-speed and 6-speed manual gearbox options, along with an AMT. At this price point, the Nexon with the 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine and 100hp, 1.2-litre CNG-powered unit come with a manual option only. The Nexon petrol is available with a 7-speed dual-clutch auto option, while the diesel also gets an AMT. However, neither fits in the budget.
| Tata Nexon variants under Rs 10 lakh (in Rs, lakh) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Variant | 1.2 Turbo P-5MT | 1.2 Turbo P-6MT | 1.2 Turbo P-6AMT | 1.2 Turbo CNG-6MT | 1.5 D-6MT |
| Smart | 8.00 | – | – | 9.00 | – |
| Smart + | 8.90 | – | 9.60 | 10.00 | 10.00 |
| Smart + S | 9.20 | – | – | – | – |
| Pure + | – | 9.70 | – | – | – |
| Pure + S | – | 10.00 | – | – | – |
9. Kia Sonet
Starting at Rs 7.99 lakh
The Kia Sonet has a similar starting price as its rival, the Nexon, but the Korean brand offers 7 variants that are priced under the Rs 10 lakh budget. These 7 lower-spec variants are available with either an 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine with a 5-speed manual; a 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol with a 6-speed iMT gearbox; and a 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel with a 6-speed manual. The turbo-petrol and diesel variants are also available in automatic form – a 7-speed dual-clutch and 6-speed torque converter unit, respectively – though they are not priced under Rs 10 lakh.
| Kia Sonet variants under Rs 10 lakh (in Rs, lakh) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 P-5-MT | 1.0 Turbo P-6iMT | 1.5 D-6MT | |
| HTE | 7.99 | – | – |
| HTE(O) | 8.44 | – | 9.99 |
| HTK | 9.24 | 9.66 | – |
| HTK(O) | 9.60 | 9.99 | – |
| HTK+ | 9.99 | – | – |
8. Mahindra XUV 3XO
Starting at Rs 7.99 lakh
With the recent addition of the RevX trims, there are now 6 Mahindra XUV 3XO variants available below the Rs 10 lakh mark, though none come with an automatic gearbox option. On these lower trims, the XUV 3XO comes with a 111hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine or a 117hp, 1.5-litre diesel. The petrol does get a 6-speed torque converter auto on higher variants, while the XUV 3XO diesel has a 6-speed AMT option. While the XUV 3XO also gets a 131hp, 1.2-litre direct injection turbo-petrol engine – with 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter gearbox options – on higher variants, these variants are not priced under Rs 10 lakh.
| Mahindra XUV 3XO variants under Rs 10 lakh (in Rs, lakh) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Variants | 1.2 Turbo P-6MT | 1.5 D-6MT |
| MX1 | 7.99 | – |
| RevX M | 8.94 | – |
| RevX M(O) | 9.44 | – |
| MX2 | – | 9.99 |
| MX2 Pro | 9.54 | – |
| MX3 | 9.74 | – |
7. Hyundai Venue
Starting at Rs 7.94 lakh
Hyundai’s answer to the Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra XUV 3XO has 7 variants priced under Rs 10 lakh. While the Hyundai Venue is available with the same three engine options as the Sonet, these lower variants only get 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol and 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol units; the 116hp diesel engine options falls outside our budget The next-gen Venue has been spied on test in India, and prices will be announced on October 24.
| Hyundai Venue variants under Rs 10 lakh (in Rs, lakh) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 P-5MT | 1.0 Turbo P-6MT | |
| E | 7.94 | – |
| E+ | 8.32 | – |
| S | 9.28 | – |
| S+ | 9.53 | – |
| S (O) + | 9.99 | – |
| S(O) | 9.99 | – |
| Executive | – | 9.99 |
6. Toyota Taisor
Starting at Rs 7.89 lakh
Toyota has 6 Taisor variants priced under Rs 10 lakh, with five getting a 90hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine with manual and AMT options, and a 76hp CNG version of the same 1.2-litre unit in manual form only. Higher Toyota Taisor variants are available with a 100hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that comes with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox options.
| Toyota Taisor variants under Rs 10 lakh (in Rs, lakh) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 P-5MT | 1.2 P-5AMT | 1.2 CNG-5MT | |
| E | 7.89 | – | 8.87 |
| S | 8.75 | 9.33 | – |
| S+ | 9.11 | 9.69 | – |
5. Maruti Fronx
Starting at Rs 7.59 lakh
The Maruti Fronx, essentially a rebadged Toyota Taisor, has a lower starting price and has 8 variants priced under Rs 10 lakh, including two CNG-powered ones and one turbo-petrol variant. The engine and gearbox options on offer with the Fronx are identical to those of the Taisor.
| Maruti Fronx variants under Rs 10 lakh (in Rs, lakh) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Variants | 1.2 P-5MT | 1.2 P-5AMT | 1.2 CNG-5MT | 1.0 Turbo P-5MT |
| Sigma | 7.59 | – | 8.54 | – |
| Delta | 8.45 | 8.95 | 9.40 | – |
| Delta+ | 8.85 | 9.35 | – | 9.80 |
4. Tata Punch
Starting at Rs 6.20 lakh
All 10 manual gearbox-equipped variants of Tata’s smallest SUV are available under Rs 10 lakh, along with every CNG variant and 8 out of 9 AMT-equipped ones. The Tata Punch comes with an 88hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine and the option of a 74hp, CNG-powered 1.2-litre unit.
| Tata Punch variants under Rs 10 lakh (in Rs, lakh) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Variants | 1.2 P-5MT | 1.2 P-5AMT | 1.2 CNG-5MT |
| Pure | 6.20 | – | 7.30 |
| Pure(O) | 6.82 | – | – |
| Adventure | 7.17 | 7.77 | 8.12 |
| Adventure + | 7.52 | 8.12 | 8.47 |
| Adventure S | 7.72 | 8.32 | 8.67 |
| Adventure + S | 8.22 | 8.82 | 9.17 |
| Accomplished + | 8.42 | 9.02 | 9.52 |
| Accomplished + S | 8.90 | 9.50 | 10.00 |
| Creative + | 9.12 | 9.72 | – |
| Creative + S | 9.57 | – | – |
3. Renault Kiger
Starting at Rs 6.30 lakh
| Renault Kiger variants under Rs 10 lakh (in Rs, lakh) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 P-5MT | 1.0 P-5AMT | 1.0 Turbo P-5MT | 1.0 Turbo P-CVT | 1.0 CNG-5MT | |
| Authentic | 6.30 | – | – | – | 7.10 |
| Evolution | 7.10 | 7.60 | – | – | 7.90 |
| Techno | 8.20* | 8.70* | – | 10.00 | 9.00 |
| Emotion | 9.15* | – | 10.00 | – | 10.00 |
*Rs 23,000 extra for dual-tone colour options
2. Nissan Magnite
Starting at Rs 6.14 lakh
| Nissan Magnite variants under Rs 10 lakh (in Rs, lakh) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Variants | 1.0 P-5MT | 1.0 P-5AMT | 1.0 Turbo P-5MT | 1.0 Turbo P-CVT | 1.0 CNG-5MT |
| Visia | 6.14 | 6.75 | 6.89 | ||
| Visia+ | 6.64 | – | 7.39 | ||
| Acenta | 7.29 | 7.84 | 9.99 | 8.04 | |
| N-Connecta | 7.97* | 8.52* | 9.38* | – | 8.72 |
| Tekna | 8.92 | 9.47 | – | – | 9.67 |
| Tekna+ | 9.27 | 9.82 | – | – | – |
*Kuro variants based on N-Connecta cost Rs 34,000 more
1. Hyundai Exter
Starting at Rs 6 lakh
| Hyundai Exter variants under Rs 10 lakh (in Rs, lakh) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Variant | 1.2 P-5MT | 1.2 P-5AMT | 1.2 CNG-5MT |
| EX | 6.00 | – | 7.51 |
| EX(O) | 6.56 | – | |
| S Smart | 7.68 | 8.39 | 8.63 |
| S | 7.73 | 8.44 | 8.65 |
| S+ | 7.98 | 8.69 | 8.91 |
| SX Smart | 8.21 | 8.88 | 9.23 |
| SX* | 8.39 | 9.03 | 9.25 |
| SX Knight* | 8.51 | 9.18 | 9.53 |
| SX Tech | 8.56 | 9.23 | 9.58 |
| SX(O) | 9.03 | 9.86 | – |
| SX(O) Connect* | 9.67 | – | – |
| SX(O) Connect Knight* | 9.82 | – | – |
*Dual-tone colours cost Rs 19,000 more
All prices as on September 3, 2025 (ex-showroom, India)
FAQ: 10 Most Affordable SUVs in India
1. What are the most affordable SUVs currently available in India?
The most affordable SUVs in India include Hyundai Exter, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Tata Punch, Maruti Fronx, Toyota Taisor, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Kia Sonet, and Tata Nexon. These SUVs are priced under Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom) for several variants.
2. Which SUV is the cheapest in India right now?
The Hyundai Exter is currently the cheapest SUV in India, starting at just Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom). It offers multiple variants with petrol, AMT, and CNG options.
3. Are Tata SUVs affordable for a budget under Rs 10 lakh?
Yes, Tata Nexon and Tata Punch offer several variants under Rs 10 lakh. The Punch starts at Rs 6.20 lakh, while Nexon has multiple petrol, diesel, and CNG options starting at Rs 8 lakh.
4. What are the budget-friendly options from Kia and Mahindra?
Kia Sonet: Starting at Rs 7.99 lakh, with 7 variants under Rs 10 lakh.
Mahindra XUV 3XO: Starting at Rs 7.99 lakh, with 6 variants under Rs 10 lakh.
5. Can I get CNG-powered variants under Rs 10 lakh?
Yes, several SUVs like Tata Nexon, Tata Punch, Maruti Fronx, Toyota Taisor, and Hyundai Exter offer CNG variants under Rs 10 lakh.
6. Which SUVs have turbo-petrol options within a budget of Rs 10 lakh?
Budget-friendly turbo-petrol options are available in:
Renault Kiger (1.0 Turbo P-5MT and P-CVT)
Nissan Magnite (1.0 Turbo P-5MT and P-CVT)
Maruti Fronx (1.0 Turbo P-5MT)
Tata Nexon (1.2 Turbo petrol manual variants)
7. Do these affordable SUVs come with automatic transmission options?
Yes, many models like Hyundai Exter, Kia Sonet, Renault Kiger, Tata Punch, and Maruti Fronx offer AMT, CVT, or dual-clutch automatic options, though not all variants under Rs 10 lakh have automatic transmissions.
8. Are diesel options available under Rs 10 lakh?
Yes, diesel variants under Rs 10 lakh are available in:
Tata Nexon (1.5 D-6MT)
Kia Sonet (1.5 D-6MT)
Mahindra XUV 3XO (1.5 D-6MT)
9. Which SUV offers the most variants under Rs 10 lakh?
The Hyundai Exter offers the highest number of affordable variants under Rs 10 lakh, with over 35 options including petrol, AMT, and CNG powertrains.
10. Are these prices inclusive of GST and on-road costs?
No, the listed prices are ex-showroom prices in India as of September 3, 2025. On-road prices will vary depending on the state, insurance, registration, and taxes.
11. Which SUVs are ideal for first-time buyers on a budget?
SUVs like Hyundai Exter, Tata Punch, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite are perfect for first-time buyers due to their affordability, fuel options, and compact size suitable for city driving.
12. Can I get a CNG kit installed on Renault Kiger or Nissan Magnite?
Yes, dealer-level CNG kits are available for both Renault Kiger (Rs 79,500 extra) and Nissan Magnite (Rs 75,000 extra).
13. Are these SUVs fuel-efficient?
Yes, budget SUVs like Hyundai Exter, Tata Punch, and Maruti Fronx are designed to be fuel-efficient, especially the petrol and CNG variants, making them cost-effective for daily use.
14. Which SUVs are best for city driving?
Compact SUVs like Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, and Renault Kiger are ideal for city driving due to their small footprint, easy parking, and fuel efficiency.
15. Which SUVs are better for highway drives?
SUVs with turbo-petrol or diesel options like Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO, and Renault Kiger are better suited for highways due to higher power and stability.
16. Are 5-seater options available in these SUVs?
Yes, all the listed affordable SUVs, including Hyundai Exter, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Tata Punch, and Tata Nexon, come with standard 5-seater configurations.
17. What is the engine range for these budget SUVs?
Engines range from 69hp (CNG Hyundai Exter) to 131hp (Mahindra XUV 3XO turbo-petrol on higher trims). Petrol, turbo-petrol, diesel, and CNG variants are available across different models.
18. Which SUVs come with dual-clutch automatic options under ₹10 lakh?
The Tata Nexon and Kia Sonet provide dual-clutch automatic transmission on certain petrol variants within the ₹10 lakh budget.
19. Are there any SUVs with torque converter automatic under ₹10 lakh?
Yes, Mahindra XUV 3XO (petrol) and Kia Sonet diesel offer 6-speed torque converter automatic gearboxes, though only some variants fall under ₹10 lakh.
20. Do these SUVs offer AMT options?
Yes, AMT options are available for models like Tata Nexon, Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, and Renault Kiger, making city traffic driving easier.
21. Which SUVs offer turbo-petrol engines under ₹10 lakh?
Turbo-petrol variants are offered in Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Maruti Fronx, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite, providing extra power while staying within budget.
22. What is the mileage range for these compact SUVs?
Mileage varies between 16–23 km/l for petrol, 20–26 km/kg for CNG, and 18–22 km/l for diesel variants, depending on the model and transmission type.
23. Can I get both petrol and diesel variants in the same model under ₹10 lakh?
Yes, SUVs like Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO, and Hyundai Venue offer both petrol and diesel variants under ₹10 lakh.
24. Which of these SUVs have factory-fitted CNG kits?
Tata Nexon, Tata Punch, Maruti Fronx, and Hyundai Exter come with factory-fitted CNG options under ₹10 lakh.
25. Are dual-tone colour options available for budget SUVs?
Yes, models like Hyundai Exter, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite offer dual-tone colour options, with a small extra cost (₹19,000–₹34,000).
26. Which SUVs are better for long drives?
For long drives, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Kia Sonet, and Renault Kiger are suitable due to turbo engines, higher seating position, and stability on highways.
27. Are safety features available in these budget SUVs?
Yes, most SUVs under ₹10 lakh offer dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. Higher variants may include additional safety features like ESP and hill-hold assist.
28. Which SUV has the most engine options under ₹10 lakh?
The Hyundai Exter offers multiple options including petrol, AMT, and CNG engines, making it the most versatile budget SUV.
29. Are SUV interiors comfortable in this price range?
Yes, models like Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, and Renault Kiger offer premium interiors with touchscreen infotainment, comfortable seats, and good legroom even in budget trims.
30. Are these SUVs suitable for Indian road conditions?
Yes, compact SUVs such as Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra XUV 3XO are designed for Indian roads, offering higher ground clearance, robust suspension, and city & highway adaptability.
31. Which SUVs offer touchscreen infotainment under ₹10 lakh?
Models like Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, and Maruti Fronx come with touchscreen infotainment systems, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in lower variants.
32. Can I get connected car features in budget SUVs?
Yes, some SUVs like Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, and Hyundai Venue offer connected car features such as remote start, vehicle tracking, and safety alerts even in sub-₹10 lakh variants.
33. Which SUVs have the highest ground clearance?
Mahindra XUV 3XO (190 mm), Tata Punch (187 mm), and Tata Nexon (209 mm) have excellent ground clearance, making them ideal for rough roads.
34. Are spare parts and maintenance affordable for these SUVs?
Yes, Maruti Fronx, Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, and Renault Kiger are known for affordable maintenance and widely available spare parts in India.
35. Which SUVs provide better boot space under ₹10 lakh?
Mahindra XUV 3XO (366L), Kia Sonet (392L), Tata Punch (366L), and Hyundai Venue (350L) offer good boot space for small families.
36. Are these SUVs fuel-efficient in city traffic?
Yes, most compact SUVs such as Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, and Renault Kiger deliver good mileage in city conditions, with AMT/CNG options further enhancing fuel efficiency.
37. Which budget SUVs are best for first-time buyers?
Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, and Maruti Fronx are ideal for first-time buyers due to easy driving, low running costs, and compact dimensions.
38. Can these SUVs handle long-distance highway travel comfortably?
Yes, SUVs like Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Kia Sonet, and Renault Kiger are stable on highways and provide comfortable seating for long drives.
39. Which SUVs have the best resale value?
Tata Nexon, Maruti Fronx, and Hyundai Venue have strong resale value in India due to brand reliability and high demand in the compact SUV segment.
40. Are automatic options more expensive than manual in these SUVs?
Yes, AMT, CVT, and dual-clutch automatic variants are slightly higher priced than manual versions, but some like Kia Sonet and Tata Nexon have automatic options under ₹10 lakh in select trims.
41. Which SUVs are available with petrol-CNG dual options?
Tata Punch, Tata Nexon, Maruti Fronx, and Hyundai Exter provide factory-fitted CNG options along with petrol engines for economical running.
42. Are SUVs under ₹10 lakh safe for families?
Yes, most offer dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX mounts, and reinforced body structures suitable for small families.
43. Which compact SUV is the most affordable in India?
Currently, the Hyundai Exter starts at just ₹6 lakh, making it the cheapest SUV on sale in India.
44. How do turbo-petrol variants perform compared to standard petrol?
Turbo-petrol variants like those in Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Renault Kiger provide better acceleration and highway performance, but slightly higher fuel consumption than standard petrol.
45. Can these SUVs be driven easily in congested city areas?
Yes, compact dimensions, light steering, and good visibility in Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, and Maruti Fronx make city driving and parking hassle-free.
46. Which SUVs offer LED DRLs under ₹10 lakh?
Models such as Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, and Tata Nexon include LED daytime running lights in base or mid-level trims, enhancing style and visibility.
47. Are warranty options available for these SUVs?
Yes, most manufacturers offer 3–5 years or 60,000–1,00,000 km warranty. Tata, Hyundai, and Kia often provide extended warranty options.
48. Which SUVs are recommended for hilly regions?
Tata Nexon, Tata Punch, and Mahindra XUV 3XO with high ground clearance and strong engines are well-suited for hilly terrains.
49. Can I get financing for these SUVs easily?
Yes, all major banks and NBFCs provide loan options with flexible EMIs for compact SUVs under ₹10 lakh.
50. Are these SUVs suitable for both city and highway driving?
Absolutely, these SUVs are designed as versatile compact crossovers offering comfort in city traffic and stability on highways.
