The SUVs (sports utility vehicles) are now a proud possession of many. This, however, was not the picture when SUVs first entered the market two decades back. Fast forward to 2022, SUVs have become aspirational, and with many distinct sub-categories in this field itself – such as compact SUVs and premium SUVs – owning one has become possible for many buyers with a limited budget. Through this article, we will introduce you to the top SUV cars under 20 lakhs in India and briefly discuss their price & characteristic traits.
Why do people keep buying SUVs?
Aside from the fact that SUVs have become a style statement for many, several factors also redirect one to buy their ideal SUV and obtain a possessive mentality towards their car after taking one home.
- The design of an SUV is unlike any other vehicle on the road. Thus, they have a solid street presence. Also, their design is a radical digression from other small-stature cars like hatchbacks and, therefore, due to its sturdy nature, can easily make way for unfriendly situations.
- The interior of any SUV is relatively larger and more spacious than most other car segments. Since Indian families consist of typically big numbers, SUVs assure comfort and even proper legroom with their standard three-row seat structure.
- With a 4-wheel (4×4) drivetrain, every SUV is made to withstand rough terrains and harsh road conditions. Hence, SUVs are best suited for hilly areas.
- Now that the pricing has come well within the grasp of common people, they tend to lean towards SUVs rather than sedans or hatchbacks.
- High ground clearance is yet another reason why people are persistently opting for SUVs these days. The Indian roads are less than ideal. We all know that – to tackle the deep potholes, uneven pavements, and above-average speed breakers successfully, SUVs have become the only reasonable choice.
- Every SUV comes loaded with safety features and modern equipment. They offer comfort, superior driving experience, and an ambient environment – reasons why people keep liking and buying SUVs over many other car segments.
With these out in the open, now let’s look into the SUV cars under 20 lakhs in India.
8 Best SUV Cars under 20 Lakhs in India: 2022
1. Tata Safari
The car that helped kick-start the SUV car segment in our country, priced at 14.99 lakhs (ex-showroom price) and available in 6 variants, Tata Safari is one of the best SUV cars in India for under 20 lakhs. Safari generates its running power from a 1956 cc engine mated with a 6-speed manual or automatic torque converter transmission. It comes in a 6/7 seater configuration that nicely takes care of family demands and delivers an average of 16 kmpl of mileage. Its body dynamics derive inspiration from Land Rover’s D8 platform, which, after certain tweaks, has been introduced by Tata as OMEGARC and shares the same with Harrier as well. It locks horns with Hyundai Alcazar & Mahindra XUV700.
2. Tata Harrier
With an ex-showroom price of 14.39 lakhs stretching as far as 21.42 lakhs, Tata Harrier can be termed the best SUV under 20 lakhs for many reasons. Harriet has a diesel-only 1956 cc Kryotec engine, with two transmission options – manual and automatic torque converter. It gives 16.35 kmpl of mileage. Even today, it has not received an AWD implementation, although the ESP system is a nice touch. All six variants of Harrier are 5-seaters having 8-way adjustable driver seats. It has a definitive floating effect on the D-pillar typical of Harrier. It rivals the likes of MG Hector & KIA Seltos.
3. Maruti Suzuki S-Cross
The S-Cross sports a 1462 cc K15B petrol engine. It has an ex-showroom price of 12.49 lakhs, and 19 kmpl mileage output. As the best SUV in India under 20 lakhs, Suzuki S-Cross also supports mild-hybrid features. Like every modern SUV, it finely amalgamates a digital infotainment system, cruise & climate control, leather upholstery, adjustable driver seats, and multiple airbags with ABS. It has four trims, all 5-seaters, and either comes with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission with torque converter.
4. Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen Tiguan is a 5-seater SUV under 20 lakhs replete with features and safety measures. Its ex-showroom price starts from 11 lakhs onwards, has five variants & two trim options in total and provides 18 kmpl of mileage. Tiguan engine is petrol exclusive, and as per the transmission (manual/automatic torque converter/DSG) incorporates a 6 or 7-speed gearbox. The SUV faced its latest upgrade in September 2021. It came with a dual-tone interior scheme, ABS with EBD, six airbags, and twin climate control. It also comes with a fully digital instrument cluster, and ventilated seats. KIA Seltos, Renault Duster & Skoda Kushaq are the direct rivals of Tiguan.
5. Hyundai Creta
An engine displacement of 1497 cc, 4 gearbox types (manual, automatic CVT, torque converter, and dual-clutch), and 10.22 lakhs ex-showroom price easily makes Hyundai Creta the top SUV under 20 lakhs budget. Additionally, the second-generation Creta boasts cascading front grilles, a total of 14 models across genres. To top it, it comes with an above-average mileage of 21 kmpl. As an SUV, Hyundai Creta holds all desirable qualities and finely blends them under the Hyundai badge. Its exterior looks futuristic thanks to fully faired LED headlamps with integrated DRLs and electric sunroof.
6. Hyundai Alcazar
Among the best SUV cars under 20 lakhs in India, the 7-seater Hyundai Alcazar comes at 20 lakhs ex-showroom price tag and 1999 cc engine displacement in its top-spec petrol variant (the top diesel model costs an additional 15,000). Despite implementing a large engine, Hyundai Alcazar gives a decent fuel economy (20 kmpl). Although its body dynamics are derived from Creta and have very few original exterior traits, Alcazar’s interior is top-notch. Additionally, safety measures are well taken care of thanks to ABS, EBD, ESP, TPMS, rear disc brakes, parking sensors & a 360-degree camera.
7. MG Hector
Without an entry from MG Motor, the SUV cars under 20 lakhs in India cannot be properly summed up. MG Hector Plus has an ex-showroom price of 14.45 lakhs, going as up as 20.70 lakhs; the engine displacement, as the model evolves, increases as well (1451-1956 cc). It also comes with Hybrid transmission and petrol/diesel as optional. One can opt Hector+ between 6 and 7 seat configurations and 5 trim variants in total. Moreover, its interior hosts an array of specifications; to name a few, these would be a 10-inch infotainment system, electric sunroof, power-adjusted driver’s seat, ambient lighting, parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, fully digital instrument cluster & six airbags.
8. Mahindra XUV700
The finest SUV cars under 20 lakhs in India will never be complete without Mahindra XUV700 – ex-showroom price 12-23 lakhs, engine displacement 1997-2184 cc, manual and automatic torque converter transmission as its primary highlights. It mainly has two trim options – AX & MX – the former is a 5-seater whereas the latter is a 7-seater. Additionally, the XUV700 sports the brand’s new logo diamond-cut alloy wheels. It also broadened in dimensions, rivaling the likes of MG Hector+ and Hyundai Alcazar. The XUV700 saw the light of the open market last year in September, therefore fully updated in terms of features. Similarly, to name a few, these are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, digital instrument cluster, power steering & windows with 6-way adjustable memory function in the driver’s seat, and leather finishing in multiple places in the interior.
On a special note, special credit should also be given to Mahindra Thar, Mahindra Scorpio, Skoda Kushaq, Jeep Compass, MG Hector, MG Astor, & KIA Seltos.
And with that, we have completed the list of best SUV cars under 20 lakhs in India. Tata Safari and Mahindra Bolero paved the way for modern SUVs of the present day. As time progressed, the perspective and dynamics of SUVs evolved. Moreover, with the introduction of multiple sub-categories in timely intervals, the Indian automobile universe saw a major boom in popularity & sales. Nowadays, SUVs have become a status symbol of sophistication. Kept well within a budget-friendly range, many SUVs today continue to prosper and assuredly will do so in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best SUV in India?
In all relevance, Mahindra XUV700 is the best SUV in India within a limited budget.
Which SUV brand costs the most?
The most expensive SUV brand is Mercedes-Benz.
Are SUVs affordable to maintain?
Since we now have SUVs in many genres, one must choose their car with proper research. Additionally, if suitably done, maintenance costs are not much. With time, an SUV basically pays for itself if properly cared for.
