- Many Indian customers prefer to buy an SUV
- Tata Nexon, Hyundai Creta, and Scorpio N are some of the best options to consider
- Know more about these best-performing SUVs to buy in India this year.
SUVs are highly popular in a country like ours where the vehicle is somewhat an image symbol of one’s personality. Buying the right new car requires careful consideration of several factors. For instance, the looks, comfort, engine performance, on and off-road capability, safety features, and of course, the reputation of the brand to which it belongs. In addition, a prospective buyer should know his or her budget and personal needs, according to which they could make an informed decision.
Currently, the Indian automobile market has a bunch of SUV offerings from different car brands. Mahindra Scorpio N, Hyundai Creta, and Tata Nexon are some of the popular SUVs that you can buy as your next new car in 2023. The price of these vehicles ranges from Rs 7.80 lakh to Rs 25.52 lakh (ex-showroom).
If you are planning to buy a new car in India during 2023, here is a list of the top 5 best SUVs to consider. Let us get more into detail and know about the powertrain options, variants, and safety features of these SUVs.
Table of Contents
Tata Nexon
If you are planning to buy a new sub-compact SUV, then the Tata Nexon is ideally the best choice for you. In fact, this car instantly became the best-selling model for the company since its initial launch. Tata Motors offers multiple variant options, which include XE, XM, XM(S), XZ, XZ Plus, XZ Plus dual tone, XZ Plus (O), and XZ Plus (O) dual tone.
The SUV comes powered by two petrol engine options; a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder, turbo-petrol unit (120 bhp and 170 Nm) and a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder, diesel unit (113 bhp and 260 Nm). Both powertrains are paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT.
On the safety front, having received a 5-Star Safety Rating from Global NCAP, the vehicle features dual front airbags, rear parking sensors, an Electronic Stability Program, and ISOFIX child-seat anchors, among others. Prices for the Tata Nexon begin from Rs 7.80 lakh and go all the way up to Rs 14.35 lakh (ex-showroom).
Hyundai Creta
Another great SUV to buy this year would be the Hyundai Creta. The company recently updated the compact SUV with a slew of changes. For instance, the powertrain options of the vehicle are now RDE-compliant and E20 fuel ready, and it also offers an idle start-stop system. The four-wheeler gets a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol unit (113 bhp and 144 Nm) and a 1.5-liter diesel engine (113 bhp and 250 Nm). There are multiple transmission options on offer which include a 6-speed manual gearbox, CVT, and a 6-speed AT.
In terms of safety, the Creta offers equipment like 6 airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control, all-wheel disc brakes, Hill-Start Assist, and ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard.
The 2023 Hyundai Creta can be purchased with a starting price of Rs 10.87 lakh (ex-showroom), which can go up to Rs 19.20 lakh (ex-showroom).
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
In the latest introductions, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder could be a variable option while looking to buy your next new SUV. Toyota Kirloskar Motors offers four broad trims for this SUV; E, S, G, and V. For the CNG variants, the car only comes in S and G trims.
In terms of powertrain options, the SUV is equipped with two petrol engines. One is a 1.5-liter mild-hybrid unit that is capable of producing a maximum power output of 101 bhp with 137 Nm of peak torque, while the other happens to be the 1.5-liter strong-hybrid that delivers a combined power output of 114 bhp. The former uses a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission option (with front-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive), while the latter is available with an e-CVT gearbox only in the front-wheel drive version. The CNG variants of the Hyryder use the mild-hybrid engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
Furthermore, passenger safety is also ensured by Toyota. A few of the safety features here include ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and 6 airbags. As far as the price is concerned, the Hyryder costs between the range of Rs 10.48 lakh to Rs 19.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
Kia Seltos
Rival to the Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos also competes in the compact SUV segment. Kia Motors offers multiple trim options with this SUV, including HTE, HTK, HTK Plus, HTX, HTX Plus, GTX (O), GTX Plus, and X Line.
As your next purchase, its performance is definitely something to go by. The SUV comes equipped with a 1.5-liter petrol engine that churns out 113 bhp and 144 Nm of peak torque. There is also a 1.5-liter oil burner that delivers 113 bhp alongside 250 Nm torque. Transmission choices include a manual & a CVT gearbox for the petrol model, while the diesel offers a
6-speed iMT and 6-speed automatic stick.
In terms of safety, it provides 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control, a tire pressure monitoring system, ABS with EBD, and more. Price of the Seltos hovers in the range of Rs 10.89 lakh to Rs 19.65 lakh (ex-showroom).
Mahindra Scorpio N
Mahindra and Mahindra launched their Scorpio N SUV (a successor to the highly popular nameplate, the Scorpio) on the 27th of June, 2022. Currently the SUV is available in 5 trims, namely Z2, Z4, Z6, Z8, and Z8L.
The off-roader comes fitted with a 2-liter turbo-petrol engine capable of producing 200 bhp with up to 380 Nm of peak torque. There is also a 2.2-liter diesel power plant as part of the package that delivers two different states of tune. One provides 130 bhp and 300 Nm torque, while the other is good for 172 bhp and up to 400 Nm torque. These powertrain options are mated to 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Besides, the SUV features a 4×4 system called 4Xplor, which is available exclusively with selected diesel variants.
Apart from this, the owner stands to benefit from safety equipment like 6 airbags, Hill-Assist Control, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and tyre pressure monitoring system.
Customers can buy this new SUV in the price range of Rs 13.05 lakh to Rs 25.52 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant selected.
Final Verdict
With a wide variety in the Indian car market, it is not easy to decide on the best SUV. Here, we have talked about the ‘Top 5 SUV models’ in the range of Rs 7.80 lakh to Rs 25.52 lakh (ex-showroom). These SUVs are the best in looks, comfort, on and off-road performance and offer some of the most top-rated safety features. Depending on your budget and requirements, you can choose your next favorite SUV to buy.
