Over the past few years, Sports Utility Vehicles or SUVs have gained immense popularity in India. The reasons behind such popularity can be attributed to the increased seating capacity, spacious interior, and many others.

Additionally, features like high ground clearance help cars absorb road shocks and save them from scraping underside.

When buying a car in India, securing car insurance is also crucial as it is mandatory by the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. It provides financial protection against accidents, theft, and damage, safeguarding your investment.

Having car insurance saves you from hefty traffic fines, license suspension, and even legal trouble. 

If the thought of buying an SUV has crossed your mind recently and you are in search of the best SUVs in India, this piece will be of great help. The list presented below is curated by considering the best-selling cars SUVs in India.

Following is the list of the top SUV cars in India:

1. Tata Punch | Starting ₹5.50 Lakh

Source: cars.tatamotors.com

One of the best compact SUVs in India is Tata Punch, which offers 33 variants. It is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, which puts out a maximum power of 86.63 BHP at 6000 RPM and a maximum torque of 115 Nm at 32500 RPM.

The SUV has a 7-inch touchscreen display with connected car technology, a 7-inch semi-digital instrument panel, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and front and rear parking sensors as safety features.

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 1199 cc  
• Mileage: 18.8 - 26.99 kmpl 
• Fuel type: Petrol/CNG
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic 
• Boot space: 366 litre 
• Seating capacity: 5 
• Airbags: 2
• Safety Features: ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX anchors, Anti-lock braking system.

2. Kia Sonet | Starting ₹7.30 Lakh

Source: kia.com

The Kia Sonet is a popular and appealing SUV known for its style and modern design. It comes with several features, giving it a strong presence on the road without being too large for everyday driving.

From within, the SUV is comfortable and well-equipped for daily travels. The main features of the car are automatic climate control, a wireless charger, rear AC vents, advanced internet features, a sunroof, a 360-degree camera, an air purifier, cruise control, drive modes, etc.

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 998 - 1493 cc  
• Mileage: 18.2 kmpl 
• Fuel type: Diesel/Petrol
• Transmission: Automatic
• Boot space: 392 litre 
• Seating capacity: 5 
• Airbags: 6
• Safety Features: ABS with EBD, tyre press monitor, impact-sensing door locking, 360-degree camera.

3. Tata Nexon | Starting ₹7.32 Lakh

Source: cars.tatamotors.com

This SUV from Tata blends practicality with modern looks and safety. It comes with a spacious cabin, ample boot space, and user-friendly features such as a large infotainment screen, a digital driver display, a sunroof, and advanced safety t

You can choose from petrol, diesel, or CNG engines with manual or automatic gearboxes to suit your daily driving needs. It is packed with features such as front-seat ventilation, a 360-degree camera, ADAS, a sunroof, a blind-spot camera, and drive modes.

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 1199 - 1497 cc  
• Mileage: 17.01 - 24.08 kmpl 
• Fuel type: Diesel/Petrol
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic 
• Boot space: 382 litre  
• Seating capacity: 5 
• Airbags: 6
• Safety Features: Tyre pressure monitor, blind-view mirror, ABS with EBD, anti-theft device.

4. Skoda Kylaq | Starting ₹7.55 Lakh

Source: skoda.auto.co.in

Czech automaker Skoda has entered the competitive subcompact SUV market in India with the Kylaq. Even though it's the shortest Skoda available in India and across the world, this car is jam-packed with safety, comfort, and feel-good features.

LED headlamps, LED DRLs, and power ORVMs are installed on the outside of the new Skoda Kylaq. Dual 8.0-inch digital displays are included in the top-tier model. Two USB-C ports are located on the front and two on the back of the vehicle, and the sunroof is powered by electricity.

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 999 cc  
• Mileage: 17.83kmpl 
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic 
• Boot space: 446 litre  
• Seating capacity: 5
• Airbags: 6
• Safety Features: ABS with EBD, ESC, Traction Control, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, Hill Assist, Impact Sensing Auto Door Unlock, Pretensioners & Force Limiter Seatbelts, Anti-Pinch Power Windows(Driver’s window) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

5. Hyundai Venue | Starting ₹7.90 Lakh

Source: hyundai.com

With advanced technologies and unique features, Hyundai Venue has acquired the 5th position in the best SUV cars in India. The powerful engine of Hyundai Venue generates a maximum power of 118.41 BHP at 6000 RPM and a maximum torque of 172 Nm at 4500 RPM. This model has a ground clearance of 190 mm. 

This 5-seater model of Hyundai has an advanced control system that enables car owners to choose between three drive modes and three 2WD traction modes through a single jog dial.

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 998 - 1493 cc  
• Mileage: 24 kmpl 
• Fuel type: Petrol/Diesel
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic 
• Boot space: 350 litre  
• Seating capacity: 5 
• Airbags: 6
• Safety Features: Parking assist rear camera, ESC, brake assist system, ABS with EBD.

6. Citroen Basalt | Starting ₹7.95 Lakh

Source: Citroen.in

The Citroen Basalt combines a roomy cabin with supportive seats, a useful trunk, and a damp ride to provide a sophisticated and powerful driving experience. Its commanding presence on the road and smooth engine performance make driving a breeze.

Electric headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights are just a few of the high-end amenities available on the Citroen Basalt. It has air conditioning that runs on its own, a 10.2-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital dashboard, and wireless charging for your phone.

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 1199 cc  
• Mileage: 18.7 kmpl 
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic 
• Boot space: 470 litre  
• Seating capacity: 5 
• Airbags: 6
• Safety Features: ABS with EBD, anti-theft device, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Assist, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts and rear camera.

7. Maruti Suzuki Brezza | Starting ₹8.26 Lakh

Source: marutisuzuki.com

First on the list of best-selling SUV cars in India comes the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. This attractive and bold SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre K-Series petrol engine that generates 101.65 BHP of power and 136.8 Nm of torque.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza offers a five-speed manual transmission and an automatic transmission with the help of Smart Hybrid Technology.

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 1462 cc  
• Mileage: 17.38 to 25.51 kmpl 
• Fuel type: Petrol & CNG 
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic 
• Boot space: 328 litre
• Seating capacity: 5 
• Airbags: 6
• Safety Features: Central locking, ABS, day & night IRVM, hill hold assist, ISOFIX anchors, pedestrian safety.

8. Hyundai Creta | Starting ₹10.73 Lak h

Source: hyundai.com

Next on the list of SUV cars in India comes Hyundai Creta. The car manufacturer has introduced this range in 7 variants. Here, the base model is the Hyundai Creta E. On the other hand, the top model is the Hyundai Creta SX Opt Turbo.

SUVs available under Creta feature both manual and automatic transmission and offer a maximum power of 138.08 BHP at 6000 RPM and a maximum torque of 242 Nm at 1500-3200 RPM.

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 1493 -1497 cc  
• Mileage: 16.8 - 23 kmpl 
• Fuel type: Diesel/Petrol
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic 
• Boot space: 433 litre  
• Seating capacity: 5 
• Airbags: 6
• Safety Features: Tyre pressure monitoring system, electronic parking brake with auto hold, hill start assist control, rearview camera.

9. Maruti Grand Vitara | Starting ₹10.77 Lakh

Source: nexaexperience.com

The Maruti Grand Vitara is a well-rounded mid-size SUV suited for long daily drives. It offers valuable features such as a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and a 360-degree camera. You can choose from petrol, CNG, and hybrid variants with both manual and automatic gearboxes, so it’s flexible for different needs.

It comes with two petrol engine options – a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine and a 1.5-litre strong-hybrid petrol engine, which produce a maximum power of 103PS and 116PS, respectively. Overall, the Grand Vitara feels refined, balanced, and ready for both city traffic and highway cruising

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 1462 - 1490 cc  
• Mileage: 19.38 - 27.97 kmpl 
• Fuel type: Petrol/CNG
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic 
• Boot space: 373 litre  
• Seating capacity: 5 
• Airbags: 6
• Safety Features: ABS, central locking, hill hold assist, ISOFIX anchors, tyre pressure monitor, reverse camera.

10. Kia Seltos | Starting ₹10.79 Lakh

Source: kia.com

Another compact SUV on the list of top SUV cars in India is the Kia Seltos. Kia has introduced its compact SUVs in three trims - Tech (HT) Line, GT Line and X-Line with 5 seating configurations.

Tech (HT) Line is further available in five variants, namely HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, and HTX+, whereas the latter is available in two variants, GTX(O) and GTX+.

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 1482 - 1497 cc  
• Mileage: 17.0 - 20.7 kmpl 
• Fuel type: Diesel/Petrol
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic
• Boot space: 433 litre 
• Seating capacity: 7 
• Airbags: 6
• Safety Features: ABS, brake force assist system, ISOFIX child anchor, front parking sensors.

11. Mahindra Thar Roxx | Starting ₹12.25 Lakh

Source: auto.mahindra.com

The 5-door Mahindra Thar Roxx differs from the original in several ways, including the number of doors it has, the variety of premium equipment it offers, the way it looks, and the strength of its turbo-petrol and diesel engines.

Two 10.25-inch screens, a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and a 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system are standard features of the Mahindra Thar Roxx. Amenities such as cruise control, automated headlights, a wireless phone charger, etc., are also standard on the larger Thar Roxx.

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 1997-2184 cc
• Mileage: 15.2 kmpl
• Fuel type: Petrol/Diesel
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic
• Boot space: 447 litre
• Seating capacity: 5
• Airbags: 6
• Safety Features: ABS with EBD, Traction Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Pinch Power Windows(Driver’s window), 360-degree camera, Speed Sensing Auto Door Lock, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, Hill Descent Control, ADAS, Hill Assist, and Impact Sensing Auto Door Unlock.

12. Mahindra XUV700 | Starting ₹13.66 Lakh

Source: auto.mahindra.com

The Mahindra XUV700 is another extraordinary SUV model known for its futuristic design and leading-edge technology. It has been designed to offer superior performance and safety, making journeys quite comfortable. This car is an ideal choice for daily commutes or long road trips.

The Mahindra XUV700 has dual screens, advanced driver assistance systems, and a powerful engine that can generate a torque of 360 Nm and 450 Nm. This car is available in different colours - Midnight Black, Napoli Black, Red Rage, Everest White, Dazzling Silver, Electric Blue, etc.

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 2198 cc
• Mileage: 13 kmpl
• Fuel type: Petrol/Diesel
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic
• Boot space: 240 litre
• Seating capacity: 5/7
• Airbags: 7
• Safety Features: 360-degree camera, auto-dimming rearview mirror, ISOFIX anchors, ADAS.

13. Tata Harrier | Starting ₹14.00 Lakh

Source: cars.tatamotors.com

Powered by a robust engine and a smooth automatic gearbox, the Tata Harrier is another exceptional SUV model that provides impressive performance and efficiency on the road. The car also offers a spacious cabin with advanced features like a panoramic sunroof, touchscreen infotainment, and a powerful sound system.

This car has the potential to generate torque up to 350 Nm and is available in different colour choices - Sunlit Yellow, Pebble Grey, Coral Red, Oberon Black, Lunar White, Ash Grey, Seaweed Green, etc.

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 1956 cc
• Mileage: 15 kmpl to 17 kmpl
• Fuel type: Diesel
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic
• Boot space: 425 to 445 litre
• Seating capacity: 5
• Airbags: 7
• Safety Features: Seatbelt reminder, rear parking sensor, advanced ESP, ADAS, overspeeding warning.

14. Toyota Fortuner | Starting ₹33.65 Lakh

Source: toyotabharat.com

The Toyota Fortuner provides a wide range of powerful engine options coupled with many cutting-edge features like a terrain management system, hill descent control, cruise control, wireless charging, etc. It takes pride in its spacious cabin, premium materials, and advanced technology.

Whether travelling in city streets or navigating through rugged terrain, it provides immense comfort. Fortuner can generate a torque of 245 Nm at 4000 RPM with a powerful engine.

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 2694 cc
• Mileage: 10 kmpl to 14.4 kmpl
• Fuel type: Petrol/Diesel
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic
• Boot space: 296 litre
• Seating capacity: 7
• Airbags: 7
• Safety Features: Traction control system, anti-lock braking system, child locks, ESC, hill assist control.

15. Land Rover Defender | Starting ₹98 Lakh

Source: landrover.in

The New Defender comes in 90 (3-door) and 110 (5-door) trim levels. This makes it more inexpensive than expected and suitable for a variety of budgets. Land Rover also provides many personalisation packages to sweeten sales.

The Defender's cabin has a heads-up display and an 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The BS6 2-updated Land Rover Defender has three petrol and one diesel engine. The 3.0-litre oil burner produces 296bhp and 650Nm-peak torque.

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 4367 cc
• Mileage: 9.24 kmpl to 40 kmpl
• Fuel type: Petrol/Diesel & Hybrid
• Transmission: Automatic
• Boot space: 397 litre
• Seating capacity: 5
• Airbags: 6
• Safety Features: Stability control, ABS, emergency braking, blind spot monitor, lane keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, 5-star safety EURO NCAP, and a SOS button.

So, these are the top SUV car models in India. Also, it is advisable to protect your car with a third-party car insurance policy, as it is mandated by law. It will cover any damage or losses your vehicle could cause to a third-party person or property in any unforeseen mishap.