Best Compact SUVs in India

Compact SUVs are all the rage in India presently. Most major manufacturers have either already launched one, or have one in the works. The sad conditions of Indian roads is one of the chief reasons why the customers prefer compact SUVs over mid-size sedans, as the former come with the advantage of high ground clearance.

If you are in the market for a compact SUV, consider going through our top five picks from the segment.

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

The Vitara Brezza is Maruti’s first completely in-house developed car and is specifically made for India. The best thing about this compact SUV is that despite its sub 4-metre length, it looks very proportionate and doesn’t give that ‘raised hatchback’ vibe. Driving dynamics of the Vitara Brezza are mature and there is decent space inside the cabin. However, there is no option of a petrol engine or an automatic gearbox.

Engine: 1248cc, in-line 4-cylinder diesel

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Price Range: Rs. 7.26 lakh – Rs. 9.70 lakh

Ford EcoSport

The Ford EcoSport is the sportiest compact SUV one can buy. It also has an extensive range of engine options – 1.0-litre turbo petrol, 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre turbo diesel. A six sped dual clutch automatic transmission is also on offer to make your city commutes easier. However, cabin of the Ford EcoSport is not very spacious and boot space is at premium too.

Engine: 1499cc, in-line 4-cylinder petrol; 999cc, in-line 3-cylinder turbo petrol; 1498cc, inline 4-cylinder turbo diesel

Transmission: 5-speed manual; 6-speed dual clutch automatic (1.5 petrol only)

Price Range: 7.11 lakh – 10.69 lakh

Mahindra TUV300

The Mahindra TUV300 uses a ladder frame construction with gives it a tall, imposing stance. It also comes with an AMT option and Mahindra’s signature Micro-Hybrid engine start-stop technology. However, the design is awkward, the acceleration is slow and there is no petrol option on the TUV300 either.

Engine: 1493cc, in-line 3-cylinder turbo diesel

Transmission: 5-speed Manual

Price Range: 7.45 lakh – 9.80 lakh

Renault Duster

Renault Duster is the car that triggered the compact SUV trend in India. It is quite spacious on the inside and has a punchy diesel engine. The Renault duster can also be had with a four wheel drive (4WD) option and Renault has recently equipped the car with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Automatic, along with a new 1.5-litre petrol engine. The diesel can also be paired with AMT. The SUV is built tough but the interior plastics are not great.

Engine: 1498cc, in-line 4-cylinder petrol; 1461cc, in-line 4-cylinder turbo diesel

Transmission: 5-speed manual (petrol & 85PS diesel); 6-speed manual (110PS diesel); CVT (petrol only); AMT (110PS diesel only)

Price Range: Rs. 9.35 lakh – Rs. 14.80 lakh

Nissan Terrano

Mechanically, there is nothing much to separate the Nissan Terrano from the Renault Duster. Even visually, the changes car minimal and the overall profile of both the SUVs remain nearly identical. However, Nissan Terrano is a bit more expensive than its Renault counterpart. There is also no 4WD or Petrol CVT on offer on Nissan, and the Terrano continues to be powered by the older 1.6-litre petrol engine which is now discontinued on the Duster.

Engine: 1598cc, in-line 4-cylinder petrol; 1461cc, in-line 4-cylinder turbo diesel

Transmission: 5-speed manual (petrol & 85PS diesel); 6-speed manual (110PS diesel); AMT (110PS diesel only)

Price Range: Rs. 9.99 lakh – Rs. 14.20 lakh