SUVs are trending and carmakers are cashing in on them with products. Companies such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Kia offer multiple SUVs that fall under the sub-4m segment and mid-size categories. However, when looking to buy one, the choices can be overwhelming, as each car manufacturer offers something unique while pricing is extremely competitive. To make your choice easier, here are the 8 best midsize SUVs under Rs 15 lakh in India along with their compelling features and reasons for choosing them over their competitors.
Mahindra Thar
We start with the Mahindra Thar, an SUV that popular fan-following for its simple design and go-anywhere capabilities. In its second generation, the Thar has undergone a comprehensive facelift and has become more civilized compared to the previous generation vehicle. With prices starting at Rs 9.99 lakh onwards, the Thar is an affordable SUV.
However, if you're looking for a truly capable version of the Thar, you should opt for the AX (O) convertible variant with 4X4 system, priced at Rs 13.59 ex-showroom. The advantage the Thar has over any other vehicle on this list is its 4X4 capabilities, which makes it a compelling reason to choose it over any of its competitors.
Hyundai Creta
Hyundai Creta is India's most popular mid-size SUV under 15 lakh and Hyundai’s best-selling vehicle. The Creta offers a great balance between practicality and luxury while offering a host of features that its competitors don’t offer.
With prices ranging from Rs 10.84 lakh and 19.13 lakh, there is a Creta variant for everybody. The Creta can be had with a petrol or diesel engine, while the gearbox options also vary. The most compelling reason to buy a Creta is its practicality, and you can never go wrong with a Hyundai Creta.
Kia Seltos
Although based on the same platform as the Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos features a sportier design, which makes it a huge hit in the Indian market. The Kia Seltos offers the same features and convenience as the Creta, even sharing the same powertrain and gearbox choices.
The Kia Seltos pricing is between Rs 10.69 lakh and 19.15 lakh, similar to the Hyundai Creta. One of the Seltos' main selling points is its futuristic design. If good looks matter, the Seltos is the midsize SUV for you.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is the automaker's flagship offering and is one of two SUVs in the segment with a powerful hybrid powertrain. Moreover, the Grand Vitara is the only vehicle other than the Hyryder to offer all-wheel drive technology. Backed by Maruti's strong service network and Toyota's hybrid technology, the Grand Vitara is a strong competitor in this segment of best SUV under 15 lakh.
Priced from Rs 10.45 lakh onwards, the mild hybrid variants fall well below the Rs 15 lakh price bracket, while the AWD variant is just above the bracket.
Toyota Hyryder
Based on the same platform and powered by the same engine options, the Toyota Hyryder is a direct alternative to the Grand Vitara. At a similar price, the Hyryder also features all-wheel drive and a powerful hybrid engine.
Volkswagen Tiguan
Priced at Rs 11.55 lakh onwards, the Volkswagen Tiguan is offered with either a 1.0-litre petrol engine or a 1.5-litre turbo-charged petrol engine, making it a mid-size SUV with excellent value for money. Although most of the variants fall over the Rs 15 lakh price bracket, the Comfortline, Highline and Highline AT variants are priced below the Rs 15 lakh ex-showroom.
Although not elaborate on features like its competitors for the price (under Rs 15 lakh), the Volkswagen Tiguan features good build quality and German technology, two compelling enough reasons to buy the Tiguan.
Skoda Kushaq
If the VW badge isn't your cup of tea, but still want a well-designed mid-size SUV, the Skoda Kushaq is the answer. The Kushaq and the Taigun are the same vehicles in essence: the same engine, platform, gearbox and much more.
Skoda Kushaq is priced marginally less than the Taigun and under the budget of Rs 15 lakh, customers get four variants to choose from including the automatic variant. The Skoda Kushaq also has good build quality and that is a good reason to choose the Kushaq over any of its competitors.
MG Astor
If your choice is not design, not South Korean, Indian, hybrid tech, or even German engineering, then MG Astor is the perfect solution. Priced at Rs 10.51 lakh onwards ex-showroom, the Astor has a personal assistant to keep the driver engaged.
The MG Astor is powered by either a 1.5-litre petrol engine or a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine. A compelling reason to choose the MG Astor over other midsize SUVs is the technology on offer (ADAS included) and its clean styling.
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