10 Best Used SUVs Under 20 Lakh You Can Buy Today

The Indian car market has seen a huge surge in the popularity of Sports Utility Vehicles or SUVs in the last decade. This trend has seen an uptick largely due to the introduction of pseudo SUVs or rather cars which mimic the body language of SUVs, but are smaller. Car makers are now advertising brand new cars under Rs. 10 lakh as SUVs and the price of compact SUVs has breached the Rs. 20 lakh mark.

However, should you really be spending Rs. 20 lakh on a compact SUV, which let’s be real, is not even a real SUV. Instead, you look at the used car market and you will find that in that same price bracket, you can buy many ‘real’ SUVs with serious road presence. To make things easier for you, here is a list of 10 best used SUVs under 20 lakh that you can buy.

List of 10 Best SUV below 20 Lakhs

The table below features the ten best used SUVs. It also tells you if the particular SUV can be had in with a petrol or diesel engine, or both and their seating capacity. Lastly, the price mentioned is for a new car rolling off the showrooms floors. One look at the table and you will realise that buying them used is the real bargain.

Mahindra Scorpio N

The Mahindra Scorpio N is a highly desirable SUV and its on road price can go beyond Rs. 30 lakh in certain states. Launched in 2022, it was positioned as a step up from the original Scorpio which was known for its commanding road presence, rugged appeal and robust build. The Scorpio N built on those principles and featured a more refined design, better features, and most importantly, powerful engine options. A new Scorpio N, due to its popularity, also commands a waiting period that can currently stretch up to 3 months.

Since the Scorpio N is now three years old, units of the SUV have started making their way into the used car market. In fact, prices for a used Scorpio N start around Rs. 15 lakh and can stretch up to Rs. 24 lakh for a relatively newer model. Looking at online markets, most of the units available are either Z6 or Z8 variants, which are the top two variants of the Scorpio N. Looking at the prices, these units of the Scorpio N are available at a bargain, as they have already undergone most of the depreciation that cars go through in their initial years.

Mahindra Scorpio N Specifications

• Engine: 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine, 2.2 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 6 speed MT, 6 speed AT
• Mileage: 12.12 km/l to 15.49 km/l
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 6 seater / 7 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Mahindra XUV700

The Mahindra XUV700 is the halo ICE (internal combustion engine) offering from the Indian carmaker and it was initially launched in 2021. A few years later and the SUV still remains a highly desirable model in the car market. Some of the reasons behind its popularity are its design, which is bullish but hints of refinement at the same time, its comfortable ride quality and most importantly, its highly evocative features that became really set the benchmark for other SUVs in the segment. However, going for a new XUV700 isn’t the best idea as not only does its on road price cross into the Rs 30 lakh category, but, the model is due an update as well. Once that happens, a recently bought XUV700 won’t have the same appeal.

Instead, if you are looking for a big SUV for the family, you should look at the used car market. Prices for a used XUV700 start as low as low as Rs. 12 to 13 lakh. If you are looking for a fully loaded variant, the price for the AX7 L variant of the SUV start at Rs. 17 lakh, which is a steal considering that the original price of this variant would have commanded more than Rs. 10 lakh over the current price. Furthermore, most of the models in the market are a couple of years old, meaning that the worst period of depreciation is behind them. This means, that you won’t lose as much money when you sell it in the future.

Mahindra XUV700 Specifications

• Engine: 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine, 2.2 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 6 speed MT, 6 speed AT
• Mileage: 10 km/l to 15 km/l
• Airbags: 7
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater / 6 seater / 7 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Tata Harrier

The Tata Harrier was first launched in India in 2018 and it has since then only been offered with a diesel engine. The Harrier was one of the first mid size SUVs launched by an Indian car maker to take on the rising dominance of compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta. In 2020, the Harrier received a comprehensive update which saw an increase in the output of the diesel engine, and the addition of many desirable features including a panoramic sunroof. The Harrier underwent a facelift in 2023 which saw a wholesale update to its interior and exterior, along with feature updates such as ADAS, making the SUV feel more premium. While the Harrier was priced much lower when it was initially launched, subsequent price updates have seen its on road price balloon in excess of Rs. 30 lakh.

In such scenarios, buying a second hand Tata Harrier can be a wise decision. You can enjoy the owning the mid size SUV while paying almost half or one-third the money. That’s because the price of the Tata Harrier in the used car market starts under Rs. 10 lakh, however, this is for models that were sold before 2020. If you want a more feature loaded experience along with a more powerful engine, 2022 models of the Tata Harrier can be found priced under Rs. 15 lakh.

Tata Harrier Specifications

• Engine: 2.0 litre diesel
• Transmission: 6 speed MT, 6 speed AT
• Mileage: 14.5 km/l to 16.8 km/l
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Tata Safari

The current generation Safari was launched by Tata in 2021 and it is built on a modified version of the Harrier’s platform. The Safari is positioned as a three row SUV and just like the Harrier, it is offered with a diesel engine only. The Safari underwent a facelift in 2023 which saw premium features like ADAS make it onto the SUV, along with a new exterior and interior design. In today’s time, the on road price of a new Tata Safari can is close to Rs. 35 lakh in certain states in India, making it a highly pricey proposition.

If you turn towards the used car market, you can bring home a Safari at a much lower price. In fact, prices for a used Safari from 2021 start under Rs. 13 lakh, and this is for the top spec XZ Plus variant. However, if you prefer an automatic, a 2021 model of the Safari can be had for under Rs. 15 lakh. If you are interested in the special colour editions such as the Kaziranga edition or the Dark edition, you can look at the 2022 model year Safari, prices for which begin just under Rs. 16 lakh. Lastly, more recent models such as 2023 are priced under Rs. 19 lakh.

Tata Safari Specifications

• Engine: 2.0 litre diesel
• Transmission: 6 speed MT, 6 speed AT
• Mileage: 14.1 km/l to 16.3 km/l
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 6 seater / 7 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass was first launched in India in 2017, before it received a facelift in 2021. The Compass has always been positioned as a premium SUV, which was for many years offered with both a petrol and a diesel engine. In recent years however, Jeep has discontinued the petrol version, although the diesel version of the Compass remains on sale. It is a well rounded SUV with a premium exterior and interior design, latest features and great ride quality. Furthermore, it is also available with a 4×4 drivetrain. However, a new Compass can turn out to be a highly expensive proposition, with prices for the top variant stretching north of Rs. 40 lakh in certain states.

In contrast, a used Jeep Compass can be had for almost one-fourth the price. Prices for the Longitude (O) variant of the SUV start under Rs 10 lakh, however, it is for a 2019 model with a diesel engine. A 2017 model with a petrol engine can be had for a similar price. If you are looking for more recent units, a model year 2021 Limited (O) variant can be found under Rs. 17 lakh whereas a top of the line Model S variant can be had for under Rs. 18 lakh. If you are serius about off roading, the 2021 Trailhawk (O) variant of the Compass is priced just under Rs. 19 lakh. More recent model year units are also available but they are priced around Rs 22 lakh, just above our Rs. 20 lakh price cap.

Jeep Compass Specifications

• Engine: 2.0 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 6 speed MT, 9 speed AT
• Mileage: 14.9 km/l to 17.1 km/l
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Ford Endeavour

The Ford Endeavour is a special car on this list, as it is no longer on sale in India. It was discontinued when Ford India packed up operations and exited the new car market. However, the Endeavour is highly capable and sought after SUV, despite Ford no longer present in the country and it being a diesel only offering. The second generation Endeavour was launched in India, and it looks handsome even by today’s standards. The SUV featured a 3.2 litre diesel engine, however, a smaller 2.2 litre engine was also available. In 2019, the Endeavour received a facelift, and the only engine offered was a 2.0 litre diesel.

Scouting the used car market for an Endeavour is no easy job, as loads of previous generation models are also available, which we recommend that you should skip. Furthermore, if you live around the Delhi/NCR region, you should also look at avoiding the 2015 to 2018 models of the Endeavour, as they will be too close to their 10 year deadline. However, if you live in other parts of the country, you can pick up a used Endeavour from Delhi/NCR at a bargain. Units from 2016 are available around Rs 15 lakh in Delhi and surrounding areas, and with owners looking to offload them before their expiry date, it can turn out to be a great bargain.

Ford Endeavour Specifications

• Engine: 2.0 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 10 speed AT
• Mileage: 12.4 km/l to 13.9 km/l
• Airbags: 7
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 7 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Toyota Fortuner

The Toyota Fortuner is one SUV on this list that needs no introduction. The SUV was first launched in India 2009, and as they say, the rest is history. It underwent a generation update in 2016 and a further facelift in 2021. Recently, Toyota also updated the Fortuner with a mild hybrid system for 2025. The SUV is available with both petrol and diesel engines, although it is only the diesel that is popular among buyers. The petrol engine doesn’t offer the same punchy performance and is also a fuel guzzler. Furthermore, the 4×4 drivetrain is only available with the diesel engine, and the Fortuner is known to be highly capable off road. The on road price for a new Fortuner can go well beyond Rs 60 lakh in certain states.

Instead of paying such an astronomical sum for a new Fortuner, you can look at a used model from around 2019 to 2020. Models from these years are available around Rs. 20 lakh, although certain well maintained units could command a higher price. You can also look at sourcing older Fortuner units from around the Delhi/NCR area, where owners are trying to get rid of them due to the 10 year diesel rule in the region. However, while a Fortuner can be had for around Rs. 20 lakh, you will definitely have to do some hunting in the used car market to find a good unit due to the high popularity of the SUV.

Toyota Fortuner Specifications

• Engine: 2.7 litre petrol engine, 2.8 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 5 speed MT (petrol), 6 speed MT (diesel), 6 speed AT
• Mileage: 10.3 km/l – 14.6 km/l
• Airbags: 7
• Fuel Type: Petrol / Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 7 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Audi Q3

While the Audi Q3 was first launched in India back in 2012, its second generation model came to our shores much later in 2022. The Q3 Sportback was also launched in 2023. The first generation Audi Q3 sold in India was available with both petrol and diesel engine options. However, the second generation model was only sold with a petrol engine in the Indian market, including the Sportback model. Buying a new Audi Q 3 today could mean paying as high Rs 70 lakh on road in certain stated to bring home the top variant of the Q3.

Instead, one look at the used car market and used models of the German SUV can be had for under Rs 20 lakh. These are models primarily from 2019, and feature a diesel engine. One of the biggest reasons for such a low price of a used Audi Q3 is the launch of a new generation model in 2022. Along with that, previously, most luxury cars featured a diesel engine for the Indian market, but the recent stringent policies around diesel has led luxury car makers to switch to using petrol engines. Prices for an Audi Q3 from 2019 start around Rs. 19 lakh whereas as earlier models from around 2017 can be had for as low as Rs. 14 lakh.

Audi Q3 Specifications

• Engine: 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine
• Transmission: 7 speed DCT
• Mileage: 11.91 km/l
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: SUV

BMW X1

The BMW X1 has been one of the most desirable entry level luxury SUVs in India since it was first launched in 2011. The second generation X1 was launched in India in 2016, and the most recent generational update happened in 2023. All through out, the X1 has been a highly sought after model, although with on road prices of the latest generation model crossing Rs. 70 lakh in certain regions, a new BMW X1 can be quite bad for the health of your bank account.

However, one look at the used car market and you will find a lot of BMW X1’s on sale. In fact, the X1 is more widely available in the used car market compared to its rivals like the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes Benz GLA. To find units under Rs. 20 lakh, you will have to look at second generation models of the BmW X1 from between 2016 to 2018. These units are priced anywhere between Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh. As far as buying a luxury used SUV goes, the BMW X1 offers the greatest amount of choice.

BMW X1 Specifications

• Engine: 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine, 2.0 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 7 speed DCT (petrol), 7 speed AT (diesel)
• Mileage: 16.35 km/l (petrol), 20.37 km/l (diesel)
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Mercedes Benz GLA

The Mercedes Benz GLA was first launched in India back in 2014. The model received a facelift in 2017 before a whole new generation model was launched in 2021. The second generation model of the GLA received a facelift in 2024. Currently, the on road price of the GLA in India can go beyond Rs 70 lakh in certain regions.

However, in the used car market, the GLA can be had for a lot less. The first generation facelift models from post 2017 can be had for as low as Rs. 17.50 lakh whereas priced for 2018 and 2019 models can stretch up to Rs. 20 lakh. The GLA has always beeb, and remains one of the most luxurious SUVs in its class.

Mercedes Benz GLA Specifications

• Engine: 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine, 2.0 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 7 speed DCT (petrol), 8 speed DCT (diesel)
• Mileage: 17.4 km/l (petrol), 18.9 km/l (diesel)
• Airbags: 7
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Summary of Best SUVs under 20 Lakh

Since 2020, the Indian car market has seen an uptick in the new car market, largely due to new car models being launched regularly, most of which are SUVs. However, as more and more cars are sold, these often become available in the used car market at bargain prices. Therefore, if you are ready to spend Rs. 20 lakh on a new SUV, we recommend you take a look at the above SUVs in the used car market before making your final decision.

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