Best Cars Under Rs. 10 Lakh in India

If you’re looking for the best cars under 10 lakh in India, then you’d probably think that you’ll have to compromise a lot. However, that’s not true; all you need to do is choose smartly. Indian buyers these days expect style, safety, technology, and fuel efficiency all in one, and the market has a wide range of affordable yet feature-packed options. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer, a city commuter, or a family man, there’s something for everyone below the sub-10 lakh range.

We have prepared a list of the 10 best cars under 10 lakh in India. From small, funky micro SUVs to MPVs with plenty of room, this list has it all. We’ll go over how each of these cars compares in terms of comfort, usability, performance, value for money, and a lot more. So keep reading! 

List of Best Cars Under 10 Lakh

Here is a detailed list of the best cars under 10 lakh in India: 

Car	Engine	Mileage	Ex-Showroom Price
Mahindra XUV 3XO	1.2L Turbo Petrol	18-21 kmpl	Rs. 7.99 – 15.57 Lakh
Hyundai Exter	1.2L Petrol/CNG	19-27 kmpl	Rs. 6.21 – 10.51 Lakh
Tata Punch	1.2L Petrol	18-20 kmpl	Rs. 6.20 – 10.32 Lakh
Citroen C3	1.2L Petrol/Turbo	19-20 kmpl	Rs. 6.23 – 10.27 Lakh
Maruti Suzuki Fronx	1.2L/1.0L Turbo Petrol	20-22 kmpl	Rs. 7.55 – 13.07 Lakh
Skoda Kylaq	1.0L Turbo Petrol	19-20 kmpl	Rs. 8.25 – 13.99 Lakh
Tata Nexon	1.2L Turbo Petrol	17-19 kmpl	Rs. 8.00 – 15.60 Lakh
Kia Sonet	1.2L Petrol	18-20 kmpl	Rs. 8.00 – 15.74 Lakh
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga	1.5L Petrol/CNG	20-26 kmpl	Rs. 8.97 – 13.26 Lakh
Honda Amaze	1.2L Petrol	18-19 kmpl	Rs. 8.19 – 11.29 Lakh

1. Mahindra XUV 3XO

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a successor to the XUV300 and packs features found rarely at this price point. For example, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and even a 10.25-inch touchscreen on top variants. But what sets it apart, even in the base and mid variants under 10 lakh, is the 1.2L medallion turbo petrol engine producing 200 Nm torque, which gives it a sharp performance in city and highway drives. Moreover, this beast has also garnered the Subcompact SUV of the year 2025 award under its name. 

The cabin is roomy for a sub-4m SUV, with its reclining rear seats having more under-thigh support than the majority of its class. The boot space, which was previously a major flaw, is now increased to 295 litres. Even the entry MX1 variant under Rs. 8 lakh features LED DRLs, four disc brakes, and ESC features that most competitors do not even provide in this segment. It is also one of the very few cars under this price range to have received a perfect 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP. It’s a perfect choice for customers looking for good performance and safety without exceeding the Rs. 10 lakh price point.

Mahindra XUV 3XO Specifications:

• Engine: 1.2L Turbo Petrol
• Transmission: 6-speed MT / AMT
• Mileage: 18-21 kmpl
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Sub-Compact SUV

Mahindra XUV 3XO Key Features:

• First-in-segment Level 2 ADAS in top trims under Rs. 10 lakh.
• The largest sunroof in the subcompact SUV segment (panoramic-style).
• Best-in-class 20.1-inch touchscreen and Harman Kardon audio in higher trims.
• The turbo-petrol engine delivers 200Nm of torque even in the base MX1 trim.

2. Hyundai Exter

The Exter is positioned as a micro SUV, but doesn’t feel like one when you’re inside it. Hyundai cleverly uses space, making the rear seats usable even for taller adults, and the 391-litre boot is class-leading. The 1.2L Kappa engine is a tested and proven engine that is linear in power delivery, easy to drive, and petrol-fitted, as well as factory-fitted CNG. With the Micro SUV of the Year 2024 award under its name, the Exter is hard to beat. 

The AMT variant under 10 lakh is ideal for city drivers who face peak-hour traffic problems. Even the second-lowest-specification variants (S) get a reverse parking camera, 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. However, what’s most impressive is that Hyundai provides six airbags as a standard feature in all variants, including the base EX. The Exter is one of the best cars under 10 lakh in India, which is perfect for city families who desire a safe, stylish, and fuel-efficient car that does not feel cheap from the inside out.

Hyundai Exter Specifications:

• Engine: 1.2L Petrol / CNG
• Transmission: 5-speed MT / AMT
• Mileage: 19 kmpl (Petrol), 27 km/kg (CNG)
• Airbags: 6 standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Micro SUV

Hyundai Exter Key Features:

• Dual camera system and pre-installed dashcam camera even in mid-trims.
• You get six airbags and ESC in all trims, which is uncommon at this price point.
• 1.2L petrol + CNG factory-fit offered in all variants.
• Voice-activated electric sunroof and passenger rear AC vents.

3. Tata Punch

Tata Punch is small on the outside, but as the name suggests, it packs a Punch on the inside. With multiple awards under its name, prominently the Entry Car of the Year 2022, this small chariot does pack a punch. The high seating position provides great vision, which is a confidence enhancer for new drivers. With its 366-litre boot space and wide rear door opening, it is equally efficient for small families. The 1.2L Revotron petrol engine may not be quick, but it does deliver the power of 87.. Still, city driving is smooth as butter, particularly paired with the AMT that also boasts ‘Traction Pro Mode’, a segment-first feature that helps in driving on slippery or broken road conditions.

It’s one of the only few vehicles below 10 lakh with a 5-star Global NCAP rating, and even mid variants get rear wash-wipe, LED DRLs, and connected car tech. It’s hard suspension swallows potholes much better than the majority of hatchbacks in the segment, and it’s perfect for Indian road conditions. If you live in a metro city with lousy inner-city roads, the Punch is a practical, long-term choice.

Tata Punch Specifications:

• Engine: 1.2L Petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed MT / AMT
• Mileage: 18-20 kmpl
• Airbags: Dual front
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Micro SUV

Tata Punch Key Features:

• 187mm of high ground clearance to easily handle bad roads.
• iRA-connected car technology and auto headlamps in top trims.
• Dual-tone paint shades with contrasting roofs are available in various variants.

4. Citroen C3

The Citroen C3 is not necessarily loaded with features, but it does have a world-class suspension and an extremely silky-smooth turbo-petrol motor. The 1.2L turbo model churns out 110 PS power and 190 Nm torque figures that dominate all cars in this class and are particularly responsive in lower gears. However, the ride quality is where the C3 truly excels. Even on broken village roads or flyover joints, it moves with a stability that’s very unusual under 10 lakh. Moreover, this car has also received the 2023 World Urban Car award, marking its dominance worldwide. 

Even though it comes without a rear defogger, auto AC, and even a rear wiper in lower variants, the compromise is one of the segment’s better driving dynamics. The cabin is spacious, with a high-rise dashboard and adequate headroom. It’s perfect for enthusiasts or regular highway drivers who value comfort in driving and the fun-to-drive factor over features.

Citroen C3 Specifications:

• Engine: 1.2L Petrol / Turbo
• Transmission: 5-speed MT
• Mileage: 19-20 kmpl
• Airbags: Dual front
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback crossover

Citroen C3 Key Features:

• 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.
• Best-in-segment rear seat under-thigh support and comfort.
• Customisation packs are offered even on base trims.

5. Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Fronx is a Maruti car based on Baleno but with SUV-like features, such as a sloping roofline and increased ground clearance. The 1.2L DualJet is a smooth and frugal motor producing 89.73 PS of power and 113 Nm of peak torque, which gives a real-world fuel efficiency of 17–18 kmpl in urban driving and more than 20 kmpl on highways. It also comes with an AMT and CNG option under 10 lakh, which will be suitable for city buyers. 

It has a well-proportioned cabin with comfortable seats and good plastics, even on the lowest trims. Rear AC vents are also available, along with a generous 308-litre boot. However, the best thing about the Fronx is its ride quality and handling: the Fronx is stable at high speeds but rides over bumps smoothly without disturbing occupants. For those who want a car that blends modern sporty SUV styling with hatchback practicality and Maruti’s peace of mind, the Fronx is one of the best cars under 10 lakh in India. 

Maruti Suzuki Fronx Specifications:

• Engine: 1.2L Petrol and CNG / 1.0L Turbo Petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed MT / AMT / 6-speed AT
• Mileage: 20-22 kmpl
• Airbags: Dual front
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Crossover SUV

Maruti Suzuki Fronx Key Features:

• You get a very powerful turbo-petrol Boosterjet engine under 10 lakhs.
• 6-speed torque converter automatic, which is uncommon in this segment.
• LED DRLs and 16-inch alloy wheels, even in mid-spec versions.
• The premium cabin is taken from the Baleno and has an Arkamys sound system.

6. Skoda Kylaq

The Skoda Kylaq is the latest addition to the subcompact SUV class and introduces a pinch of premium European engineering into a Japanese- and Korean-dominated market. Even the base and mid variants (Active and Ambition) come under 10 lakh, offering solid build quality, six airbags, ESC, and a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. The 1.0L turbo petrol engine delivers 115PS of power, 178Nm of torque, and feels peppy in city driving and shines on the highway with confident cruising ability. Despite being a three-cylinder unit, NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) is well-controlled unless you’re pushing it hard. 

It has a generous 446-litre boot, and rear seat comfort is actually much better than several sub-4m SUVs, particularly with under-thigh support and a well-balanced recline angle. Inside, though short on soft-touch bits in some trims, it is sensibly laid out and ergonomic. If you’re someone who wants great driving feedback, safety, and European looks within the sub-10 lakh budget, the Kylaq is the most value-packed car in India in 2025.

Skoda Kylaq Specifications:

• Engine: 1.0L Turbo Petrol
• Transmission: 6-Speed Manual & 6-Speed Automatic
• Mileage (ARAI): 19 – 20 kmpl
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Subcompact SUV

Skoda Kylaq Key Features:

• 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating with six airbags standard.
• Ventilated front seats, wireless charging, and a sunroof in mid-trims.
• Dual-display cockpit: 10-inch infotainment + 8-inch digital cluster.

7. Tata Nexon

The Nexon is one of the very few subcompact SUVs where even the base variant is a complete package. The 1.2L turbo petrol engine churns out 120 PS of power and terrific 170 Nm torque in the lower half of the rev range, making overtaking and crawling through city traffic a breeze. While the diesel variant has now exceeded the 10 lakh mark, the petrol manual and AMT continue to be within reach. The facelift introduces sharper aesthetics and superior cabin tech, such as an updated touchscreen and all-digital instrument cluster in the top trim. 

However, the best part about the Nexon is its global NCAP 5-star rating, ESP, and even three-point seatbelts for all the occupants. Suspension tuning is very comfortable and handles rough roads without compromising stability. The rear-seat space is decent enough for three medium-sized adults, and the 350-litre boot is big enough for a weekend break. If you want a long-term abuse-friendly car that is priced under 10 lakh and has a good street presence, the Nexon is a great option.

Tata Nexon Specifications:

• Engine: 1.2L Turbo Petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed MT / AMT
• Mileage: 17-19 kmpl
• Airbags: Dual front (base)
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Compact SUV

Tata Nexon Key Features:

• There is a new digital cockpit design and a bigger infotainment screen after the facelift.
• 1.2L turbo-petrol provides firm mid-range and highway stability.
• Even the base version has full LED tail lamps and rear AC vents.

8. Kia Sonet

The Kia Sonet introduces a new combination of style and features in the compact SUV segment. Although the flagship variants go beyond 10 lakh, even the lower versions (HTE and HTK) are reasonably specced. On the base variant, you get rear air conditioning vents, four power windows, and a fairly good infotainment setup. The 1.2L petrol engine is smooth and stingy in urban driving as it offers 81.86 PS of power and 15 Nm of torque at 4200 rpm.

But the most evident part of the Sonet is its attention to detail; even the base trims get body-coloured bumpers, and the plastics inside don’t scream “entry-level.” It also has one of the most refined AMT tuning setups compared to other vehicles in this class, with fewer lags and cleaner shifts. The 392-litre boot space is spacious, and rear seat comfort is adequate for two adults. If you’re a buyer looking for a stylish, feature-loaded SUV under 10 lakh, then the Kia Sonet is a good bargain, especially for urban driving.

Kia Sonet Specifications:

• Engine: 1.2L Petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed MT
• Mileage: 18-20 kmpl
• Airbags: Dual front
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Sub-compact SUV

Kia Sonet Key Features:

• Rear AC vents, dual airbags, and 8-inch infotainment in base HTE trim.
• 392-litre boot space, the most among the sub-4m SUV segment.
• Smart-pure air purifying systems and ambient lighting are available on the top variants.
• Very high NVH levels, considering the 1.2L naturally aspirated engine.

9. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Essentially an MPV, the Ertiga finds a place in the best cars under 10 lakh in India list because it has no match or competitor when it comes to space and practicality under this budget. The LXi and VXi petrol variants are within budget and get dual airbags, rear AC vents, power steering, and a good audio system. Its 1.5L petrol engine delivers 103 PS of power and 139 Nm of torque, it comes mated to a mild hybrid tech and offers a really fuel-efficient, smooth, and convenient ride. The realistic fuel economy for the Ertiga is around 15–17 kmpl under average load conditions.

However, the best part about the Ertiga is that it is a 7-seater and can comfortably seat seven adults. Boot space takes a hit when all seats are in place, but folding the third row unlocks serious luggage room. It’s the go-to choice for large families, fleet purchase customers, and city-to-city drivers for valid reasons. It is a must-buy if you want to purchase a hassle-free, spacious, and practical 7-seater car below 10 lakh in India.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Specifications:

• Engine: 1.5L Petrol / CNG
• Transmission: 5-speed MT
• Mileage: 20 kmpl (Petrol), 26 km/kg (CNG)
• Airbags: Dual front
• Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
• Seating Capacity: 7
• Body Type: MPV

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Key Features:

• You get a 7-seating layout with a reclining third row.
• A mild-hybrid 1.5L petrol engine provides fuel efficiency and smooth torque supply.
• All three rows get rear AC vents, which are ideal for hot climates.
• Touchscreen with SmartPlay Studio and dual-tone interiors in mid variants.

10. Honda Amaze

The Honda Amaze is a car with multiple awards under its name, notably the Sedan of the Year by CNBC18 in 2022.  This pretty sedan is well known for its roomy cabin and exceptionally comfortable ride quality for a compact sedan. Below 10 lakh, you have a petrol manual and CVT variants (S and V trims) that come with six airbags, ABS, level-2 ADAS, and an 8-inch infotainment system. The 1.2L i-VTEC engine that delivers 90 PS of power and 110 Nm of torque is naturally aspirated and, hence, smooth and refined, but not set up for outright performance. 

All things considered, the CVT trim is one of the best urban sedans. It is one of the smoothest gearboxes that you can get in a car below 10 lakh without a doubt, and a light, linear throttle response. The Amaze gets top marks in rear seat comfort; it’s arguably one of the most comfortable in its class, with ample legroom and a generously wide bench. The 416-litre boot is a bonus. For those who want the comfort of a sedan, the reliability of a Honda, and a smooth ride under 10 lakh, the Amaze is an elegant and subtle choice.

Honda Amaze Specifications:

• Engine: 1.2L Petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed MT / CVT
• Mileage: 18-19 kmpl
• Airbags: Six
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Sedan

Honda Amaze Key Features:

• The CVT transmission is one of the most refined in the budget sedan segment.
• Class-leading 416-litre boot space for long weekend getaways.
• Rear legroom and space are on par with some C-segment sedans.
• The only sedan under 10 lakhs to offer level-2 ADAS.

Best Cars Under 10 Lakh in India Summary

There are plenty of options when we talk about the best cars under 10 lakh in India. If you value safety above all (Tata Nexon, Punch), desire the finest tech (XUV 3XO, Exter), desire driving bliss (Kushaq, C3), or require space (Ertiga), there’s something for everyone here in this price segment.

For urbanites, the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch are compact and frugal. For highway thrills, Fronx Turbo and Kushaq are complete gems. Moreover, for big families, Ertiga is still a no-brainer. No matter which car you choose, you’ll be happy and satisfied with your purchase.

FAQs About Best Cars Under 10 Lakh