Best SUVs under 5 lakh in India

SUVs are the rage nowadays with these high-riders overthrowing and overshadowing dominant body styles. With the advent of compact and subcompact SUVs, there has been no real dearth of SUVs in India. For instance, you will find 5 SUVs in the list of best-selling cars in India. Not surprisingly, most of these will also be compact or subcompact SUVs. 

A downside of this will be the plethora of options and the dilemma that follows for a potential car buyer in India. Within a budget of Rs 5 lakh, there are a ton of options, in terms of new and used SUVs. This makes the whole buying process even more complicated with diverse SUV sub-segments as mentioned above. To make your life easier, we have come up with a comprehensive list of best SUVs under Rs. 5 lakh in India.

Overview

Ford Ecosport

Although long gone, the Ford Ecosport is a sub-4m SUV that is impossible to forget. The compact SUV segment was non-existent until the EcoSport came into the market. The rest, as we know, is history. The following years saw a boom in that segment with more carmakers entering the race to get a good grip of the market share. Eventually, this segment became so popular that almost every other mainstream carmaker in the country launched a compact SUV.

There are mainly two generations of the EcoSport with some minor updated versions as such. The engine options on offer are the 1.5-litre diesel, 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, and the 1.5-litre petrol engine. If you want a mile muncher, the 1.5-litre TDCi diesel is a good option. The earlier 1.5-litre petrol engine was nothing special but the later 1.5-litre unit nicknamed the Dragon was a potent engine. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost is nothing short of an engineering marvel but finding a good example might be tricky. Some of the talking points of the EcoSport are obviously its typical driver-focused Ford dynamics, ride, and the overall complete package. 

Ford Ecosport Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre diesel, 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, and the 1.5-litre petrol engine.
• Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed DCT, 6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Diesel/Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5

Also Read: Should you buy a Ford EcoSport

Renault Duster

Just like the EcoSport, the Renault Duster was also a game-changing SUV for India. But unlike the EcoSport, the Duster was bigger in size and was not a sub-4m SUV constrained by the length restrictions. It was a midsize SUV that thrived on the space now dominated by the Creta and the Seltos. The Duster was a no-nonsense, well-built SUV that offered superb ride quality and a go-anywhere attitude. On the downside, the Duster lacked a plush cabin, important features and felt rough at the edges. But it more than made up for that with its rugged nature and magic carpet ride quality that swallowed anything you threw at it. The limited AWD versions are the pick of the lot, followed by the latest turbo variants. 

However, you will find countless examples of Duster diesel and petrol under Rs 5 lakh. If we had to pick, it would be the 1.5-litre diesel in the 110PS trim that suited the Duster’s character the most. The Renault Duster is an SUV you won’t go wrong with and something that is a stark contrast from the new crop of sub-4m SUVs that are dime a dozen out there. 

Renault Duster Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre diesel, 1.5-litre petrol engine, 1.3-litre turbo petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, CVT, AMT
• Airbags: 2
• Fuel Type: Diesel/Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5

Mahindra Scorpio

Nothing shouts SUV more than the original Mahindra Scorpio. A revelation back in 2002, the Scorpio essentially established Mahindra as a mainstream SUV brand in India. It still remains a respected nameplate after 20 years. The earlier cars are the most affordable of the lot but the first facelift or the second facelift that debuted the fantastic 2.2 mHawk diesel engine are the ones to be preferred. These cars were sold from 2009 onwards. This generation also came with an automatic gearbox if that floats your boat. The newer versions will be more expensive and the latest Scorpio-N as well all know is on another league. At the end of the day, if you want a legitimate ladder-frame SUV that can take some beating, a Mahindra Scorpio with the 2.2 mHawk diesel engine might be a good option to consider. Since early Mahindras were prone to quality issues, these cars have not aged well, so make sure you look out for any obvious issues before splurging on one.

Mahindra Scorpio Specifications

• Engine: 2.6-litre diesel, 2.2-litre mHawk diesel
• Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
• Airbags: 2
• Fuel Type: Diesel/Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 8

Tata Safari

If by any chance you don’t fancy a Mahindra Scorpio, there is always a Tata Safari for you. Being arch rivals, these two SUVs dominated the ladder-frame SUV scene in India and still continues to do so (at least the Scorpio). Similar to the Scorpio, Tata also offered a wide variety of versions of the Safari. The first-generation is a cult-classic now and if you are an ardent SUV aficionado who would like one in your garage, we haven’t got any reason to stop you. But if you want the best for Rs 5 lakh, we highly pick the later Dicor versions that offered more creature comforts and better quality. Look hard, and you might be able to find the Safari Storme which was the most improved version of the SUV that also featured a punchy Varicor diesel engine that put out an impressive 150PS and 400 Nm of torque. 

It is no secret that Safari has a huge fan-following in India. Something like the Safari Storme for under Rs 5 lakh is a great buy if you can live with its dated interiors and lack of modern features. As a plus, the Safari will seat 8 people, do justice to its name and be capable off the beaten path. 

Tata Safari Specifications

• Engine: 2.0-litre Peugeot diesel, 3.0-litre Dicor diesel, 2.2-litre Varicor diesel
• Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual
• Airbags: 2
• Fuel Type: Diesel/Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 8

Mahindra XUV500

Although Mahindra had been churning out many SUVs, it was the XUV500 that was the first global product for the Indian brand. It was also the first monocoque based SUV Mahindra had developed. The result was a stylish, and feature-loaded 7-seater SUV that appealed to many Indian families. The XUV500 was a runaway hit with Mahindra launching two facelifts as well. It is now succeeded by the XUV700, but the XUV500 still remains a great buy for someone looking for a family SUV on a tight budget. The upsides include features, the punchy diesel engine, space and towering road presence. The downsides? Regular Mahindra quality issues and reliability concerns plagued the earlier cars. But nothing beats the XUV500 as a value proposition as it is a new and upmarket SUV that will work for many buyers. 

Mahindra XUV500 Specifications

• Engine: 2.0-litre petrol, 2.2-litre diesel
• Transmission:6-speed automatic 6-speed manual
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Diesel/Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 7

Nissan Terrano

Nissan’s version of the Renault Duster features a distinct styling and a cabin that actually worked for it although the Duster dominated the sales chart. Launched in 2013, the Terrano was offered until Nissan replaced it with the Kicks. Under the hood are the option of either a petrol or a diesel engine. Just like the Duster, the 1.5-litre diesel engine is the pick of the bunch. The petrol’s performance was underwhelming and the efficiency figures also work against it. The Terrano shares all the good points of the Duster. However, since the Terrano has been long discontinued, service and spares support might prove a challenge in the long run. If you like that the Duster does, but prefer something different, the Nissan is always an option you could consider.

Nissan Terrano Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre diesel, 1.5-litre petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed AMT
• Airbags: 2
• Fuel Type: Diesel/Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5

Skoda Yeti

This quirky SUV (more of a crossover) is one of the most underrated cars of the last two decades. At first glance, it is just another Skoda with impeccable build quality. However, live with one for a few days and the Yeti shines in terms of usability and practicality. The haldex equipped 4X4 variants are capable when the going gets tough, and the Yeti handles and rides like a luxury car with excellent body control for a tall car. Power comes from the ubiquitous 2.0-litre TDi engine that pulls and keeps on doing that all the way till the redline. The 4X2 variants are also brilliant buys and the pre-facelift yeti can be yours for under Rs 5 lakh today. If you can manage the upkeep cost of a European model, the Yeti is one of the best used cars you can buy, let alone a used SUV. It is unbeatable when it comes to safety, space, dynamics and rough road ability at this price point and size. The Yeti is also ideal for someone who prefers SUV abilities in a more rounded and fun package. But finding a good example will definitely prove a challenge. 

Skoda Yeti Specifications

• Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed AT
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5

Mahindra Bolero

If you’re on the lookout for a proper workhorse under Rs 5 lakh, the Bolero is as good as it gets. A rudimentary SUV, the Bolero is one of the best-selling SUVs in India for a reason. It is affordable, accessible,  practical and it can take a ton of beating. Be it commercial or private use, the Bolero can do it all and it is also one of the most affordable SUVs on this list. You should avoid the earlier versions for one with the updated 2.5-litre common rail diesel engines. Within a budget closer to Rs 5 lakh, you will be able to find newer examples such as a 2013 model year with the updated styling and interior. 

Mahindra Bolero Specifications

• Engine: 2.5-litre diesel
• Transmission: 5-speed
• Airbags: Nil
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 7

Mahindra Thar

The current-generation Thar might be out of reach for many out there. If you want something similar with unparalleled off-road ability, there’s always the first-generation Thar.  Launched in 2010, the Thar took off as it was a niche yet desirable product that appealed to Indian buyers. Under the hood is a 2.5-litre diesel engine in Di or CRDE versions, with the latter being the better version. However, the biggest gripe with the old Thar is that it is not ideal as a single car that can do it all. As it was also only offered with a soft-top, the Thar remained a one-trick pony until Mahindra launched the second-generation. With a tight budget, if you want the best-off roader for the money, look no further. However, Thar is a preferred choice for modifications and finding a stock example will be hard.

Mahindra Thar Specifications

• Engine: 2.5-litre diesel
• Transmission: 5-speed
• Airbags: Nil
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5

Summary

We can all agree that Rs 5 lakh is not a lot of money for an SUV. But, thanks to India’s diverse used car space, there are enough and more options to choose from. If you want an urban SUV, the Ford Ecosport, Renault Duster or the Nissan Terrano are great used buys. However, if you need more seats, or an actual SUV with a high-seating position, the Mahindra Scorpio, Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV500 or the Bolero could be your next buy. That said, if you want something that could just go literally anywhere, nothing really beats a pre-owned Thar. Last but not the least, if you want a used SUV that is fun to drive at the same time with impressive features and build-quality, it’s high time you look at the Yetis on sale at the moment