Despite ever-tightening emission regulations, diesel engines continue to hold strong appeal in India’s affordable SUV segment. Renowned for their power, fuel efficiency, and durability, these diesel-powered SUVs remain the preferred choice for many buyers. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly diesel SUV with both manual and automatic transmission options, here’s a look at the top contenders in the Indian market right now.
1. Mahindra Bolero: The Most Budget-Friendly Diesel SUV
Starting at ₹9.81 lakh (ex-showroom), the Mahindra Bolero stands as India’s most affordable diesel SUV. Built on a rugged ladder-frame chassis with rear-wheel drive, the Bolero is a diesel-only offering powered by a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-diesel engine delivering 76 PS and 210 Nm of torque. Its reputation for toughness and reliability has made it a consistent favourite in rural and semi-urban markets.
2. Mahindra XUV 3XO: High Torque and Flexible Transmission Options
Mahindra remains one of the few carmakers offering diesel powertrains across its entire ICE SUV lineup. The XUV 3XO diesel variant starts at ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the entry-level MX2 trim. Under the hood, it packs a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine generating 117 PS and a segment-leading 300 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT gearbox, offering flexibility for different driving needs.
3. Kia Sonet: Stylish Looks and a True Automatic Option
Priced from ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base HTE (O) variant, the Kia Sonet is among India’s most stylish compact SUVs. It features a 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine producing 114 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. Unique in its segment, the Sonet offers a proper 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission alongside a 6-speed manual option. The company claims an impressive fuel efficiency of 24.1 kmpl for the diesel variant.
4. Hyundai Venue: The Most Fuel-Efficient Diesel SUV Here
Sharing its 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine with the Kia Sonet, the Hyundai Venue delivers the same 114 bhp and 250 Nm torque. Its diesel lineup starts at ₹10.80 lakh (ex-showroom) for the S Plus variant. While it is only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the Venue boasts the highest claimed fuel efficiency among these models at 24.2 kmpl, making it a top pick for economy-focused buyers.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for an affordable diesel SUV, these options strike a solid balance of price, performance, and fuel economy. Whether you want rugged reliability, a stylish urban cruiser, or maximum efficiency, there’s something for every diesel SUV fan in this list.
