SUVs or Sports Utility Vehicles are the new members in the passenger mobility brigade of India. From being comfortable to being stylish, compact SUVs provide the best of two worlds. Almost every car manufacturer has launched a mid-priced compact SUV in the market. These vehicles present the opportunity of driving in comfort on those pot-holes studded roads and tricky urban terrains.
Cars such as the Hyundai Creta and Renault Duster have set their mark on the compact SUVs market and are very popular among buyers. The key features of a compact SUV include increased legroom space, SUV resembling aesthetics, and slightly higher ground clearance. If you are planning to buy a compact SUV and are looking to upgrade your ride quality, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Hyundai Motors India is a part of Hyundai Motors company of South Korea. Setting their benchmark in the compact SUV market, Hyundai launched the Hyundai Creta in the year 2015. This compact SUV won many hearts on the Indian subcontinent and is one of the best compact SUVs in India.
Aesthetically, the Hyundai Creta is a masculine looking vehicle. On the front, the Creta spots a bold cascade design grille, stylish fog lamps, projector headlamps, and ORVMs. The rear of the vehicle is studded with shark fin radio antenna, split type tail lamps, and bold skid plates.
Inside the cabin, the Hyundai Creta is assembled with advanced supervision drive cluster, fully automatic temperature control, and wireless phone charger. Premium black upholstery and leather-wrapped steering wheel adds posh tones to the interiors of this compact SUV.
The Hyundai Creta is powered by a 1.6 CRDi diesel engine with VGTm which generates a maximum power of 128 ps at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 26.5 kgm at 1,500-3,000 rpm. Another engine option is the 1.6L petrol engine which delivers 123 ps of maximum power at 6,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 15.4 kgm at 4,850 rpm. The third engine option on the Hyundai Creta is a 1.4 CRDi diesel engine which generates a maximum power of 90 ps at 4,000rpm and maximum torque of 22.4 kgm torque at 1,500-2,750 rpm.
Features are one of the key elements one look for while buying a vehicle. The Hyundai Creta provides ample features such as smart electric sunroof, 6-way power driver seat, rear parking assist system, electrochromic mirror, and height adjustable seat belt anchor. In terms of safety, the Hyundai Creta comes with 6-airbags, hill-start assists control, electronic stability control, static bending lights, and ABS.
| Price | Rs. 9.44 Lakhs – Rs. 15.04 Lakhs |
| Engine | 1582 cc on Diesel, 1591 cc on Petrol |
| Max. power | 123 PS on Petrol/ 128 PS on Diesel |
| Mileage | 15-21 kmpl |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual/ 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel type | Petrol/ Diesel |
| Length | 4270 mm |
| Width | 1780 mm |
| Height | 1630 mm |
| Weight | 1268kg |
| Wheelbase | 2590 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 201mm |
Hyundai Creta (Diesel) – Ex-Showroom Delhi
| Variant | Price (in lakhs) |
| E+ Manual | 10 |
| S Manual | 11.74 |
| S Automatic | 13.2 |
| SX Manual | 13.24 |
| SX Manual (Dual Tone) | 13.74 |
| SX Automatic | 14.84 |
| SX(O) Manual | 15.04 |
Hyundai Creta (Petrol) – Ex-Showroom Delhi
| Variant | Price (in lakhs) |
| E Manual | 9.44 |
| E+ Manual | 10 |
| SX Manual | 11.94 |
| SX Manual (Dual Tone) | 12.44 |
| SX Automatic | 13.44 |
| SX(O) Manual | 13.6 |
Next car on our list of compact SUVs in India is the Renault Duster. Renault is a French automaker operating in India since October 2005. The Renault Duster has been one of the trendsetters in the compact SUVs market in India.
The exterior stance of the Renault Duster includes chrome Renault grille, fog lamps, skid cars, and body colour bumpers. The car also includes ORVMs, stylish rear lamps, and wipers.
Inside the cabin, Renault Duster features dual-tone upholstery, steering mounted controls, dynamic multimedia player, GPS navigation, and reverse parking camera.
The Renault Duster is powered by a 1.5 litre petrol engine which generates a maximum power of 106 ps and a maximum torque of 142 Nm. The Duster also comes with an option of a 1.5-litre DCi diesel engine which generates a maximum power of 110 ps and 85 ps. This engine gives an option of 245 Nm and 200 Nm of maximum torque.
In terms of features, the Renault Duster comes with automatic transmission, ECO drive mode, ABS with ESP, and dual airbags.
| Price | Rs. 7.95 Lakhs – Rs. 12.79 Lakhs |
| Engine | 1498cc |
| Max. power | 106ps/ 110ps/ 85ps |
| Mileage | 14kmpl |
| Transmission | Automatic/ Manual |
| Fuel type | Petrol/ Diesel |
| Length | 4315mm |
| Width | 1822mm |
| Height | 1695mm |
| Weight | 1160kg |
| Wheelbase | 2673mm |
| Ground Clearance | 205mm |
| Variant | Price (in lakhs) |
| RXE | 7.95 |
| RXL | 8.79 |
| RxS CVT | 9.95 |
| Variant | Price (in lakhs) |
| 85ps Standard | 8.95 |
| 85ps RXE | 9.09 |
| 85ps RXS | 9.95 |
| 85PS RXZ | 10.89 |
| 110ps RXZ | 11.79 |
| 110ps RXZ AMT | 12.33 |
| 110ps RXZ AWD | 12.79 |
Third on our list of best compact SUVs in India is the Ford Ecosport. Launched at the Auto Expo in the year 2012, the Ford Ecosports is an eye-popping compact SUV flocking the streets of India. Marked as one of the most selling vehicles from brand Ford in India, the Ecosport is the undisputed king of compact cars in India.
The frontal stance of the Ford Ecosport features the iconic Ford grille, HID headlamps, alloy wheels, body colour bumpers, and ORVMs.
Inside the cockpit, the Ford Ecosport flaunts the SYNC touchscreen infotainment system, premium dual-tone upholstery, and sporty alloy pedals.
The Ford Ecosport is powered by a 1497cc, 1.5L petrol engine which generates a maximum power of 123 ps at 6500 rpm and maximum torque of 150 Nm at 4500rpm. The other engine option is the 999cc, 1.01 GTDi engine which generates a maximum power of 125ps at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 170 Nm at 1500-4500 rpm. The diesel variant on the Ecosport is a 1498cc 1.5L engine which generates a maximum power of 100 ps at 3750 rpm. This engine generates a maximum torque of 205 Nm at 1750-3250 rpm.
In terms of features, the Ford Ecosport is studded with a safe clutch start, ABS with EBD, engine immobilizer, ISOFIX mount, and dual airbags.
| Price | Rs. 7.82 Lakhs – Rs. 11.89 Lakhs |
| Engine | 1497cc/ 999cc/ 1498cc |
| Max. power | 123ps/ 125ps/ 100ps |
| Mileage | 15-23 kmpl |
| Transmission | Manual/ Automatic |
| Fuel type | Petrol/ Diesel |
| Length | 3998mm |
| Width | 1765mm |
| Height | 1647mm |
| Weight | 1296kg approx. |
| Wheelbase | 2519mm |
| Ground Clearance | 200mm |
| Variant | Price (in lakhs) |
| Ambiente MT | 7.82 |
| Trend MT | 8.56 |
| Trend+ AT | 9.76 |
| Titanium MT | 9.56 |
| Signature MT | 10.41 |
| Titanium+AT | 11.36 |
| Titanium+ MT | 10.52 |
| S MT | 11.38 |
| Variant | Price (in lakhs) |
| Ambiente MT | 8.42 |
| Trend MT | 9.16 |
| Trend+ MT | 9.56 |
| Titanium MT | 10 |
| Signature MT | 10.99 |
| Titanium+MT | 10.52 |
| S MT | 11.89 |
Tata is the newest entrant in the design revolution among cars in India. According to the new design philosophy, the Tata Nexon is a posh-looking premium compact SUV with a unique road presence.
The exterior look and feel of Tata Nexon are very aerodynamic and stable. The front is studded with the chrome Tata grille, coupe-inspired aerodynamic shape, signature ivory white accents, projector headlamps, rear split LED tail lamps, and contrast roof.
Inside the cabin, the Tata Nexon comes with the layered three-tone dashboard, floating dash-top touch screen, grand central console, and dual tone upholstery.
The TATA Nexon is powered by 1198cc 1.2L Turbocharged Revotron engine petrol engine that generates a maximum power of 110ps at 5000rpm and maximum torque of 170Nm at 1750-4000rpm. The diesel engine is powered by 1497cc 1.5L Turbocharged Revotorq engine that also generates 110ps of maximum power at 3750rpm and maximum torque of 260Nm at 1500-2750rpm.
The Tata Nexon is studded with innovative features such as electric power steering with mounted controls, automatic climate control and rear seat armrest. In terms of safety, this compact SUV features a fortified cabin, dual frontal airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking assist and ISOFIX mounts.
| Price | Rs.6.15 Lakhs – Rs. 10.60 Lakhs |
| Engine | 1198cc on Petrol/ 1497cc on Diesel |
| Max. power | 110PS on both Petrol and Diesel |
| Mileage | 17-22 kmpl |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual/ Automatic |
| Fuel type | Petrol/ Diesel |
| Length | 3994mm |
| Width | 1811mm |
| Height | 1607mm |
| Weight | 1188kg |
| Wheelbase | 2498mm |
| Ground Clearance | 209mm |
| Variant | Price (in lakhs) |
| XE | 6.16 |
| XM | 6.91 |
| XT | 7.53 |
| XZ | 7.99 |
| XZ+ | 8.81 |
| XZ+ with Dual Tone roof | 9.02 |
| XZA+ | 9.41 |
| XZA+ | 9.62 |
| Variant | Price (in lakhs) |
| XE | 7.19 |
| XM | 7.84 |
| XT | 8.4 |
| XZ | 8.99 |
| XZ+ | 9.69 |
| XZ+ with Dual Tone roof | 9.89 |
| XZA+ | 10.39 |
| XZA+ | 10.6 |
Jeep is the newest entrant in our list of best compact SUVs in India. Jeep initiated their journey in India very recently with Compass being one of the first models to go on sale. With a lot of hopes in the market, Jeep launched the compact SUV, Compass to rival with the likes of Hyundai Creta and Ford Ecosports.
The front stance of the Jeep Compass is designed with signature LED lamps, iconic jeep chrome grille, ORVMs, and LED DRLs.
The cabin of the Jeep Compass is designed to couple well with the adrenaline finish of the vehicle. It features dual-tone upholstery, driver infotainment system, premium instrument panel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and six-speaker sound system.
The Jeep Compass is powered by 1368cc, 1.4L multi air flow petrol engine which produces a maximum power of 163ps and a maximum torque of 250Nm. Another engine option on the Jeep Compass is the 1956cc, 2.01 multijet diesel engine which generates a maximum power of 173ps and a maximum torque of 350Nm.
| Price | Rs. 15.35 Lakhs – Rs. 21.94 Lakhs |
| Engine | 1368cc/ 1956cc |
| Max. power | 163ps/ 173ps |
| Mileage | 14-17kmpl |
| Transmission | Manual/ Automatic |
| Fuel type | Petrol/ Diesel |
| Length | 4395mm |
| Width | 1818mm |
| Height | 1640mm |
| Weight | 1537kg |
| Wheelbase | 2636mm |
| Ground Clearance | 178mm |
| Variant | Price (in lakhs) |
| Compass Sports 1.4 MAIR | 15.35 |
| Compass Sports 2.0D | 16.55 |
| Compass Longitude 2.0D | 17.87 |
| Compass Longitude (o) 2.0D AGR | 18.73 |
| Compass Limited 4X2 2.0D | 19.58 |
| Compass Limited 1.4 MAIR DDCT | 19.92 |
| Compass Limited 4X2(O) 2.0D AD1 | 20.16 |
| Compass Limited (o) 1.4 MAIR DDCT AD1 | 20.5 |
| Compass Limited 4X4 2.0D | 21.35 |
| Compass Limited 2X4 (O) 2.0D AD1 | 21.94 |
If you wish to read more about cars, visit our blog.
On this note, if you plan to sell your used car and buy a new compact SUV, we at CARS24 can help you with it. We are a technology driven solution to streamline the unorganized used car selling market in India.
Visit us at CARS24.com or call us @ 1800 258 5656 to sell your car in one visit.
