Best Diesel Cars in India in 2022 – New and Used

Sheldon Jones

editor

The debate between petrol and diesel has been going on since the fuels were first used in the automotive industry. Since it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon, many car buyers are still not sure about whether they should buy a diesel car as opposed to a petrol variant. While some people swear by their petrol-powered cars, many diesel users say that their cars perform the best. So, which is the best fit for you? Well, that is a question that may never be answered but we have arranged some of the best diesel-powered cars in India for you to take a look at which may make your decision a little easier.

Mahindra Thar

We often associate diesel engines with rugged, hard-working cars – and for good reason. One of the best examples of this is the Mahindra Thar which is an absolute beast of a vehicle capable of taking on all kinds of terrain. Under the hood of this beast of a car sits either a 2.0L Turbocharged petrol engine that generates 150Ps of power and 300Nm of torque on manual, and 150Ps of power and 320Nm of torque on automatic, or a 2.2L diesel engine that produces 130Ps of power and 300Nm of torque. In the transmission department, the Thar comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard but it can be had with a 6-speed automatic transmission as well. Some of the features found on the new Thar include LED DRLs, halogen headlamps, air-conditioning, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, an instrument cluster with a digital MID, cruise control, and steering-mounted controls. For safety, the Thar has ABS with EBD, dual airbags in the front, parking sensors in the rear, and a seatbelt reminder in the front.

Mahindra Thar New Car Price in Popular Cities

Mahindra Thar Used Car Price in Kolkata

Mahindra XUV700

More often than not, diesel engines are found in SUVs as they require added torque and fuel efficiency. The Mahindra XUV700 is one of the latest models from the brand and it is an impressive SUV. Powering the XUV700 is a 2.0L Turbo-petrol engine that generates 200Ps of power and 380Nm of torque. It is the same engine found in the Thar. There is also be a 2.2L diesel engine option that produces 185Ps of power and 450Nm of torque. In the transmission department, the XUV700 comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. There is also available with an All-Wheel-Drive option as well. In terms of features, the SUV comes with a digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 360-degree camera, and power doors and windows. Safety is also Mahindra’s priority for the XUV700 and the car comes with features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, 7 airbags, Level 1 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), electronic parking brake, and ADS with EBD.

Mahindra XUV700 New Car Price in Popular Cities

Mahindra XUV700 Used Car Price in Hyderabad

Toyota Fortuner

One of the best SUVs from Toyota is the Fortuner and the demand from the Indian market increases consistently. The Fortuner houses a lot of the latest specifications and features which make it a top contender in the segment. There are 2 engine options for the Fortuner – one is a 2.8L Turbo diesel variant that offers 177Ps of power and 420Nm of torque, the other is a 2.7L 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 166Ps of power and 245Nm of torque. The diesel model is fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard with an option for a 6-speed automatic gearbox which adds another 30Nm of torque to the performance. In the petrol variant, there is either a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission system. The Fortuner comes with premium-style features which include LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, LED fog lamps, power-adjustable seats up front, push-button ignition, automatic climate control, and cruise control. In terms of safety, the Fortuner comes with ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control, 7 airbags, brake assist, and hill assist control.

Toyota Fortuner New Car Price in Popular Cities

Toyota Fortuner Used Car Price in Mumbai

Hyundai Creta

When you think of SUVs from Hyundai, the name Creta is quite obviously the first to jump at you. Under the hood of the new Creta sits an option of three different engines. The first is a 1.5L Naturally-Aspirated petrol engine that produces 115Ps of power and 144Nm of torque. It is mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic setup. The next is a 1.4L Turbo petrol engine which is capable of generating 140Ps of power and 242Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 7-speed DCT transmission system only. Lastly, there is also a 1.5L diesel engine that produces 115Ps of power and 250Nm of torque. The diesel engine can be had with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed Torque Converter setup. In the features department, the Creta does not lack as it houses LED headlamps, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless charging, a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, and ventilated front seats. The Creta is also exceptionally safe thanks to its ABS with EBD, 6 airbags, and Electronic Stability Control features.

Hyundai Creta New Car Price in Popular Cities

Hyundai Creta Used Car Prices in Bengaluru

KIA Seltos

Ever since the KIA Seltos hit the Indian market, the SUV has skyrocketed to the top of most lists and is one of the best-selling cars in the country today. The Seltos is powered by one of three different engine options – a 1.5L petrol, a 1.5L diesel, and a 1.4L Turbocharged petrol. The 1.5L petrol engine is capable of generating 115Ps of power and 144Nm of torque while the 1.4L Turbocharged petrol engine generates 140Ps of power and 242Nm of torque. The 1.5L diesel engine can produce 115Ps of power with 250Nm of torque. In the transmission department, the 1.4L Turbocharged petrol can be had with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The 1.5L petrol is mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed CVT or DCT transmission. Lastly, the 1.5L diesel is paired to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed Torque Converter system.

KIA Seltos New Car Price in Popular Cities

KIA Seltos Used Car Prices in New Delhi

Hyundai Venue

Like the Creta, the Hyundai Venue is an exciting and powerful SUV option in the Indian market. The stylish SUV is powered by a total of three different engine options – a 1.2L petrol that produces 83Ps of power and 115Nm of torque, a 1.0L 3-cylinder Turbocharged petrol engine that generates 120Ps of power and 172Nm of torque, and a 1.4L diesel motor that is capable of producing 90Ps and 220Nm of torque. While the larger petrol engine comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, the smaller engine can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The diesel engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission only. Inside, the Venue comes with automatic climate control, air-conditioning vents in the rear, cruise control, wireless charging, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car technology, a sunroof, and push-button start/stop. Hyundai has also included a number of safety options including Electronic Stability Control, 6 airbags, ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Management, and parking sensors in the front and rear.

Hyundai Venue New Car Price in Popular Cities

Hyundai Venue Used Car Prices in Pune

Mahindra Scorpio

Mahindra was already a famously known name in India but when the brand released the Scorpio SUV, their popularity increased immensely. Under the hood of the Scorpio sits either a 2.5L M2DICR diesel engine or the new BSVI-compliant 2.2L mHawk diesel motor. The mHawk engine can be had in two separate tunings which include 120Ps and 280Nm as well as 140Ps and 319Nm. The 2.5L engine produces 75Ps of power along with 200Nm of torque. Both the engines are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission setup while there is an option for a 6-speed manual gearbox on the top-tier variants as well. For features, the Mahindra Scorpio brings cruise control, automatic air-conditioning, and a large 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, LED headlamps with LED DRLs, and AUX audio connectivity setup. The Mahindra Scorpio also has a lot of safety features including parking sensors in the back, dual airbags in front, ABS with EBD, brake assist, speed alert, and hill assist control.

Mahindra Scorpio New Car Price in Popular Cities

Mahindra Scorpio Used Car Price in Chennai

Tata Nexon

Stylish new SUVs are always talked about when they are first announced but not always do they go on to become a massive hit in the market. Fortunately, that isn’t the case with the Tata Nexon. Before it could even hit the Indian roads, people were lining up to get their hands on the vehicle. The latest Nexon is powered by a 1.2L Turbocharged petrol engine that produces 120Ps of power and 170Nm of torque. The Nexon is also available with a 1.5L Turbocharged diesel engine that generates 110Ps of power and 260Nm of torque. In the transmission department, the Tata Nexon comes with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic setup. In the features department, the Nexon comes with a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a tyre pressure monitoring system, a digital instrument cluster, cruise control, automatic air-conditioning, and rear air-conditioning vents. Some of the safety features found on the Nexon include ABS with EBD, dual airbags in the front, Electronic Stability Control, parking sensors in the rear, and ISOFIX Chile Seat Anchors.

Tata Nexon New Car Price in Popular Cities                 

Tata Nexon Used Car Prices in Kolkata

Land Rover Range Rover

The premium SUV market is rather small in India and that is exactly where Land Rover fits in. The Range Rover is the iconic SUV from the brand and is the best-selling model in the country. Under the hood of the Range Rover sits either a 3.0L Inline-Six petrol engine that generates 400Ps of power and 550Nm of torque or a 3.0L Inline-Six diesel engine that produces 300Ps of power and 650Nm of torque. In the transmission department, the Range Rover comes with an 8-speed automatic gearbox for both engines as well as 4-Wheel-Drive. Inside the Range Rover, there are a number of features that include 10-inch touchscreen displays for the infotainment system and control center. Some of the other features include a Meridian Surround Sound system, cooling/heating front seats, 360-degree camera, and Electronic Air Suspension. The Range Rover also carries a number of safety features that include seven airbags, hill launch assist, dynamic stability control, ABS with EBD, and hill descent control.

Land Rover Range Rover New Car Price in Popular Cities

Land Rover Range Rover Used Car Price in Hyderabad

Tata Harrier

While the Nexon let India know that Tata is no small name in the SUV market, the Harrier is the car that gives the brand its massive popularity. Powering the Harrier is a 2.0L diesel engine that is capable of generating 170Ps of power and 350Nm of torque. The engine can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed Torque-Converter gearbox. The SUV also comes with a 2-Wheel-Drive drivetrain as well. Fitted into the Harrier, in terms of features, are a panoramic sunroof, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual-tone alloy wheels, and automatic climate control. In terms of safety, the Harrier comes with electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, dual airbags in the front, and parking sensors in the rear.

Tata Harrier New Car Price in Popular Cities

Tata Harrier Used Car Prices in Chennai

Mahindra Bolero

As we mentioned earlier, diesel engines are designed for rugged cars and nothing comes close to the ruggedness of the Mahindra Bolero. The durable SUV is powered by a new BSVI-compliant 1.5L diesel engine that is capable of producing up to 75Ps of power and 210Nm of torque. Mated to the diesel motor is a 5-speed manual transmission system that also features 2-Wheel-Drive for better control. The latest Mahindra Bolero comes with upgraded features including a new digital instrument cluster, keyless entry, AUX, and Bluetooth-enabled audio connectivity, power steering, and manual air-conditioning. With an off-road vehicle like the Mahindra Bolero, safety is extremely important, and here too we get everything from ABS with EBD to dual airbags in front. The Bolero also comes with parking sensors and a speed alert for better security and safety. The Mahindra Bolero has already got people preparing their RC transfer papers and is continuing to gain popularity as the months go on.

Mahindra Bolero New Car Price in Popular Cities

Mahindra Bolero Used Car Price in Lucknow

Toyota Innova Crysta

Toyota is a name that can be trusted blindly and the Innova Crysta is a car that delivers on every level. It is one of the best large SUVs in India and is more than capable of going up against any SUV in its segment. Under the hood of the Innova Crysta sits a 2.7L petrol engine that generates 166Ps of power with 245Nm of torque. There is also a 2.4L diesel engine variant that is capable of producing 150Ps of power and 360Nm of torque. Finally, Toyota offers the Leadership Edition of the Innova Crysta with the same 2.4L diesel engine but with a slightly lower tune of 150Ps and 360Nm. All the engine options get a 5-speed manual transmission system as standard and there is an option for a 6-speed automatic gearbox. What goes without mention is that the Innova Crysta comes packed with features that include a large touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, automatic climate control, adjustable driver seat, parking camera in the back, Bluetooth connectivity, and cruise control. There are also three airbags in front, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, brake assist, and hill start assist packed into the Innova Crysta.

Toyota Innova Crysta New Car Price in Popular Cities

Toyota Innova Crysta Used Car Prices in Pune

Tata Altroz

While most of the cars listed here are SUVs, Tata also wanted to bring a diesel engine to the hatchback market with the Altroz. Powering the Altroz is either a 1.2L Naturally-Aspirated petrol engine, a 1.2L Turbo-petrol engine, or a 1.5L diesel engine. The Naturally-Aspirated petrol engine produces 86Ps of power and 113Nm of torque while the Turbo-petrol engine generates 110Ps of power and 140Nm of torque. The diesel engine produces 90Ps of power and 200Nm of torque. In the transmission department, the Altroz is currently only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox but there is a 7-speed DCT automatic setup expected to be introduced in the near future. In terms of features, the Altroz is packed with some of the latest including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, over 70 Hindi and English voice commands, ambient lighting, a semi-digital instrument cluster, cruise control, and steering-mounted audio control. As mentioned earlier, the Altroz is known for its safety as the car comes with ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors, dual airbags for the front, and parking sensors in the rear.

Tata Altroz New Car Price in Popular Cities

Tata Altroz Used Car Prices in New Delhi

Mahindra XUV300

Mahindra is a car manufacturer that knows how to produce powerful, durable, and reliable vehicles. The XUV300 delivers all of the above-mentioned traits and so much more. Powering the XUV300 is a 1.2L Turbo petrol engine that can produce 110Ps of power and 200Nm of torque. The other engine option is a 1.5L diesel engine that is capable of generating 117Ps of power and 300Nm of torque. In terms of transmission, both engine options can either be had with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic setup. In terms of features, Mahindra has packed a lot into the XUV300 including a sunroof, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, automatic cruise control, automatic air-conditioning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Safety has always been important to Mahindra and the XUV300 surely has a lot to offer including 7 airbags, parking sensors in the front and the rear, ABS with EBD, and corner braking control.

Mahindra XUV300 New Car Price in Popular Cities

Mahindra XUV300 Used Car Prices in Chennai

Tata Safari

If there ever was a single car that could define a car manufacturer in India, it would have to be the Tata Safari. For decades, the Safari was one of the best-selling and best-performing SUVs in the country. Today, the SUV is making a comeback and is bringing a lot more to the table this time. Giving the Safari its power is a 2.0L diesel engine that is capable of generating 170Ps of power and 350Nm of torque. This is the same engine found on the Tata Harrier – another best-seller from the brand. In the transmission department, the Tata Safari comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Apart from this engine option, Tata is expected to launch a 1.5L Turbo-petrol variant along with All-Wheel-Drive capabilities sometime in the near future. In terms of features, the Safari comes with a plethora of updated options including an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with iRA connected car technology, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a panoramic sunroof, a 9-speaker JBL audio set up, cruise control, automatic air-conditioning with 2^nd and 3^rd seat vents, ambient lighting, and premium leatherette upholstery. The Safari also comes with new safety features including disc brakes for all four wheels, 6 airbags, corner stability control, electronic parking brake, and rollover mitigation.

Tata Safari New Car Price in Popular Cities

Tata Safari Used Car Prices in Bengaluru

These are the best diesel-powered cars available in India in 2022 and are also some of the best cars overall in the country right now. Which fuel do you prefer to use – petrol or diesel? What, in your opinion, is the better performing fuel, and why?