Indian Cars With The Best Suspension Setup In 2024

In India, our road network is on a strong upward trajectory. There’s seemingly a new road being constructed wherever you look, and that’s great news for motorists. However, in the short-to-medium term, it’s crucial that the vehicles we buy can tackle rough, undulating surfaces with as much ease as the smooth, flowing highways.

So what do these cars look like? And what’s the best way to determine what kind of suspension is right for you? While car manufacturers do their best to give you an optimally-setup ride quality that’s able to tackle most road surfaces, it’s natural that some cars give you a better ride than others. We break down some of the cars with the most pliant and comfortable suspension setups.

It should be noted that the cars listed here are primarily mass-market cars. Once you break past the ₹50 lakh barrier, suspension systems get increasingly complex and advanced. Needless to say, they do offer superior ride quality, but it comes at a cost (literally). The cars you see here are also simply listed, not ranked.

Cars With Best Suspension Tunings For Indian Roads In 2024

1. Toyota Fortuner

It’s highly likely that you’ve heard of the Toyota Fortuner even if you aren’t particularly enthused about cars. It’s a solid testament to the Fortuner’s popularity, and there are plenty of good reasons behind its success. Buyers are drawn to its rugged, brawny, muscular stance, competent engine options, feature-packed cabin, and plenty of interior space. 

More than anything, what makes the Fortuner a compelling buy is its ability to be capable off-road. Whether it’s rough, unpaved roads or simply tackling off-road terrain, the Fortuner has no issues complying with any and all requests. A big contributor to this is the four-link rigid axle setup at the rear, which gives it stability and support, especially when the vehicle is loaded or when towing. At the same time, the Fortuner is known for its ability to be competent on smoother bits of tarmac, giving it a very enviable duality. The Fortuner offers the best  suspension turning and balance for Indian road conditions.

Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹33.43 Lakh onwards

Toyota Fortuner Key Specifications

Toyota Fortuner Key Features

• 7 Airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Vehicle Stability Control
• Hill Assist Control
• 4WD (on certain trims)

2. Toyota Innova HyCross

The Toyota Innova HyCross marks a significant shift for India's beloved MPV. Ditching the traditional body-on-frame construction of the Innova, the new Hycross adopts a more car-like platform for a smoother ride.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter petrol engine with a hybrid system, whose sole purpose is providing better efficiency figures (ARAI-rated at 23.34 kmpl). However, despite the focus on efficiency, the HyCross doesn't lack muscle. Thanks to its 183 bhp and 188 Nm of torque, it has an adequate amount of power for most occasions, be it quick highway overtakes or simply chugging along in the city. A second-hand Toyota Innova is a fantastic option for those looking for a reliable and affordable used car that still offers impressive performance.

However, the Innova HyCross’s big talking point here is its ride quality. The suspension setup is a MacPherson strut in the front and a semi-independent torsion beam in the rear. This combination is tuned for a comfortable ride, however, Toyota missed a trick by equipping it with 18-inch wheels with relatively short sidewalls, which transmit a few bumps and imperfections on rough roads more readily. 

Overall, though, the Innova HyCross offers a compelling package for Indian families seeking a spacious, comfortable, and fuel-efficient people mover. The hybrid technology is a major upgrade in terms of efficiency, too. Above that, the addition of convenience features like adaptive cruise control make it hard to ignore the Toyota Innova HyCross.

Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹19.77 Lakh onwards

Toyota Innova Key Specifications

Toyota Innova HyCross Key Features

• Petrol-hybrid powertrain
• Traction Control
• Adaptive cruise control
• Optional panoramic sunroof
• Ventilated front seats

3. Tata Altroz

The Tata Altroz has been one of the most appealing premium hatchbacks in India, since it was launched in 2019. It’s known for its design, well-equipped interior, and focus on car safety features. Inside, the Altroz offers a comfortable cabin with a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and sunroof, depending on the trim.

As for the performance, the Altroz packs a decent punch with a choice of two petrol engines: a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol unit and a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre diesel option. Both engines prioritise fuel efficiency, making the Altroz a practical choice for city driving. The second-hand Tata Altroz is a great choice for those who need an efficient and low-maintenance car that won’t break the bank.

However, one of the key strengths of the Altroz is its well-tuned suspension setup. In the front, it utilises an independent MacPherson strut design with coil springs. This setup provides a good balance between handling and ride comfort, soaking up bumps and potholes better than most. It may not be one of the cars with the highest ground clearance, but it does a good job of tackling bumps. At the rear, the Altroz uses a twist beam suspension with coil springs like most hatchbacks. While not as sophisticated as the front, it offers a stable and comfortable ride.

Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹6.64 Lakh onwards

Tata Altroz Key Specifications

Tata Altroz Key Features

• Multiple drive modes (City, Eco, Sport)
• ABS with EBD
• Cornering stability control

4.Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass has been around in India since 2017, and is a capable SUV aimed at those who want a blend of city driving and light off-road adventures. Under the hood, there’s a 2.0-litre Multijet turbo diesel engine, known for its fuel efficiency and torque.

For the suspension, Jeep equips the Compass with a MacPherson strut suspension in the front for a smooth ride on paved roads. This setup is commonly used for its balance of handling and comfort. For the rear, Jeep incorporates a multi-link suspension with a strut assembly. This multi-link design offers better control and stability, especially when tackling uneven terrain or corners. A used Jeep Compass is the perfect car for anyone seeking both reliability and style without the high cost of buying new.

The combination of the turbo diesel engine and the well-tuned suspension allows the Compass to handle city commutes with relative ease while also providing enough capability to explore off-road trails with above-average confidence. Some Compass trims even offer Jeep's Selec-Terrain traction management system as part of its car feature list, allowing drivers to choose between settings for sand, snow, and mud, which alters the traction levels.

It’s well worth considering the Jeep Compass if what you want is a capable and comfortable SUV that can handle the diverse demands of Indian roads.

Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹18.99 Lakh onwards

Jeep Compass Key Specifications

Jeep Compass Key Features

• Terrain management system
• Panoramic sunroof
• ABS with EBD
• Electronic stability control

5. Mahindra XUV 3X0

The Mahindra XUV 3X0, the facelifted version of the popular XUV300, is a sub-4 metre compact SUV designed for the Indian market. While it retains the engine options from the XUV300, a major change comes in the form of a revised suspension tuning.

The XUV 3X0 features recalibrated dampers that aim to strike a balance between handling and a smoother ride. This is achieved with Mahindra's MTVCL technology, borrowed from their larger SUV offerings. This tech stiffens the dampers at low speeds for better handling and control, while softening them at higher speeds to improve ride quality and reduce body roll. 

The XUV 3X0 features a MacPherson strut suspension setup in the front for better handling, and a twist beam suspension with coil springs at the rear. This is a common setup in compact SUVs, offering a good balance between ride comfort and stability. Paired with the revised suspension tuning, the XUV 3X0 aims to provide a more comfortable driving experience on Indian roads. Now equipped with Level 2 ADAS on higher trims, the XUV 3X0 is more appealing, and unique among its rivals.

Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹7.49 Lakh onwards

Mahindra XUV3X0 Key Specifications

Mahindra XUV3X0 Key Features

• Panoramic sunroof
• Level 2 ADAS (select trims)
• Amazon Alexa integration

6. Tata Nexon

The Tata Nexon is one of the more popular cars on Indian roads, and there are a lot of good reasons behind its success. The subcompact SUV is known for its blend of style, practicality, and affordability. It features a striking design with a bold grille and projector headlamps. On the inside, the Nexon is equipped with a sunroof, a touchscreen infotainment system, and automatic climate control, among more. Whether you're buying your first car or adding to your collection, a used Tata Nexon is a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable second-hand vehicle.

As for what powers it, there are two engine options in the Nexon: a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine. They’re both capable power plants that are adequate for city and highway cruising, and there are even 5-and 6-speed manual and 6-speed DCT and AMT transmission options.

However, one of the big talking points about the Nexon is how it rides. The front makes use of Macpherson strut with coil spring suspension, which is known for effectively absorbing shocks and maintaining stability. The rear suspension setup consists of a torsion beam with coil springs, which helps provide a balanced and stable ride, especially during cornering. The Tata Nexon’s suspension setup allows it to strike a good balance between ride comfort and precise handling.

Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹7.99 Lakh onwards

Tata Nexon Key Specifications

Tata Nexon Key Features

• ABS with EBD
• Traction control
• Multiple drive modes (Eco, City, Sport)

7. Citroen C5 Aircross

The French brand, Citroen, made a splash in the Indian SUV market with the launch of the C5 Aircross. Right from the get-go, one of Citroen’s trump cards with the C5 Aircross has been its ride quality, which is right up there with (and in some cases, even better than) the best.

A key factor in this smooth ride is the suspension setup Citroen uses for the C5 Aircross. Unlike conventional setups, Citroen equips the C5 Aircross with ‘Progressive Hydraulic Cushions’. These act like conventional shock absorbers, but there’s a slight difference. They use a combination of hydraulic fluid and gas chambers to progressively dampen bumps and jolts.

Aside from that, the C5’s interiors are plenty comfortable too, thanks to the generously-cushioned seats, and the materials used in the cabin are of decent quality, too.

Overall, the Citroen C5 Aircross comes across as a very competent vehicle, especially if ride comfort figures high up on your priority list. Understandably, it doesn’t have the chops that rugged cars with off-road capability do, but the C5 Aircross was never intended to be a hardcore off-roader. 

Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹36.91 Lakh onwards

Citroen C5 Aircross Key Specifications

Citroen C5 Aircross Key Features

• ‘Progressive Hydraulic Cushions’ suspension setup
• ABS with EBD
• Traction control

Conclusion:

It’s easy to see that there are quite a few options currently available that allow owners the freedom and luxury to have a car with the best suspension setup that’s as capable on the road as it is off it.

That said, some naturally do it better than others, and that’s where cars like the Citroen C5 Aircross come shining through.

FAQ

Q. Which car brand has the best suspension?
Arguably the most impressive suspension setup on an SUV belongs to the C5 Aircross, produced by Citroen.

Q. What is the smoothest suspension?
The ‘Progressive Hydraulic Cushion’ suspension system in the Citroen C5 Aircross has to rank among the most versatile.

Q. What is the best suspension for driving?
The suspension system in the Toyota Fortuner offers a great balance for driving on the road, and off-road as well.