Top 10 Best SUV Cars in India in 2022
SUVs are becoming increasingly popular especially in India. The Utility Vehicle or Sports UV is a type that has made the Indian and global industries sit up and take notice. Even the pandemic has had a much smaller impact on this group than others.
The rationale is simple to understand. SUVs have enjoyed demand in recent years by a global trend. As a result, it’s no surprise that most passenger vehicle manufacturers have recognised this opportunity and are to develop new SUV cars or expand the current SUV lineup.
- UV market share has increased from 16% in FY2007 to 39% in FY2021.
- The two significant contributions have been Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai.
Almost every second PV sold in India today is a UV.UV sales in India reached a million, or 10 lakh units, for the first time in FY2021 (April 2020-March 2021). The 10,60,750 units sold represented a 12 per cent increase year over year (YoY) over the 9,41,461 units sold in the preceding year (FY2020). The million-unit sales barrier will be easily broken this year, with a total of 8,70,894 units sold from April to November 2021, just 1,29,106 units shy of the million-unit mark, which would have been crossed by December.
The analysis of 16 years of UV market sales in India has 16 per cent of overall PV sales in FY2007, but demand soared to 10,60,750 units in FY2021, accounting for 39 per cent of total PV sales (27,11,457), up from 34 per cent in FY2020.
It’s easy to understand the SUV’s all-encompassing attraction. They are larger and taller, providing the driver with a better vision of the road ahead, critical in a country like India. In addition, increased ground clearance is always beneficial while driving in rough terrain.
They have great storage than hatchbacks. But, with the sub-4-metre compact SUV category in India, these SUVs can quickly negotiate through heavy traffic and fit in, especially now that they are equipped with driving assistance.
Moreover, unlike SUVs in the past, filling up is not prohibitively expensive. Automobiles, especially engine development, have come a long way over the years, which is why SUVs have become more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly in recent years.
When it comes to riding and handling, SUVs are vehicles to have when travelling in inclement weather or on unfamiliar roads. They provide increased grip and stability due to weight, wheels, and rugged character. Most SUVs have ABS, EBD, ESP, and, hill-hold and hill-descent control.
Check out the Top 10 best SUV cars in India in 2022
1. Mahindra XUV700
Ex-Showroom Price: 12.96 – 23.80 Lakh
Although Mahindra‘s latest and flagship vehicle, XUV700, has received over one lakh bookings, only a tiny percentage of those have resulted in sales. Since its premiere in August of last year, the company claims to have only sold roughly 14,000 SUV cars. Mahindra only sold 4,119 XUV700s in January of this year.
Engine
The MX Series is available with both petrol and diesel engines. The petrol 2.0-litre Turbo GDi mStallion engine produces 195bhp at 5,000rpm and 380Nm of torque between 1,750 and 3,000rpm. The 2.2-litre Commonrail Turbo diesel mHawk engine in the diesel version produces 153bhp at 3,750rpm and 360Nm of torque between 1,500 and 2,800rpm. A six-speed manual transmission is linked to both engines.
On the other hand, the AXE Series is available with both petrol and diesel engines. The gasoline engine is the 2.0-litre Turbo GDi mStallion, which produces 195bhp at 5,000rpm and 380Nm of torque between 1,750 and 3,000rpm. This engine is available with either a manual or automatic transmission. The 2.2-litre Commonrail Turbo diesel mHawk engine in the diesel version produces 182bhp @ 3,500rpm. This engine’s manual transmission provides 420Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm, while the automatic transmission has 450Nm between 1,750 and 2,800 rpm.
Exterior design
The XUV700 has a black grille frame with large headlamps and LED daytime running lights in the shape of a dog. It has futuristic flush door handles on the outside, while the ORVMs are power-adjustable and have built-in turn indicators. The MX Series and AX3 have 17-inch steel wheels, while the AX5 and AX7 versions have 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, respectively. LED taillights in the shape of arrows accentuate the rear.
Interior design
DEPENDING ON THE MODEL, the XUV700 has leatherette seats, a leather steering wheel, and a leather gear lever. The base MX Series has an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto. A dual HD 10.25-inch infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital collection on the AX Series. Wireless Android Auto, AdrenoX Connect, six-way power seats with memory function, and more goodies are available on higher models.
2. Toyota Fortuner
Ex-Showroom Price: 31.39 – 43.43 Lakh
In India, the Toyota Fortuner is a household name. The 7-seater SUV has a cult following in India.
Engine Specifications
The Toyota Fortuner has a length of 4,795mm, a width of 1,855mm, a height of 1,835mm, and a wheelbase of 2,745mm.
The Toyota Fortuner has two engine options: a 2.7-litre petrol engine and a 2.8-litre diesel engine. The former produces 164 horsepower and 245 Newton metres of torque, while the latter produces 201 horsepower and 420 Newton metres of torque (500Nm with AT). There are two transmission options: a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic.
Exterior design
The Toyota Fortuner has a new grille, LED headlights with LED DRLs, redesigned bumpers, 18-inch alloy wheels, and taillights on the outside.
Features and the interior
The Toyota Fortuner has an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a cooled glove-box, drive modes, electrically adjustable front seats, automatic climate control, cruise control, ventilated front seats, puddle lamps, an engine start-stop button, and a wireless charger. The model’s safety features include seven airbags, ABS with EBD, parking sensors, a seatbelt reminder system, speed alert system, VSC with braking aid, traction control, and park assist function.
3. Mahindra Thar
Ex-Showroom Price: 13.18 – 15.54 lakh
The new Mahindra Thar combines sophisticated engineering with old-school elegance. Apart from that, it’s one of the best off-roaders on the market right now.
Mahindra and Mahindra, the most aggressive of all.
Engine specifications
This all-new Thar is powered by a new 1,997cc turbocharged petrol engine paired to a six-speed manual or torque converter automatic transmission. It produces 150bhp at 5,000rpm and 300Nm of torque between 1,250 and 3,000rpm, while the automatic transmission produces 320Nm between 1,500 and 3,000rpm.
The latest tried-and-true mHawk is a 2,184cc diesel engine with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Design Specifications
The Thar comes in two trim levels: optional AX and LX. Mahindra provides factory-installed convertible and complex top options. In addition, the LX grade comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the AX option comes with 16-inch alloy wheels. The two doors can be removed for severe off-roading.
The interior of the Thar has been overhauled by Mahindra and is now washable and drainable. The Thar has a modern cabin, just like a stylish hatchback or sedan. There is a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity. In addition, the four-wheel-drive system is controlled by a manual gearstick.
4. Mahindra Scorpio
Price Ex-Showroom: 13.18 to 18.15 lakh
The Mahindra Scorpio is one of India’s top SUVs for racking up the miles. The Mahindra 7-seater SUV has a commanding driving stance and performance.
Engine specifications
The 2017 Mahindra Scorpio is powered by a 2.5-litre and 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine that comes in: 75bhp, 120bhp/280Nm (S5 and S7 variants), and 140bhp/320Nm (S5 and S7 variants) (S7 and S11 variants).
The top-of-the-line S7 model receives a new six-speed manual transmission, while the rest get a five-speed manual. The new sixth-generation Borg Warner turbocharger, along with the new easy shift 6-Speed transmission, the firm claims, optimises performance, cruises on highways in overdrive, and saves gasoline.
External Design
The face and grille of the new Scorpio have been updated. New lighting signatures have been added to the headlamps and taillights. There are new alloy wheels, ORVM with indication, and fog lamps with chrome bezels. New air extractors and a new upper and lower grille mesh design are included in the SUV car. A chrome appliqué and an aero blade wiper are added to the tailgate.
Internal Design
The Scorpio has a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, a new mobile phone holding slot and larger cubbyholes. The new Scorpio has a reverse parking camera, one-touch lane change indicator, six-inch touch screen infotainment with Bluetooth/ CD/ DVD/ USB/ Aux, driver information system, steering mounted controls, suspension and anti-roll technology, and shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, along with some other features. Intellipark, tyre-Tronics, rain and light sensors, micro-hybrid technology, gear indication, and voice assist system are all included in the SUV.
Front dual airbags, ABS, panic brake indication, collapsible steering column and side intrusion beams, engine immobiliser, anti-theft alert, and seat belt reminder bulb are just a few of the safety features included in the new Scorpio. Speed alert and an automatic door lock are also included in the vehicle.
5. Hyundai Creta
In terms of popularity, the Hyundai Creta is to be far higher on this list than it is now. As the dealers faced a shortage, sales have dropped. Creta has fallen further in the rankings for an SUV that has found over 2.15 lakh homes since its facelift version was launched in March 2020. Last month, Hyundai sold just 9,869 vehicles, down 20% from the 12,284 cars sold in January of the previous year.
Engine Specifications
The Creta has petrol and diesel engines that are BS6 certified. The 1.5-litre petrol engine produces 112bhp/144Nm and is available with a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission. The more exciting petrol engine is a 1.4-litre Turbo GDi with 138bhp/242Nm and just a seven-speed DCT transmission. The 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine produces 113bhp/250Nm and is available with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
External Design
It features a three-dimensional cascading grille with muscle-like vertical and horizontal lines and a sculpted bumper with skid plates on the outside. Flared wheel arches enhance its overall beauty with skillfully designed crease lines.
To give the SUV a futuristic flair, it features two LED DRLs, LED Head Lamps, and strategically placed fog lamps. The new Creta has class-leading features like panoramic sunroof, LED headlamps, and an improved Bluelink 1.5 system. It has blacked-out windows and windscreens.
Interior Design
The Creta has received a renovation with a new design that adds a luxury, contemporary touch. The dashboard creates the wing curve, making the front area bolder and dynamic while also providing additional safety. In addition, there is an 8-inch AVT screen integrated into the console in the centre of the fascia.
6. Tata Nexon
Ex-Showroom Price: 7.40 – 13.35 lakh
Tata Motors’ sub-compact SUV has seen an increase in sales. Since January of last year, Nexon’s sales had increased by roughly 68 per cent, when 8,225 units were sold. In December, Tata sold 12,899 Nexon machines.
Engine
The Tata Nexon has petrol and diesel engines. The 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine makes 118bhp at 5,500rpm and 170Nm of torque at 1,750rpm. The 1.5-litre diesel engine, on the other hand, produces 108 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 260 Nm of torque at 1,500 rpm. Optional transmissions include a six-speed manual and an automatic manual transmission (AMT).
Exterior Design
The Nexon is sleek, with a chiselled profile rather than the muscular and rounder appearance of the prior model. The tiny SUV now sports a new dual-barrel projector headlamp setup with integrated tri-arrow LED DRLs. The lower air dam has been increased in size, and a massive ‘tri-arrow’ screen has been installed. Modern alloy wheels with a diameter of 16 inches are fitted to the vehicle.
Interior Design
The Tata Nexon’s dashboard is uncluttered and straightforward. The compact SUV features a revised steering wheel with a smaller horn pad and premium-looking multimedia and cruise control buttons.
7. TATA Harrier
Ex-Showroom Price: 14.50 – 21.34 lakh
The Tata Harrier has one of the best ride qualities in its class, and it drives more like a proper SUV than a jacked-up 5-seater. The Tata Harrier has a dominating presence on the road, excellent mile-munching skills, and a powerful diesel engine.
Engine Specifications
A 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel engine with 168 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque powers the Harrier. It has a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite the lack of an AWD model, the Harrier includes a unique ESP system with adjustable settings for different circumstances – normal, wet, and rough.
Exterior Design
The Harrier has low-mounted headlamps and elegant high-mounted DRLs. Flaring arches, a slanting roof, and a floating look on the D-pillar contribute to the Harrier’s silhouette. It has a contoured tailgate and sleek yet sharp LED tail lamps at the back.
Interior Design
The 8.8-inch floating infotainment system dominates the dashboard, which features a wood-finished insert running across it. The following are some features of Harrier:
- A driver’s seat adjusts eight ways, and a co-driver seat adjusts four ways.
- The upholstery is made of leather.
- Climate control in two zones.
- Electronic ORVMs.
- A cooled storage box.
- An electric sunroof.
- Several storage areas throughout.
8. Maruti Vitara Brezza
Ex-Showroom Price: 7.68- 11.33 lakh
This year, Maruti will debut a facelifted version of its subcompact SUV Vitara Brezza.
Engine specifications
The 1.5-litre K-Series petrol engine in the Maruti Vitara Brezza delivers 103bhp and 138Nm of torque. It has a five-speed manual transmission with a Smart Hybrid technology automatic transmission.
Exterior specifications
Projector headlights with LED DRLs, a new grille, new 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, LED taillights, and a revamped rear bumper are features of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza facelift. The Vitara Brezza’s back end receives new LED taillights and a restyled rear bumper.
Interior specifications
Fabric upholstery with an all-black theme is installed. The SmartPlay infotainment system is included, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel and auto-dimming IRVM. Auto-dimming IRVMs and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are included in the top-spec model.
9. Kia Seltos
Ex-Showroom Price: 9.95- 18.19 lakh
Engine specifications
The Kia Seltos has a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. A six-speed manual transmission, a CVT, and an iMT gearbox are all available with the 1.5-litre petrol engine. Only a seven-speed DCT with steering-mounted paddle shifters is available with the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine.
Exterior specifications
The Kia Seltos has a chrome-finished tiger-nose grille is accompanied by a LED daytime running lights. The fog lamps are attractive. The LED headlamps at the back add to Seltos’ strong attitude. A chrome slat connects the tail lamps, and the sculpted bumper with simulated bash plates completes the Seltos’ outward appearance. The Seltos is 4315x1800x1620 mm, with a 2610mm wheelbase and 190mm ground clearance.
Interior specifications
On the inside, the mid-spec variants get smart-key with remote engine start, new AI voice commands, electronic stability control, brake assist, and stability management, in addition to existing features like an electric sunroof, ambient lighting, leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and front ventilated seats.
10. Mahindra XUV300
Ex-Showroom Price: 8.18- 13.67lakh
Mahindra’s sub-compact SUV has been a consistent performer.
Engine specifications
The Mahindra XUV300 has two powertrain options: a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. The former produces 109 horsepower and 200 Newton metres of torque, while the latter has 115 horsepower and 300 Newton metres of torque.
Exterior specifications
Projector headlights with LED DRLs, a grille with chrome inserts, fog lights, contrast silver-coloured skid plates, electrically adjustable ORVMs, LED tail lights, an integrated spoiler, and 17-inch alloy wheels are the exterior highlights of the Mahindra XUV300.
Interior specifications
The Mahindra XUV300 has a sunroof, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, BlueSense technology, cruise control, steering-mounted controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start-stop, and auto-dimming IRVM inside. Seven airbags, ABS with EBD, front and parking sensors, reverse parking camera, ESP with roll-over mitigation, cornering brake control, TPMS, all four disc brakes and seatbelt reminders lock are the model’s safety features.
Edited and published by Ashlyn Joy
