India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: An SUV from the Skoda stable.
CarDekho.com

If you are planning to buy a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), a crossover or a Multi Utility Vehicle (MUV) you will get plenty of options across price ranges.

Starting with a price tag of Rs 525,000 ex-showroom the range crosses Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million) for some models.

So, here is a list of 25 SUVs and MUVs to choose from.

...

Powered by offers the best platform in India to research cars online. Make better car buying decisions using features like car research, reviews, car comparisons, discounts, on-road prices etc. on CarDekho.com.

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Premier Rio.

Premier Rio

The car is packed with a 1.5L, 1489cc, turbo diesel engine that produces 65PS of maximum power at 4000rpm with 152Nm of maximum torque at 2250rpm.

The car has good acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency.

This SUV is at the lower end of the spectrum and is very basic as compared to other vehicles in its class.

It is priced between Rs 525,000 - Rs 601,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Tata Sumo Grande.

Tata Sumo Grande

The car is available in two types of engines - DICOR and Turbo.

The newer version of the Tata Sumo is sporty, stylish and attractive looking. It has classy new interiors and exteriors and comes by the name of Tata Sumo Grande MKII turbo and Grande Dicor.

It has a 2.2L DICOR (Direct Injection Common Rail) diesel engine that produces 120 PS power at 4000 rpm and maximum torque is 250 Nm at 1500-3000 rpm.

And the turbo engine powered variant of the Tata Sumo comes with 2.0 IDI TCIC 1948 cc engine capable of producing 90 ps power at 4500rpm and maximum torque of 190 NM at 2000-3000rpm.

It is priced at Rs 585,662 - Rs 784,49.

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Maruti Gypsy.

Maruti Gypsy

The car has a 1300 cc petrol engine which is lighter than the diesel one and has good power and greater responsiveness.

The car has better ground clearance that ensures better off-road handling. Its engine is on high thermal conductivity that heats up quickly under extremely cold conditions and also avoids overheating in hot climate terrain.

Gypsy's diphragm spring clutch can withstand higher rotational speeds and requires less release load, hence reducing the wear of parts.

Gypsy has a max power of 80 bhp at 6000 rpm. It comes with a 5-speed gearbox and suits Indian roads, rural and urban, very well.

The car is priced at Rs 536,175 - Rs 555,013.

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Mahindra Scorpio.

Mahindra Scorpio

This lifestyle SUV by Mahindra has been synonymous to style, adventure, luxury and performance.

The car comes with a 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder mHawk diesel engine that produces a whopping 120 bhp power at 4000 rpm and 290 Nm at 1800-2800 rpm.

The Scorpio is a lifestyle SUV with decent off roading capacity and offers a comfortable ride, pleasing style, good safety features and decent interiors.

The car is priced between Rs 760,000 - Rs 10,57,340.

The lifestyle SUV segment is very niche in India and at a very nascent stage and Mahindra wants to leave its mark. Mahindra Scorpio offers comfortable ride, pleasing style, stable safety features coupled with decent interiors.

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Toyota Innova.

Toyota Innova

The car comes in both petrol and diesel engine.

The 1998cc, 16-Valve DOHC WTi petrol engine produces 132PS power at 5600rpm and 181NM torque at 4000rpm.

The 2494cc, 16-Valve DOHC diesel engine generates 102PS power at 3600rpm and 200NM torque at 1400-3400rpm.

Toyota Innova's petrol variant is also compatible with CNG and comes with a manual selector switch that enables the driver to easily switch from gasoline to CNG and vice versa.

The CNG cylinder present in the car has a capacity of 12kg and the running cost comes around Rs 1.6/km or less depending on the driving situation.

Innova comes with a price tag of Rs 794,470 - Rs 11,72,760.

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Mahindra Xylo.

Mahindra Xylo

This C + category vehicle by Mahindra comes with a CRDe technology.

The car has a diesel engine with a 2500cc displacement generating 110 bhp at 3200 rpm and 28.3 kgm torque at 1700 rpm.

It has a seating capacity of eight passengers and a minimum turning radius of 5.60 mts.

Mahindra Xylo has front disk breaks and rear brakes are drum type.

It has a five gear manual transmission along with body colour bumpers, tachometer, alloys, ORVM indicators, climate controlled AC, power windows, remote controlled central locking, remote operated fuel filler, rear wiper and rear defogger.

The car is priced at Rs 647,118 - Rs 816,262.

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Tata Safari.

Tata Safari

This popular SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) by one of country's biggest car makers possesses sporty looks and advanced interior and exterior features.

It is priced competitively at Rs 770,761 - Rs 11,65,824.

Tata Safari's 2.2L, 16V diesel engine produces 140hp at 4000 rpm and 320Nm torque.

Safari comes with a day-night visibility instrumental panel, leather seats and power windows.

Safety features like airbags, ABS (Antilock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution) and reverse guide system are also present.

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Mahindra Bolero.

Mahindra Bolero

This powerful vehicle from Mahindra's stable makes your drive easier on the bumpy roads of India.

Mahindra Bolero has a 2498 cc diesel engine which sets it apart from other cars.

The car has a 5-speed transmission, which makes it a fuel efficient car.

The car has features like antisubmarine seats, air conditioners, power steering and four speaker music system etc.

Mahindra has priced Bolero between Rs 474,710 and Rs 598,350.

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Tata Aria.

Tata Aria

The Sports Utility Vehicle by Tata everyone has been waiting for has finally been launched.

It is an eight seater luxurious MUV build on the roadster concept and comes with a 2.2L, DICOR (Direct Injection Common Rail) engine (same as Tata Safari).

The engine produces 140bhp power at 4000rpm with 320Nm torque at 1700-2700rpm.

It has a plethora of new and advanced features including disc type coupled with ABS and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system.

The ESP is being offered for the first time in any Tata car. Aria's power steering, efficient braking system with ESP and standard ground clearance ensure hassle free driving.

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Toyota Fortuner.

Toyota Fortuner

The big and bulky SUV is in great demand across the country and the company has been staring at a huge backlog for a long time.

To meet the backlog the company had once before increased the production to more than 950 units per month from the initial 500 units per month.

The mighty beast comes equipped with a 2982 cc Common Rail Diesel Engine that churns out 163 PS(160 BHP) of power and 35 kgm of torque, aided by a Variable Geometry Turbocharger(VGT).

The choice of transmission is limited to a four-speed auto and a five speed manual transmission.

The suspension is stiff but it soaks up the jerks and bumps very easily without rattling your bones.

The ride and handling is at par with competition.

The Fortuner is a true blue SUV unlike most of its counterparts, which are soft-roaders and offer a car like feel.

The huge tyres (Bridgestone Dueler HT 265/65 - R17) offer a decent grip on the road and should offer good off road capability to the giant. Safety features haven't been compromised with ESP, EBD and traction control on offer.

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero

It comes in one diesel model with a 2.8 L, 2835cc with an eight valve SOCH Turbocharged inter cooled diesel unit that offers high performance with impressive fuel efficiency.

The in line type engine produces a maximum power of 118.6 PS at 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 292 Nm at 2000 rpm.

It is a high-end SUV with a seating capacity of 7 passengers.

The exterior dimensions include length- 4755 mm, width- 1775 mm and height- 1900 mm with a wheelbase of 2725 mm.

The ground clearance of 205 mm in this car is pretty good.

It is priced at Rs 19,85,000 - Rs 19,85,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: HM Mitsubishi Outlander.

HM Mitsubishi Outlander

The car was finally launched earlier this year and it is available at a price of Rs 19.95 lakh, (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

It is BS-IV compliant and comes with a 2.4 MIVEC engine.

The Mitsubishi Outlander has jet-fighter front grill, bulged rear bumper, silver-color roof rails and HID Head Lamp with AFS function.

Its features include all wheel control system, superior handling, centrally located dial system, located on the center console permits free switching between 3 drive modes (2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Locked), Anti-lock braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), theft protection device, alloy brakes and clutch control.

This is not all the Mitsubishi Outlander has a new Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), a new grille with chrome accents, new front bumpers, redesigned front fenders, mirror mounted turn indicators, new door and dash trims, USB port, AUX-IN port, aluminum pedals, leather covered instrument panel, roof rails, new combination meter and auto-folding Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs).

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Chevrolet Captiva.

Chevrolet Captiva

The car is available in 2.0 L, 1991 cc diesel engine with both automatic and manual transmission gearbox.

Chevrolet Captiva comes in diesel engine only with three models - Captiva LT, LTZ and Xtreme.

Chevrolet Captiva LTZ is the only model that comes with five -speed automatic transmission gearbox whereas Captiva LT and Xtreme are have a five speed manual transmission gearbox.

The car has a variable geometry turbo Common Rail Direct Injection (VCDi) fuel supply system with SOHC valve configuration.

The In Line diesel engine is powered with 4 modern cylinders and 16 Valves generating 150 PS at 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 320Nm at 2000 rpm.

The car is priced at Rs 17,96,415 - 19,71,041 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Ford Endeavour.

Ford Endeavour

It is available with two different capacities engine that are a 2.5L Duratorq engine and 3.0L Duratorq engine.

Two out of its three variants are powered by the 2.5L, 2499cc, Duratorq TDCi diesel engine with Direct Injection Common Rail fuel injection system and VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger) that enhances the overall engine performance with fuel efficiency.

This 2.5L, 2499cc power-plant delivers 143PS of maximum power at 3500rpm with 330Nm of maximum torque at 1800rpm that results high engine performance with good acceleration.

The car is priced at Rs 16,25,000 - Rs 18,69,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Hyundai Santa Fe.

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Indian car market got two versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe - the 4X2 (two wheel drive) version that has been priced at Rs 20.95 lakh and the 4x4 (four wheel drive) version priced at Rs 22.95 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

It comes with the benefit of a CRDI (Common Rail Direct Injection) fuel system that is bound to deliver excellent engine performance and a better fuel efficiency thanx to the Euro V engine.

The car has 4 cylinders and 16 valves with DOHC (Double Over Head Camshafts), which is already a success.

The 2.2L engine is teamed with a six-speed manual transmission gearbox that produces an impressive power of 197 PS, peak power at 3800 rpm and belts out 420Nm of torque between 1800-2500 rpm.

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Volvo XC60.

Volvo XC60

The XC60 gets its power from a 2.4 litre five-cylinder turbo diesel engine capable of generating 205bhp max power at 4000 rpm and 420Nm of torque between 1500-3250 rpm.

The efficient engine is teamed with a six-speed steptronic gearbox and does the 0 to100km/h sprint in under 10 seconds.

It also has a permanent all-wheel-drive system. Brand Volvo is known best for its high safety standards and the XC60 offers the best of them.

It has features like Laser Assisted Automatic Braking (City Safety), turn with steering lights (Active Bending Lights), Haldex AWD (All Wheel Drive) with Instant TractionTM, continuously controlled chassis concept (FOUR-C) and power tailgate to name a few.

The car has optional features such as auto brake alerts, adaptive Cruise Control that helps maintain safe distance with the vehicle in front, Driver Alert Control, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and Lane Departure Warning alerts.

The car has been priced at Rs 39.5 lakh - Rs 41.41 lakh (ex-showroom).

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: BMW X1.

BMW X1

The premium car manufacturer surprised buyers by launching the X1 for a base price of Rs 22 lakh.

The SUV is powered by 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines and comes as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

The compact SUV has a wheelbase of 2760mm and a length of 4454mm long.

The base variant or the Corporate Edition of X1 has been stripped of features like sunroof, i-drive interface, and 6-CD changer.

It also has toned down interiors that have simple black trim and fabric seats in place of wood garnishing.

The other two trims - Highline and Cool Elegance - come loaded with all the high-end features.

The 1.8i trim of the compact SUV has been priced at Rs 22 lakh while the 2.0-litre diesel base variant has a price tag of Rs 23 lakh.

BMW has priced the 2.0-liter Diesel Exclusive Variant at Rs 29.90 lakh and the Cool Elegance at Rs 32.5 lakh.

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: BMW X5.

BMW X5

It is available in two variants in India that are X5 xDrive 3.0d and X5 xDrive4.8i.

Both the variants are equipped with the same powertrain and more or less same features.

The base variant xDrive 3.0, is powered by a 2933cc, six-cylinder, common rail direct injection engine that is able to pump out max power of 218 bhp at 4000 rpm and produces a peak torque of 480 Nm at 1700-3000 rpm.

It is mated with six-speed automatic gearbox combined that helps do the 0-100 kmph sprint in 8.4 seconds.

The X5 4.8i comes with a 4.8 litre, 4799cc, eight-cylinder petrol engine that generates a top power of 355 bhp at 6250 rpm and has a peak torque of 475 Nm at 3400-3800 rpm.

The same six speed automatic transmission is mated in the powertrain that propels the car from 0-100 kmph in 6.5 seconds.

It is priced between Rs 52,99,000 and Rs 69,50,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: BMW X3.

BMW X3

Its single trim level called the X3 3.0si comes with a 3.0 litre in-line six-cylinder engine which gives 260hp.

It comes with xDrive, the latest four-wheel drive configuration that allow the X3 to achieve greater degree of stability and control and make it a perfect off-roader.

It is priced between Rs 27,00,000 - Rs 41,80,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

BMW recently announced the launch of the new X3 SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) in India by mid-2011. The car will be assembled in BMW's Chennai plant from a CKD kits.

The car will flaunt a new engine, gearbox and better rear doors. Its styling will have a combination of both the X1 and the larger X5.

However, the car will be longer, taller and wider than the outgoing model.

The BMW X3 will get the entry level version, X3 xDrive20d powered by a 184bhp motor carrying a price tag of Rs 41.2 lakh while the petrol X3 xdrive25i will come for Rs 42.2 lakh.

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Audi Q5.

Audi Q5

The Q5 SUV by Audi got a new variant - the 2.0 TDI Quattro.

The Q5 2.0TDI diesel's powermill is capable of generating 170bhp and 35.7kgm of torque.

The engine is mated to a 7-speed S-tronic gearbox and will be up against rivals like Land Rover Freelander 2 and Volvo XC 60.

Q5's existing models include a 3.0TDI diesel and a 2.0TFSI petrol engine powered vehicles.

The car is imported as a Completely Knocked Down unit and assembled in India.

The Audi Q5 2.0 TDI q comes with a price tag of Rs 39,05,000 (ex-showroom) and deliveries start in April 2011.

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Mercedes Benz G-Wagen.

Mercedes Benz G-Wagen

The car is powered by a supercharged 5.5-litre V8-engine developing 373 kW/507 hp and a maximum torque of 700 newton metres (Nm). The G 55 AMG breaks the 100 km/h mark in 5.5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 210 km/h.

Features like Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Hill Start Assist help make the G 55 AMG an easy to handle and comfortable to drive car.

It comes with a permanent all-wheel drive with three locking differentials, a 5-speed automatic transmission and high performance ventilated disc brakes.

The G55 AMG will be imported as a completely built unit (CBU) and will cost a whopping Rs 1.1 crore.

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Mercedes M Class Grand.

Mercedes M Class Grand

The company launched two brand new variants of its SUV M-Class Grand. Mercedes has offered Grand Sports and Grand Executive as the two new variants of the SUV.

The M Class Grand has a 2987cc, V6 diesel engine under the hood that gives it 224bhp max power and generates 52kgm of max torque.

There is no change done to the engine, and the alterations are mostly cosmetic.

The exteriors of the new variants now have swanky 10-spoke, 19" light-alloy wheels, darkened headlamps for the front and LED daytime driving lights integrated in the front bumper.

Changes in the interiors include a new two-tone colour scheme, good quality materials, AMG-style sports steering wheel sporting a Grand edition badge on the central console.

The Sports and Executive versions of the M-Class Grand Edition also bring with them heated seats, PARKTRONIC & NECK-PRO luxury head restraints as standard.

The Grand Executive Edition of the M-Class can be yours for Rs 47.91 lakh and the Grand Sports version can be yours for about Rs 54.11 lakh.

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Skoda Yeti.

Skoda Yeti

Skoda Yeti is powered by a 2.0 TDI common rail diesel engine that does duty in Superb and Laura.

But the engine in Yeti is capable of generating 140 bhp of max power and 32.4 kgm of peak torque at 1750 rpm. Skoda is offering the Yeti with a six-speed manual transmission option.

The crossover is capable of doing the 0 to 100 kph sprint under 11 seconds.

The figure is a class topping one and might please the speed freaks, who also have the crossover's top speed of 185 kph to drool over.

The crossover has low kerb weight of 1,543 kg that makes it pretty light and makes it a sprinter.

Yeti is expected to give a mileage of about 11.2 kpl. The Skoda Yeti has an advanced integrated audio system with twelve speakers and a digital equaliser, or an MDI to connect an external device.

The crossover also has a powerful climate control dual air conditioning system with HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and AC) with an air quality sensor.

It is an electronically-controlled dual-zone climate control air conditioning that automatically switches to internal circulation if the quality of air sucked in falls below set values, especially while driving in a tunnel or traffic jam.

It remains in this mode until sufficiently clean air can be sucked from outside.

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Nissan X Trail.

Nissan X Trail

The car got two new variants. The 2.2 litre four cylinder diesel engine has an in-line arrangement and is a 2184cc unit.

The engine is equipped with 16 valves 4 in each cylinder, Double Overhead Cam Shaft (DOHC) and a direct injection common rail fuel injection system.

It delivers 136 PS at the rate of 4000 rpm and a torque of 314Nm or 32kgm and that too at the rate of 2000 rpm.

...

India's 25 most popular SUVs

Image: Porsche Cayenne diesel.

Porsche

The company has launched its new five models - Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne Diesel and Cayenne S Hybrid.

The Cayenne S Hybrid's is a really sophisticated car.

It has a parallel full hybrid drive system that takes care of the fuel consumption.

The car consumes about 8.2 litres/100 kilometres. On the other hand there is the Cayenne Diesel that gives you the output of 240 bhp three-litre V6 bringing down fuel consumption by 20 per cent.

Like other carmakers Porsche is also being fuel efficient and offering better fuel efficiency.

The Cayenne S with its 4.8 litre V8 power unit is pretty impressive. Even the 500bhp Cayenne Purbo has brought down its fuel consumption by 23 per cent - the 4.8 litres V8 turbo consumes just 11.5 litre/100 km.

The German luxury car maker launched its second-generation Cayenne and priced it at Rs 65.82-lakh to Rs 1.27 crore in India (ex-showroom).

A model wise car price structure is - Cayenne (Rs 65,82,000), Cayenne S (Rs 78,62,000), Caynne Turbo (Rs 1,27,10,000), Cayenne Diesel (Rs 59,22,000) and Cayenne S Hybrid (Rs 75,46,000). All prices are ex-showroom.

More