Best Compact SUVs in India 2024: Low Maintenance Picks

The current Indian market holds a ton of car models and trims. Hence, finding the best SUV that is both and low maintenance can seem difficult. Compact SUVs are now popular in India due to their practical size and cost efficiency. 

If you looking for an SUV that carries multiple features and does not dent your pocket, here’s a detailed guide on the best options in 2024.

Compact vs Mid-Size vs Large-Size SUVs

While compact SUVs are the mule for city driving and occasional highway trips, mid-size SUVs and large-size SUVs (with a higher price tag) will offer:

  • More Space: Ideal for larger families.
  • More Power: Better for off-roading.

If you need a 7-seater SUV in India, considering options beyond the compact segment will be your bet with higher costs.

Why Choose a Compact SUV?

SUV choose

Compact SUVs provide:

  • Versatility: Perfect for city commutes and long drives.
  • Efficiency: Higher fuel economy compared to heavier SUVs.
  • Affordability: More budget-friendly than bigger SUVs
  • Low Maintenance: Generally lower upkeep costs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Compact SUV

SUV Factors

1. Maintenance Cost

Look for vehicles known for low maintenance costs. Brands like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai have widespread service networks and top-of-the-class after-sales service.

2. Budget

Under ₹10 Lakhs, options like Nissan Magnite, Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, and Maruti Suzuki Fronx.

3. Resale Value

Vehicles like the Brezza and Venue are known SUVs with the best resale value in India.

5. Power and Performance

If you seek power as the most powerful compact SUV in India, consider options like the Mahindra XUV300.

Top Affordable Compact SUVs with Low Maintenance Cost

SUV Top Affordable

SUV Model Price (Ex-Showroom) Mileage (km/litre) Maintenance Special Features
Nissan Magnite ₹ 5.99-9.10 lakhs 18.75-20 Low Affordable with advanced features and excellent fuel efficiency.
Tata Punch ₹6.13-10.15 lakhs 18.8 Low High ground clearance, great for city and highway driving.
Hyundai Exter ₹6-10.43 lakhs 19.4 Low Stylish, modern features including a sunroof.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx ₹7.51-13.04 lakhs 20.01 Very Low High fuel efficiency with a reliable service network.
Kia Sonet ₹7.99-15.77 lakhs 18.4-24 Low Premium experience with tech-loaded features.
Hyundai Venue ₹7.94-13.53 lakhs 18.15-23.4 Low Spacious, feature-packed, and reliable.
Tata Nexon ₹8-15.50 lakhs 17.5-24 Low One of the safest SUVs in its class, great for families.
Maruti Suzuki Brezza ₹8.34-14.14 lakhs 19.8 Very Low Excellent resale value and economical to maintain.
Mahindra XUV300 ₹7.99-14.76 lakhs 17-20 Moderate High safety rating, powerful performance.
Kia Seltos ₹10.09-20.45 lakhs 16-20 Low Tech-loaded, premium, with excellent resale value.

1. Nissan Magnite 

Specification Details
Price Range ₹ 5.99-9.10 lakhs
Length x Width x Height (mm) 3994 x 1758 x 1572 
Engine 1.0-litre Turbo & 1.0-litre Petrol
Mileage 18.75-20 km/l
Transmission Manual / CVT Automatic
Ground Clearance 205 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 40 Litres
Boot Space 336 Litres

2. Tata Punch

Specification Details
Price Range ₹6.13-10.15 lakhs
Length x Width x Height (mm) 3827 x 1742 x 1615
Engine 1.2-litre Revotron Petrol & 1.2-litre Revtron CNG 
Mileage 18.8 km/l
Transmission Manual / AMT
Ground Clearance 187 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 37 Litres, 60 Litre (water capacity)
Boot Space 366 Litres, 210 Litres (with CNG) 

3. Hyundai Exter

Specification Details
Price Range ₹6-10.43 lakhs
Length x Width x Height (mm) 3815 x 1710 x 1631
Engine 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol, CNG 
Mileage 19.4 km/l
Transmission Manual / AMT
Ground Clearance 185 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 37 Litres
Boot Space 331 Litres

4. Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Specification Details
Price Range ₹7.51-13.04 lakhs
Length x Width x Height (mm) 3995  x 1765 x 1550
Engine 1.2-litre K series Petrol, 1.2-litre K series CNG & 1.0-litre K series Turbo Petrol
Mileage 20.01 km/l
Transmission Manual / AMT / AT
Ground Clearance 190 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 37 Litres
Boot Space 308 Litres

Also Read: Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter

5. Kia Sonet 

Specification Details
Price Range ₹7.99-15.77 lakhs
Length x Width x Height (mm) 3995  x 1790 x 1642
Engine 1.2l Smartstream G1.2 Petrol, 1.2l Smartstream G1.0T-GDi Petrol, 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel
Mileage 18.4-24 km/l
Transmission 5 MT/ 6MTl / 6iMT / 7 DCT/ 6AT
Ground Clearance 211 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 45 Litres
Boot Space 392 Litres

6. Hyundai Venue

Specification Details
Price Range ₹7.94-13.53 lakhs
Length x Width x Height (mm) 3995  x 1770 x 1617
Engine 1.0-litre Kappa Turbo & 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol
Mileage 18.15-23.4 km/l
Transmission Manual / iMT / DCT
Ground Clearance 195 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 45 Litres
Boot Space 350 Litres

7. Tata Nexon

Specification Details
Price Range ₹8-15.50 lakhs
Length x Width x Height (mm) 3995 x 1804 x 1620
Engine 1.2-litre Turbo Petrol & 1.5-litre Turbo Diesel
Mileage 17.5-24 km/l
Transmission Manual / AMT
Ground Clearance 209 mm
Fuel Tank  Capacity 44 Litres
Boot Space 350 Litres

Must Read: 7 Reasons Behind Tata Nexon’s Success in India

8. Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Specification Details
Price Range ₹8.34-14.14 lakhs
Length x Width x Height (mm) 3995 x 1790 x 1685
Engine 1.5-litre Petrol
Mileage 17.38 – 19.8 km/l
Transmission 5 MT / 6 AT
Ground Clearance 198 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 48 Litres
Boot Space 328 Litres

9. Mahindra XUV300

Specification Details
Price Range ₹7.99-14.76 lakhs
Length x Width x Height (mm) 3995 x 1821 x 1627
Engine 1.2-litre Turbo Petrol & 1.5-litre Diesel
Mileage 17-20 km/l
Transmission Manual / AMT
Ground Clearance 200 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 42 Litres
Boot Space 257 Litres

10. Kia Seltos

Specification Details
Price Range ₹10.09-20.45 lakhs
Length x Width x Height (mm) 4365 x 1800 x 1645
Engine G1.5 Petrol, G1.5 Petrol T-GDi Petrol, 1.5l CRDi VGT Diesel
Mileage 16-20 km/l
Transmission 6MT / 6iMT/ 7 DCT / 6 AT
Ground Clearance 190 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 50 Litres
Boot Space 433 Litres

Compact SUV Mania: Choose Yours Today

Choosing the right SUV is all about budget and lifestyle. No matter your segment choice, the Indian market has a variety to cater for your needs.

Take the next step today. Test drive one of these SUVs and discover the perfect match yourself.