The government reduced the GST rate, and car prices have dropped significantly. Now, you can get some amazing SUVs under an on-road price of ₹10 lakh. But among so many cars, which one is the perfect match for you? Which one has absolute power, and which is just for show?
Today, I will give you information about the seven toughest SUVs that you can bring home for under ₹10 lakh after the GST reduction. In this article, we will talk about each car’s engine, mileage, boot space, ground clearance, what’s good and bad about it, and most importantly, which variant is the best under ₹10 lakh. You will be surprised by this list, because some of the cars on it will be hard to believe you can get such big vehicles at this price.
7. Mahindra Bolero Neo: The Real Steel Warrior
Let’s start with the car ranked seventh on the list. This is for those who want a firm companion, not just show-offs. At number seven is the new Mahindra Bolero Neo. This is not a light SUV, boss, it’s real steel.
Engine and Performance
Built on a ladder frame chassis, the same rigid frame used for Scorpio and Thar. It comes with a 1493 cc mHawk turbo diesel engine, which is said to produce 100 BHP and 260 Nm of torque, and the biggest thing is that it is rear-wheel drive. This means it has no competition on bad roads and uphill climbs.
Mileage and Specifications
The company claims it delivers 17 km per Liter, which is excellent for such a heavy diesel car. Its ground clearance is 180 millimeters, perfect for India’s roads. The boot space is also great. Folding the rear seats gives 384 liters of space.
Pros and Cons
Its most significant advantage is strength. This car is not made to break down. The second advantage is that it’s a seven-seater. Some downsides include an old-fashioned look, a lack of advanced features such as a prominent sunroof, and the fact that the last two seats aren’t very comfortable.
Price and Best Variant
After the GST cut, the new ex-showroom price ranges from ₹8,49,000 to ₹10,49,000. The best variant in this budget is the N4 base diesel model, available on-road for ₹9,67,000 after GST cut. Imagine an authentic, seven-seater diesel SUV under ₹10 lakh. Yes, one thing is clear: Mahindra does not offer CNG in this car. It runs only on diesel. If you live in a city or village with poor roads and want a robust vehicle that lasts for years, the Bolero Neo is made for you.
6. Tata Nexon: The Safety Champion
Now, let’s talk about the car that has set the market on fire. Number six on the list is the Tata Nexon. Nexon is regarded as one of the safest cars in India, and the new model looks so good that no expensive car can match it.
Engine and Performance
It has a 1200 cc (1.2 liter) turbocharged petrol engine producing 120 PS power and 170 Nm torque. The car runs like butter, whether in the city or on the highway.
Mileage and Specifications
Mileage-wise, it gives about 17 km per liter in a petrol manual. Its ground clearance is an all-time high at 208 mm, meaning you can cross any big pothole or breaker with ease. The boot space is also decent at 382 liters.
Pros and Cons
The most significant advantage of Nexon is its five-star safety rating with unmatched strength. Its look is brand new and sharp. The downside is that some say the rear seat is tight for three fat people, and Tata’s service is inconsistent across locations.
Price and Best Variant
After the GST cut, its new ex-showroom price ranges from ₹7,32,000 to ₹14,05,000. The best-value variant in this budget is the Pure Plus petrol, available on-road for ₹9,94,000 after the GST cut. Also, CNG is now available in Nexon with an innovative CNG base model priced at ₹9,24,000 on-road. If safety and style are your top priorities, the new Nexon will be the pride of your garage.
5. Mahindra XUV 3XO: The Turbo Beast
But wait, if Nexon surprised you, Mahindra’s new challenger will shock you. At number five is the Mahindra XUV 3XO. Mahindra gave the old XUV 300 a makeover, making it look brand new.
Engine and Performance
The base model has a 1.2-liter mStallion turbo petrol engine that delivers 110 BHP and 200 Nm of torque. This means the car runs fast.
Mileage and Specifications
The company claims a mileage of 18 km per liter. The 201 mm of ground clearance is comparable to the Nexon’s. Mahindra increased the boot space to 364 liters.
Pros and Cons
The most significant advantage is the engine; having a turbo in the base model is a big deal. It also has a five-star safety rating by Bharat NCAP. The car’s interior is spacious. Not everyone likes the new design, especially at the back.
Price and Best Variant
After the GST cut, its new ex-showroom price ranges from ₹7,28,000 to ₹14,40,000. The best variant under ₹10 lakh is the MX3 Petrol, which also includes a sunroof. After the GST cut, the on-road price of the MX3 petrol is ₹9,95,000. Mahindra does not offer a CNG variant, but there is an MX2 diesel model priced at ₹10,18,000, which is just ₹18,000 above the budget but offers a strong diesel engine. If you want a wide, safe, and powerful turbo petrol car, the XUV 3XO is made for you.
4. Tata Punch: The Compact Powerhouse
So far, we saw powerful cars, but what if you want safety and CNG without compromise? At number four is the Tata Punch. Tata Punch shook the small SUV market alone. It looks small but packs a big punch.
Engine and Performance
It has a 1199 cc (1.2 liter) three-cylinder Revotron petrol engine producing about 86 PS power. It’s perfect for city driving.
Mileage and Specifications
Mileage is around 20 km per liter. Ground clearance is 187 mm, excellent for rough roads. The petrol model gets 366 liters of boot space.
Pros and Cons
It is also a five-star safety car with high seating, giving a complete SUV feel. Now available with CNG too, featuring two-cylinder technology that saves boot space. The three-cylinder engine makes some noise and may feel slightly underpowered on the highway.
Price and Best Variant
After the GST cut, the new ex-showroom price is ₹5,50,000 to ₹9,30,000. You have two excellent options: Creative Plus S manual transmission and Accomplished Plus S Camo MT transmission. If you want automatic, Creative Plus S manual costs ₹9,60,000 on-road, and Accomplished Plus S Camo MT costs ₹9,91,000 on-road. The Adventure Plus S CNG model is popular at ₹9,41,000 on-road. If your budget is tight but you want safety, an SUV feel, and a CNG option, the Punch is unbeatable.
3. Maruti Fronx: The Mileage King
Now, for those who want style and Maruti’s trust, the Maruti Fronx is number three. Fronx brings SUV coupe design to every budget. It’s built on the Baleno but looks unique, with a higher ground clearance.
Engine and Performance
In a ₹10 lakh budget, it gets a 1197 cc four-cylinder petrol engine producing 90 PS power and runs quietly.
Mileage and Specifications
Mileage is the real strength, giving up to 21.79 km per liter. Ground clearance is 190 mm, and boot space is 308 liters —decent enough.
Pros and Cons
Benefits include excellent mileage, Maruti’s trusted engine, and no service worries. A sloping roof may hit the heads of tall rear passengers.
Price and Best Variant
After the GST cut, the new ex-showroom price ranges from ₹6,85,000 to ₹11,98,000. The most popular model is the Delta Plus petrol, priced around ₹9 lakh on-road. Maruti, being Maruti, also has a CNG variant, the Delta CNG, available for ₹9,63,000. If you want a stylish car with top mileage, Fronx is for you.
2. Skoda Kushaq: The German Excellence
So far, we’ve seen native and Japanese cars, but can you get a German car in this budget? Absolutely. At number two is the Skoda Kushaq. A new name but a blast from Skoda. Made especially for India.
Engine and Performance
It has a 999 cc TSI turbo petrol engine which is producing 114 BHP and 178 Nm of torque, among the most powerful on this list.
Mileage and Specifications
Mileage is 19 km per liter. Ground clearance is 189 mm, good.
Pros and Cons
The most significant advantage is excellent German build quality, five-star safety, and a powerful turbo engine. Downsides include costly service and parts, and the lack of a diesel engine.
Price and Best Variant
After the GST cut, the new ex-showroom range is ₹7,55,000 to ₹12,80,000. The classic petrol base model costs ₹8,80,000 on-road, a bargain for a German turbo petrol SUV. No CNG model is available. If you want strength, safety, and driving pleasure without compromise, the Skoda Kushaq should be your top choice.
1. Kia Sonet: The Premium Winner
Finally, the Kia Sonet is number one on the list. The most beautiful and expensive-looking car in this segment. It beats everyone in features.
Engine and Performance
In a ₹10 lakh budget, you get a 1197 cc regular petrol engine producing about 82 BHP, perfect for city driving.
Mileage and Specifications
The claimed mileage is 18 km per liter—ground clearance of 205 mm challenges the Nexon. Boot space is good at 385 liters.
Pros and Cons
Advantages are a spectacular design and a premium feel inside. A disadvantage is a tight rear seat for three people, and the 1.2-liter engine feels a bit weak on the highway.
Price and Best Variant
After the GST cut, the new ex-showroom price ranges from ₹7,30,000 to ₹14 lakh. The best model in this budget is the HTK Petrol Manual. It costs ₹9,85,000 on-road after GST. The Kia Sonet does not come with CNG. There is, however, an optional diesel HT model priced ₹10,70,000, which is ₹70,000 above the budget but a good option if you want diesel without CNG.
Final Verdict: Which SUV Should You Choose?
So, these were the seven SUVs. GST reduction made the ₹10 lakh budget explosive. From the sturdy Mahindra Bolero Neo to the sleek German Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Fronx is the mileage king; Tata Punch and Nexon reign in safety; Mahindra 3XO offers a turbo engine and sunroof; and Kia Sonet provides a complete premium feel.
Now your choice should be easier. See what you need: mileage, safety, power, or just style. There is something for everyone in this list. For articles like this, visit our Automobile section on this website.
