The traditional, boxy SUV silhouette has become the most preferred shape of car in the past couple of decades. Used SUVs in India are all extremely popular as they bring more value especially if it’s a low maintenance model. Compact SUVs like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza have captured widespread attention, while mid-sized options such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos have added excitement to the segment. Many of these SUVs available today are surprisingly af fordable to maintain, offering practicality without breaking the bank. CARS24 curates a list of the best low-maintenance SUVs on sale in India today. If you have a favourite SUV, consider sharing your experience with the CARS24 auto community, AUTOVERSE.

What Makes an SUV Low Maintenance?

Built on shared platforms and drivetrains with their hatchback and sedan equivalents, SUVs are not just affordable but are even fuel-efficient, keeping ownership costs low. The initial purchase price does influence the upfront affordability of an SUV. But also factors like extended service intervals, impressive fuel efficiency, affordable spare parts, and reasonable servicing costs, come together to ensure that ownership remains cost-effective over time. These consistent elements make SUVs very low maintenance in the long run.

Factors Influencing Low Maintenance of an SUV

Several key factors play a role in determining the maintenance costs of SUVs. Here are some essential aspects to consider before making a purchase –

1. Reliability - A dependable SUV with minimal repair needs, helps keep long-term maintenance costs low, making ownership more affordable.
    
2. Fuel efficiency - Modern SUVs are designed for better fuel economy, balancing size and aerodynamics with advanced engine technologies. This helps reduce overall running expenses.
    
3. Affordable spare parts - Servicing SUVs can be cost-effective when essential components like air filters, oil filters, and engine oils are reasonably priced. A strong service network adds further convenience.
    
4. Long service intervals - Many SUVs now offer service intervals of at least 10,000km, minimizing the frequency of workshop visits. However, skipping these services can lead to increased wear and more expensive repair bills over time.
    
5. Warranty coverage - Extended warranties provide protection against unexpected repair costs once the standard warranty expires. Some providers, including CARS24, offer up to 12 months of extended coverage, adding peace of mind for SUV owners.
    
6. Driving style - Smooth and steady acceleration, braking, and steering can help reduce wear on SUV components, keeping maintenance needs minimal. Aggressive driving and regular off-road use however, can lead to higher fuel consumption and accelerated wear.
    
7. Usage conditions - Regular exposure to rough roads, off-road terrain, or extreme weather can increase wear and tear on SUV components, leading to higher maintenance costs over time.
    
8. Smart technology - Connected technology has become a part of modern cars and allows owners to monitor vehicle performance and identify issues early. These systems send timely alerts for maintenance or potential malfunctions, helping prevent unexpected expenses and ensuring proper upkeep.
    

What Not to Consider as Regular Maintenance Costs

Some SUV maintenance expenses arise irregularly rather than on a fixed schedule. While they contribute to overall costs, they shouldn’t be included in routine maintenance calculations. These include –

1. Wear-and-tear components - Items like tires, brake pads, wiper blades etc deteriorate at different rates based on driving conditions and habits. Their replacement is unpredictable and should be budgeted separately from routine maintenance.

1. Cleaning and detailing - Costs for cleaning, detailing products, or professional washing services vary widely depending on personal preferences. These are subjective expenses and not part of standard maintenance.

1. Modifications and upgrades - Add-ons for comfort, convenience, aesthetics or performance, such as roof racks, alloy wheels, off-road tyres or custom interiors, are not considered routine maintenance expenses.

1. Accidental repairs - Repairs due to accidents or insurance claims are unforeseen costs and should be excluded from regular maintenance cost evaluations.
    

Low Maintenance SUVs in India

Most low maintenance SUVs fall in the compact SUV to mid-size SUV segments with their lower engine capacities and shared platforms. Bigger and full-size SUVs are heavier, with higher capacity engines and usually demand higher maintenance costs, thus, we’ve omitted them from consideration.

1. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso | ₹ 15,000 for 5 years & 50,000km

The S-Presso stands out as a strong contender among low-maintenance new or used small SUVs in India. This micro-SUV shares identical service intervals and costs as the Alto, helping with similarly low cost of maintenance. With a 10,000km service interval and an average annual maintenance cost of around ₹3,000, ownership costs amount to approximately ₹15,000 over five years or 50,000km of use. Boasting a claimed fuel efficiency of over 24 kmpl, the S-Presso offers one of the lowest running costs in India.

The S-Presso is Maruti Suzuki’s answer for buyers seeking more space than the Alto K10. The S-Presso offers the additional benefits of a taller design, enhanced boot capacity, and improved ground clearance. It can be seen as an SUV-inspired take on a compact, budget-friendly hatchback. Used Maruti Suzuki S-Presso models provide even better value at current market prices.

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Key Specifications

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 10,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 3,000 per year
• Running cost - Approx. 30 paise/km

2. Renault Kwid | ₹ 17,000 for 5 years & 50,000km

The Renault Kwid stands out as an excellent value-for-money option among compact, affordable, and low-maintenance small SUVs, offering modern features and robust safety systems. Renault provides up to three labour-free services within the first three years or 30,000km, helping to reduce annual maintenance costs. With recommended service intervals at 10,000 km, the Kwid’s average maintenance expense is just ₹0.34 per kilometer, equating to approximately ₹3,400 annually or ₹283 monthly. Over five years and 50,000 km, scheduled maintenance costs total around ₹17,000, making the Kwid an attractive alternative to the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso.

Renowned for its low maintenance costs, the Kwid also offers impressive fuel efficiency with affordable spare parts and widespread service availability. A new or used Renault Kwid is an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Renault Kwid Key Specifications

Renault Kwid Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 10,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 3,400 per year
• Running cost - Approx. 34 paise/km

3. Nissan Magnite | ₹ 17,500 for 5 years & 50,000km

The Nissan Magnite’s non-turbo 1.0-litre engine proves to be incredibly cost effective to run over a period of five years and 50,000km. With service costs averaging to just ₹17,500 in that period, the per kilometre running cost in scheduled maintenance is just ₹ 0.35 paise. Add to that, a respectable fuel efficiency figure and you’ve got all the benefits of a compact SUV with the low maintenance costs of a much smaller hatchback.

The Nissan Magnite offers an affordable price tag with surprisingly low maintenance costs as a crossover SUV. Buyers can choose from various engine and transmission options too. Used Nissan Magnite SUVs in higher-trims make great value for money against a new Hatchback or small SUV.

Nissan Magnite Key Specifications

Nissan Magnite Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 10,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 3,500 per year
• Running cost - Approx. 35 paise/km

4. Hyundai Venue | ₹ 19,400 for 5 years & 50,000km

Hyundai cars are known to be low maintenance and the Venue is no exception with its 1.2-litre petrol engine. Scheduled service costs average approximately ₹ 3,900 per year with the first three services being labour-free. This adds up to ₹ 19,400 in scheduled maintenance costs over a five-year ownership period or 50,000km of running.

Be it space, comfort, features, reliability and service network, the Venue has everything to offer. One can even opt for turbocharged automatic or 6-speed manual transmission options for more power and performance albeit at a higher price point. This is where used Hyundai Venue SUVs make a great deal of financial sense especially if you want to opt higher trims and still benefit from low maintenance costs.

Hyundai Venue Key Specifications

Hyundai Venue Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 10,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 3,900 per year
• Running cost - Approx. 39 paise/km

5. Hyundai Creta | ₹ 22,600 for 5 years & 50,000km

The new Hyundai Creta received a makeover recently, making a departure from its polarising design and looking more cohesive in its current form. The Creta has been a hot favourite among buyers and one of the reasons being its low cost of maintenance. In five years, you will have to shell out ₹ 22,600 which works out to ₹ 4,520 per year but that’s only after the first three labour-free services or 20,000km. All its engines have been extremely reliable and trouble-free while also returning great fuel efficiency.

As a compact SUV, the Creta boasts oodles of space for the whole family and luggage while its contemporary features keep it future-proof given the rapid growth in technology these days. Used Hyundai Creta SUVs also hold their value well over the years.

Hyundai Creta Key Specifications

Hyundai Creta Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 10,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 4,520 per year
• Running cost - Approx. 45 paise/km

6. Tata Punch | ₹ 24,000 for 5 years & 75,000km

The Tata Punch has been ever popular since its launch. Among its many positives, the Punch is relatively low maintenance despite what may initially seem as high costs for service intervals. Tata Motors recommends scheduled services at 15,000km which is higher than equivalent cars of the category. This makes it advantageous for high-mileage users clocking more distances in commutes or highway runs. Over five years of ownership, the average annual service cost works out to ₹4,800 but covers a total of 75,000km in all, as opposed to 50,000km with other brands. Per kilometre costs make things clearer costing just 35 paise in periodic maintenance.

The immensely attractive styling aside, the little SUV packs a host of features at a very lucrative price point to round off a package that’s hard to beat in its segment. Don’t overlook lesser-run used Tata Punch SUVs as they make for even better value.

Tata Punch Key Specifications

Tata Punch Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 15,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 4,800 per year
• Running cost - Approx. 35 paise/km

7. Maruti Suzuki Brezza | ₹ 25,800 for 5 years & 50,000km

Maruti Suzuki revamped the Brezza in 2022 giving it a fresh appearance and the 1.5-litre petrol engine. This proven engine is known to be frugal as well as cost-effective, thus featuring in the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, a low maintenance sedan. The Brezza’s scheduled maintenance cost works out to an approximate ₹ 25,800 over five years with Maruti keeping service intervals at every 10,000km. At ₹5,160 annually or ₹430 per month, the Brezza is a low maintenance compact SUV that has a lot to offer.

The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine promises over 19 kmpl which will help lower long term running costs as well. Used Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza also makes for a great low maintenance SUV as it was previously available in diesel too.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Key Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 10,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 5,160 per year
• Service cost per kilometre - Approx. 52 paise/km

8. Honda Elevate | ₹ 27,200 for 5 years & 50,000km

Globally, if there’s one brand that’s synonymous with reliability, it is Honda. The Elevate comes as yet another example of robust Honda engineering. The SUV costs an approximate value of ₹ 27,200 in scheduled maintenance expenses, translating to ₹ 5,440 as annual spends. This is a tad higher compared to its rivals like the Creta but backs it up with renowned reliability and infrequent maintenance requirements. Honda sticks to 10,000km service intervals as is standard for most manufacturers now.

The Elevate can be looked at as an SUV form of the ever-popular City sedan that is a low maintenance car in itself. Thus carrying over the same powertrain mechanicals, the Elevate is set to retain the same qualities. The Elevate is a fairly new offering by the brand but used Honda cars are a worry-free purchase and make for easy maintenance.

Honda Elevate Key Specifications

Honda Elevate Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 10,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 5,440 per year
• Service cost per kilometre - Approx. 54 paise/km

9. Mahindra XUV700 | ₹ 27,400 for 5 years & 50,000km

The Mahindra XUV700 is the only 7-seater SUV on this list and given its size and dimensions, it is surprisingly affordable to maintain. Scheduled services over five years of ownership or 50,000km of running, the XUV700 costs ₹ 27,400 or ₹ 5,480 per year. At just 55 paise spent in maintenance per kilometre of running, the XUV700 makes for great value for money for those looking at a large SUV to comfortably fit seven passengers.

Mahindra engines are generally considered reliable and robust, built to excel in the varied Indian driving conditions. The XUV700’s petrol engine is powerful and claims 17 kmpl, contributing to lower running costs over time. Spare parts costs are mostly on the lower side too while availability through Mahindra’s extensive service network is easy. Consider used Mahindra XUV700 SUVs too, to benefit from a lower initial cost of purchase.

Mahindra XUV700 Key Specifications

Mahindra XUV700 Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 10,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 5,480 per year
• Service cost per kilometre - Approx. 55 paise/km
   

10. Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder | ₹ 29,200 for 5 years & 50,000km

The only hybrid on this list, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder spearheads affordable hybrid tech with this SUV. With a five-year scheduled maintenance costs coming up to an approximate ₹ 29,200, the Hyryder will only cost ₹ 5,840 per year for the first five years or 50,000km of running. Combined with a claimed fuel efficiency of nearly 28 kmpl, the long term savings in running and maintenance cost of this SUV is phenomenal.

This new powertrain developed by Toyota uses electric and petrol as sources of power to deliver over 1000 km of driving range on a full tank of fuel. It is mated to an e-CVT automatic and no manual transmission option is available. Used Toyota cars make for great value for money as they’re generally considered excellent for users clocking high mileage annually. 

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Key Specifications

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Key Features

• Manufacturer recommended service intervals - every 10,000km
• Average annual service cost - Approx. ₹ 5,840 per year
• Service cost per kilometre - Approx. 58 paise/km

Low Maintenance SUVs in India

Here’s an overview of the SUVs listed above, detailing their estimated service costs over five years and starting ex-showroom prices to help you better plan your ownership expenses. While many manufacturers offer online service cost calculators, it’s important to use them carefully, as they may exclude labor charges and taxes. For a more accurate estimate tailored to your SUV model, it’s best to consult directly with the service center.

Summary

If you’re prioritising a low-maintenance vehicle and it needs to be an SUV, then there are a lot of options across budgets and size-categories. Choosing a low-maintenance SUV can significantly reduce long-term ownership expenses, making it a smart financial decision as well as a practical choice. Most SUVs in this category are backed by extensive service networks provided by their manufacturers. These vehicles stand out as cost-effective options, offering premium features, reliable performance, and excellent value. Maintenance costs can be stabilized by adhering to regular service schedules and adopting efficient driving practices, ensuring that your SUV remains reliable year after year.