Best Diesel SUVs in India 2024 - Top 6 Diesel SUV Cars

If you’re an off roading enthusiast or someone with a large family, an SUV is probably your top-pick for a car. While SUVs come in both petrol and diesel engine variants, buyers prefer the latter for more reasons than one.

From better fuel efficiency to higher torque for quicker acceleration, diesel SUVs are a popular choice among consumers in India. Considering 97% of the famous Toyota Fortuner’s sales come from diesel variants, we’re certain that diesel engines are expected to rule the SUV segment in the near future.

So, if you’re looking for a powerful machine that remains stable and accelerates seamlessly even in tough driving conditions, check out the best diesel SUVs in India.

1: Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta is undoubtedly one of the best diesel SUVs in India. With waiting periods of up to one year, Indian consumers absolutely love this feature-packed and subcompact SUV. What makes it so popular is that it offers premium features and a reliable driving experience while also being affordably priced. 

The Creta comes with a 1.5L diesel engine with responsive handling and smooth road manners. It is also equipped with sound safety features like ABS, six airbags, and all-wheel disk brakes.

From cooled seats and a cabin air purifier to the premium Bose sound system, the Hyundai Creta is a steady all-rounder in the Indian market.  

Key Specifications

Key Features 

• Stunning panoramic sunroof
• Ventilated seating 
• 8-speaker Bose sound system
• Elegant dual-tone interior 

What’s Good

• Excellent handling that offers a premium ride experience
• 10.25 inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 74.3% advanced high-strength steel structure that improves durability

What’s Not Good

• Does not have a 360° camera which is a common feature in other cars in its segment

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Hyundai Creta Cars In India

2: Hyundai Alcazar

The Hyundai Alcazar is a sporty-looking SUV with an exciting voice-enabled smart panoramic sunroof and offers a reliable driving experience. Powered by a 1.5L diesel engine, the Alcazar is equipped with features such as three drive and traction control modes.

If you’re drawn towards an exciting interior, the Alcazar also offers 64 ambient lighting colour options and dual-tone cognac brown seating that offers premium comfort.  

Key Specifications

Key Features 

• Voice enabled smart panoramic sunroof
• Puddle lamps with Hyundai logo projection
• Advanced Hyundai Blue Link ‘Connected-Car’ technology

What’s Good

• Complete safety kit including 6 airbags, ESP, auto-hold, and all-wheel disc brakes.
• 200mm ground clearance that is ideal for Indian roads

What’s Not Good

• Third row seating can only accommodate children
• Auto wipers missing

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Hyundai Alcazar Cars In India

3: Tata Nexon

The Nexon has been in the market for a while now, and has slowly but surely become a very popular choice amongst buyers. This compact SUV is truly one of the best diesel SUVs in India and gives you everything you’d expect, and some more! 

With features like a sunroof, ventilated leatherette seats, iRA connected technology, three drive modes, and voice-command technology, the Nexon is the ideal family car in 2024.

Key Specifications

Key Features 

• Incredible 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Advance safety features like ABS, 6 airbags, and rear parking sensors
• Wide-glass sunroof

What’s Good

• Powerful turbocharged engine with 3 drive modes
• High-strength steel structure

What’s Not Good

• Bumpy on rough terrains 

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Tata Nexon Cars In India

4: Mahindra XUV700

The Mahindra XUV700 is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after cars in India. Available in the Adrenox and MX trims, each with its unique features, this car offers drivers a driving experience that’s both thrilling and reliable. 

Equipped with a stunning panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and over 60 connected features through the AdrenoX Connect app, the XUV700 is an absolute beast to manoeuvre even on the most challenging roads.   

Key Specifications

Key Features 

• Level 2 ADAS
• 12-Speaker Sony Audio System with subwoofer
• Panoramic Skyroof 

What’s Good  

• Satin-Chrome Grille
• Diamond-cut alloy wheels
• mStallion engine

What’s Not Good 

• Third row seating feels cramped and offers very limited leg space

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Mahindra Xuv700 Cars In India

5: Toyota Fortuner

The Toyota Fortuner is a majestic full-size SUV ready to conquer Indian roads with its powerful engines and top-notch features. Under the hood, the Fortuner offers a 2.7-litre petrol engine or a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine. 

The Fortuner comes loaded with an 8-inch infotainment system, a 360-degree parking camera, wireless phone charging, and ambient lighting. Safety is also a top priority in the Fortuner, with up to seven airbags, vehicle stability control (VSC), traction control, hill assist, and ABS with EBD.

The Fortuner competes with the likes of the MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, and Skoda Kodiaq.

Key Specifications

Key Features 

• Spacious boot
• 4-wheel drive system (ideal for offroading)
• Premium fog lights 
• Adjustable seating

What’s Good  

• Reliable and powerful 2.8 litre 4-cylinder engine
• Spacious cabin  
• Comfortable for long journeys
• Reliable and low maintenance costs

What’s Not Good 

• Lacks a sunroof
• The ladder frame chassis is dated  

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Toyota Fortuner Cars In India

6: Tata Safari

The Tata Safari is loaded with a host of luxury features, including a panoramic sunroof, a 9-speaker JBL sound system, ventilated seats for the front and rear, and more. With its generous feature list, spacious cabin, and plush upholstery, the Safari is a luxurious ride that can comfortably seat up to 6 or 7 passengers.

The XT Plus variant is highly recommended for those considering the Tata Safari. Priced at ₹19.10 lakh with a manual transmission and ₹20.40 lakh with an automatic transmission, the Safari XT Plus comes equipped with numerous features, including a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, air purifier, ambient lighting, and tyre pressure monitoring system, among others.

Key Specifications

Key Features

• Impressive 8.8 inch infotainment system
• Panoramic sunroof
• Front and rear ventilated seats for increased comfort

What’s Good

• Effective hill hold and descent control making it ideal for rough terrains
• Perimetric Alarm System that keeps your car safe
• Powered memory seating

What’s Not Good

• Heavy steering wheel makes it tough to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces
• Lacks boot space

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Tata Safari Cars In India

The Bottom Line

Diesel SUVs are often preferred over their petrol counterparts for a host of reasons such as their power and reliability on tough terrains, fuel efficiency, and seamless driving experience. If you’re waiting to get your hands on a sturdy ride, we’ve got you covered with the best options in this guide. So, what’s your pick?!

FAQs

Q: What are some of the safety features included in SUVs?

A: Some standard safety features in SUVs are front and side airbags, blind spot monitoring, hill hold assistance, lane-keeping assistance, night and 360-degree vision, and fog lights.

Q: Which SUV cars come with a sunroof under ₹8 Lakh in India?

A: The Tata Nexon (starts at ₹7.79 Lakh) and Mahindra XUV300 (starts at ₹8 Lakh) come equipped with a sunroof.

Q: Which are the latest Diesel SUV cars under ₹8 Lakh in India?

A: The Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Nissan Magnite, and Hyundai Venue are the latest SUVs with diesel variants in India.

Q: Which Diesel SUV car under 8 Lakh gives the highest mileage in India?

A: The Hyundai Venue and the Tata Nexon are the most fuel efficient SUVs priced under ₹8 lakh.

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