In 2025, the Indian SUV market is full of great options that offer modern design, spacious cabins, powerful engines, and advanced features all under a budget of ₹15 lakh. Whether you’re buying your first SUV or upgrading from a smaller car, this guide will help you explore the top 4 SUVs that give you great value for money.
Here are the Top 4 SUVs under ₹15 lakh that are perfect for Indian roads, families, and long drives.
1. Tata Nexon 2025 – Bold Design with Premium Features
Starting Price: ₹8.15 lakh (ex-showroom)
Top Variant Under ₹15 Lakh: Nexon Fearless Petrol MT
Why It’s Popular:
Tata Nexon has always been a strong choice in the sub-compact SUV segment. The 2025 model comes with a fresh design, a modern dashboard, and even more safety features. It has a strong build quality, earning 5-star safety ratings in crash tests.
Key Features:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 6 airbags (top variant)
- Digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- LED connected tail lamps
- Cruise control
Engine Options:
- 1.2L Turbo Petrol (120 PS)
- 1.5L Diesel (115 PS)
Mileage:
- Petrol: 17.4 km/l (approx)
- Diesel: 23 km/l (approx)
2. Hyundai Exter 2025 – Compact Yet Stylish
Starting Price: ₹6.13 lakh
Top Variant Under ₹15 Lakh: SX (O) AMT Petrol
Why It’s Popular:
The Hyundai Exter is a compact SUV but comes loaded with features and unique styling. It’s ideal for city driving and weekend getaways. It also offers a sunroof, which is rare in this price range.
Key Features:
- Voice-enabled sunroof
- 6 airbags standard
- 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity
- Dashcam with dual cameras
- Rear parking camera
- Cruise control
Engine:
- 1.2L Petrol (83 PS)
- CNG variant also available
Mileage:
- Petrol: 19.4 km/l
- CNG: 27.1 km/kg
3. Mahindra XUV 3XO (XUV300 Facelift) – Powerful & Feature-Rich
Starting Price: ₹7.49 lakh
Top Variant Under ₹15 Lakh: AX5 Turbo Petrol
Why It’s Popular:
The new Mahindra XUV 3XO (2025) brings a sporty design and top-notch features. It’s one of the most powerful SUVs in this segment and perfect for highway drives. You also get the largest sunroof in the segment.
Key Features:
- Dual-zone climate control
- 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Level 2 ADAS (in higher trims)
- Largest panoramic sunroof in its segment
- 6 airbags
- Premium Harman audio system
Engine Options:
- 1.2L Turbo Petrol (110-130 PS)
- 1.5L Diesel (117 PS)
Mileage:
- Petrol: 18.2 km/l
- Diesel: 20 km/l
4. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (Sigma / Delta Trims) – Reliable with Strong Hybrid Option
Starting Price: ₹10.99 lakh
Top Variant Under ₹15 Lakh: Delta Smart Hybrid
Why It’s Popular:
The Grand Vitara is a mid-size SUV with premium styling and good space. In the lower variants (Sigma and Delta), you get all basic features and a smart hybrid petrol engine which is fuel efficient and smooth.
Key Features:
- LED DRLs
- Smart Hybrid tech
- 7-inch touchscreen
- Rear AC vents
- Push button start
- ABS with EBD, ESP
Engine:
- 1.5L Smart Hybrid Petrol (103 PS)
Mileage:
- Hybrid: 21.1 km/l
Overview Table
SUV Name | Starting Price | Engine Type | Mileage (km/l) | Key Feature Highlight |
Tata Nexon 2025 | ₹8.15 lakh | Petrol/Diesel | 17.4 / 23 | 10.25″ Touchscreen, 6 Airbags |
Hyundai Exter | ₹6.13 lakh | Petrol/CNG | 19.4 / 27.1 | Sunroof, Dashcam, Cruise Control |
Mahindra XUV 3XO | ₹7.49 lakh | Turbo Petrol/Diesel | 18.2 / 20 | Panoramic Sunroof, Dual-Zone AC |
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara | ₹10.99 lakh | Smart Hybrid Petrol | 21.1 | Hybrid Tech, Spacious Cabin |
Final Thoughts
If you are planning to buy a stylish and feature-packed SUV in 2025 without crossing the ₹15 lakh mark, these four models offer something for every type of buyer:
- Tata Nexon for safety and strong design
- Hyundai Exter for compactness and city use
- Mahindra XUV 3XO for performance and features
- Maruti Grand Vitara for comfort and fuel efficiency
Each SUV is well-suited for Indian roads, with reliable engines and modern tech. Depending on your personal needs—like family size, daily driving distance, or road type—you can pick the one that fits best. Happy driving!