As the founder of MyPitShop.com and a passionate automotive enthusiast with over a decade of experience reviewing vehicles, I’ve seen SUVs dominate India’s roads like never before. In 2025, with options ranging from budget-friendly to luxury, which SUV should you buy? Based on consistent sales data, customer feedback, and my hands-on testing, I’ve compiled the top 7 best SUVs in India priced up to ₹60 lakh. From the compact Tata Punch to the iconic Toyota Fortuner, this list will help you find the perfect ride for your family, adventures, or status. Let’s hit the road!
Why These SUVs Were Chosen
I selected these SUVs based on:
- Sales Numbers: Consistent top performers across India (MotorOctane’s data).
- Value for Money: Features, reliability, and resale value at various price points.
- Customer Feedback: Real-world insights from MyPitShop.com buyers.
- Safety and Features: NCAP ratings, modern tech, and practicality.
- Hands-On Testing: My experience driving these models on city and highway roads.
These SUVs stand out for their reliability, road presence, and appeal to diverse buyers, from budget-conscious families to luxury enthusiasts.
Top 7 Best SUVs in India 2025
7. Tata Punch (₹8.5-12.5 Lakh On-Road)
- Key Features:
- Engine: 1.2L petrol (86hp), CNG option with dual cylinders
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, AMT
- Safety: 5-star GNCAP rating
- Features: 7-inch touchscreen, reverse camera, sunroof, rear AC vents
- Why It Stands Out: The Tata Punch is India’s top-selling micro-SUV, thanks to its big-car feel, spacious cabin, and high ground clearance for bad roads. Its CNG variant and 5-star safety make it a no-nonsense choice. I loved its upright seating during my Mumbai test drive.
- Who It’s For: First-time buyers, small families, or budget-conscious urban drivers.
- Drawbacks: AMT feels jerky; base variants lack features.
- Image Suggestion: Tata Punch in Storm White on a city road.
6. Maruti Suzuki Brezza (₹9.5-17 Lakh On-Road)
- Key Features:
- Engine: 1.5L petrol (103hp), CNG option
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
- Safety: 4-star GNCAP (expected)
- Features: 9-inch touchscreen, heads-up display, 360° camera, small sunroof
- Why It Stands Out: The Brezza is a hot seller, especially in VXI/ZXI variants, for its reliable 1.5L engine and CNG efficiency. Its spacious cabin and decent automatic suit city driving. My test drive showed its smooth ride, though highway overtakes need effort.
- Who It’s For: Families seeking reliability and low running costs.
- Drawbacks: Automatic costs ₹2.5 lakh extra; lacks turbo punch.
- Image Suggestion: Brezza ZXI in Sizzling Red parked near a mall.
5. Tata Nexon (₹8.5-18 Lakh On-Road)
- Key Features:
- Engines: 1.2L turbo petrol (120hp), 1.5L diesel (115hp), CNG, EV option
- Transmission: Manual, AMT, DCT
- Safety: 5-star GNCAP rating
- Features: 12-inch touchscreen (EV), panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, 360° camera
- Why It Stands Out: The Nexon offers unmatched value with multiple powertrains (petrol, diesel, CNG, EV) and 30+ variants. Its 5-star safety and feature-rich cabin (e.g., electronic parking brake on EV) make it versatile. I found its diesel manual peppy on highways.
- Who It’s For: Buyers wanting options and safety at every price point.
- Drawbacks: AMT is jerky; interior quality could improve.
- Image Suggestion: Nexon Fearless Purple on a hill road.
4. Hyundai Creta (₹11.5-26 Lakh On-Road)
- Key Features:
- Engines: 1.5L petrol (115hp), 1.5L turbo petrol (160hp), 1.5L diesel (116hp)
- Transmission: Manual, automatic, DCT
- Safety: 5-star GNCAP (expected)
- Features: 10.25-inch dual screens, panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS
- Why It Stands Out: The Creta is the best-selling SUV above ₹10 lakh, offering a premium cabin, spacious seating, and strong resale value. Its turbo petrol and ADAS features impressed me during my test drive. It’s a status symbol for many.
- Who It’s For: Families and professionals seeking comfort and features.
- Drawbacks: Top variants are pricey; base models lack polish.
- Image Suggestion: Creta Knight Edition in Titan Grey in an urban setting.
3. Mahindra Scorpio N (₹15-29 Lakh On-Road)
- Key Features:
- Engines: 2.0L turbo petrol (200hp), 2.2L diesel (175hp)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual, automatic, 4×4 (diesel)
- Safety: 5-star GNCAP rating
- Features: 8-inch touchscreen, sunroof, 4×4 capability
- Why It Stands Out: The Scorpio N blends modern styling with ladder-on-frame toughness, ideal for city and off-road use. Its powerful diesel and 4×4 option shone during my off-road test. It’s more comfortable and safer than the Classic Scorpio.
- Who It’s For: Adventure seekers and buyers wanting road presence.
- Drawbacks: Limited features compared to rivals; stiff ride.
- Image Suggestion: Scorpio N in Deep Forest on a rugged trail.
2. Mahindra XUV700 (₹15-29 Lakh On-Road)
- Key Features:
- Engines: 2.0L turbo petrol (200hp), 2.2L diesel (185hp)
- Transmission: Manual, automatic, AWD option
- Safety: 5-star GNCAP rating
- Features: Dual 10.25-inch screens, panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS
- Why It Stands Out: The XUV700 offers premium features at a lower price (e.g., AX5 at ₹20 lakh). Its spacious cabin, powerful engines, and 5-star safety make it a family favorite. My test drive highlighted its smooth automatic and ADAS accuracy.
- Who It’s For: Families and tech-savvy buyers on a budget.
- Drawbacks: Waiting periods; some plastic interiors.
- Image Suggestion: XUV700 in Midnight Black at a family picnic.
1. Toyota Fortuner (₹40-59 Lakh On-Road)
- Key Features:
- Engines: 2.7L petrol (166hp), 2.8L diesel (204hp)
- Transmission: Manual, automatic, 4×4 option
- Safety: 5-star ASEAN NCAP
- Features: 8-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, 4×4 capability
- Why It Stands Out: The Fortuner is a status symbol, selling 3,000-4,000 units monthly despite minimal features. Its unmatched reliability, low maintenance, and insane resale value make it unbeatable. My test drive confirmed its commanding road presence, though the ride is stiff.
- Who It’s For: Luxury buyers and off-road enthusiasts seeking durability.
- Drawbacks: Sparse features for the price; heavy steering.
- Image Suggestion: Fortuner Legender in White Pearl on a highway.
Comparison Table
| SUV | Price (On-Road) | Engine Options | Key Features | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Punch | ₹8.5-12.5 lakh | 1.2L petrol, CNG | Sunroof, reverse camera | 5-star GNCAP |
| Maruti Brezza | ₹9.5-17 lakh | 1.5L petrol, CNG | 360° camera, heads-up display | 4-star (expected) |
| Tata Nexon | ₹8.5-18 lakh | Petrol, diesel, CNG, EV | Panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats | 5-star GNCAP |
| Hyundai Creta | ₹11.5-26 lakh | Petrol, turbo, diesel | Dual screens, Level 2 ADAS | 5-star (expected) |
| Mahindra Scorpio N | ₹15-29 lakh | 2.0L petrol, 2.2L diesel | 4×4, sunroof | 5-star GNCAP |
| Mahindra XUV700 | ₹15-29 lakh | 2.0L petrol, 2.2L diesel | Dual screens, Level 2 ADAS | 5-star GNCAP |
| Toyota Fortuner | ₹40-59 lakh | 2.7L petrol, 2.8L diesel | JBL audio, 4×4 | 5-star ASEAN NCAP |
Which SUV Should You Buy?
- Budget Buyers (Under ₹15 Lakh): Tata Punch for safety and affordability, or Maruti Brezza for reliability and CNG savings.
- Value Seekers (₹15-20 Lakh): Tata Nexon for versatility or Hyundai Creta for premium features.
- Family and Tech Enthusiasts (₹20-30 Lakh): Mahindra XUV700 for ADAS and space, or Scorpio N for ruggedness.
- Luxury and Status Seekers (Above ₹40 Lakh): Toyota Fortuner for unmatched resale and durability.
My Pick: The Mahindra XUV700 offers the best balance of features, safety, and value for most buyers.
India’s SUV market in 2025 is packed with winners, from the budget-friendly Tata Punch to the commanding Toyota Fortuner. Whether you prioritize safety, features, or road presence, these top 7 SUVs deliver. The Mahindra XUV700 stands out for its tech and value, while the Fortuner remains the king of prestige. Explore these models at MyPitShop.com to find your perfect ride, and let us know your favorite SUV in the comments!
Available at: MyPitShop.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Toyota Fortuner leads with exceptional resale value, followed by Hyundai Creta and Mahindra XUV700.
Yes, its 5-star GNCAP rating and robust build make it safe for small families.
The Mahindra Scorpio N with 4×4 is ideal for off-roading, followed by the Toyota Fortuner.
Yes, the Creta has a 1.5L diesel (116hp) with manual or automatic options.
The Mahindra XUV700 AX5 and Tata Nexon provide premium features like panoramic sunroofs and ADAS at this price.
About the Author
MotorOctane is for serious Indian car & bike buyers who want the best set of videos, exclusives and content with the most in-depth research explained in an easy to understand manner. Our videos are simple and straight forward with the aim to help you buy the right vehicle for you.
Sources:
- Personal test drives of listed SUVs by the author
- YouTube: “Best SUVs in India!” by MotorOctane (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOTidZFnFr8)
- CarDekho: SUV sales data and specifications
- ZigWheels: Top SUVs in India 2025
- X posts by @Cardekho, @Zigwheels
Which SUV is your top pick for 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s find your dream ride at MyPitShop.com!
