8 Best Compact SUVs To Buy In India (2021)
No wonder why most automakers are putting so much effort into bringing the best compact SUVs into the Indian market? Compact SUVs are quite popular and have a fair share in the auto industry.
Compact SUVs serve multiple needs of the customers, hence proving to be a sorted choice. These cars have sufficient room inside the cabin, comfortable riding position, fuel-efficient, good ground clearance, and much more.
In addition, due to the intense competition, automakers have made them significantly beautiful in appearance and incorporated modern features. In short, it’s gonna be difficult as hell for you to decide if you are planning to buy one.
However, we have shortlisted some of the best compact SUVs that are worth considering before buying anyone.
All the listed compact SUVs are unique in their own way and they are arranged in random order.
Best Compact SUVs In India
| S.No. | Compact SUV | Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Tata Nexon | Rs 7.09-12.95 lakh |
| 2. | Kia Sonet | Rs 6.79-12.19 lakh |
| 3. | Mahindra XUV300 | Rs 7.95-12.30 lakh |
| 4. | Hyundai Venue | Rs 6.92-11.76 lakh |
| 5. | Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza | Rs 7.51-11.25 lakh |
| 6. | Nissan Magnite | Rs 5.59-9.90 lakh |
| 7. | Ford Ecosport | Rs 8.19-11.69 lakh |
| 8. | Honda WRV | Rs 8.62-11.05 lakh |
1. Tata Nexon
| Tata Nexon | Specifications |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 7.09-12.95 lakh |
| Engine Options | 1.2-liter Turbocharged Revotron 3-Cyl BS6 Petrol (AMT and Manual Transmission) 1.5-liter turbocharged Revotorq 4-Cyl BS6 Diesel (AMT and Manual Transmission) |
| Engine Specs | 1.2-liter – 120 BHP and 170 Nm Torque 1.5-litre – 108 BHP and 260 Nm Torque |
| Fuel Economy | 17 km/l for Petrol Variant 22 km/l for Diesel Variant |
| Dimensions | Length – 3993 mm Width – 1811 mm Height – 1606 mm |
Whether it be safety, performance, comfort, appearance, or features, Tata Nexon seems to be a perfectly balanced car. Tata Nexon is available in both petrol and diesel engine options with manual and automatic transmission choices for each.
Nexon demonstrates a great example of Tata’s engineering technology. It was one of the initial cars that started the safer cars for India movement by scoring four stars in the Global NCAP crash test in 2018. However, the current model holds a five-star global NCAP safety rating.
The overall appearance and design, including the interior, give it a premium appeal. Apart from this, there are three driving modes: Eco, City, and Sport for a better driving experience.
Cons
- Thick A-Pillar can hinder visibility at sharp turns.
- Does not have a good reputation when it comes to service quality.
2. Kia Sonet
| Kia Sonet | Specifications |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 6.79- 12.19 lakh |
| Engine Options | G1.2-liter Smartstream Petrol Engine (Manual Transmission) G1.0-liter GDi Turbo Petrol Engine (iMT and DCT) 1.5-liter CRDi Diesel Engine (Manual and Automatic Transmission) |
| Engine Specs | G1.2-liter Smartstream- 81.8 BHP and 115 Nm of Torque G1.0-liter Turbo- 118 BHP and 172 Nm of Torque 1.5-liter Diesel- 98.6 BHP and 240 Nm of Torque (MT) and 113.4 BHP and 250 Nm of Torque (AT) |
| Fuel Economy | 1.2-liter Petrol- 18.5 km/l 1.0-liter Turbo- 18.0 km/l |
| Dimensions | Length – 3995 mm Width – 1790 mm Height – 1610- 1642 mm |
Kia Sonet stormed the market as soon as it launched in India. Though Kia is a relatively new brand, we can say it managed to attract enough customers.
Kia Sonet is one of the most stylish and sporty looking compact SUVs on the market. Additionally, it’s quite rich in features and comes loaded with over 57 connected features, and supports OTA map updates.
Users can also turn the engine on or off through a smartwatch or their cell phone. Apart from this, there are features like ventilated seats, smart air purifiers, multiple drive modes, and much more.
In terms of safety, the top variant is equipped with all necessary features like ABS with EBD, six airbags, hill assist control, ESC, VSM, TPMS, and much more. However, Kia Sonet has not undergone any safety crash test.
Cons
- Yet to be crash tested by Global NCAP or similar authorities.
- Limited service centers.
3. Mahindra XUV300 (Best Compact SUV In Terms Of Safety)
| Mahindra XUV300 | Specifications |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 7.95- 12.30 lakh |
| Engine Options | 1.2-liter Turbo BS6 Petrol (Manual Transmission) 1.5-liter Turbo BS6 Diesel (AMT and Manual Transmission) |
| Engine Specs | 1.2-liter Petrol– 108 BHP and 200 Nm Torque 1.5-liter Diesel – 115 BHP and 300 Nm Torque |
| Fuel Economy | 17.0 km/l for 1.2-liter Petrol 20.0 km/l for 1.5-liter Diesel |
| Dimensions | Length – 3995 mm Width – 1821 mm Height – 1627 mm |
| Electric Sunroof | Yes |
As you might be aware, Mahindra XUV300 is the safest Indian car. XUV300 holds the highest rating of five stars for adult passengers and four stars for children in the global NCAP crash test.
Apart from this, the latest variant of Mahindra XUV300 is muscular and sportier than ever before. It’s the widest compact SUV in this segment that gives it an aggressive look. In addition, it has the highest torque producing petrol and diesel engines in the segment. It simply contributes to punchy performance and better acceleration.
Furthermore, due to its increased width and longer wheelbase, there’s ample cabin space compared to its rivals. In short, it’s a suitable choice for those looking for a sporty and performance-oriented car.
Cons
- Interior might not look as premium as its competitors.
- Diesel variant is a bit noisy.
4. Hyundai Venue
| Hyundai Venue | Specifications |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 6.92-11.76 lakh |
| Engine Options | 1.2-liter Kappa 4-Cyl BS6 Petrol (Manual Transmission) 1.0-liter Kappa Turbo 3-Cyl BS6 Petrol (DCT Automatic transmission) 1.5-liter 4-Cyl BS6 Diesel (Manual Transmission) |
| Engine Specs | 1.2-liter- 82 BHP and 111 Nm Torque 1.0-liter- 118 BHP and 172 Nm Torque 1.5-liter- 99 BHP and 240 Nm Torque |
| Fuel Economy | 17.5 km/l for 1.2-liter Petrol variant 18.2 km/l for 1.0-liter Petrol variant 23.7 km/l for 1.5-liter Diesel variant |
| Dimensions | Length – 3995 mm Width – 1770 mm Height – 1590 mm |
| Electric Sunroof | Yes |
Hyundai Venue is a premium and sophisticated-looking compact SUV. It shares the same engine configuration as its cousin Kia Sonet. When it comes to performance, it’s equipped with one of the most refined engines.
Hyundai Venue is known for its smooth power delivery and amazing ride quality. In addition, the interior is designed to provide maximum comfort. Apart from this, Hyundai Venue has a host of features that make it one of the most demanding modern compact SUVs.
Cons
- Similar to Kia Sonet, it has not undergone any crash tests.
- Not enough legroom for taller passengers in the rear cabin.
5. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza
| Maruti Suzuki Brezza | Specifications |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 7.51-11.25 lakh |
| Engine Options | 1.5-liter K15 4-Cyl BS6 Petrol (Manual Transmission) 1.5-liter K15 4-Cyl SHVS BS6 Petrol (AMT) |
| Engine Specs | 103 BHP and 138 Nm Torque |
| Fuel Economy | 17.03 km/l for Petrol variant 18.76 km/l for Diesel variant |
| Dimensions | Length – 3995 mm Width – 1790 mm Height – 1640 mm |
| Electric Sunroof | No |
Maruti Suzuki Brezza is the only compact SUV on this list to be offered with mild-hybrid technology. In addition, it’s among the very few Maruti cars to have a better build quality. Brezza is the only Maruti car to hold a four-star safety rating in the Global NCAP crash test.
Apart from this, Maruti Brezza offers a decent ride quality. The best part about Brezza is that it’s the lowest emission producing compact SUVs along while being a fuel-efficient car.
Furthermore, it’s glamorous look, admirable interior, and comfortable ride makes it an ideal choice for many customers in the market.
Cons
- Available only in petrol variant.
- Petrol only variant isn’t offered with an automatic transmission and the hybrid variant misses out on the manual transmission.
6. Nissan Magnite
| Nissan Magnite | Specifications |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 5.59- 9.90 lakh |
| Engine Options | 1.0-liter B4D BS6 NA Petrol (Manual Transmission) 1.0-liter HRAO BS6 Turbo Petrol (CVT and Manual Transmission) |
| Engine Specs | 1.0-liter NA Petrol – 71 BHP and 96 Nm Torque 1.0-liter Turbo Petrol – 98.6 BHP and 160 Nm Torque |
| Fuel Economy | 18.75 km/l for 1.0-liter NA 20.0 km/l for 1.0-liter Turbo |
| Dimensions | Length – 3994 mm Width – 1758 mm Height – 1572 mm |
| Electric Sunroof | No |
Nissan Magnite is a newbie in this segment. Recently launched, Nissan Magnite is the most affordable compact SUV in India. In terms of design and appearance, it seems a delight to your eyes. Additionally, its interior and features add on to its lavish profile.
It can be a good option if you are looking for a budget compact SUV.
Cons
- The Naturally Aspirated (NA) engine is underpowered.
- It’s a new car, therefore limited user reviews are available.
- Does Not Have Global NCAP safety rating.
7. Ford Ecosport
| Ford Ecosport | Specifications |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 8.19-11.69 lakh |
| Engine Options | 1.5l Ti-VCT BS6 Petrol Engine (Manual and Automatic Transmission) 1.5l TDCi BS6 Diesel Engine (Manual and Automatic Transmission) |
| Engine Specs | 1.5-liter Petrol – 120 BHP and 145 Nm Torque 1.5-liter Diesel – 98.6 BHP and 215 Nm torque |
| Fuel Economy | 15.9 km/l for Petrol variant 21.7 km/l for Diesel variant |
| Dimensions | Length – 3998 mm Width – 1765 mm Height – 1647 mm |
| Electric Sunroof | Yes |
Ford Ecosport is known for its excellent build quality. This compact SUV from the legendary US automaker is anything but a fun to drive car. It was awarded the best compact SUV of the year in 2018 and the engine of the year title for the same year.
The most impressive fact about Ecosport is that unlike other foreign cars, its spare parts and maintenance cost is quite cheaper. It’s quite an achievement as most European and US-made cars have expensive maintenance in India.
Furthermore, it’s equipped with all the necessary comfort and safety features.
Cons
- The latest BS6 variant is not as punchier in performance as the older variants.
- No Global NCAP safety rating.
8. Honda WRV
| Honda WRV | Specifications |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 8.62-11.05 lakh |
| Engine Options | 1.2-liter BS6 i-VTEC Petrol (Manual Transmission) 1.5-liter BS6 i-DTEC Diesel (Manual Transmission) |
| Engine Specs | 1.2-liter Petrol – 88.7 BHP and 110 Nm Torque 1.5-liter Diesel – 98.6 BHP and 200 Nm torque |
| Fuel Economy | 16.5 km/l for Petrol variant 23.7 km/l for Diesel variant |
| Dimensions | Length – 3999 mm Width – 1734 mm Height – 1601 mm |
| Electric Sunroof | Yes |
The Honda WRV is one of the most premium and stylish looking compact SUVs on the market. Not only the exterior but the interior appears luxurious as well. A host of features and a decent performance make it a great combination for people with shorter daily commutes.
Cons
- Petrol Engine seems a bit underpowered compared to its rivals.
- The base variant is quite expensive.
- Doesn’t have a Global NCAP safety rating.
Which Is The Best Compact SUV?
Well, all these cars are good in their own way. It mostly depends on the needs of an individual. If safety along with performance is your priority, then go for Tata Nexon or Mahindra XUV300.
If you are looking for a feature-oriented and stylish compact SUV then we believe Kia Sonet is an ideal choice. Similarly, Nissan Magnite is a good option if you want to keep it under budget.
Anyway, which one is your pick? Share your views in the comments section below.
