Diesel-powered SUVs with automatic transmissions are becoming a rarity in the Indian market. However, their appeal remains strong due to better fuel efficiency and high torque output, making them ideal for long-distance travel and rugged terrain. If you’re looking for an automatic diesel SUV within a budget of Rs 25 lakh, here’s a comprehensive list of the best options available, sorted in ascending order of price.
1. Tata Nexon (Rs 11.70 lakh – 15.60 lakh)
The Tata Nexon is the most affordable diesel automatic SUV in India, featuring a 115hp, 260Nm, 1.5-litre diesel engine paired with a 6-speed AMT. It boasts an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 24.08kpl and offers premium features such as a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. A Dark Edition variant is also available.
2. Mahindra XUV 3XO (Rs 11.79 lakh – 14.49 lakh)
Mahindra’s XUV 3XO comes with a 117hp, 300Nm, 1.5-litre diesel engine mated to a 6-speed AMT. While the diesel-automatic variant misses out on the top-spec AX7L trim’s ADAS and 360-degree camera, it still includes dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and leatherette upholstery. The claimed mileage stands at 21.2kpl.
3. Kia Sonet (Rs 13.39 lakh – 15.60 lakh)
The Kia Sonet features a refined 116hp, 250Nm, 1.5-litre diesel engine with a 6-speed torque converter automatic. Unlike its AMT-equipped rivals, the Sonet delivers a smoother driving experience. Available only in HTX and GTX+ trims, it includes dual 10.25-inch screens, ventilated front seats, a powered driver’s seat, and ADAS. Claimed fuel efficiency is 18.6kpl.
4. Tata Curvv (Rs 14.17 lakh – 19.20 lakh)
The Curvv uses the Nexon’s 1.5-litre diesel engine but gains a 7-speed DCT for better performance. With an output of 118hp and 260Nm, its real-world efficiency averages 14.19kpl. Notable features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, powered tailgate, reclining rear seats, and adaptive cruise control.
5. Hyundai Creta (Rs 15.95 lakh – 20.50 lakh)
Powered by a 116hp, 250Nm, 1.5-litre diesel engine, the Hyundai Creta gets a 6-speed torque converter automatic. With an ARAI-certified efficiency of 19.1kpl, the Creta also offers drive and traction modes, an electronic parking brake, and paddle shifters. The Knight Edition variant adds a sporty aesthetic.
6. Kia Syros (Rs 17 lakh – 17.80 lakh)
The Syros uses the same powertrain as the Creta and Sonet but is available only in the top-spec HTX+ trim. Unique to the Syros are reclining rear seats with ventilation, making it a standout in its segment. It also includes an electronic parking brake, paddle shifters, and drive/traction modes. The claimed efficiency is 17.65kpl.
7. Kia Seltos (Rs 17.22 lakh – 20.51 lakh)
Offering the same 116hp diesel-automatic powertrain as the Creta, the Seltos introduces sporty GTX+ and X-Line trims featuring larger 18-inch wheels, leatherette upholstery, and a head-up display. The efficiency remains 19.1kpl.
8. Mahindra Thar (Rs 17.25 lakh – 17.60 lakh)
The rugged Thar packs a 132hp, 300Nm, 2.2-litre diesel engine paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic and AWD. Available only in top-spec LX and Earth Edition trims, it delivers an average fuel efficiency of 11.4kpl and comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and cruise control.
9. Mahindra Thar Roxx (Rs 17.49 lakh – 23.09 lakh)
The 5-door Thar Roxx gets the same 2.2-litre diesel engine as the 3-door model but in a more powerful 152hp, 330Nm tune. With an AWD option, power output increases to 175hp and 370Nm. Fuel efficiency is 15.2kpl, and features include off-road cruise control (Smart Crawl) and a turning radius-enhancing Intelliturn system.
10. Mahindra XUV700 (Rs 18.59 lakh – 24.99 lakh)
The most powerful SUV in this list, the XUV700’s 2.2-litre diesel engine delivers 185hp and 420Nm, mated to a 6-speed automatic. It offers an AWD option, a fuel efficiency of 16.57kpl, and premium features like a panoramic sunroof, ADAS, and an optional 6- or 7-seat configuration.
11. Mahindra Scorpio N (Rs 18.70 lakh – 24.89 lakh)
Equipped with a 175hp, 400Nm, 2.2-litre diesel engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Scorpio N boasts a fuel efficiency of 15.42kpl. It also gets a 4×4 option in Z4 and Z8L trims, dual-zone climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
12. Tata Harrier (Rs 19.35 lakh – 26.25 lakh)
Using a 170hp, 350Nm, 2.0-litre diesel engine with a 6-speed torque converter automatic, the Harrier is a feature-rich offering with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, dual-zone AC, drive and terrain modes, and ADAS. Fuel efficiency is rated at 16.8kpl.
13. Hyundai Alcazar (Rs 20.90 lakh – 21.70 lakh)
A 6- or 7-seater alternative, the Alcazar shares its 1.5-litre diesel engine with the Creta but offers added features like second-row tray tables and a boss mode function. Fuel efficiency stands at 18.1kpl, though diesel trims miss out on a panoramic sunroof.
14. Tata Safari (Rs 19.85 lakh – 26.99 lakh)
Essentially a three-row version of the Harrier, the Safari offers a similar 170hp, 350Nm, 2.0-litre diesel engine with a 6-speed automatic. Claimed fuel efficiency is 14.1kpl. The top Accomplished+ trim is available in a 6-seat configuration with captain seats and a boss mode function.
Final Thoughts
While the selection of diesel automatic SUVs under Rs 25 lakh is narrowing, there are still plenty of excellent choices catering to different needs—be it compact, midsize, off-road-ready, or premium three-row SUVs. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, features, or rugged performance, there’s an option to match your preferences.
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