The compact SUV market in India continues to thrive, combining the rugged stance of an SUV with city-friendly dimensions and pricing. While performance, styling, and features are major considerations for buyers, fuel efficiency is often the deal-breaker — especially for daily commuters and cost-conscious families.
In this article, we highlight the top 10 petrol-powered compact SUVs that offer the highest ARAI-certified mileage figures in India. These figures, though ideal test conditions, offer a useful benchmark when comparing cars. Only the most fuel-efficient variant (manual or automatic) of each SUV is considered.
10. Tata Nexon – 17.44 km/l
Despite being one of the oldest names in the segment, the Tata Nexon remains a top seller. Powered by a 120hp, 1.2L turbo-petrol engine, its most efficient version is the 5-speed manual, which offers 17.44 km/l. Automatic options, including the AMT and DCT, are marginally less efficient.
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Engine: 1.2L turbo-petrol
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Most Efficient Variant: 5-speed Manual
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ARAI Mileage: 17.44 km/l
9. Kia Syros – 18.20 km/l
Kia’s newest compact SUV, the Syros, gets a sole 1.0L turbo-petrol engine delivering 120hp. The manual variant is slightly more efficient than the DCT, making it the preferred choice for mileage-conscious buyers.
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Engine: 1.0L turbo-petrol
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Most Efficient Variant: 6-speed Manual
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ARAI Mileage: 18.20 km/l
8. Hyundai Venue – 18.27 km/l
The Hyundai Venue, with its two petrol engine options, scores better fuel efficiency with the 1.0L turbo-petrol engine mated to a 6-speed manual. A close second is the DCT variant.
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Engine: 1.0L turbo-petrol
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Most Efficient Variant: 6-speed Manual
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ARAI Mileage: 18.27 km/l
7. Kia Sonet – 19.20 km/l
Sharing its platform and engines with the Venue, the Kia Sonet edges ahead in efficiency, especially after its 2024 facelift. The turbo-petrol with the 7-speed DCT offers the highest fuel efficiency in the lineup.
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Engine: 1.0L turbo-petrol
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Most Efficient Variant: 7-speed DCT
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ARAI Mileage: 19.20 km/l
6. Skoda Kylaq – 19.68 km/l
A fresh entrant in the compact SUV space, the Skoda Kylaq impresses with both design and efficiency. Its 1.0L turbo-petrol engine returns the best figures with the 6-speed automatic gearbox.
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Engine: 1.0L turbo-petrol
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Most Efficient Variant: 6-speed Automatic
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ARAI Mileage: 19.68 km/l
5. Maruti Suzuki Brezza – 19.80 km/l
The Brezza stands out by using a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine with mild-hybrid tech. Interestingly, its 6-speed automatic is more efficient than the manual variant — a rarity in this segment.
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Engine: 1.5L petrol with mild-hybrid
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Most Efficient Variant: 6-speed Automatic
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ARAI Mileage: 19.80 km/l
4. Nissan Magnite – 20.00 km/l
The Nissan Magnite offers two petrol engine choices, but it’s the 1.0L turbo-petrol manual variant that delivers the best mileage. Despite the CVT being more convenient, the manual remains the efficient pick.
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Engine: 1.0L turbo-petrol
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Most Efficient Variant: 5-speed Manual
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ARAI Mileage: 20.00 km/l
3. Mahindra XUV 3XO – 20.10 km/l
Mahindra’s latest evolution of the XUV300, the XUV 3XO, balances performance and economy impressively. The 131hp turbo-petrol variant with a manual transmission leads the lineup in fuel efficiency.
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Engine: 1.2L turbo-petrol
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Most Efficient Variant: 6-speed Manual
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ARAI Mileage: 20.10 km/l
2. Renault Kiger – 20.50 km/l
Closely related to the Magnite, the Renault Kiger takes the efficiency lead with its 1.0L turbo-petrol engine. The 5-speed manual variant delivers the best fuel economy among all Kiger models.
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Engine: 1.0L turbo-petrol
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Most Efficient Variant: 5-speed Manual
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ARAI Mileage: 20.50 km/l
1. Maruti Suzuki Fronx / Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor – 22.80 km/l
Topping the list are the Maruti Fronx and Toyota Taisor — compact SUVs that share underpinnings and powertrains. Their 1.2L petrol engine paired with a 5-speed AMT delivers an impressive 22.80 km/l. Even the turbo-petrol variants are among the most frugal in the segment.
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Engine: 1.2L petrol / 1.0L turbo-petrol
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Most Efficient Variant: 5-speed AMT (1.2L NA)
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ARAI Mileage: 22.80 km/l
Car Quest Thoughts
If you’re looking for a compact SUV that won’t burn a hole in your pocket at the fuel pump, there’s no shortage of choices in India. While vehicles like the Fronx, Taisor, and Kiger lead the efficiency race, several others balance mileage with strong performance and feature-rich interiors.
✅ Pro Tip: Always check real-world mileage figures and consider your driving style and traffic conditions before making a decision.
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