Diesel-powered SUVs remain a popular choice among Indian buyers, offering robust torque and impressive fuel efficiency. However, stricter emission norms have reduced the availability of diesel models in recent years. Despite this, several automakers continue to offer efficient diesel SUVs within an accessible price range.
Below is a ranked list of the top 10 most fuel-efficient midsize diesel SUVs priced under Rs 30 lakh, based on ARAI-certified mileage figures. While real-world efficiency may vary depending on driving conditions, this list provides a reliable benchmark. The highest fuel economy figure achieved by each SUV’s powertrain combination has been considered.
10. Mahindra Thar Roxx – 15.2 kpl
The Mahindra Thar Roxx, launched in August 2024, is the five-door iteration of the beloved Thar off-roader. It features a 152hp, 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, both delivering an identical ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency of 15.2 kpl. Pricing starts at Rs 13.99 lakh, with the top-end variant priced at Rs 22.49 lakh.
9. MG Hector/Hector Plus – 15.58 kpl
The MG Hector and its three-row counterpart, the Hector Plus, received a significant design update in 2023 while retaining their mechanicals. The SUVs are powered by a 170hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox, achieving a claimed 15.58 kpl. Prices range from Rs 17.49 lakh to Rs 23.41 lakh.
8. Mahindra Scorpio N – 15.94 kpl
Known for its rugged ladder-frame construction, the Mahindra Scorpio N houses a 175hp, 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine. It offers both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission, with the manual version delivering 15.94 kpl. Pricing starts at Rs 14.39 lakh and extends up to Rs 24.69 lakh.
7. Tata Safari – 16.3 kpl
Tata’s flagship diesel SUV, the Safari, is built on the Land Rover-derived D8 platform. Equipped with a 170hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine, the manual variant returns a respectable 16.3 kpl. Prices range from Rs 15.49 lakh to Rs 26.99 lakh.
6. Tata Harrier – 16.8 kpl
A close sibling to the Safari, the Tata Harrier features the same 170hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine but in a more compact five-seat package. Both the manual and automatic versions achieve a fuel efficiency of 16.8 kpl. Pricing starts at Rs 14.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 26.24 lakh.
5. Mahindra XUV700 – 17 kpl
Mahindra’s feature-rich XUV700 is powered by a 185hp, 2.2-litre diesel engine. The 6-speed manual variant delivers a claimed 17 kpl, while the automatic is slightly lower at 16.57 kpl. The price range starts at Rs 13.99 lakh and extends to Rs 25.74 lakh.
4. Jeep Compass – 17.3 kpl
Despite Jeep’s niche presence in India, the Compass impresses with its efficiency. Powered by a 170hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine, the manual variant delivers 17.3 kpl, while the automatic achieves 16.2 kpl. Prices start at Rs 18.99 lakh and go up to Rs 26.33 lakh.
3. Hyundai Alcazar – 20.4 kpl
The Hyundai Alcazar, refreshed in 2024, retains its 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine. Despite its modest power output, it delivers an impressive 20.4 kpl with the manual transmission, while the automatic version returns 18.1 kpl. Pricing ranges from Rs 15.99 lakh to Rs 21.69 lakh.
2. Kia Seltos – 20.7 kpl
Sharing its diesel engine with the Alcazar, the Kia Seltos benefits from a smaller footprint, pushing its manual transmission’s efficiency to 20.7 kpl. The automatic variant delivers 19.1 kpl. Prices range from Rs 12.71 lakh to Rs 20.51 lakh.
1. Hyundai Creta – 21.8 kpl
Topping the list is the Hyundai Creta, India’s best-selling midsize SUV. With the same 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine as the Seltos, the Creta outperforms it in efficiency, offering 21.8 kpl with the manual transmission. The automatic version remains at 19.1 kpl. Prices start at Rs 12.68 lakh and go up to Rs 20.41 lakh.
These SUVs strike a balance between power and efficiency, making them excellent choices for buyers looking for diesel-powered practicality under Rs 30 lakh.
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