The midsize SUV segment in India has witnessed a significant shift towards petrol-powered vehicles, making fuel efficiency a critical consideration for car buyers. While these figures are based on ARAI ratings, real-world fuel economy may vary depending on driving conditions and habits. We’ve listed the top 10 most fuel-efficient petrol midsize SUVs, starting with the least fuel-efficient and progressing to the best.
10. Honda Elevate – 16.11 km/l
Honda’s recently unveiled Elevate SUV, though awaiting official pricing, boasts an average claimed fuel efficiency of 16.11 km/l. Equipped with a 121hp, 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, the Elevate offers a choice between a 6-speed manual and a CVT gearbox. Note that these figures are not yet certified by ARAI.
9. Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI – 16.83 km/l
The entry-level engine of the Kushaq, a 115hp, 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo-petrol, impressively delivers an ARAI-rated fuel economy of 16.83 km/l. This engine comes with either a 6-speed manual or a torque converter automatic gearbox and features an idle start/stop function for improved efficiency.
8. Hyundai Creta 1.5 – 16.85 km/l
Hyundai’s Creta offers a single petrol engine option—a 115hp, 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, mated to either a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. This engine delivers an ARAI-rated fuel economy of 16.85 km/l.
7. Kia Seltos 1.5 – 17.35 km/l
Sharing the same engine options as the Creta, the Kia Seltos with the 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine provides an improved average ARAI fuel economy of 17.35 km/l after its facelift.
6. Kia Seltos 1.5 turbo – 17.8 km/l
With its 160hp, 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine, introduced in the facelifted model, the Seltos is now not only more powerful but also more efficient, with an average fuel economy of 17.8 km/l. This engine is available with a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT.
5. Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI – 17.83 km/l
Skoda offers a more potent engine option for the Kushaq—a 150hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, available with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT gearbox. It achieves an impressive average ARAI fuel economy of 17.83 km/l, thanks to features like idle start/stop and cylinder deactivation technology.
4. Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI – 18.18 km/l
Closely related to the Kushaq, the Volkswagen Taigun also employs the same 150hp, 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine with 6-speed manual and 7-speed DCT options. It boasts a slightly higher ARAI-rated fuel economy of 18.18 km/l.
3. Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI – 18.23 km/l
The Taigun’s entry-level engine is the 115hp, 1.0-liter three-cylinder unit, available with a 6-speed manual and automatic gearboxes, featuring idle start/stop technology. Surprisingly, it achieves an impressive average ARAI fuel efficiency of 18.23 km/l.
2. Maruti Grand Vitara/Toyota Hyryder 1.5 petrol – 21.12 km/l
Maruti and Toyota offer a shared 103hp, 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine equipped with smart hybrid technology in their respective Grand Vitara and Urban Cruiser Hyryder models. Both claim an ARAI-rated fuel economy of 21.12 km/l, available with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
1. Maruti Grand Vitara/Toyota Hyryder 1.5 strong-hybrid – 27.97 km/l
The top spot goes to the strong-hybrid duo of the Grand Vitara and Hyryder, featuring a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle petrol engine paired with an electric motor and an e-CVT gearbox. These SUVs achieve an outstanding ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of 27.97 km/l, with the ability to run in pure EV mode in certain conditions, ensuring remarkable fuel economy.
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