While petrol and CNG powertrains dominate the compact SUV market today, diesel models continue to attract buyers who prioritize long-distance comfort, strong torque, and superior fuel economy. Surprisingly, there are still eight diesel-powered compact SUVs on sale in India — each offering a unique balance of performance, practicality, and efficiency.
Here’s a comprehensive list ranking all diesel compact SUVs sold in India, from the least to the most fuel-efficient, based on official ARAI mileage figures.
8. Mahindra Thar RWD – 15.2kpl
The Mahindra Thar RWD, powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (119hp, 300Nm), is the most affordable way to experience the Thar lifestyle. Available solely with a 6-speed manual gearbox, it returns an ARAI-tested fuel efficiency of 15.2kpl. Despite its rugged appeal and off-road DNA, its smaller diesel engine helps it qualify as a compact SUV.
Price range: ₹9.99–12.19 lakh
Mahindra Thar RWD specs:
- Engine: 1.5L, 4-cyl turbo-diesel
- Power: 119hp | Torque: 300Nm
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- ARAI mileage: 15.2kpl
7. Mahindra Bolero – 16.5kpl
A household name in rural India, the Mahindra Bolero continues to be a workhorse among SUVs. Its 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder diesel engine (76hp, 210Nm) is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and delivers 16.5kpl on the ARAI test cycle. Recently updated with refreshed styling and new features, the Bolero remains India’s most rugged 7-seater diesel SUV under ₹10 lakh.
Price range: ₹7.99–9.69 lakh
Mahindra Bolero specs:
- Engine: 1.5L, 3-cyl turbo-diesel
- Power: 76hp | Torque: 210Nm
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual
- ARAI mileage: 16.5kpl
6. Mahindra Bolero Neo – 18.04kpl
The Bolero Neo brings a modern twist to the Bolero’s utility DNA, offering improved refinement, comfort, and performance. Powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine (100hp, 260Nm), it delivers 18.04kpl. This makes it one of the most frugal 7-seat compact SUVs available today.
Price range: ₹8.49–10.49 lakh
Mahindra Bolero Neo specs:
- Engine: 1.5L, 3-cyl turbo-diesel
- Power: 100hp | Torque: 260Nm
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual
- ARAI mileage: 18.04kpl
5. Kia Syros – 20.75kpl
The newly launched Kia Syros joins the fray with the brand’s familiar 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine (116hp, 250Nm). The manual version achieves an impressive 20.75kpl, while the automatic returns 17.65kpl. Although it’s the priciest diesel compact SUV currently, it offers premium build quality, top-class features, and Kia’s strong brand reliability.
Price range: ₹10.14–15.94 lakh
Kia Syros diesel specs:
- Engine: 1.5L, 4-cyl turbo-diesel
- Power: 116hp | Torque: 250Nm
- Gearbox: 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT
- ARAI mileage: 20.75kpl (MT) / 17.65kpl (AT)
4. Hyundai Venue – 20.99kpl
The 2025 Hyundai Venue now offers both manual and automatic diesel options. Its 1.5-litre diesel engine (116hp, 250Nm) returns 20.99kpl with the 6-speed manual and 17.9kpl with the automatic gearbox. Although its mileage has dropped slightly from the previous generation, the Venue compensates with added tech, safety, and refinement.
Price range: ₹9.70–15.69 lakh
Hyundai Venue diesel specs:
- Engine: 1.5L, 4-cyl turbo-diesel
- Power: 116hp | Torque: 250Nm
- Gearbox: 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT
- ARAI mileage: 20.99kpl (MT) / 17.9kpl (AT)
3. Mahindra XUV 3XO – 21.2kpl
Mahindra’s XUV 3XO is a modern, five-seat monocoque SUV that blends power with comfort. Its 1.5-litre diesel engine (117hp, 300Nm) offers 20.6kpl with the manual and an even better 21.2kpl with the AMT. With premium interiors and a long feature list, it’s one of the most balanced diesel compact SUVs available.
Price range: ₹8.95–13.43 lakh
Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel specs:
- Engine: 1.5L, 4-cyl turbo-diesel
- Power: 117hp | Torque: 300Nm
- Gearbox: 6-speed MT / 6-speed AMT
- ARAI mileage: 20.6kpl (MT) / 21.2kpl (AMT)
2. Kia Sonet – 22.3kpl
The Kia Sonet continues to be a benchmark in the compact SUV category, offering a diesel engine that delivers 22.3kpl with the manual (approximate figure) and 18.6kpl with the automatic. The 1.5-litre diesel unit (116hp, 250Nm) is smooth, efficient, and well-paired with a 6-speed manual or a torque converter automatic. Kia has also added a 7-year extended warranty plan for added peace of mind.
Price range: ₹8.98–14.09 lakh
Kia Sonet diesel specs:
- Engine: 1.5L, 4-cyl turbo-diesel
- Power: 116hp | Torque: 250Nm
- Gearbox: 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT
- ARAI mileage: 22.3kpl (MT) / 18.6kpl (AT)
1. Tata Nexon – 24.08kpl
Topping the charts is the Tata Nexon Diesel, India’s most fuel-efficient diesel compact SUV. Its 1.5-litre engine (115hp, 260Nm) delivers 23.23kpl with the manual and an outstanding 24.08kpl with the AMT. The Nexon’s combination of strong safety credentials, feature-rich cabin, and impressive fuel economy makes it an unbeatable all-rounder in this segment.
Price range: ₹9.01–14.05 lakh
Tata Nexon diesel specs:
- Engine: 1.5L, 4-cyl turbo-diesel
- Power: 115hp | Torque: 260Nm
- Gearbox: 6-speed MT / 6-speed AMT
- ARAI mileage: 23.23kpl (MT) / 24.08kpl (AMT)
Summary: Top Diesel Compact SUVs by ARAI Mileage
| Rank | Model | Mileage (kpl) | Gearbox |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tata Nexon | 24.08 | AMT |
| 2 | Kia Sonet | 22.3 | MT |
| 3 | Mahindra XUV 3XO | 21.2 | AMT |
| 4 | Hyundai Venue | 20.99 | MT |
| 5 | Kia Syros | 20.75 | MT |
| 6 | Mahindra Bolero Neo | 18.04 | MT |
| 7 | Mahindra Bolero | 16.5 | MT |
| 8 | Mahindra Thar RWD | 15.2 | MT |
Final Thoughts
Diesel compact SUVs may be a niche choice in 2025, but they still make a strong case for buyers seeking long-term efficiency, high torque, and endurance. Among them, the Tata Nexon Diesel stands out as the mileage champion, while the Kia Sonet and Mahindra XUV 3XO offer an excellent blend of refinement and fuel economy.
For those covering long distances regularly, these diesel-powered compact SUVs remain some of the most cost-effective choices in India’s fast-evolving SUV landscape.
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