In the Indian market, midsize SUVs are currently one of the most sought-after and competitive segments. While diesel engines were dominant in SUVs a few years ago, the market has now shifted significantly towards petrol engines. Fuel efficiency remains a top priority for value-conscious Indian car buyers. Here is a list of the most fuel-efficient petrol midsize SUVs in India, ranked from lowest to highest based on ARAI fuel economy figures (real-world numbers may vary depending on driving conditions and styles):
8. Hyundai Creta 1.5 – 16.85kpl
The Hyundai Creta comes with a 115hp, 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, which is available with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission. The 1.4-liter turbo-petrol option has been discontinued, and the 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine is yet to be introduced. The Creta 1.5 petrol delivers an average ARAI fuel economy of 16.85kpl.
7. Kia Seltos 1.5 – 17.35kpl
Similar to the Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos also offers a 115hp, 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. The facelifted model of the Seltos improved the fuel efficiency of this engine, with the ARAI rating now at 17.35kpl.
6. Kia Seltos 1.5 turbo – 17.8kpl
The Seltos also comes with a more powerful 160hp, 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine, introduced with the mid-life facelift. It is available with either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT transmission. This engine is not only more powerful than the earlier 1.4-liter turbo-petrol engine but also more fuel-efficient, delivering an average ARAI fuel economy of 17.8kpl.
5. Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI – 17.83kpl
The Skoda Kushaq is equipped with a 150hp, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, offering a choice between a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The Kushaq features idle start/stop functionality and cylinder deactivation technology, resulting in an impressive ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of 17.83kpl.
4. Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI – 18.18kpl
Sharing its powertrain with the Skoda Kushaq, the Volkswagen Taigun offers the same 150hp, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, along with the 6-speed manual and 7-speed DCT options. The Taigun’s ARAI fuel economy figure stands slightly higher than its cousin, at 18.18kpl, thanks to similar technologies like idle start/stop and cylinder deactivation.
3. Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI – 18.23kpl
The entry-level engine option for the Taigun is a 115hp, 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox. This engine also features idle start/stop technology and delivers an impressive ARAI-rated fuel economy of 18.23kpl, making it more fuel-efficient than the 1.5-liter engine on the Taigun.
2. Maruti Grand Vitara/Toyota Hyryder 1.5 petrol– 21.12kpl
Both the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder share a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with 103hp, equipped with Maruti’s smart hybrid technology. This engine can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. These SUVs claim an ARAI fuel economy of 21.12kpl, and the top-spec trim of the Grand Vitara even offers an optional all-wheel drive system with the manual gearbox.
1. Maruti Grand Vitara/Toyota Hyryder 1.5 strong-hybrid – 27.97kpl
Taking the top spot in terms of fuel efficiency are the strong-hybrid versions of the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder. These SUVs feature a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle petrol engine paired with an electric motor and an e-CVT gearbox. The synergy between the petrol engine and electric motor allows these SUVs to achieve an outstanding ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of 27.97kpl. Moreover, in certain conditions, such as low-speed bumper-to-bumper traffic with light throttle inputs or when sufficiently charged, the SUVs can even operate in pure EV mode, further enhancing their fuel efficiency.
It is essential to remember that real-world fuel economy may vary depending on driving habits and conditions, but this list provides a good starting point for those seeking fuel-efficient petrol midsize SUVs in India.
