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SUVs under Rs 15 lakh in India are offered by several top brands, including Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, and Maruti Suzuki. From sub-4 metre models
to mid-size SUVs, buyers have a plethora of options to choose from in this segment. With a growing focus on technology, these vehicles now come equipped with an array of modern features such as panoramic sunroofs, ventilated seats, and ADAS, making them a complete package for many middle-income buyers in India. If you’re planning to buy a new SUV or upgrade your current one on a budget of under Rs 15 lakh, here are the top 5 options you can consider this month.
Kia Sonet
Price: Rs 7.32 lakh (starting, ex-showroom)
The Sonet from Kia's stable is one of the most affordable option sub-Rs 15 lakh SUV segment in India. It can be had with either a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that makes 82bhp and 115Nm or 1.0-litre turbo-petrol mill that produces 118bhp and 172Nm, and comes mated to a 6-speed intelligent manual (iMT) or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Kia offers a diesel option with the Sonet, featuring a 1.5-litre unit (114.4bhp/250Nm) that can be paired with either a 6-speed manual, iMT, or a torque converter automatic (AT).
In terms of comfort and safety features, the Kia SUV is equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a premium Bose sound system, power-adjustable front seats, a digital instrument cluster, an electric sunroof, a 360-degree camera, six airbags (as standard), and ADAS, with features such as lane departure warning, lane following assist, lane keeping assist, and high beam assist.
Tata Nexon
Price: 7.37 lakh (starting, ex-showroom)
Another feature-rich SUV that buyers can consider within the budget of Rs 15 lakh is the Nexon. Originally launched in 2017, the SUV has seen several upgrades, new editions and facelifts over the years. It is currently available in petrol, diesel, CNG and EV powertrain options. Talking specifically about the ICE variant, the Tata compact SUV's 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces 118bhp and 170Nm and has several transmission options to choose from. These include a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed AMT, and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
On the other hand, the diesel variant equipped with a 1.5-litre diesel engine puts out a maximum power of 113bhp and a peak torque of 260Nm, and can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT. Notably, the Nexon was the best-selling Sub-4m SUV in FY2026. It sold 2.16 lakh units, marking a rise of 32.5% from 1.63 lakh units sold in FY2025. Key highlights of the Nexon include 10.25-inch digital driver display, 360-degree camera, wireless charger, and ADAS. The Nexon SUV has also achieved a 5-star safety rating the Bharat NCAP crash tests.
Maruti Suzuki Brezza
Price: 8.26 lakh (starting, ex-showroom)
The Brezza could be an ideal option for buyers looking for an affordable, fuel-efficient and a decently equipped SUV in India. It has a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine that generates 102bhp of power and 136.8Nm of torque, and can be paired with a five-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic. While the smart hybrid unit allows for a range of features, including an idle stop-start, and brake energy regeneration, the car is available in a CNG version.
Other key features of the Maruti Suzuki SUV include a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an electric sunroof, adjustable headrests, a 60:40 split-folding rear seat, a multi-function steering wheel, wireless phone charging, six airbags, ABS with EBD, 360-degree camera, and rear parking sensors.
Hyundai Creta
Price: Rs 10.79 lakh (starting, ex-showroom)
The Creta, which was the third best-selling car in India in FY2026, is also among the most popular options under Rs 15 lakh. Hyundai offers the SUV in both internal combustion engine and all-electric avatars. As for the Creta ICE, there are three options to choose from, including a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (113bhp and 144Nm), 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit (158bhp and 253Nm), and a 1.5-litre diesel engine (114bhp and 250Nm). Transmission options include a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission), and a seven-speed DCT, which vary depending on the model and variant chosen.
The Creta SUV comes with a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and dual-zone automatic temperature control. It also boasts a dual 10.25-inch screen setup for entertainment and information. As for the safety, the SUV has ISOFIX child seat mounts, six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Level-2 ADAS.
Mahindra Scorpio-N
Price: Rs 13.49 lakh (starting, ex-showroom)
Mahindra's widely known SUV, the Scorpio-N, can be a great option for those seeking rugged option with budget constraints. The SUV is offered with two engine options, including a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel. In its diesel avatar, the SUV, particularly in the higher trims, enhances its capability with an optional 4WD system.
Key highlights of the Mahindra's popular SUV include an 8-inch touchscreen with Adrenox, 6-way power-adjustable driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, 6 airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and ABS with EBD.
