Top 5 Diesel SUVs With the Highest Mileage Under ₹25 Lakh in India

Diesel SUVs have long been a preferred choice among Indian car buyers due to their strong torque, high fuel efficiency, and long-distance cruising capability. However, with the implementation of stricter emission norms, the number of diesel-powered vehicles in the Indian market has significantly reduced. Despite this, a few manufacturers continue to offer diesel engines in their SUV line-ups, delivering impressive mileage without compromising on performance.

Summary Table of Top Diesel SUVs Under ₹25 Lakh

1. Hyundai Creta Diesel

The Hyundai Creta is one of the most popular mid-size SUVs in India, known for its premium features, comfortable cabin, and reliable performance.

• Engine: 1.5-litre diesel engine

• Transmission Options: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic

• Fuel Efficiency (ARAI):

  • Manual: 21.8 km/l

  • Automatic: 19.1 km/l

• Price (On-road, Noida): Starts at ₹14.68 lakh

• Key Highlights: Feature-rich interior, smooth drive quality, wide service network.

The Creta diesel stands out for its class-leading mileage in the manual variant and offers a refined drive that makes it suitable for both city and highway travel.

2. Kia Seltos Diesel

The Kia Seltos shares its platform and engine with the Hyundai Creta but offers a distinct design and slightly different feature sets.

• Engine: 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder diesel

• Transmission Options: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic

• Fuel Efficiency (ARAI):

  • Manual: 20.7 km/l

  • Automatic: 20.7 km/l

• Price (On-road, Noida): Starts at ₹14.94 lakh

• Key Highlights: Sporty styling, advanced infotainment system, strong safety features.

Its identical efficiency figures for both manual and automatic variants make it appealing to buyers seeking convenience without sacrificing fuel economy.

3. Hyundai Alcazar Diesel

The Hyundai Alcazar is a three-row SUV designed for those who require more seating capacity without moving into a much larger vehicle segment.

• Engine: 1.5-litre diesel (same as Creta)

• Transmission Options: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic

• Fuel Efficiency (ARAI):

  • Manual: 20.4 km/l

  • Automatic: 20.4 km/l

• Price (On-road, Noida): Starts at ₹18.75 lakh

• Key Highlights: 6- and 7-seat configurations, premium features, well-insulated cabin.

While the diesel engine is slightly underpowered for a fully loaded seven-seater, it remains one of the most fuel-efficient options in the segment.

4. Mahindra XUV 700 Diesel

The Mahindra XUV 700 is one of the most sought-after SUVs in the mid-size category, offering a powerful diesel engine along with advanced features.

• Engine: 2.2-litre inline four-cylinder diesel

• Transmission Options: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic

• Fuel Efficiency (ARAI):

  • Manual: 17 km/l

  • Automatic: 16.7 km/l

• Price (On-road, Noida): Starts at ₹17.41 lakh

• Key Highlights: Segment-leading power, modern ADAS features, robust build quality.

It is the most powerful diesel SUV in this list, ideal for buyers who value performance and technology.

5. Jeep Compass Diesel

The Jeep Compass is known for its premium build, off-road capability, and strong road presence.

• Engine: 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder diesel

• Transmission Options: 6-speed manual, 9-speed automatic

• Fuel Efficiency (ARAI):

  • Manual: 17.1 km/l

  • Automatic: 17.1 km/l

• Price (On-road, Noida): Starts at ₹22.92 lakh

• Key Highlights: Premium interiors, capable AWD system (available in higher variants), solid ride quality.

This SUV shares its diesel engine with models like the Tata Harrier, Tata Safari, and MG Hector, offering a blend of efficiency and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which diesel SUV under ₹25 lakh offers the highest mileage?

A. The Hyundai Creta diesel manual variant offers the highest mileage at 21.8 km/l as per ARAI.

Q2: Are diesel SUVs still a good choice in 2025?

A. Yes, diesel SUVs remain a great choice for buyers who travel long distances regularly, as they provide better fuel efficiency and torque compared to petrol counterparts.

Q3: Which is the most powerful diesel SUV in this list?

A. The Mahindra XUV 700 is the most powerful, with its 2.2L diesel engine offering strong performance.

Q4: Which diesel SUV is best for city driving and parking?

A. The Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta are compact enough for city use, offering a good balance between size, features, and efficiency.

Q5: Which SUV is best suited for off-road use?

A. The Jeep Compass, especially in its AWD variants, is the most capable off-road SUV among these five.

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