Best Mileage Petrol SUVs You Can Buy in India

Key Highlights

• The term ‘mileage’ actually stands for miles run, or in metric terms, kilometres run.
• The growing appeal for petrol SUVs is mostly a result of the gradual phase-out of diesel engines as emission norms tighten.
• Certain modern petrol automatics promise nearly the same fuel efficiency as their manual siblings.

The Indian automotive market, as a direct result of BS6 Phase 2 implementation, is lately witnessing more interest in petrol SUVs. There is no clear classification for ‘petrol SUVs with good mileage,’ but anything promising over 18km/l is worth one’s attention. ‘Mileage’ (the wrong yet popularised term for ‘fuel efficiency’) varies significantly with engine/transmission formats within a model range. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that none of the vehicles mentioned here are technically ‘SUVs’. They are‘compact crossovers’ at best. In fact, some of them are more of a raised hatchback with extra cladding rather than a true crossover. Let us explore the best-mileage petrol SUVs in India!

Citroen Aircross X (Turbo MT)

French automaker Citroen forms only a minor portion of the Indian automotive market. Nevertheless, compelling products such as the updated Aircross X (previously ‘C3 Aircross’) are lately seeing good reception. It is arguably the best product one can buy within a budget of ₹15 lakh on-road. In higher variants, the Citroen Aircross X gets a 1.2-litre Puretech 110 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine churning out 110hp @ 5,500rpm and 190 / 205Nm @ 1,750 while mated to a 6-speed manual / 6-speed torque convertor automatic.

Although the range-topping Turbo AT variant is the one to have, the Turbo MT powertrain offers better mileage across changing driving conditions. On paper, the mileage figures may not mean much, but the Puretech 110’s potent and torquey nature lets drivers comfortably cruise on higher gears at much lower RPMs. Many users report higher highway mileage than what the company claims.

• Ex-showroom price: ₹11.37-12.56 lakh
• Company-claimed average mileage: 18.5km/l

Maruti Suzuki Brezza (Smart Hybrid MT)

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is one of the most popular choices in the sub-four-metre compact crossover segment, widely marketed as ‘compact SUVs’. Initially called the ‘Vitara Brezza,’ the vehicle was also briefly badge-engineered as the Toyota Urban Cruiser. Powering the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is a 1.5-litre K15C Smart Hybrid 4-cylinder NA petrol engine making 103hp @ 6,000rpm and 139Nm @ 4,300rpm, while mated to either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic. Petrol-CNG variants are also available.

The company claims that Brezza AT variants showcase only a negligible drop in mileage compared to their MT siblings. In the real world, where traffic conditions, terrain and driving characteristics change, this drop may widen significantly.

• Ex-showroom price: ₹10.55-11.51 lakh
• Company-claimed average mileage: 19.89km/l

Nissan Magnite / Renault Kiger (Turbo MT)

Until the Gravite debuts to take on the ‘Creta segment,’ the Magnite compact SUV is the sole product in the Japanese automaker’s Indian product lineup. Meanwhile, the Renault Kiger was the most premium product in the French automaker’s Indian portfolio until the much-awaited Duster arrived in its third avatar. Both the Kiger and Magnite are based on the Renault-Nissan CMF-A+ platform.

Among the four engine-gearbox combinations, the 1.0-litre HRA03-cylinder turbo petrol engine returns the highest fuel economy in its 5-speed manual format. Output figures stand at 100hp @ 5,000rpm and 160Nm @ 2,800rpm. There is also a CVT option. The lesser 1.0-litre NA petrol engine gets a 5-speed manual or AMT.

• Ex-showroom price: ₹8.89-9.64 lakh / ₹9.15 lakh

• Company-claimed average mileage: 19.90km/l

Maruti Suzuki Victoris (Strong Hybrid)

The all-new Maruti Suzuki Victoris shares its underpinnings with the familiar Grand Vitara (as well as Toyota’s Urban Cruiser). However, the SUV is focused on a different category of buyers. For starters, it is an ARENA product compared to the NEXA-specific Grand Vitara. There are three NA petrol engine choices: K15C (petrol+CNG), K15C Smart Hybrid and M15D Strong Hybrid. Interestingly, the K15C Smart Hybrid powertrain is also available in an AWD format.

When it comes to mileage, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Strong Hybrid is in a league of its own compared to lesser trims. The Toyota-sourced Atkinson-cycle 1.5-litre 3-cylinder NA petrol engine is good for 92.45hp @ 5,500rpm and 122Nm @ 3,800rpm. This is coupled to a 177.6V hybrid unit that generates roughly 80hp and 141Nm. The combined power output hits about 116hp, with the convenience of an EV mode. Transmission duties are carried out by an e-CVT.

• Ex-showroom price: ₹16.38-19.99 lakh
• Company-claimed average mileage: 28.65km/l

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara / Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (Strong Hybrid / HYBRID)

Based on Suzuki’s ‘Global C’ platform, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and the latest Maruti Suzuki Victoris share the same powertrain choices, especially in hybrid format. Output figures remain the same, but prices fluctuate slightly owing to different features (such as Level 2 ADAS in the Victoris) and trim inclusions. Corporate decisions and festive offers also impact pricing.

Interestingly, the newer Maruti Suzuki Victoris returns slightly better fuel efficiency despite weighing almost the same as its NEXA and Toyota India siblings. The Victors is also slightly longer, though the wheelbase is unchanged.

• Ex-showroom price: ₹16.63-19.72 lakh / ₹16.46-19.57 lakh
• Company-claimed average mileage: 27.97km/l

Dearth of Choices

Turbo-petrol manual variants of SUVs evidently return the highest average mileage. Anything superior has a full-hybrid powertrain or some form of electric assist. There is a dearth of choices in the petrol SUV category, especially if mileage is the highest priority. If overall running costs (rather than petrol fuel efficiency) are considered, there are multiple electric and CNG alternatives among mainstream SUVs. As for diesel SUVs still available, fuel economy figures have dropped significantly due to more sophisticated emission controls, while initial and maintenance costs remain comparatively higher. 

FAQs

1. What is considered good mileage for a petrol SUV in India?
A petrol SUV with an ARAI-claimed mileage of around 18km/l or more is generally considered fuel-efficient in this age.

2. Do petrol SUVs give better mileage than their equivalent diesel alternatives?
Petrol SUVs usually return much lower mileage than diesel SUVs. However, modern petrol engines (especially turbo hybrids) set the bar high on fuel efficiency. In addition, stricter emission norms have started ‘choking’ diesel engines, unlike ever before.

3. Do automatic petrol SUVs return less mileage than manual variants?
In most cases, automatic petrol SUVs return slightly lower mileage. However, modern automatic transmissions have improved significantly to make this difference minimal.

4. Are maintenance costs higher for petrol SUVs?
Petrol SUVs generally have lower maintenance costs compared to diesel equivalents. Ex-showroom prices are also lower. Expenses come mostly in the form of reduced fuel economy.

5. Will diesel SUVs become extinct in the near future?
Owing to tightening emission norms, diesel engines will eventually become extinct. However, SUVs (especially full-size models) will most likely utilise them to the fullest until the very end.