Top 10 Cars Under 15 Lakhs in India (2026 Edition)
Key Highlights:
- Compact SUVs (technically ‘sub-four-metre compact crossovers’) form the highest majority in this segment.
- Though reserved for higher trims, diesel engines are quite popular in this price category.
- If open to any option or configuration, the Citroen Aircross AT is the best choice under ₹15 lakh.
The Indian automotive market offers several compelling products in the range of ₹10-15 lakh ex-showroom. Individuals who can stretch beyond the budget car segment, but still wish to own something approachable as a first car, have the opportunity to choose between multiple bodystyles, seating configurations, powertrains and features within this price bracket. In no particular order, let us list down the best cars one can buy in 2026, for under ₹15 lakh ex-showroom!
The final on-road price may be considerably higher depending on add-ons, processing fees, state-level taxes and insurance. Top variants of certain models may slightly cross the 15-lakh rupee ex-showroom mark.
1. Hyundai Venue
Comprehensively updated for the 2025 model year, the all-new Hyundai Venue is slightly larger than its predecessor (20mm longer wheelbase). The subcompact crossover is available in a sportier ‘N Line’ avatar as well. There are three engine choices: Kappa 1.2 MPi petrol (83hp @ 6,000rpm, 114.7Nm @ 4,200rpm, 5-speed manual), Kappa 1.0 Turbo GDi (120hp @ 6,000rpm, 172Nm @ 1,500rpm, 6-speed manual / 7-speed DCT) and U2 1.5 CRDi (116ps @ 4,000rpm, 250Nm @ 1,500rpm, 6-speed manual / 6-speed AT). Prices range from ₹7.90 - 15.48 lakh.
2. Tata Punch EV
The Tata Punch, with its modular architecture, has been a major success on the Indian market in both EV and petrol (or petrol+CNG) formats. In fact, it was the best-selling car of 2024. In its EV format, there are two variants: standard and LR (Long Range). The former is powered by a 25kWh battery pack (60kW, 114Nm) while the latter gets a 35kWh unit (90kW, 190Nm). As per MIDC, range figures of the Tata Punch EV are claimed to be 265 km and 365 km, respectively. Prices range from ₹9.99 - 14.44 lakh.
3. Tata Nexon
Tata Motors has revamped the Nexon compact SUV with the inclusion of Level 2 ADAS — a rarity in this price range. Across a whopping 60 variants (some of them being colour themes), the Tata Nexon is easily a segment benchmark. In ICE format, there are three choices: 1.2-litre Revotron turbo petrol (118hp @ 5,500rpm, 170Nm @ 1,750rpm, 5-speed manual / 6-speed manual / 6-speed AMT / 7-speed DCT), 1.2-litre Revotron turbo petrol+CNG (98.6hp @ 2,000rpm, 170Nm @ 2,000rpm, 6-speed manual) and 1.5-litre Revotorq diesel engine (113hp @ 3,750rpm, 260Nm @ 1,500rpm, 6-speed manual / 6-speed AMT). Prices range from ₹8.32 - 16.78 lakh.
4. Maruti Suzuki Jimny
The sole 4x4 and true SUV (rather ironically) on this list, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny was initially misunderstood by the wider Indian majority (mostly due to its high price-to-size ratio). The ‘JC74’ 5-door Jimny is still not a success as per Maruti Suzuki’s typical sales figures, but lately, demand has gone up among automotive and adventure enthusiasts. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is powered by a 1.5-litre K15B NA petrol engine making 103hp @ 6,000rpm and 134.2Nm @ 4,000rpm, while mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed torque converter. It comes only in a ‘four-seater’ part-time 4WD format. Prices range from ₹12.32 - 14.45 lakh.
5. Skoda Kylaq
The Skoda Kylaq is one of those products that can be recommended to anyone, either as a primary or a secondary car. Boasting of good looks, solid build quality, ample performance and a sense of premiumness, the Kylaq was awarded 'Car Of The Year 2025' (in ‘compact SUV’ category) by multiple publications. Powering the Skoda Kylaq is a 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine good for 114hp @ 5,000rpm and 178Nm @ 1,750rpm. This is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter. Prices range from ₹7.55 - 12.80 lakh.
6. Citroen Aircross
Citroen India is still struggling to improve its sales figures despite having some of the best value-for-money products the country has ever seen. Among them, the updated Citroen Aircross (previously ‘C3 Aircross’) is perhaps the most underrated. Segment-leading performance and ride quality, upmarket interiors, flexible 7-seat configuration, etc., are some highlights worth praising. There are two engine choices: Puretech 82 NA petrol (82hp @ 5,750rpm, 115Nm @ 3,750rpm, 5-speed manual) and Puretech 110 turbo petrol (110hp @ 5,500rpm, 190-205Nm @ 1,750rpm, 6-speed manual / 6-speed torque converter). The latter option, with an automatic, is the one to have. Prices range from ₹8.29 - 13.69 lakh.
7. Honda City
Though its current portfolio seems relatively narrow, Honda Car India is evaluating multiple launches in the coming years. The 5th-gen Honda City (seventh-gen globally) lately flies under the radar, predominantly due to the advent of compact SUVs (including the Honda Elevate) and MPVs in a price range that was once ruled by sedans. It offers supreme value for money (especially in manual format), alongside the unbeatable long-term reliability of a Honda. Powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC NA petrol engine, the Honda City makes 121hp @ 6,600rpm and 145Nm @ 4,300rpm. The power plant is mated to either a 6-speed manual or CVT. Prices range from ₹11.95 - 16.07 lakh.
8. Maruti Suzuki XL6
The Maruti Suzuki XL6 is one of the best three-row cars within ₹15 lakh ex-showroom. One could consider it as a more premium alternative to the likes of the 7-seater Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, thanks to better interiors, features and availability of captain seats in the middle row (making the XL6, as the name suggests, a 6-seater). There are two powertrain choices: 1.5-litre K15C NA petrol Smart Hybrid (101.6hp @ 6,000rpm, 139Nm @ 4,300rpm, 5-speed manual / 6-speed torque converter) and 1.5-litre K15 petrol+CNG (86.6hp @ 5,500rpm, 121.5Nm @ 4,200rpm, 5-speed manual). Prices range from ₹11.52 - 14.48 lakh.
9. Hyundai i20 N Line
Hyundai Motor India is actively revamping its entire line-up to a new global design language, and hence, the current i20 is expected to have a major refresh in 2026. In its current state, the Hyundai i20 N Line is a favourite among premium hatchback buyers (ever since the Volkswagen Polo GT was discontinued). Compared to the regular i20, the i20 N Line has a justifiable price jump, especially in higher trims. The Hyundai i20 N Line is offered only with a 1.0-litre Turbo GDi petrol engine (120hp @ 6,000rpm, 172Nm @ 1,500rpm), mated to either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT. Prices range from ₹9.14 - 11.59 lakh.
10. Renault Duster
The all-new Renault Duster is one of the most anticipated launches of 2026. Considering the success and desirability of the previous India-spec Renault Duster (first-gen globally), the 2026 Renault Duster (third-gen globally) is destined to impress, especially in terms of ruggedness and pricing. The compact crossover is expected to be powered by a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine (156bhp @ 5,500rpm, 254Nm @ 1,600rpm) and mated to a 6-speed manual or CVT. Unlike earlier, the 2026 Renault Duster may not be offered with a diesel or AWD format, at least in the initial stages. It’s too early to determine pricing, but one can be sure that a few near-top variants would remain under ₹15 lakh ex-showroom.
Sophy’s Choice
Purely in terms of value, the Indian automarket seems to have the best choices around ₹15 lakh ex-showroom. Not every product in this price range would be able to tick all the boxes, but rarely would they miss ticking the crucial ones. Before arriving at a decision through online research, it’s always wise to visit the local dealerships and experience every car in person (even ones not under consideration but falling in the same price category). Test drives should ideally be carried out in one’s local or daily commute routes.
FAQs
1. What types of cars can one expect under 15 lakh?
Buyers can usually find premium hatchbacks, compact SUVs, space-efficient MPVs, entry-level sedans and a few mid-range SUVs. Moreover, there are multiple powertrain choices such as turbo petrol engines, diesels and CNGs, mated to a manual or varied forms of automatics.
2. Are SUVs better than hatchbacks in this price range?
SUVs (or crossovers) offer higher ground clearance and a stronger road presence, while hatchbacks deliver better manoeuvrability and generally higher fuel efficiency. The ideal choice depends on driving habits and personal definition of comfort.
3. Are maintenance costs high for cars in this range?
Maintenance costs vary drastically by brand and powertrain. NA petrol and CNG powertrains require the least running costs, while turbo petrol and diesel engines may attract higher maintenance bills in the long run.
4. Can buyers expect premium features under 15 lakh?
Features such as large touchscreens, wireless smartphone connectivity, sunroofs, 360-degree cameras, ventilated front seats, etc., are becoming the norm in this category.
5. How should buyers shortlist the best cars under 15 lakh?
One should compare performance, features, space requirements, service network and long-term running costs before making a decision. Test drives are crucial to make the right choice.