Best Budget SUVs Under 10 Lakhs in India: Value for Money Picks

Introduction

The desire for a tall driving stance, rugged looks, and go-anywhere confidence doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. The budget SUV segment under ₹10 Lakhs is one of the most competitive in India, offering a fantastic blend of style, features, and practicality that was unimaginable just a few years ago.

The year 2025 sees this segment more exciting than ever, with manufacturers packing impressive features, better safety, and more refined engines into these affordable packages. These aren’t just raised hatchbacks anymore; they’re proper SUVs that deliver on the promise of style, space, and capability while remaining accessible to a wide range of buyers.

Here are the best budget SUVs that deliver incredible value for your money in 2025, proving you don’t need to break the bank to get SUV appeal.

Top Budget SUV Contenders

1.Tata Punch

• Price Range: ₹6.13 – ₹10.20 Lakhs
• Key Highlights: The undisputed star of the segment. It looks like a proper mini-SUV, boasts a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, and is offered with both petrol and CNG options. It’s the complete package.
• Best For: Buyers prioritizing safety, style, and overall value.
• Verdict: The safest and most complete micro-SUV in the market.

2.Maruti Suzuki Fronx

• Price Range: ₹7.51 – ₹13.04 Lakhs
• Key Highlights: This “crossover based on a hatchback” brings bold SUV-inspired styling to the Maruti lineup. It offers a premium interior and the choice of a peppy turbo-petrol engine.
• Best For: Those wanting modern styling, Maruti reliability, and turbo performance.
• Verdict: A stylish and feature-rich crossover with multiple powertrain options.

3.Maruti Suzuki Brezza

• Price Range: ₹8.29 – ₹14.14 Lakhs
• Key Highlights: While you might get a lower variant in this budget, the Brezza remains a formidable contender. It offers a trusted brand name, a smooth hybrid engine, and a sunroof in higher variants.
• Best For: Buyers wanting a proven product with hassle-free ownership.
• Verdict: The reliable and efficient compact SUV with wide appeal.

4.Hyundai Exter

• Price Range: ₹6.13 – ₹10.20 Lakhs
• Key Highlights: A direct rival to the Punch, the Exter makes a strong style statement. It packs in segment-first features like a sunroof and a digital instrument cluster, raising the bar for in-car tech.
• Best For: Feature-seeking buyers who want modern technology and bold design.
• Verdict: The feature champion in the micro-SUV segment.

5.Kia Sonet

• Price Range: ₹7.99 – ₹15.69 Lakhs
• Key Highlights: You might be able to get a base variant of the popular Sonet around this price. It offers a modern design and the appeal of the Kia brand with its feature-rich approach.
• Best For: Those wanting a premium feel and are okay with a base variant.
• Verdict: A premium compact SUV that might be accessible in lower trims.

What Can You Expect in This Budget?

• Stylish, SUV-like design that stands out from regular hatchbacks
• A tall driving position for better visibility and commanding road presence
• Modern features like touchscreen infotainment, rear camera, and connected car tech in higher variants
• Safety: Features like dual airbags, ABS, and rear parking sensors are standard. The Tata Punch leads with its top-tier crash safety
• Ground Clearance: Typically 180-200mm, which is better than most hatchbacks

Key Buying Considerations

Space and Practicality: While these SUVs offer good interior space for their size, they’re still compact vehicles. If you regularly carry 5 adults, you might want to consider larger options.

Engine Options:

• 2L Petrol: Adequate for city driving but can feel underpowered on highways
• Turbo-petrol: Offered in Fronx and Sonet – much better performance
• CNG: Available in Punch and Brezza – great for high running cost savings

Automatic Transmission: Most models in this segment offer automatic options (AMT or CVT), which is great for city driving.

Comparison Table at a Glance

Conclusion

Gone are the days when a budget SUV meant major compromises. The current crop offers impressive design, features, and safety, making them smarter buys than many similarly priced hatchbacks. The Tata Punch, with its unmatched safety, and the Maruti Fronx, with its style, are our top picks in this vibrant segment for 2025. Your choice should depend on whether you prioritize safety, features, or brand trust.

FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between a micro-SUV and a compact SUV? Micro-SUVs (Punch, Exter) are smaller, typically under 4 meters in length, and more affordable. Compact SUVs (Brezza, Sonet) are slightly larger, offer more space, and are generally more expensive.

Q2. Are these budget SUVs good for highway driving? They are capable of highway driving, but smaller engines might feel strained at high speeds. The turbo-petrol variants (Fronx, Sonet) are better suited for frequent highway use.

Q3. What is the real-world fuel efficiency I can expect? For petrol variants, expect 15-20 km/kg depending on driving conditions. CNG variants will give you 20-25 km/kg. Turbo-petrol engines might be slightly less efficient but offer better performance.

Q4. Should I choose a base variant of a compact SUV or a top variant of a micro-SUV? This depends on your priorities. A top variant micro-SUV will give you more features and safety, while a base variant compact SUV will give you more space and potentially better resale value.

Q5. How is the after-sales service for these brands? Maruti Suzuki has the most extensive service network. Hyundai and Tata also have good networks in urban and semi-urban areas. Kia’s network is growing rapidly but might be limited in smaller towns.

Tags: Budget SUV, SUV under 10 Lakhs, Tata Punch, Maruti Fronx, Hyundai Exter, Maruti Brezza, Micro SUV, Compact SUV, Affordable SUV, Best Value SUV