15 diesel automatic HIGH MILEAGE SUVs: Maruti Brezza AMT to Mahindra XUV500 AT

SUVs are highly popular in India. Many car buyers prefer an SUV over a car available in the same price range, due to the high ground clearance and high driving position it provides. In most scenarios, an SUV is more convenient than a sedan. Moreover, most modern diesel-powered SUVs provide an automatic transmission option, which makes them all the more practical. Here is a list of 15 SUVs, from mainstream markets, which offer an automatic transmission with a diesel powerplant, and a high mileage.

Maruti Vitara Brezza AMT – 24.3 kmpl

The recently launched Maruti Vitara Brezza AMT offers a mileage of 24.3 kmpl, which makes it the most fuel-efficient vehicle in this list. The Vitara Brezza AMT is available in three grades – VDi, ZDi, ZDi+. It’s noteworthy here that all three grades offer front dual airbags and ABS with EBD as standard features. Moreover, the Brezza AMT is also available with a new dual-tone orange paint scheme. The introduction of an AMT makes India’s largest selling SUV all the more practical.

Tata Nexon AMT – 21.5 kmpl

The Nexon AMT that was also recently launched, comes with a powerful 1.5-litre 110 PS-260 Nm diesel engine that offers a mileage of 21.5 kmpl. Moreover, you can optimize the power delivery of the Nexon using multi-driving modes. The Nexon is easily the most modern looking compact SUV around. It also offers a long list of features and a decent mileage figure. The addition of AMT makes it one of the most practical SUVs to live with.

Nissan Terrano AMT – 19.61 kmpl

The next car on our list is the AMT-equipped Nissan Terrano. The Terrano AMT is based on the Duster and, therefore, gets the same engine and transmissions. That said, the Terrano AMT is marginally more fuel efficient than its Renault counterpart. With a mileage of 19.61 kmpl and peak power of 110 PS, the Terrano AMT offers a good mix of mileage and fuel efficiency.

Renault Duster AMT – 19.60 kmpl

Positioned close to its Nissan sibling is the Duster AMT with a mileage of 19.60 kmpl. The Duster is at the the fag end of its career and is no longer as popular as it was in its heyday. However, thanks to the tried-and-tested K9K 1.5-litre diesel engine and the excellent AMT transmission, the Duster AMT is still a very practical SUV to live with.

Mahindra TUV300 AMT – 18.49 kmpl

Yes, even the rather utilitarian TUV300 offers an AMT. The TUV300 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine that outputs 102 PS and 240 Nm. It returns a mileage of 18.49 kmpl with the AMT, which makes it sufficiently frugal. Moreover, the automatic gearshifts make this rugged-looking SUV really practical for usage in stop-go traffic.

Tata Hexa AT – 17.6 kmpl

The Tata Hexa is the most expensive production SUV from Tata Motors till date. It is powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that outputs 150 PS and 320 Nm. The engine can be bought with a modern six-speed automatic transmission that offers smooth and well-timed shifts. The Hexa AT offers 17.6 kmpl, which is a very respectable figure for an SUV of its size and price.

Mahindra NuvoSport AMT  – 17.45 kmpl

The next car on our list of Best Mileage Diesel SUVs in India is the Mahindra NuvoSport AMT. The NuvoSport AMT shares its engine and transmission with the TUV300 AMT. Hence, it enjoys a maximum power of 102 PS along with a peak torque of 240 Nm. It gets the same AMT unit. However, it offers a slightly lower mileage of 17.45 kmpl.

Volkswagen Tiguan – 17. 06 kmpl

The Tiguan offers just one engine and gearbox option – a 2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel and a 7-speed DSG. The Tiguan is a really fun-to-drive car that offers a good spread of power and torque along with lightning fast gearshifts and sorted dynamics. Moreover, the DSG helps the Tiguan offer a decent mileage of 17.06 kmpl, which is more than what some of the cheaper and less powerful SUVs offer.

Hyundai Creta AT – 17.01 kmpl

Coming up next is the Hyundai Creta diesel automatic. The Creta diesel automatic is powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine that comes mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Creta offers 128 PS and 260 Nm along with a very smooth-shifting transmission. While the conventional torque converter automatic is no match for a dual clutch transmission, it still makes the Creta diesel AT a very practical car to drive around in city traffic. The Hyundai Creta diesel AT offers a mileage of 17.01 kmpl.

Hyundai Tucson – 16.38 kmpl

The Tucson comes with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine that outputs 182.5 bhp and 400 Nm. It comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Tucson offers 16.38 kmpl. The Tucson looks nice, drives well and comes with a long list of features. However, it looks like a slightly grown-up Creta, which means it doesn’t enjoy the road presence that some other SUVs in this price bracket offer.

Mahindra XUV500 – 16 kmpl

The recently updated Mahindra XUV500 can be bought with a 6-speed automatic transmission that makes it very convenient for intra-city usage. The recently updated XUV500 AT offers up to 16 kmpl and comes across as a well-priced option for those looking for a 7-seater SUV that’s sufficiently convenient to drive in the urban environment. The latest facelift makes the SUV look a tad fresher and the updated features list makes the cabin slightly better appointed.

Isuzu MU-X – 13.8 kmpl

The MU-X is based on the same platform as the D-Max V-Cross. It is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. It offers an ARAI-certified mileage of 13.8 kmpl, which is pretty decent for a 3.0-liter engine that outputs 175 bhp and 350 Nm. The 4×4 variant offers a shift-on-fly 4WD selector and is fairly capable off the road.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport – 13.5 kmpl

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is among the few ladder-on-frame SUVs on this list. It is powered by a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine that outputs 178 PS and 350 Nm. It comes mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Pajero Sport offers an ARAI-test mileage of 13.5 kmpl.

Toyota Fortuner – 12.9 kmpl

The Toyota Fortuner is big, powerful and looks very macho. It’s powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine that outputs a maximum power of 177 PS and a peak torque of 450 Nm. The motor comes mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The SUV offers an ARAI-rated mileage of 12.9 kmpl, which places it on the second-last spot on our list of best mileage diesel automatic SUVs in India.

Ford Endeavour – 12.62 kmpl

The least frugal diesel automatic SUV on our list is the Ford Endeavour. Powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, this SUV offers 160 PS and 385 Nm. The motor comes mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This SUV offers an ARAI-certified mileage of 12.62 kmpl. With the bigger 3.2-litre engine, the Endeavour manages to offer only 10.91 kmpl.