CarToq’s SUV Buyers Guide – Which SUV For You?

Snapshot – There are about 10 SUVs that a buyer can pick and choose from in the sub-20 lakh rupees segments. In weeks from now, two more SUVs, in the form of the Hyundai Creta and the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross will be added to burgeoning number of choices the buyer has. Then you have each SUV being offered in multiple variants, further adding to the confusion. We’ll simplify things for you.

Mahindra Thar

The Mahindra Thar is sold mainly in two variants. One variant uses a 2.5 liter DI turbo diesel engine with 63 Bhp and 180 Nm. This engine is purely meant for utilitarian purposes, and the Thar DI in 4X2 and 4X4 trims are aimed predominantly at farm and people moving purposes. The other variant of the Thar 4X4 is the CRDe engined version, with 105 Bhp-247 Nm outputs. This variant is a lifestyle buyer oriented.

Maruti Suzuki Gypsy

The Gypsy is a bare basic off roader that comes with soft and hard top options. So, that’s pretty much about the SUV as far as variants go. So, what kind of buyer is the Gypsy aimed at? Folks who want a petrol 4X4 SUV mainly for off roading and leisure use.

Ford Ecosport

The Ford Ecosport is sold with four major options. The best selling version uses a 1.5 liter TDCI turbo diesel engine. The diesel engined Ecosport is meant for those buyers who look for diesel economy and and an everyday compact SUV for the city and highway.

The other version of this compact SUV comes with a 1 liter Ecoboost turbo petrol engine, which is aimed at those who want a high performance petrol SUV priced under 10 lakh rupees.

The other two versions of the Ecosport feature the 1.5 liter Ti-VCT petrol engine with 112 Bhp-140 Nm. This version is available with manual and automatic transmissions. The manual gearbox equipped 1.5 petrol variants are meant for those who are on a tight budget and those who do minimal monthly distances. The automatic gearbox equipped Ecosport Petrol is meant for those who want a comfortable and convenient petrol SUV.

Renault Duster

Like the Ecosport, the Renault Duster compact SUV is sold with four major versions. The petrol variant of the Duster, which is also the least priced variant, is meant for those on a tight budget, and who do minimal monthly distances.

The 85 PS variants of the Duster Diesel are targeted at those who drive mainly in the city, and who want the maximum fuel efficiency, and whose budgets are limited. On the other hand, the 110 PS Diesel variant is meant for those who enjoy highway cruises, and can afford the extra money that Renault demands for the more powerful engine.

Coming to the AWD variant of the Duster, this version is for those who like to do a few cross country drives, and take their SUVs to places where front wheel driven variants will struggle.

Mahindra Scorpio

The Mahindra Scorpio is sold with two engine options, and two drive options. The S2 variant is bare basic, and uses a 2.5 liter M2DICR diesel engine that’s frankly underpowered. The S2 trim is meant for the taxi wallahs and the ones wanting the Scorpio badge at the least possible budget.

The other variants of the Scorpio with the rear wheel drive option use a 2.2 liter mHawk turbo diesel engine that’s quite powerful and responsive. These variants are aimed at those who have larger budgets and want performance and creature comforts.

The four wheel driven variants of the Scorpio mHawk are for those who take the SUV to places where high grip and off road ability are required.

Tata Safari DICOR

The Tata Safari DICOR is sold with the 2.2 liter DICOR turbo diesel engine, and a rear wheel drive layout. This SUV is for those who want an imposing vehicle that can seat 5 adults comfortably, and 7 adults when the situation demands. However, these buyers also have budget constraints preventing them from going for the Safari Storme.

Tata Xenon XT

The Tata Xenon XT is a butch, diesel pick up truck, whose 4X2 variant is meant mainly for lifestyle buyers, who want the image of a rough and tough SUV. The 4X4 variant’s target segment of buyers are those who want an expedition ready vehicle.

Mahindra Scorpio Getaway

The Mahindra Scorpio Getaway is a cheaper alternate to the Tata Xenon, and one with the 2.6 liter CRDe turbo diesel motor with 115 Bhp-280 Nm on tap. The Scorpio Getaway is sold with 4X2 and 4X4 options. The target segment of buyers are similar to those of the Xenon. 

Nissan Terrano

The Nissan Terrano is for those buyers who don’t find the Renault Duster’s looks appealing enough but want everything that the Duster offers. A price premium is in order, with the Terrano pricier than the Duster, variant to variant. For those who want an AWD layout, they’ll have to stick to the Duster.

Tata Safari Storme

The Tata Safari Storme is a much more modern iteration of the Safari, inside out. The vehicle’s sold with a 2.2 liter Varicor turbo diesel engine, with 4X2 and 4X4 options. The 4X2 option is for those who want a butch SUV that rides well, is comfortable for 5 adults, and that handles well. The 4X4 option is for those who prefer the road, er, path less taken. 

Mahindra XUV500

The Mahindra XUV500 is powered by a single 2.2 liter mHawk turbo diesel engine, which is mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox. Both front wheel and all wheel drive variants of the crossover are sold in India. For those who want a butch SUV tall list of features, the front wheel drive variants will suffice. For cross country tourers who like to go off the beaten path, the AWD variant is a better bet.

Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta, due for a launch tomorrow, will be sold in petrol, diesel and diesel automatic versions. The petrol version is for those who have smaller budgets, and who have lower monthly distances to cover.

The 1.4 liter diesel engined Creta is aimed at budget and fuel efficiency conscious buyers, enamoured by the Creta’s looks, but with longer monthly distances to cover.

The 1.6 liter diesel engined Creta will appeal to straight line performance enthusiasts, who want a stonker of a compact SUV on the highway. The 1.6 liter diesel engine is also sold with a 6 speed automatic gearbox, which is chiefly meant for city slickers who want a convenient, diesel powered SUV.

Maruti Suzuki S-Cross

The Maruti Suzuki S-Cross will arrive in early August, and the crossover will be sold with two engine options, a budget buyer conscious 1.3 diesel, and a really torquey 1.6 liter Multijet diesel meant for performance enthusiasts. The S-Cross 1.6 Diesel is a great vehicle for highway runs and tight corners.