India’s 5 most fuel-efficient petrol SUVs

Top 5 most fuel-efficient petrol SUVs in India; The latest strong hybrid SUVs top the list, with the Brezza and Skoda-Volkswagen twins trailing behind; Grand Vitara, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Kushaq, Taigun, Sonet and Venue.

Fuel efficiency is one of the top most priorities of Indian car buyers, all thanks to the high fuel pricing. With the rate of petrol hovering around its all-time high mark, it puts a major point of concern for customers who are in the market to buy gas-guzzling SUVs. Diesel vehicles are conventionally more fuel efficient as compared to their petrol counterparts. However, the increasing restriction on diesel-powered vehicles leaves a lot of room for buyers to explore petrol options. In the case of SUVs, the heavier kerb weight and low aerodynamic efficiency demand more powerful petrol engines and these are bound to deliver less fuel efficiency. So today we bring you a comprehensive list of the top 5 most fuel-efficient petrol SUVs in India.

1. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Strong Hybrids – 27.97 kmpl

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Topping the list are the two latest strong hybrid SUVs recently launched in the Indian market. Co-developed by Maruti Suzuki and Toyota, the Grand Vitara and Urban Cruiser Hyryder share the same set of powertrain along with similar chassis, interior components and body structure. Powering the duo is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine paired with an electric motor producing a combined power output of 115bhp. The electric motor makes use of a 177.6 V lithium-ion battery pack and it is a self-charging type system. The set-up leverages enough power to make the car run on EV-only mode along with assisting the engine during acceleration, thereby resulting in lesser fuel consumption. The claimed fuel efficiency of these strong hybrid SUVs is 27.97 kmpl.

2. Maruti Suzuki Brezza- 20.15 kmpl

The second spot is again occupied by a Maruti Suzuki SUV. Launched earlier this year in June, the all-new Brezza is powered by a 1.5-litre K15C petrol engine mated to an ISG mild hybrid system. The Progressive Smart Hybrid Technology with ISS, Torque Assist, and Brake Energy Regeneration helps to deliver a staggering mileage of 20.15 kmpl.

3. Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq 1.0 variants – 19.20 kmpl

Trailing behind the Maruti Suzuki SUVs are the German twins. Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq deliver a similar fuel efficiency of 19.20 kmpl. Based on the same MQB-A0-IN platform and sharing a lot of components, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq deliver an identical fuel efficiency of 19.20 kmpl.

Both SUVs are powered by the 1.0 litre 3-cylinder TSI motor mated to a 6-speed manual transmission producing 115 bhp and 178 Nm of torque. There’s a more powerful 1.5 liter turbo petrol engine on offer that’s rated at 18.47 Kmpl.

4. Kia Sonet- 18.4 kmpl

From the house of a carmaker that is well known for making stylish vehicles, the Kia Sonet delivers an impressive fuel economy of 18.4 kmpl. It is powered by a 1.2-litre Advanced Smart Stream Petrol engine paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. This powertrain combination along with light body weight and impressive styling definitely makes it a sweet deal.

5. Hyundai Venue- 18.1 kmpl

Last but not the least and not too far behind its Korean sibling, the Hyundai Venue received a minor mid-life facelift earlier this year with no mechanical changes. The powertrain combination that delivers 18.1 kmpl of mileage is the 1.0 litre 3-cylinder tGDi petrol engine mated to a 7-speed DCT gearbox churning out 120 bhp and 172 Nm of peak torque. Despite being advertised for performance-oriented characteristics, this powertrain is quite frugal.

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