There are five Mahindras, two Toyotas, and one each of Maruti, MG Motor and Isuzu on this list.
Rear wheel drive cars are rare in mass market segments as front-engine, front-wheel-drive models are cheaper and less complicated to produce. Still, there are a few mass-market RWD cars and SUVs that are on sale in India, and here, we list out the 10 most inexpensive models that offer the drive configuration.
10. Toyota Fortuner
From Rs 35.37 lakh
The Toyota Fortuner, with its Rs 35.37 lakh price tag, just about makes this list. The Fortuner comes with petrol and diesel engine options in 2WD form, and while the petrol version has an automatic gearbox only, the diesels get manual and automatic options. Regardless of whether one picks the RWD or 4WD version, the Fortuner boasts of a tough build, a rugged image and spacious interiors, though the cabin doesn’t feel special enough.
Toyota Fortuner 4×2 factfile | |
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Engine | 2.7-litre petrol/2.8-litre diesel |
Transmission | AT/MT & AT |
Variants | P 4×2 AT, D 4×2 MT, D 4×2 AT, Legender D 4×2 AT |
Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 35.57-44.11 |
9. Mahindra XEV 9e
From Rs 21.90 lakh
The Mahindra XEV 9e is the first of two born EVs that the Indian brand has launched, and it comes with two battery pack options – the larger 79kWh pack having an MIDC range of up to 656km. Both battery options come with rear-wheel drive as standard, and 0-100kph takes a claimed 6.8 seconds when the coupe-SUV is powered by the larger battery and the 286hp motor. Our XEV 9e review found that the dazzling array of tech is a big draw and the EV is great to drive. However, the restricted view out the rear is a major ergonomic flaw.
Mahindra XEV 9e factfile | |
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Battery | 59kWh/79kWh |
Range | 542km/656km |
Variants | Pack One, Pack Two, Pack Three Select, Pack Three |
Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 21.90-30.50 |
8. Isuzu D-Max
From Rs 21.50 lakh onwards
The Isuzu D-Max pickup truck is built to haul cargo over most terrain, but it doubles up as a lifestyle vehicle as well. On sale in Hi-Lander and V-Cross trims – both in double cab form – the D-Max is a tough-as-nails model, though it does feel its size in the city, and is expensive. Still, the pickup is among the most affordable cars on sale with a rear-wheel-drive configuration; the more expensive V Cross also gets a 4WD option, though only with a manual transmission.
Isuzu D-Max factfile | ||
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Hi-Lander | V-Cross 4×2 | |
Engine | 1.9-litre diesel | 1.9-litre diesel |
Transmission | MT | AT |
Variants | Standard, Premium | Standard, Premium |
Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 21.49-21.79 | 25.99-25.29 |
7. Toyota Innova Crysta
From Rs 19.99 lakh
The Toyota Innova Crysta may be targeted more at the fleet market after the launch of the Hycross, but the MPV continues to draw in sizeable numbers in terms of sales. The MPV is available in 7- and 8-seat form, boasts of excellent space and practicality, and a worry-free ownership experience; the steering wheel is on the heavier side, though.
Toyota Innova Crysta factfile | |
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Engine | 2.4-litre diesel |
Transmission | MT |
Variants | GX (7S), GX (8S), GX+ (7S), GX+ (8S), VX (7S), VX (8S), ZX (7S) |
Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 19.99-26.82 |
6. Mahindra BE 6
From Rs 18.90 lakh onwards
The Mahindra BE 6 shares its battery and powertrain options with the XEV 9e, and because it is smaller and weighs less, it is marginally quicker and has a slightly longer range. It rivals the Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Curvv EV and MG ZS EV and is loaded with features and tech. It offers strong performance, especially in Pack Three guise, where it gets the 79kWh battery and 286hp rear axle-mounted motor. On the other hand, the BE 6’s cabin ergonomics are not the friendliest, and the infotainment system can be confusing to use.
Mahindra BE 6 factfile | |
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Battery | 59kWh/79kWh |
Range | 556km/682km |
Variants | Pack One, Pack One Above, Pack Two, Pack Three Select, Pack Three |
Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 18.90-26.90 |
5. Mahindra Scorpio range
From Rs 13.62 lakh onwards
The Mahindra Scorpio Classic and Scorpio N may not share a platform according to the brand, but the two SUVs offer a similar proposition – a spacious, tough 7-seater with smooth and powerful engines. The Scorpio N’s third row seating and boot area aren’t the best designed, while the Classic’s features list lags behind in this day and age. Unlike the Classic, the Scorpio N also comes with an AWD option on diesel-powered variants. There are up to Rs 1.25 lakh worth of discounts on the Scorpio range this month, and waiting periods now stretch to two and a half months.
Mahindra Scorpio factfile | ||
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Scorpio Classic | Scorpio N 4×2 | |
Engine | 2.2-litre diesel | 2.0-litre turbo-petrol/2.2-litre diesel |
Transmission | MT | MT & AT |
Variants | S, S11 | Z2, Z4, Z6, Z8 S, Z8, Z8 L |
Price (in Rs, lakh) | Rs 13.62-17.50 | 13.99-22.76 |
4. Mahindra Thar range
From Rs 11.50 lakh onwards
The Mahindra Thar 3-door and Thar Roxx 5-door SUV are available in RWD and 4×4 form, but only the 3-door model gets the smaller 1.5-litre diesel engine; the 2.2-litre diesel engine on the Thar is available in 4×4 form only. Both are rough-and-tough lifestyle vehicles, with the Roxx offering more practicality and space, having strong engines and genuine off-road ability. However, top-spec Thar variants are pricey and the 3-door model also has a bouncy ride quality, while the Roxx is not as user friendly as monocoque SUV rivals.
Mahindra Thar, Thar Roxx factfile | ||
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Thar 4×2 | Roxx 4×2 | |
Engine | 2.0-litre turbo-petrol/1.5-litre diesel | 2.0-litre turbo-petrol/2.2-litre diesel |
Transmission | AT/MT | MT & AT |
Variants | AX OPT, LX | MX1, MX3, AX3 L, MX5, AX5 L, AX7 L |
Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 11.50-14.25 | 12.99-20.99 |
3. Mahindra Bolero range
From Rs 9.79 lakh onwards
Mahindra’s workhorse, the Bolero, and the rebranded TUV300 that’s now on sale as the Bolero Neo, are available in RWD form only. Both sub-4-metre 7-seaters get a 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel engine, and a manual gearbox only. While both models do feel like built-to-last and hardy, the Neo misses out on features now seen on many compact SUVs, while the Bolero feels outdated. Bolero and Bolero Neo discounts are to the tune of Rs 1.4 lakh in March.
Mahindra Bolero factfile | ||
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Bolero | Bolero Neo | |
Engine | 1.5-litre diesel | 1.5-litre diesel |
Transmission | MT | MT |
Variants | B4, B6, B6 OPT | N4, N8, N10 R, N10 OPT |
Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 9.79-10.91 | 9.95-12.15 |
2. MG Comet
From Rs 7 lakh onwards
The small, manoeuvrable two-door EV makes the most of its tall-boy design to liberate interior room, and its cabin also feels upmarket. On the other hand, the MG Comet doesn’t feel like a full-grown car, and has a crashy ride. The rear axle-mounted 42hp motor helps the Comet be quick enough around town, but it will feel overwhelmed on the highway. MG Motor India recently introduced an all-black Comet Blackstorm, at Rs 9.81 lakh.
MG Comet factfile | |
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Battery | 17.3kWh |
Range | 230km |
Variants | Executive, Excite, Exclusive, Blackstorm |
Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 7.00-9.84 |
1. Maruti Eeco
From Rs 5.44 lakh onwards
Maruti Suzuki’s van still leaves its mark on the sales charts, despite being basic in every way and having an image as a taxi or fleet model. Still, the Maruti Eeco, which is currently the most affordable RWD car in India, excels at offering low running costs, and more than ample luggage space. Interestingly, the Eeco shares its 1.2-litre petrol engine with the Ignis and Wagon R, but it’s mounted longitudinally rather than transversely.
Maruti Eeco factfile | |
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Engine | 1.2-litre petrol |
Transmission | MT |
Variants | 5-seat STD, 7-seat STD, 5-seat AC, 7-seat AC CNG |
Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 5.44-6.70 |
Also see:
Every Dark Edition SUV from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 30 lakh in India