We have compiled a list of the most fuel-efficient midsize SUVs currently on sale in India.
With fuel prices being hiked consistently over the last few months, petrol currently stands at Rs 105.41 per litre in Delhi and Rs 120.51 per litre in Mumbai. And considering that mass-market SUVs are among the current market favourites, fuel efficiency becomes an important factor for buyers.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top 10 most fuel-efficient petrol midsize SUVs currently sold in India. Do note that the list is based on ARAI figures, with real-world numbers expected to vary depending on driving conditions and styles. Using these figures, we have calculated the average fuel efficiency of a model across its line-up – including manual and automatic variants – differentiated by their engines. The list, however, does not include the Astor, as MG India has not yet announced the official ARAI fuel economy figures for the SUV.
Nissan Kicks 1.5 – 13.9kpl
Nissans’ only midsize SUV offering in India, the Kicks 1.5 currently has the lowest fuel economy numbers in this list. Equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission that’s paired to a 106hp, 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine, it has an ARAI-claimed fuel economy of 13.9kpl.
Nissan Kicks 1.3T – 15.8kpl
The Japanese automaker also offers the Kicks with a turbo-petrol motor, allowing it to better compete with similarly-specced rivals. Available with 6-speed manual and CVT transmissions, the Kicks 1.3 is powered by a 156hp, 1.3-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. Although it gets idle start/stop functionality, it can only manage an average ARAI fuel economy figure of 15.8kpl. Â
Kia Seltos 1.4T – 16.3kpl
Being one of the first SUVs to be offered with a turbo-petrol motor, the Seltos produces 140hp from its 1.4-litre engine. Offered with either a 7-speed DCT or a 6-speed manual transmission, the average ARAI fuel economy figure equates to 16.3kpl.
Kia Seltos 1.5 – 16.65kpl
Similar to its rivals on this list, the Seltos is also offered with a 115hp, 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or an automatic transmission. At 16.65kpl, its average ARAI fuel economy is marginally higher than its turbo-petrol counterpart.
Hyundai Creta 1.4T – 16.8kpl
A cousin to the Kia Seltos, the Creta gets the same 140hp, 1.4-litre engine but only with a 7-speed DCT transmission. This powertrain set-up offers an ARAI-claimed fuel economy of 16.8kpl.
Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI – 16.83kpl
The brand’s first midsize SUV offering as part of its India 2.0 plans is powered by a 115hp, 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. Offered with both 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions, the Kushaq offers an average ARAI fuel economy of 16.83kpl.
Hyundai Creta 1.5 – 16.85kpl
Meanwhile, the Creta also gets the same 115hp, 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine that’s featured on the Seltos. However, the Hyundai SUV offers an average ARAI fuel economy of 16.85kpl across its 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI – 17.83kpl
Taking the third spot is the most powerful variant of the Kushaq, which gets a 150hp, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol motor and is offered with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The Kushaq 1.5 TSI showcases an average ARAI figure of 17.83kpl, thanks to the idle start/stop functionality that is exclusive to the top-spec Style variant.
Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI – 18.18kpl
A cousin to the Skoda Kushaq, the Taigun is also powered by the same 150hp, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol motor and gets the same transmission options – 6-speed manual and 7-speed DCT. However, at 18.18kpl, the Volkswagen’s average ARAI fuel economy number is marginally higher than the Skoda. The top-spec Taigun also comes with idle start/stop functionality which aids in efficiency.
Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI – 18.23kpl
Topping our list is the Taigun’s entry-level variant, which recently received an update that gave it idle start/stop tech, among other features. Therefore, its 115hp, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine now boasts of a 6 percent increase in its average ARAI fuel economy number, at 18.23kpl. Volkswagen offers this variant with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Â
Which of the Top 10 most fuel-efficient midsize SUVs would you go for? Let us know in the comments.
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