Mid-Size SUVs Compared: Petrol VS Diesel VS Hybrid; What’s Better?

The mid-size SUV segment has benefitted the most from the increasing demand for sports utility vehicles in the Indian market. These SUVs bring a perfect combination of power, space and practicality to the table while also being efficient and light on the pocket. With the launch of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, we currently have a total of 8 cars in this segment. So let’s compare these SUVs in terms of pricing, powertrain and mileage to know which amongst these stands out and which one you should buy. 

 

 

Mid-Size SUV Segment: Price Comparison

• All Prices are ex-showroom.

In terms of pricing, the Nissan Kicks is the most budget friendly starting at as low as Rs 9.50 lakh. It is followed by the Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor, Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos all price between Rs 9.50 lakh to Rs 17.89 lakh (ex-showroom) for the petrol manual trims. Along with the manual, the petrol automatic version is available one all models and ranges between Rs 12.94 lakh Rs 19.49 lakh (ex-showroom). Presently it’s only the Korean siblings, Creta and Seltos that are offered with a diesel powertrain option. The price for these SUVs starts from Rs 10.91 lakh and Rs 11.39 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively. On the higher end of the spectrum, we have the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, which are the only cars available with a strong hybrid option and a AWD option in this comparison.

Mid-Size SUV Segment: Powertrain Comparison

Coming to the powertrain department, the Korean siblings, Seltos and Creta offer the most diverse engine and transmission options. These cars are offered with one petrol, one turbo-petrol and one diesel engine option. All engines come mated to either an automatic (CVT, Torque Convertor or DCT) or manual gearbox option. Cars like the Grand Vitara, Urban Cruiser Hyryder and the MG Astor are available with only a NA petrol engine producing a similar power output of around 100 bhp. In the turbo petrol category, Nissan Kick’s 1.3 engine is the most powerful of the lot, churning out 154 bhp and 254 Nm of peak torque. It is followed by the German duo, Taigun and Kushaq with its 1.5-litre TSI engine belting out 150 bhp and 250 Nm of peak torque. Grand Vitara and Hyryder are the only two SUVs offering the strong hybrid powertrain and these are the least powerful options in this comparison.

Mid-Size SUV Segment: Mileage Comparison

• All Fuel Efficiency figures are ARAI claimed

In terms of mileage, the strong hybrid powertrain of Grand Vitara and Hyryder is leaps and bounds ahead of its rivals with a claimed fuel efficiency of 27.97 kmpl. Even the mild-hybrid versions of these SUVs are more fuel efficient than all other SUVs in this comparison. The Seltos and Creta diesel returns a claimed fuel mileage of 20.8 kmpl and 21.4 kmpl respectively. In petrol bandwagon, Taigun and Kushaq are more fuel efficient than the Korean duo, Seltos and Creta. The Nissan Kicks and MG Astor are the least fuel-efficient options one can buy in the mid-size SUV segment.

Read Also: 5-Door Off-Roader: Mahindra Thar VS Maruti Suzuki Jimny VS Force Gurkha