Check Out The Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Diesel SUVs In India

Diesel powertrain options in India have gradually reduced, with only a few brands still offering them. This shift is largely due to the higher carbon emissions associated with diesel engines. However, diesel cars continue to be a popular choice for their torquey performance and impressive fuel efficiency, making them ideal for long-distance journeys. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the ten most fuel-efficient diesel SUVs in India.

Hyundai Venue

Claimed Fuel Efficiency: 24.20 kmpl (MT)

Hyundai’s subcompact SUV, the Venue, is offered with a 1.5-litre diesel engine that puts out 116 PS and 250 Nm. Paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, this diesel engine choice delivers a claimed mileage of 24.20 kmpl. Notably, the manual gearbox is the only transmission option that you can get with the diesel-powered Venue. Prices range from Rs 7.94 lakh to Rs 13.62 lakh (ex-showroom).

Kia Sonet

Claimed Fuel Efficiency: 24.10 kmpl (MT), 19 kmpl (AT)

Venue’s cousin, the Kia Sonet, is also offered with the same 116 PS diesel powertrain but delivers a slightly lower claimed mileage of 24.10 kmpl. However, unlike the Venue, the Sonet is available with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission option as well, along with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The Kia Sonet is priced between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 15.60 lakh (ex-showroom).

Tata Nexon

Claimed Fuel Efficiency: 23.23 km (MT), 24.08 kmpl (AT)

The Tata Nexon’s 1.5-litre diesel engine delivers a claimed fuel efficiency of 24.08 kmpl when paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The mileage is slightly higher with the manual gearbox option. That said, the 1.5-litre diesel unit in the Nexon produces 113 PS and 260 Nm. Prices for the Nexon start from Rs 8 lakh and go up to Rs 15.60 lakh (ex-showroom).

Hyundai Creta

Claimed Fuel Efficiency: 21.80 kmpl (MT), 19.10 kmpl (AT)

Along with the Venue, Hyundai also offers the 116 PS 1.5-litre diesel engine option with the Creta. It delivers a claimed fuel efficiency of 21.80 kmpl when opted with the 6-speed manual transmission, while the 6-speed automatic gearbox option offers a claimed mileage of 19.10 kmpl. The Creta is priced between Rs 11.11 lakh and Rs 20.50 lakh (ex-showroom).

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Claimed Fuel Efficiency: 20.60 kmpl (MT), 21.20 kmpl (AT)

Mahindra retails the XUV 3XO with a 117 PS 1.5-litre diesel engine, alongside its petrol powertrain options. The diesel-powered variants deliver a claimed mileage of 20.60 kmpl with the manual gearbox, which is slightly lower than the 21.20 kmpl offered with the 6-speed automatic transmission. Prices for the XUV 3XO start at Rs 7.99 lakh and go up to Rs 15.57 lakh (ex-showroom).

Kia Syros

Claimed Fuel Efficiency: 20.75 kmpl (MT), 17.65 kmpl (AT)

The diesel-powered Kia Syros provides a claimed mileage of 20.75 kmpl and 17.65 kmpl, with manual transmission and automatic gearbox options, respectively. The 1.5-litre diesel unit puts out 116 PS and 250 Nm. It is priced between Rs 9 lakh and Rs 17.80 lakh (ex-showroom).

Kia Seltos

Claimed Fuel Efficiency: 20.70 kmpl (MT), 20.70 kmpl (AT)

Kia also offers the 1.5-litre diesel engine with the Seltos, which, like the Sonet and Syros, produces 116 PS and 250 Nm. Transmission options include both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic, offering a claimed mileage of 20.7 kmpl and 19.1 kmpl, respectively. The Seltos is priced between Rs 11.13 lakh and Rs 20.51 lakh (ex-showroom).

Hyundai Alcazar

Claimed Fuel Efficiency: 20.40 kmpl (MT), 18.1 kmpl (AT)

Creta’s three-row alternative, the Hyundai Alcazar, also comes with the 116 PS 1.5-litre diesel engine option, offering similar transmission choices. If you opt for the manual gearbox, the diesel-powered Alcazar delivers a claimed mileage of 20.4 kmpl, while the automatic transmission option provides a claimed mileage of 18.1 kmpl. Prices for the Alcazar start from Rs 14.99 lakh to Rs 21.70 lakh (ex-showroom). 

Mahindra Bolero Neo

Claimed Fuel Efficiency: 17.29 kmpl (MT)

Known for its ruggedness, the Mahindra Bolero Neo delivers a decent mileage of 17.29 kmpl. However, the transmission option is limited to a manual gearbox mated to a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The powertrain generates 100 PS and 260 Nm. Prices for the Bolero Neo range between Rs 9.95 lakh and Rs 12.15 lakh (ex-showroom).

Jeep Compass

Claimed Fuel Efficiency: 17.10 kmpl (MT), 14.90 kmpl (AT)

Last but not least is the Jeep Compass, which provides a claimed mileage of up to 17.10 kmpl. The mid-size SUV is offered only with a 2-litre diesel engine that produces 170 PS and 350 Nm. Prices start from Rs 18.99 lakh and go up to Rs 32.41 lakh (ex-showroom).

With all the above listed SUVs, a diesel powertrain option offered with them does, to some extent, enhance the capabilities of these models. Considering the claimed mileage figures and power output, which of the SUVs mentioned in the list would you prefer? Let us know in the comments.