Top 5 Subcompact SUVs To Buy In 2025!

There are no second thoughts about the fact that Indians love SUVs, even if they are not SUVs in the true sense. The compact and subcompact SUV space has grown to become a popular segment, with the majority of carmakers offering their products in this category. 

So if you are in the market looking for an SUV anywhere in the range of Rs 8 lakh to Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom), then you have come to the right place. In this report, we take you through the top 5 subcompact SUVs that you can buy today. Stay till the end for a bonus mention…  

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Mahindra XUV 3XO, formerly known as XUV300, is a top choice in the subcompact SUV, offering buyers the choice of multiple engine options, features and a modern design. Prices for the XUV 3XO range between Rs 7.28 lakh to Rs 14.4 lakh (ex-showroom). 

The XUV 3XO comes with a feature-loaded cabin, featuring amenities such as dual-zone climate control, dual 10.25-inch displays, Level 2 ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree camera. It comes with two turbo-petrol engines and a diesel unit, available across both manual and automatic transmission options. The more potent petrol engine makes around 130 PS, while the diesel is for those who want lower running costs.

Skoda Kylaq

Skoda's Kylaq is a mini Kushaq in many ways, as it not only shares the powertrain but also the features and the platform. The Kylaq is for those who want driving thrills under Rs 15 lakh. Some folks even call it the spiritual successor of the VW Polo. The Kylaq starts at Rs 7.55 lakh and goes up to Rs 12.80 lakh (ex-showroom). 

On paper, it is not as feature-loaded as some of its rivals, but it is well-equipped with a plethora of safety and convenience features. The top ones include a wireless phone charger, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a sunroof, powered and ventilated front seats, cruise control, a cooled glovebox, and ambient lighting. In terms of safety, it gets 6 standard airbags, TPMS, a reverse parking camera with sensors, ABS with EBD and ESC. 

The Kylaq comes with a sole 1-litre turbo-petrol engine which makes 115 PS and 178 Nm, available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AT. 

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

The Maruti Brezza has been in the market for quite some time now, and while it might not be the most exciting or feature-rich SUV, it might just be the most value-for-money choice. It looks bigger than SUVs in its segments, gets a decent list of features and Maruti’s excellent service network. The Brezza is priced between Rs 8.26 lakh and Rs 13.01 lakh (ex-showroom). 

The Brezza comes loaded with features like a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, a sunroof, a wireless phone charger and cruise control. Safety is taken care of by a 360-degree camera, TPMS, 6 airbags, ABS with EBD and ESC.

The Brezza gets the reliable 1.5-litre petrol engine that makes around 100 PS of power and can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed AT. The Brezza also comes with the option of opting for a CNG kit. It offers the largest engine in the segment, but it is not the most powerful one in the segment, as most other carmakers offer turbo-powered units. 

Kia Sonet

Kia’s entry-level SUV, the Sonet is an all-rounder in the subcompact SUV space. Priced from 7.3 lakh to Rs 14 lakh (ex-showroom), the subcompact SUV remains a feature-rich option for smaller families.  

The Sonet’s top features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car features, a 360-degree camera,  and ventilated seats. Safety kit includes ABS with EBD, 6 airbags, and level-1 ADAS. 

The Sonet comes with both petrol and diesel options, including a 120 PS turbo-petrol engine and a 116 PS 1.5-litre unit. You also get manual and automatic options, with the higher-spec variants getting a DCT. However, unlike some of its rivals, it does not offer a CNG option.

Maruti Fronx and Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

Maruti’s popular Fronx is not only a stylish looking SUV, but also gets a good list of features and interesting powertrain choices. Prices for the Fronx range from Rs 6.85 lakh to Rs 11.98 lakh (ex-showroom). 

Its top features include a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, rear AC vents, a wireless phone charger and cruise control.

Safety equipment includes 6 airbags as standard, ABS with EBD, ESC, rear parking sensors, hill hold assist, a 360-degree camera, ISOFIX child seat mounts and a rear wiper with washer.

Engine options include a 90 PS 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 100 PS 1-litre turbo-petrol engine. Both come with a standard 5-speed manual. You get a 5-speed AMT with the NA petrol engine and a 6-speed AT with the turbo engine. Maruti always offers the option of CNG, available only with a manual gearbox.

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor is essentially a rebadged Maruti Fronx, featuring a similar interior and the same features. It gets minor styling tweaks, but the overall design language is same as the Fronx. Even the engines are the same here. Prices for the Taisor range from Rs 7.21 lakh to Rs 12.06 lakh (ex-showroom). 

BONUS: New Hyundai Venue 

The new-generation Hyundai Venue has been launched in India earlier this month. It gets a complete upgrade in terms of design, interior and features. Prices start from Rs 7.89 lakh going up all the way till Rs 15.51 lakh(ex-showroom). Hyundai has given it a complete refresh, making the SUV feel more mature than before in every sense. 

In terms of features, it gets a fully digital driver display, an 8-speaker BOSE sound system, ventilated front seats, a single pane sunroof, cruise control, 360-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS, TPMS and a wireless phone charger. 

Under the hood, the new Venue powered by 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1-litre turbo-petrol, and 1.5-litre diesel engines. However, Hyundai also offers the new Venue with a new 6-speed torque converter AT with the diesel, in addition to the manual and DCT option in the petrol engines.

ZigSays…

The subcompact SUV space in India has never been more exciting. Whether you value performance, features, comfort, or efficiency, there’s something for everyone. From the tech-loaded Mahindra XUV 3XO and stylish Kia Sonet to the practical Maruti Brezza and the driver-focused Skoda Kylaq, each of these SUVs offers a unique flavour in the segment. 

What makes them even more tempting right now are the GST 2.0 benefits, which make these already value-packed SUVs even more affordable. And with models like the upcoming new-generation Hyundai Venue, the competition is set to get even fiercer. 

Another thing is that you get a range of brands, offering their own personality. From Indian brands like Tata and Maruti, to the Koreans! Also, with the Kylaq, you even get a taste of Europe at affordable prices. 

If you’ve been planning to bring home a subcompact SUV, this might just be the best time to do it! Which one would you pick? Let us know in the comments below.