There are 14 SUVs from manufacturers like Mahindra, Tata, Hyundai and Kia.
29 Mar 2025 | 1282 Views | By Saptarshi Mondal, Autocar India
Diesel SUV options are currently very limited in the market, and, if you want an automatic, your options are further limited. However, diesels are still pretty popular in a few segments, thanks to their lower running costs and inherent torquey nature. We have compiled a list of all diesel automatic ...
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Diesel SUV options are currently very limited in the market, and, if you want an automatic, your options are further limited. However, diesels are still pretty popular in a few segments, thanks to their lower running costs and inherent torquey nature. We have compiled a list of all diesel automatic SUVs under Rs 25 lakh (in ascending order) available in the market, comprising a mix of both ladder-frame and monocoque SUVs across the compact and midsize segments.
1. Tata Nexon
Rs 11.70 lakh-15.60 lakh
The Nexon is currently the most affordable diesel-automatic SUV in India. The Nexon’s 115hp, 260Nm 1.5-litre diesel engine gets a 6-speed AMT gearbox which is available from the mid-spec Pure+ trim. The Nexon diesel-AMT has an ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency of 24.08kpl. Top-spec Nexon diesel-AMT variants come equipped with features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Nexon diesel-AMT is also available in a special Dark Edition variant.
2. Mahindra XUV 3XO
Rs 11.79 lakh-14.49 lakh
Next in line is the Mahindra XUV 3XO. Here too, the XUV 3XO’s 117hp, 300Nm, 1.5-litre diesel engine gets a 6-speed AMT gearbox that’s available from the mid-spec MX3 trim. Mahindra does not offer the diesel-AMT on the top-spec AX7L trim, which means you miss out on a 360-degree camera and an ADAS suite that’s available with the diesel-MT and petrol powertrains. You still get features like a panoramic sunroof, leatherette upholstery and dual-zone AC. The XUV 3XO diesel-AMT has a claimed fuel efficiency of 21.2kpl.
3. Kia Sonet
Rs 13.39 lakh-15.60 lakh
The Kia Sonet gets a 6-speed torque converter automatic with its 116hp, 250Nm 1.5-litre diesel engine. It offers a more sophisticated experience than its rivals with AMT gearboxes; in fact, though expensive, the diesel auto is the pick of the Sonet range. The Sonet diesel-automatic SUV has a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.6kpl. Being limited to the top HTX and GTX+ trims, the entry price point is high, but it comes well equipped with features like ventilated front seats, powered driver’s seat, dual 10.25-inch screens for the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, and an ADAS suite.
4. Tata Curvv
Rs 14.17 lakh-19.20 lakh
The Currv uses the same 1.5-litre diesel engine as the Nexon, but output is 3hp more at 118hp; torque remains identical at 260Nm. The Curvv also gets a 7-speed DCT gearbox as opposed to the Nexon’s AMT, and it is available from the second-from-base Pure+ trim, giving it a wide price range. Tata Motors, however, hasn’t revealed an ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency figure, but in our real-world efficiency test of the Curvv diesel-DCT, we managed an average of 14.19kpl. Some of the standout features on the Curvv include a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment, powered tailgate, reclining rear seats and adaptive cruise control.
5. Hyundai Creta
Rs 15.95 lakh-20.50 lakh
The Creta gets the same 116hp, 250Nm, 1.5-litre diesel engine and the 6-speed torque converter automatic as the Sonet, and like in the latter, the powertrain’s smoothness and refinement remains a highlight. The diesel-automatic powertrain is available from the EX(O) trim onwards, which is also the Creta’s most affordable trim with a panoramic sunroof. The Creta diesel auto is also available in the dark-themed Knight Edition variant. Hyundai claims an efficiency of 19.1kpl for this powertrain, and it also comes equipped with an electronic parking brake, drive and traction modes and paddle shifters.
6. Kia Syros
Rs 17 lakh-17.80 lakh
The Syros is the third model on this list to use the same 116hp, 250Nm, 1.5-litre diesel engine and 6-speed AT gearbox. On the Syros, this powertrain is only available on the top-spec HTX+ trim, making it the most expensive diesel automatic compact SUV. However, that means it comes fully equipped with all the bells and whistles, including the Syros’ segment-only rear reclining seats with ventilation for the seat squab. Like the Creta, it also gets drive and traction modes, as well as electronic parking brake and paddle shifters. The Syros diesel-AT has a claimed efficiency of 17.65kpl.
7. Kia Seltos
Rs 17.22 lakh-20.51 lakh
On the Seltos, the 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel automatic powertrain is available from the mid-spec HTK+(O) trim, giving it a much higher entry price point than on the Creta. It has the same claimed efficiency of 19.1kpl as the Creta, but it distinguishes itself from the latter with the sporty-looking GTX+ and X-Line trims at the top end. Both get unique exterior cosmetic trims and leatherette upholstery and larger 18-inch wheels, and the X-Line also comes with a head-up display.
8. Mahindra Thar
Rs 17.25 lakh-17.60 lakh
The Mahindra Thar uses a 132hp, 300Nm, 2.2-litre diesel engine that’s coupled with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and an all-wheel drive system. The diesel-AT powertrain is only available in top-spec LX trim and a special Earth Edition variant, and there’s also a convertible soft top variant available with the former. Mahindra hasn’t revealed ARAI figures for the diesel-AT powertrain, but in our tests, we managed an average fuel efficiency of 11.4kpl for the Thar diesel auto. The Thar LX comes equipped with LED daytime running lamps, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and cruise control. It is only available as a 4-seater.
9. Mahindra Thar Roxx
Rs 17.49 lakh-23.09 lakh
The 5-door Thar Roxx uses the same 2.2-litre diesel engine as the 3-door SUV, albeit in a higher state of tune, producing 152hp and 330Nm. The 6-speed AT gearbox is available from the second-from-base MX3 trim, but 4WD-AT can only be had on the AX5L and AX7L trims. In 4x4 spec, the diesel-AT powertrain produces an even higher 175hp and 370Nm. Mahindra claims a fuel efficiency of 15.2kpl for the Thar Roxx diesel automatic, but there’s no claimed fuel efficiency figure with the 4x4 drivetrain. The Thar Roxx 4x4 AT variants also get an off-road cruise control feature called 'Smart Crawl' and a feature called 'Intelliturn' that helps tighten the turning radius in certain off-road situations.
10. Mahindra XUV700
Rs 18.59 lakh-24.99 lakh
Mahindra’s 2.2-litre diesel engine with the 6-speed automatic gearbox finds its way under the hood of the XUV700, too. Here, it produces 185hp and 420Nm, making it the most powerful diesel-automatic SUV under Rs 25 lakh. The XUV700 diesel auto has a claimed fuel efficiency of 16.57kpl. The diesel-AT powertrain comes in from the second-from-base AX3 trim, and is also available in a dark-themed Ebony Edition; top-spec AX7L diesel-AT variants also get an optional all-wheel-drive configuration. The XUV700 diesel-AT is available in both 6- and 7-seat configurations.
11. Mahindra Scorpio N
Rs 18.70 lakh-24.89 lakh
The Scorpio N is yet another SUV to use the 2.2-litre diesel engine in a different state of tune – 175hp and 400Nm with the 6-speed automatic transmission that’s available from the mid-spec Z6 trim. The Scorpio N diesel automatic has a claimed fuel efficiency figure of 15.42kpl, and it is also available with an optional 4x4 system on the mid-spec Z4 and top-spec Z8L trims. A 7-seat configuration is standard across the range, but the Z8L can also be had in 6-seat guise. Recently, the Scorpio N got a Carbon Edition with blacked-out aesthetics. Top-spec variants come equipped with features like an 8.0-inch touchscreen, single-pane sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and dual-zone AC.
12. Tata Harrier
Rs 19.35 lakh-26.25 lakh
The Tata Harrier is powered by a Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 170hp and 350Nm, and comes coupled to a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The diesel-automatic powertrain is available from the mid-spec Pure+ trim, and Tata claims an efficiency of 16.8kpl. Like some other SUVs on this list, the Harrier diesel-AT also gets a blacked-out Dark Edition variant. Top-spec trims of the Harrier come equipped with features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment, dual-zone AC, drive and terrain modes, ADAS suite, and powered and ventilated front seats.
13. Hyundai Alcazar
Rs 20.90 lakh-21.70 lakh
The Alcazar is the fifth SUV on this list to use the group’s 1.5-litre diesel engine with a 6-speed torque converter automatic in the same state of tune. For the Alcazar diesel-AT, Hyundai claims a fuel efficiency of 18.1kpl, with the automatic gearbox being available on the top Platinum and Signature trims. The Alcazar diesel-AT can be had in both 6- and 7-seat configurations, with the former also exclusively getting winged headrests and second-row ventilation function. The Alcazar also uniquely gets second row fold-out tray tables and a boss mode function, but the diesel variants miss out on a panoramic sunroof that’s available with the Alcazar petrol.
14. Tata Safari
Rs 19.85 lakh-26.99 lakh
The 7-seat Tata Safari uses the same 170hp, 350Nm, 2.0-litre diesel engine and 6-speed torque converter automatic as the smaller 5-seat Harrier. The Safari’s claimed fuel efficiency, however, is much lower at 14.1kpl. Like the Harrier, the automatic gearbox is offered from the mid-spec Pure+ trim, and it also gets a Dark Edition variant. A 7-seat configuration is standard across the range, but the top-spec Accomplished+ trim can also be had with a 6-seat layout, which, like the Alcazar, gets a boss mode function. The Safari also has the most usable third row among the three-row diesel automatic SUVs on this list.