Best Diesel SUV Models

The new Mahindra XUV700 is packed to the brim with features. Out of all the features in the 7-seater SUV, it is the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that grabs the most attention. The Mahindra XUV700 comes with a choice of one petrol engine and two diesel engines. The petrol engine is a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 197 bhp. Whereas, both the diesel engines measure at 2.2-litres. The more potent version pushes out 182 bhp, while the other variant puts out a respectable 153 bhp. Except for the diesel engine with lower power output, all other models come with a choice of either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Mahindra XUV700 is available in 28 variants and apart from that, it is the only SUV in its segment to offer an all-wheel-drive layout.

The Hyundai Creta is a favourite among Indian consumers and the mid-size SUV from Hyundai delivers everything an Indian consumer requires. Despite being a mid-size SUV, the Hyundai Creta also comes with a large panoramic sunroof. The Hyundai Creta can be specified with three different engines. The 1.5-litre diesel unit produces 113.45 bhp, whereas the 1.5-litre petrol unit pushes out 113.18 bhp. The most potent engine in this lot is the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and this engine produces 138.12 bhp. All engines can be specified with either an automatic or manual transmission, however, the 1.4-litre engine can only be had with a 7-speed DCT gearbox.

Though the Tata Safari is based on the five-seater Tata Harrier, the seven-seater SUV edges ahead of the Tata Harrier to make its way into this list by offering a plusher ride and space for two more people. Tata Safari is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L diesel engine and produces 167.67 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. This engine can be specified with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Like its predecessor, the new Tata Safari also comes with a commanding road presence.

The Kia Seltos is essentially a Hyundai Creta underneath. If you don’t find the looks of Hyundai Creta attractive, we are pretty sure you will like the Kia Seltos. Kia Seltos is powered by three engine options. The 1.5-litre diesel unit produces 113.45 bhp, whereas the 1.5-litre petrol unit pushes out 113.18 bhp. There is also a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine which is the most powerful engine on offer with 138.12 bhp on tap. All engines can be specified with either an automatic or manual transmission. However, the 1.4-litre engine can only be had with a 7-speed DCT gearbox.

The Toyota Fortuner commands attention wherever you take it, and there aren’t many other SUVs that can overshadow this behemoth. Apart from that, being a Toyota, the service costs are affordable for a vehicle of this size. The Toyota Fortuner is powered by a 201.53 bhp 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine and it is mated to a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. This makes the Toyota Fortuner the most powerful vehicle in its segment.

Though Hyundai Alcazar is based on the Hyundai Creta, engineers at Hyundai have put extra effort by increasing the wheelbase to liberate extra space for the second-row passengers. Apart from that, the Hyundai Alcazar offers one of the best rear seat experiences in the segment. The Hyundai Alcazar is powered by the familiar 1.5-litre diesel unit with 113.18 bhp. This engine comes paired with both 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions. There is also a more powerful 2.0-litre petrol engine with 157.5 bhp and 191 Nm of torque.

The Tata Harrier offers one of the best ride quality in its segment and feels like a proper SUV than a jacked-up 5-seater car. The Tata Harrier offers a commanding road presence, superb mile-munching capabilities and a punchy diesel engine. Speaking about the engine, the Tata Harrier is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 167.72 bhp and 350Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The MG Hector Plus is the 7-seater variant of the MG Hector. Being based on the MG Hector, the MG Hector Plus is one of the most well-equipped SUVs in its segment with numerous standard features across the trim levels. The MG Hector Plus diesel variant is powered by a similar 167.72 bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine as the Tata Safari and Tata Harrier. However, unlike the Tata Safari or Tata Harrier, it comes with just a 6-speed manual transmission.

The Jeep Compass offers one of the best interiors in its segment and also offers a top-notch feature list. The diesel version of the Jeep Compass is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 167.72 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. The all-wheel-drive variant of the Jeep Compass comes mated to a super-smooth 9-speed automatic transmission, whereas the front-wheel-drive variant of the Jeep Compass comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

The MG Hector offers a very smooth and supple ride quality and it is a five-seater mid-size SUV famous for the amount of tech and features it offers. The diesel version of the MG Hector is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 167.72 bhp and 350Nm of torque, and this engine is solely mated to a 6-speed manual transmission as standard.