Top 10 Most Affordable Diesel Cars & SUVs in India for 2025

By lokhind
12 Min Read
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Diesel cars have been popular in India for a long time because they are fuel-efficient and perform well, especially on long trips and rough terrain. Even though stricter emission standards have led to fewer diesel models over the years, brands like Mahindra, Tata, Kia, and Hyundai still offer great choices in the budget range. These cars meet a wide range of needs while keeping costs low, from tough SUVs to stylish hatchbacks.

Here is a detailed list of the ten cheapest diesel-powered four-wheeler in India as of July 2025, along with their price ranges and engine specifications. All prices listed are before taxes.

Tata Altroz Price Range: Rs 8.99 lakh to 11.29 lakh


The Tata Altroz is the best diesel car in India for people on a budget and is the only hatchback on this list. It stands out in the subcompact class because of its sleek design, high-quality interior, and useful features. The Altroz has a 1.5-liter diesel engine that makes 90 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. This makes it a fun car to drive in the city and on the highway. There is no automatic gearbox available, such as AMT or DCT. It comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Altroz is a stylish, fuel-efficient hatchback that has Tata’s famous safety features, such as a 5-star Global NCAP rating.
The Altroz is a great choice for young professionals and small families who want a car that is affordable, has a modern design, and a reliable diesel engine.

Mahindra Bolero: Price Range: Rs 9.81 lakh to 10.93 lakh


In India, the name Mahindra Bolero is known for being strong and dependable. This tough SUV has been a favourite among people who need a no-nonsense car for rough conditions. It has a 1.5-liter diesel engine that makes 76 hp and 210 Nm of torque. It only comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Bolero is popular in rural and semi-urban areas because it is simple and well-built, even though it doesn’t have an automatic option.
The Bolero is still useful today because it is easy to care for, can handle tough terrain, and looks good. It’s perfect for buyers who care more about function than luxury because it has room for seven people and a lot of cargo space.

The Mahindra Bolero Neo and Neo+


Prices range from Rs 9.97 lakh to Rs 12.18 lakh for the Neo and from Rs 11.41 lakh to Rs 12.51 lakh for the Neo+. The Mahindra Bolero Neo and its 9-seater sibling, the Neo+, are new takes on the classic Bolero. The Neo has a 1.5-liter diesel engine that makes 100hp and 260Nm. The Neo+ has a more powerful 2.2-liter engine that makes 120hp and 280Nm. The Neo has a 5-speed manual gearbox, and the Neo+ has a 6-speed manual gearbox. There are no automatic options.
The Neo duo is known for its tough design, roomy interiors, and ability to do many things. The third row of seats in the Neo+ makes it especially useful for big families or businesses. Both models combine Mahindra’s off-road DNA with more comfort, making them good choices for people who need a practical, long-lasting diesel SUV.

The Mahindra XUV 3XO Price Range: 9.99 lakh to 14.99 lakh


The Mahindra XUV 3XO is one of the best deals on a diesel SUV that is less than 4 meters long. It has a 1.5-liter diesel engine that makes 117hp and 300Nm of torque. You can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT. This makes it the cheapest diesel automatic SUV that is less than 4 meters long. It has a good mix of performance and convenience.
The XUV 3XO is a great choice for city dwellers looking for a high-end but affordable diesel SUV. It has a bold design, a lot of features in the cabin, and advanced technology like a panoramic sunroof and ADAS features. It has a good chance against competitors like the Tata Nexon because it is priced competitively and has an automatic option.

Kia Sonet Price: Rs 10 lakh to 15.74 lakh


The Kia Sonet is a modern-looking SUV that is less than 4 meters long and has a flexible diesel engine. It has a 1.5-liter diesel engine that makes 116hp and 250Nm of torque. You can get it with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Young people love the Sonet because of its high-end interiors, which include a touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated seats, and a sunroof.
The Sonet is less expensive than its sibling, the Syros, making it a good choice for people who want a feature-rich diesel SUV without spending a lot of money. It is more appealing because it has better driving dynamics and Kia’s reliable after-sales network.

Tata Nexon Price Range: Rs 10 lakh to 15.60 lakh


People like the Tata Nexon because it has a bold design and is very safe. It is a popular choice in the sub-4-meter SUV segment. It has a 1.5-liter diesel engine that makes 115 hp and 260 Nm of torque. It can be paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT. The Nexon is one of the few affordable diesel SUVs with an automatic gearbox, making it a good choice for city drivers who want convenience.
The Nexon is a great choice for families and people who love adventure because it has a lot of room inside, a high ground clearance, and a lot of features. It stays a top choice in the diesel SUV market because of its low price and Tata’s large service network.

Hyundai Venue Price Range: Rs 10.80 lakh to 13.53 lakh


The Hyundai Venue is a good all-around SUV that is less than 4 meters long. It comes with a 1.5-liter diesel engine with 116 hp and 250 Nm of torque, but only with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The Venue doesn’t have an automatic diesel version like the Kia Sonet, which might make it less appealing to some buyers. But its smooth ride, powerful engine, and Hyundai’s reputation for dependability make it a strong competitor.
Urban buyers looking for a stylish yet practical diesel SUV will like the Venue’s small size, high-end interiors, and features like a touchscreen infotainment system and connected car tech.

Kia Syros Price: Rs 11.30 lakh to 17.80 lakh


The Kia Syros is a high-end compact SUV that stands out because of its modern design and high-end positioning. The Sonet and this car both have a 1.5-liter diesel engine that makes 116 hp and 250 Nm. You can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The Syros is a great choice for people looking for a high-end diesel SUV because it has a comfortable cabin, advanced features like ADAS, and a smooth driving experience.
It costs more because of its premium features and positioning, but it’s still a great choice for people who want a diesel-powered vehicle that is comfortable and has a lot of technology.

Tata Curvv Price Range: Rs 11.50 lakh to 19.52 lakh


The Tata Curvv is the first diesel vehicle to have a coupe-SUV body style, which combines style with usefulness. It has a 1.5-liter diesel engine that makes 118 hp and 260 Nm of torque. It can be paired with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DCT). The DCT option adds a level of sophistication by allowing for quick shifts and a premium driving experience.
The Curvv stands out because of its sleek design, roomy interiors, and cutting-edge features like a digital cockpit and Level 2 ADAS. It’s great for people who want a unique diesel SUV with cutting-edge technology and great performance.

Mahindra Thar Price Range: Rs 11.50 lakh to 17.62 lakh


The Mahindra Thar is the only one on this list that combines a three-door layout with off-road ability. There are two diesel engine options: a 1.5-liter engine with 118hp and 300Nm for RWD models and a 2.2-liter engine with 130hp and 300Nm for 4WD models. The 4WD versions come with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox and an optional 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
Adventure seekers love the Thar because it looks tough, can go off-road, and has modern features like a touchscreen infotainment system. The fact that it is more expensive shows that it is made for off-road use and has a high-end look.


Even though there are problems with emission standards, the diesel car market in India is still doing well. Mahindra, Tata, Kia, and Hyundai are all doing well. These cars, from the affordable Tata Altroz to the tough Mahindra Thar, offer a good balance of price, performance, and versatility. This list has something for every diesel fan in 2025, whether you want a fuel-efficient hatchback, a small SUV with automatic options, or a beast that can go off-road.

Disclaimer: This article’s list of the ten cheapest diesel cars and SUVs in India for 2025 is based on information that was available as of July 30, 2025. It is only meant to be informative. The prices listed are ex-showroom and may change based on where you live, the dealership, taxes, and other fees. Manufacturers can change the specifications, features, and availability of vehicles at any time. Lokhind make sure that the information is correct, but it doesn’t promise that it is complete or reliable. Before making a purchase, readers should check the details with authorized dealers or manufacturers.

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