Top 5 Affordable SUVs for Village Roads in India

Village roads are often uneven and full of potholes, making SUVs a better option for handling such rough terrains. In this article, we bring you a list of the top 5 affordable and reliable SUVs currently available in India that are best suited for rural roads. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

Topping the list is Tata Punch, India’s most affordable SUV, starting at just ₹5.49 lakh (ex-showroom). It offers a 187 mm ground clearance, helping it easily glide over small pits and uneven roads. Powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 85 bhp, it also comes with a CNG variant, ideal for fuel savings in rural areas. Mileage figures stand at 18–20 kmpl (petrol) and up to 26 km/kg (CNG). The Punch boasts a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, ensuring top-notch protection in case of accidents. Key features include a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, rear parking camera, and even a sunroof. Its compact size (3.8 metres long) makes it easy to maneuver through narrow village lanes. However, the top speed feels modest on highways. Overall, if your budget is limited and you need a tough, compact SUV, the Tata Punch is an excellent choice.

The Hyundai Exter starts at ₹5.68 lakh (ex-showroom) and offers 185 mm ground clearance—slightly lower than the Bolero but providing better handling than the Punch. It comes with a 1.2-litre petrol engine (82 bhp) and also a CNG variant, with mileage ranging from 19 kmpl to 27 km/kg. The Exter’s strengths lie in its modern design and feature-loaded interior, including LED headlamps, digital driver display, and ventilated front seats. The cabin is spacious enough for five adults, with a 391-litre boot ideal for luggage. Its suspension system absorbs bumps efficiently, making it comfortable on rural roads. The dual-cylinder CNG setup also leaves more boot space. However, the lack of a diesel option might disappoint some rural buyers.

Priced from ₹7.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the Mahindra Bolero remains one of the most popular and rugged SUVs in India, especially in rural areas. It is also the most affordable diesel SUV in the country. With 180 mm of ground clearance, the Bolero can easily tackle dirt roads and waterlogged patches. Powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine producing 75 bhp, it delivers around 16–18 kmpl mileage.Its body-on-frame structure gives it unmatched toughness. Features are simple—power steering, AC, music system, central locking, and power windows—but enough for everyday needs. The cabin is basic yet spacious, and with a 690-litre boot, it’s easy to carry goods.Its popularity among rural buyers speaks for itself. The only downside is its stiff ride quality and lack of modern features.

Starting at just ₹7.28 lakh (ex-showroom), the Mahindra XUV 3XO offers both performance and comfort. It is available with 1.2-litre turbo-petrol (110 bhp) and 1.5-litre diesel (115 bhp) engines, offering 18–21 kmpl mileage. Equipped with MTV-CL dampers, the ride remains comfortable even on bumpy rural roads. The SUV also packs premium features like a panoramic sunroof, Level-2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, twin 10.25-inch displays, and 7 airbags. The cabin feels luxurious and spacious, with flat-folding rear seats and a 295-litre boot . Overall, it’s a perfect blend of ruggedness and sophistication, suitable for both village and city lifestyles.

The Tata Nexon, a leader in the subcompact SUV segment, starts at ₹7.32 lakh (ex-showroom). With an impressive 208 mm ground clearance, it’s ideal for rough rural terrains. Engine options include a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol (118 bhp), 1.5-litre diesel (113 bhp), and a CNG variant, delivering 17–24 kmpl mileage. It carries a 5-star safety rating and comes equipped with 6 airbags. Features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, ventilated seats, a JBL sound system, and ADAS.The cabin feels premium and practical, with 382 litres of boot space. In FY2025, Nexon continued to top sales charts, appealing to both rural and urban users.

Overall, it’s a balanced, feature-rich SUV under ₹10 lakh, perfect for anyone seeking safety, comfort, and performance.

Source:https://hindi.drivespark.com/four-wheelers/2025/top-5-suvs-for-village-use-price-features-safety-engine-and-mileage-details-037833.html