Looking for an SUV that blends style, practicality, and affordability without breaking the bank? The sub-₹8 lakh segment in India has become the hottest battleground for automakers, offering feature-packed compact SUVs that don’t compromise on safety, comfort, or technology. Whether it’s the rugged build of the Tata Punch, the turbo-charged thrill of the Nissan Magnite, the feature-rich Hyundai Exter, the stylish Renault Kiger, or the trusted reliability of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx — each of these SUVs brings something unique to the table. If you want maximum value for your money in 2025, choosing from these five is where your search should begin.
Table of Contents
1. Tata Punch
Variants Under ₹8 Lakh
- Pure (Petrol MT) – ₹6.13 lakh
- Adventure (Petrol MT / AMT / CNG) – ₹7.00-7.90 lakh depending on sub-variant and fuel/transmission type.
Dimensions
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 3,827 mm |
| Width | 1,742 mm |
| Height | 1,615 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,445 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 187 mm |
| Boot Space | 366 litres |
Engine & Performance
- Engine: 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol (Revotron).
- Power / Torque: 88 hp and 115 Nm.
- Transmission options: 5-speed manual; optional 5-speed AMT; also CNG option in some variants.
Infotainment / Features
- Base trims (Pure) get essentials: basic digital-cluster, tilt steering, ORVMs etc.
- Higher trims under ₹8 lakh (Adventure variants) add features like improved upholstery, electric ORVMs, more speakers, perhaps more refined infotainment.
Comfort & Convenience
- Seating for 5, decent cabin space for its class.
- Features in lower Adventure variants include power windows, AC, remote key, etc.
- Good ground clearance for rougher roads.
Trade-offs
- Fully loaded trims (Accomplished, Creative etc.) go beyond ₹8 lakh.
- The base engine is NA petrol; if you want turbo etc, cost rises.
2. Nissan Magnite
Variants Under ₹8 Lakh
- Magnite XE (1.0 Petrol MT) – ₹6.00 lakh.
- Magnite XL (1.0 Petrol MT) – ₹7.04 lakh.
- Magnite GEZA Edition – ₹7.39 lakh.
- Magnite XV MT / Visia etc variants up to ₹7.8 lakh depending on features & fuel/transmission choices.
Dimensions
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 3,994 mm |
| Width | 1,758 mm |
| Height | 1,572 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,500 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 205 mm |
| Boot Space | 336 litres with seats up |
Engine & Performance
- 1.0-litre naturally aspirated (NA) petrol – 71 hp / 96 Nm torque in base variants.
- Higher trims may offer turbo petrol (100 PS) in Magnite, but those tend to cost > ₹8 lakh for auto etc.
Infotainment / Features
- Base trims (XE/XL) have basic infotainment: touchscreen, power windows, AC etc.
- Better trims under ₹8 lakh often include 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto / Apple CarPlay, push-button start, rear view camera, etc.
Comfort & Convenience
- Spacious interior for its class; roomy in front and decent for rear occupants.
- Good ground clearance helps over rough roads; ride comfort acceptable.
Trade-offs
- NA petrol lacks punch; turbo versions cost more.
- Interiors and materials are basic in lower variants.
3. Hyundai Exter
Variants Under ₹8 Lakh
- EX MT – ₹6.00 lakh.
- EX(O) MT – ₹6.25 lakh.
- S MT – ₹7.27 lakh.
- S(O) MT – ₹7.42 lakh.
- Some S- or SX trims might approach ₹7.9 lakh but above ₹8 lakh often.
Dimensions
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 3,815 mm |
| Width | 1,710 mm |
| Height | 1,631 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,450 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 185 mm in base; more or less depending on trims |
Engine & Performance
- Petrol 1.2-litre naturally aspirated: 83 PS, 113.8 Nm; 5-speed MT or 5-speed AMT.
- CNG option: 69 PS and 95.2 Nm, manual transmission.
Infotainment / Features
- EX and EX(O) lower trims may have simpler audio or display; mid trims under ₹8 lakh add more: 8-inch touchscreen, wireless charger, etc.
- Other features: LED projector headlamps, signature H-LED DRLs, skid plates, alloy wheels etc depending on variant.
Comfort & Convenience
- Automatic Climate Control in higher variants; rear AC vents; cooled glovebox etc in upper mid trims (some still under ₹8 lakh depending on trim).
- Good visibility, modern cabin layout.
4. Renault Kiger
Variants Under ₹8 Lakh
- 2025 facelift – starts from ₹6,29,995 ex-showroom for base version.
- Lower NA 1.0-litre manual variants are within this price threshold; turbo and CVT/auto variants will go above.
Dimensions
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 3,990 mm |
| Width | 1,750 mm (till wheel arches) |
| Height | 1,605 mm with shark fin, etc. |
| Wheelbase | 2,500 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 205 mm |
| Boot Space | 405 litres in many trims |
Engine & Performance
- Base engine: 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol ( 72 PS, 96 Nm) in lower trims.
- Turbo engine (higher trims) gives 100 PS and higher torque. These are generally priced above ₹8 lakh or near that threshold.
Infotainment / Features
- Wireless smartphone replication, Android Auto / Apple CarPlay; 17.78 cm reconfigurable TFT cluster; wireless charger; cruise control in many trims.
- Auto AC in many trims; welcome/goodbye sequences; LED lighting etc.
Comfort & Convenience
- Spacious cabin; good storage; semi-leather seats in some trims; rear armrest etc in mid trims.
- Good ride height, ground clearance helps; decent fuel tank etc.
5. Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Variants Under ₹8 Lakh
- Base / lower trims start at ₹7.54 lakh ex-showroom.
- These include basic variants; higher trims with turbo / automatic etc go beyond ₹8 lakh.
Dimensions
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 3,995 mm |
| Width | 1,765 mm |
| Height | 1,550 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,520 mm |
Engine & Performance
- Normally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine: 90 PS and 113 Nm torque in base versions.
- Turbocharged 1.0-litre boosterjet petrol ( 100 PS and higher torque) in higher variants; these usually cost more.
Infotainment / Features
- Lower trims get standard touch/infotainment systems, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, etc.
- Maruti has made six airbags standard across all Fronx variants recently.
Comfort & Convenience
- Driver height adjust, rear AC vents in higher trims; all trims get basics like power windows, central locking, etc.
- Cabin finish, quality and ride comfort are generally good for this class.
Ranking: Best Value for Money
| Rank | Model | Why It Offers Very Good Value |
| 1. Hyundai Exter | The Exter often comes out on top in value-for-money tests. It starts from ₹6 lakh ex-showroom, offers strong safety (six airbags standard), a decent feature list even in lower trims, good fuel efficiency, a choice of CNG/AMT/MT, and Hyundai’s service & resale strength. | Refined fit & finish may lag some competitors in certain trims; less powerful engine options versus turbo rivals; top trims cost more. |
| 2. Renault Kiger | With recent GST cuts, Kiger’s price is more competitive. The mid-variants (like Techno) are feature-rich: good styling, multiple powertrain options (including turbo), useful creature comforts. So you get a lot for your money. | Lower trims may miss premium touches; interiors/plastics may not feel as premium as Hyundai/Maruti; some variants are less powerful or less refined. |
| 3. Tata Punch | Very good build & safety credentials; strong road presence; variant like Adventure Rhythm gives a solid feature set for price (₹7.2-7.5 lakh) with features many rivals reserve for higher trims. If your priority is safety + durability + usable features, this is a strong pick. | Less power in base variants; smaller size; fewer premium features compared to some rivals; resale & service ok but not quite as extensive as Maruti/Hyundai in many places. |
| 4. Nissan Magnite | In many base / mid variants, Magnite gives you a lot: likely enough features + SUV styling + decent safety. The recent price reductions (GST benefits passed on) help its competitiveness. It’s strong if budget-conscious. | Build quality & long-term reliability may lag; dealership network weaker in some areas; top variants cost lots more; NVH (noise, vibration etc.) is a trade-off. |
| 5. Maruti Suzuki Fronx | The Fronx is solid: reliable engines, Maruti’s network, good comfort/features in higher trims; the mild-hybrid / turbo powertrain options are attractive. But it tends to be priced higher for comparable features vs rivals. You pay more for reliability / resale / badge. | For strict “value per rupee”, many features cost a premium; lower trims lack punch compared to turbo rivals; some compromises in rear space or feature content vs rivals at similar or even lower prices. |
Our Suggested “Best Value” Variant Picks
If you were buying, here’s which variant from each we had pick for strong value:
- Hyundai Exter → SX trim (petrol MT)
- Renault Kiger → Techno NA petrol MT
- Tata Punch → Adventure Rhythm
- Nissan Magnite → Base / XV NA petrol MT (or a mid trim with good safety/features if you can stretch)
- Maruti Fronx → Sigma (lower trim) unless you need more premium then Delta+ may work, but cost jumps big.
