The SUV segments of the Indian car market have shown phenomenal growth in the last few years. As a result, most car makers have come up with well-rounded SUVs to attract the new car buying lot. From entry-level models, like the Maruti Vitara Brezza and the Tata Nexon, to high-end products, like Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour; today, there is an SUV for every budget. Here is a look at as many as ten well-built SUVs of India -
10 well-built mainstream SUVs of India
Tata Nexon (INR 6.23-10.67 lakh*)
With an average monthly sale of 4,310 units**, the Tata Nexon has established itself pretty well in the sub-4-metre SUV segment. The stylish SUV offers a robust set of motors, a spacious and feature-laden cabin, and an excellent ride quality. More importantly, it is the first Indian car to have received a 5-star rating by Global NCAP, which speaks volumes about the robustness of this SUV. The Nexon had earlier received a 4-star rating, but Tata Motors made some improvements, such as standardising the Seat Belt Reminder (SBR) for the driver and the front passenger, to help its most affordable SUV bag a 5-star score.
Ford EcoSport (INR 7.82-11.89 lakh*)
While the Ford EcoSport has been overtaken by the Tata Nexon on the sales charts (avg. monthly sale - 3,620 units), it can be safely heralded as the model that popularised the compact SUV segment. The Ford EcoSport offers a solid build quality, high refinement and low NVH. More importantly, it is the first model in its segment to offer six airbags on the top-spec trim. Furthermore, its SYNC3 infotainment unit provides emergency calling assist feature that automatically contacts emergency services in case of a crash.
Maruti Vitara Brezza (INR 7.58-10.55 lakh*)
With an average monthly sale of 13,626 units**, the Maruti Vitara Brezza is the highest-selling sub-4-metre SUV in the country. Recently, the Brezza received a 4-star safety rating from Global NCAP. The high score reflects the SUV's solid build and high robustness. Moreover, the fact that the Brezza offers ABS and EBD as standard across all the trims further helps it score a high safety rating. In spite of being an affordable compact SUV, the Brezza offers adequete safety, a reliable and sufficiently powerful diesel engine, and decent high-speed stability.
Honda WR-V (INR 7.79-10.26 lakh*)
The Honda WR-V has an average monthly sale of 2,849 units**, which makes it one of the more popular Honda-badged models sold in the country. The WR-V is based on the Jazz but comes across as a more rugged offering owing to its higher ground clearance and updated styling package. The pseudo-crossover is not only quite well-built but even offers excellent high-speed stability.
Tata Safari Storme (INR 10.90-15.98 lakh*)
The Tata Safari Storme (avg. monthly sale - 521 units**) has failed to garner the highly favourable response that its predecessor did. That said, it is among the most well-built and most rugged models in its segment. The ladder-frame architecture helps the SUV take on the harsh terrains, while the excellent ride quality keeps the occupants comfortable in most usage conditions. The fact that the Safari Storme is now being used by the Indian Army is a testimony of its robustness.
Jeep Compass (INR 15.4-22.9 lakh*)
With an average monthly sale of 1,194 units**, the Jeep Compass is currently the most popular product in FCA's Indian lineup. The Compass is a well-built SUV that feels sufficiently rugged. Its well-appointed cabin and excellent dynamics help it come across as a world-class product.
Hyundai Tucson (INR 18.64-26.85 lakh*)
The Tucson is currently the most expensive Hyundai-badged model you can purchase in India (average monthly sale - 119 units**). The 5-seater SUV is well-built and offers excellent high-speed stability. It even provides six airbags and many other active and passive safety features.
Mahindra XUV500 (INR 12.57-19.28 lakh*)
The Mahindra XUV500 (average monthly sale- 1,846 units**) has been among the most popular models in its price segment. While its initial batches were marred by several niggles, the latest version has been put together quite well and offers a solid built. In fact, in spite of being based on a monocoque frame, it feels quite rugged even off the road.
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross (INR 15.26-16.76 lakh*)
The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is the only lifestyle pickup that has succeeded in leaving a lasting impression, though volumes are still low. The V-Cross not only impresses with its bold looks but is a well-built offering. The mechanical components offer the proverbial bulletproof reliability, while the ladder-frame construction and the 4WD mechanicals make it pretty capable off the road.
Toyota Fortuner (INR 27.27-32.97 lakh)
With an average monthly sale of 1,649 units**, the Toyota Fortuner has been the most popular SUV in its price segment. The best-seller is very well-built and quite rugged, too. It is quite reliable, and its powertrain is fast gaining the reputation to last the test of time without requiring an overhaul.
*ex-showroom, New Delhi
**between July-December 2018
