KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Two Mahindra SUVs in this list.
- The Hector, the Thar, and the Thar Roxx offer a wide range of options in terms of features, seating, and engines.
- The Brezza is the only SUV in this list to not get a diesel.
There is a clear reason why SUVs have become all the rage today. Given the less-than-favourable condition of our roads, an SUV naturally becomes the popular choice among buyers. Their high ground clearance not only prevents underbelly scraping, but they also make the cars look rather butch with their stance.
In many cases, SUVs are also comfortable mile-munchers, and they also have the job of carrying people in comfort. Today, we'll take a look at some SUVs that have been hugely popular in the market today, but first, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community to keep up with the latest automotive news and updates!
Maruti Suzuki Brezza
The Maruti Suzuki Brezza first came out in 2016, and it has been hugely successful. Initially a diesel-only SUV, the Brezza eventually switched over to petrol, and that does not seem to have affected its popularity. The styling may not be to everyone's tastes, but it claws back with a good set of features, offering things such as a 360-degree camera, wireless smartphone connectivity, a head-up display, and it's also the first Maruti Suzuki with a sunroof.
The 1.5-litre nat-asp powertrain produces 101bhp and 137Nm of torque. Not only is this powertrain refined, but also efficient, be it with the manual transmission or the automatic. However, it certainly is not the most engaging to drive, and you can feel hard plastics in the interiors as well.
The front seats are quite comfortable, as is the rear bench, with a lot of legroom and headroom on offer, along with decent bolstering. Those wanting a comfortable, no-nonsense SUV, this is where you should be looking. Prices range between Rs 8.34 lakh to Rs 13.98 lakh (ex-showroom).
MG Hector
MG Motor India began its journey with the Hector in 2019, and there have been a lot of Hectors on the road since then. The Hector does look stylish, and you can have it as a 5-seater, the Hector Plus 6-seater, or even the Hector Plus 7-seater, thus making it hugely practical. It also comes with two powertrain options; a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, and a 2.0-litre diesel. It's easy to go for the diesel given that it is punchy, yet efficient at the same time.
The Hector also comes with spacious interiors and a feature-loaded cabin. The 14-inch vertical infotainment touch screen gets wireless connectivity, and works quite well for the most part. This SUV also comes with a wireless smartphone charger, multi-colour ambient lighting, an electric panoramic sunroof, 100 voice commands, an 8-speaker sound system, and 75+ connected features among other things.
With prices ranging between Rs 13.99 lakh to Rs 23.19 lakh (ex-showroom), the Hector is available in a wide range of variants, opening different options for customers.
Mahindra Thar
After a thorough reinvention in 2020, the Mahindra Thar has only gotten more and more popular, even if the 3-door isn't the most practical for families. The Thar stands out with a stylish design, soft-top and hard-top options, two powerful engines, and superb off-roading capabilities. Its interiors are also now a lot more comfortable than its predecessor, and there are more than enough features on offer as well.
With the arrival of the Thar Roxx, things have gotten even better, as customers now get to choose between the 3-door and the 5-door. The Thar Roxx also allows buyers to opt for an SUV that not only gets serious off-road credentials, but it also backs it up with plush, premium interiors, a heavy equipment list with an ADAS suite and a handsome design.
The 2.2-litre turbo-diesel and the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines are tractable and offer enough performance for all driving conditions. However, the ride quality is not exactly perfect and there is some body roll.
The Thar range begins with the AX 4x2 hard-top, which comes in at Rs 11.34 lakh, while the LX 4x4 hard-top is priced at Rs 17.20 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). Meanwhile, prices for the Thar Roxx begin from Rs 12.99 lakh to Rs 22.49 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).
Mahindra Scorpio
Launched way back in 2002, the Mahindra Scorpio continues to be a hit for many reasons. The original Scorpio is still around as the Scorpio Classic and it is relevant even today, while those who want a more refined experience have the Scorpio N to go for.
The Scorpio's butch looks, combined with an extremely torquey engine, along with its durability, and sophisticated interiors (from the standards back in the day) made for an SUV that was a reliable workhorse both on and off the road. It was also more than capable as a daily driver in the city as well. The Scorpio currently does not get 4x4, but it used to at some point.
Over the years, Mahindra has consistently tweaked the Scorpio to make it more refined for customers, and yet retaining all its core qualities. The 2.6-litre powertrain from the first-gen was known for oodles of torque available throughout the rev range, and the newer mHawk mills added refinement and efficiency.
Even though today it seems to have gone slightly backwards in terms of features, the Scorpio Classic still does offer cruise control, a 6-speaker sound system, parking sensors, and a 9-inch touch screen system. The Scorpio Classic is among the few mid-size SUVs in the market which offer a nostalgic charm with the hardcore Scorpio traits. Prices range between Rs 13.61 lakh to Rs 17.41 lakh (ex-showroom).
Toyota Fortuner
The Toyota Fortuner is one SUV that has a cult following around it. The same reasons that made the Scorpio so successful, also resulted in the Fortuner becoming a winner; tough, macho looks, a powerful yet efficient diesel powertrain, off-roading capabilities, and premium interiors.
In its current guise, the Fortuner comes with two powertrain options; a 2.7-litre, turbo-petrol with 163bhp and 245Nm of torque, paired to a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 2.7-litre diesel continues to be the more popular choice, with 201bhp and 420Nm of torque (500Nm in the automatic), paired to either a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Over the years, the Fortuner's prices have risen to crazy standards, and yet it continues to have a strong fan-following. The second-gen Fortuner has been around for quite long now, and it does miss out on modern bits like an ADAS suite. However, the Fortuner comes with a lockable differential, downhill assist control, traction control, cruise control, ventilated front seats, a 11-speaker JBL sound system, Optitron dials and connected car tech among other things.
Prices for the Fortuner range between Rs 33.43 lakh for the base petrol, to Rs 51.44 lakh for the GR-S variant. Meanwhile the Fortuner Legender costs between Rs 43.66 lakh for the 4x2, to Rs 47.64 lakh for the 4x4 (all prices ex-showroom). The Legender is available with an automatic transmission only.
Verdict
The SUVs listed above are among the most popular in the market today. From the humble Maruti Suzuki Brezza, to the premium Toyota Fortuner, we have taken a look at them all. These SUVs pack a blend of style, durability, and sophistication. Some of these SUVs also come with off-roading capabilities, and it is important for you to take a test drive, in order to decide what you are really looking for in your car.
