Top 20 Cars Under ₹17

The Indian car market in 2025 is more exciting than ever, especially for buyers in the ₹15–17 lakh on-road budget range. This sweet spot offers a wide variety of cars—compact SUVs, premium hatchbacks, strong hybrids, and even rugged off-roaders. These models combine affordability, modern features, strong safety packages, and great drivability, making them excellent options for families and young professionals. Below, we explore the top 20 cars under ₹17 lakh on-road in India, with a detailed breakdown of features, engine options, mileage, safety, and overall value for money.

1. Hyundai Creta (2025 Facelift)

The Hyundai Creta has always been a segment leader in India’s mid-size SUV space, and the 2025 facelift cements its position further. For under ₹17 lakh on-road, you can get the mid-level trims that balance features and pricing perfectly. The Creta offers multiple engine choices—1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5L diesel, and 1.5L turbo petrol. Buyers in this budget usually opt for the petrol and diesel manual trims, which come loaded with 6 airbags, ESC, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and the new Level 2 ADAS suite. The design has been updated with sharper LED lighting, a larger grille, and modern alloys, which give it a premium road presence. Inside, Hyundai has included dual 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation, along with Bose audio for an immersive cabin experience. Mileage hovers around 17–20 km/l depending on engine type, making it both city- and highway-friendly. What sets the Creta apart is its balance of comfort, technology, and wide service network, making it an unbeatable family SUV under ₹17 lakh.

2. Kia Seltos (2025)

Kia Seltos, a close cousin of the Creta, is equally stylish and slightly sportier in character. Under ₹17 lakh on-road, buyers can opt for HTK+ and HTX trims, which offer excellent feature sets like ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, and 6 airbags as standard. Kia’s design philosophy is evident in its sleek LED DRLs, tiger-nose grille, and muscular stance, which appeal to young buyers who want an aggressive look. The Seltos offers three engine choices—1.5L petrol, 1.5L diesel, and 1.5L turbo petrol—with multiple gearbox options including manual, iMT, CVT, and DCT. In this price range, the 1.5 petrol iMT or CVT is a sweet spot for daily city commutes, while the diesel manual is perfect for long-distance drivers. Mileage figures range between 16–20 km/l, which is competitive for its class. On the inside, the Seltos impresses with dual 10.25-inch displays, Bose premium sound, and connected car tech. Kia also backs the Seltos with a robust warranty and after-sales service, giving peace of mind. Overall, the Seltos is an SUV that combines sporty styling with practical comfort under ₹17 lakh.

3. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid

For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and long-term savings, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid is one of the smartest picks under ₹17 lakh. The strong hybrid variants (Zeta+ and Alpha+) usually go above this range, but the intelligent mild-hybrid and lower strong-hybrid trims fall comfortably within budget. What makes the Grand Vitara special is its ability to deliver an outstanding mileage of 20–28 km/l, thanks to Toyota’s hybrid system. The SUV also comes with AWD (AllGrip) options for those who like off-road capability. In terms of features, even the mid-trim hybrids come with LED lighting, digital displays, panoramic sunroof, 6 airbags, and connected car features. The cabin is designed with a premium layered dashboard and soft-touch materials, making it feel more upscale than most Maruti models. On-road performance is smooth, with seamless petrol-electric transitions, making city driving effortless. Buyers who want low running costs and future-proof hybrid tech will find the Grand Vitara Hybrid an unbeatable option in this budget.

4. Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is the twin sibling of the Grand Vitara, sharing the same platform and strong hybrid system. However, it comes with Toyota’s renowned reliability and slightly different design philosophy. In the ₹17 lakh on-road range, buyers can access the strong hybrid lower trims or well-equipped mild-hybrid versions. The Hyryder’s biggest USP is its fuel efficiency, often touching 27 km/l, making it one of the most economical SUVs in India. The exterior features Toyota’s signature LED DRLs, aggressive grille, and muscular stance. Inside, it offers premium features like a heads-up display, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, and 6 airbags, depending on the variant. Toyota also provides excellent warranty packages, often longer than Maruti, which enhances peace of mind for buyers. For those who want a balance of low cost of ownership, excellent reliability, and eco-friendly hybrid performance, the Hyryder stands out as a premium SUV under ₹17 lakh.

5. Mahindra XUV700 (MX & AX3 trims)

Mahindra’s flagship SUV, the XUV700, has become a sensation in India, and while higher trims are priced above ₹20 lakh, the base and mid variants (MX and AX3) comfortably fall under ₹17 lakh on-road. These trims still pack an impressive punch, offering features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, digital cluster, Android Auto, Alexa integration, and 6 airbags. The XUV700 offers both petrol (2.0L turbo) and diesel (2.2L) engines, both of which are segment benchmarks in terms of power and refinement. Even in entry-level trims, you get class-leading performance and road presence, making it one of the most value-packed SUVs under ₹17 lakh. Mileage figures vary between 14–17 km/l, but buyers who prioritize performance and safety will happily accept that trade-off. With 5-star Global NCAP safety, excellent ride quality, and the option of a larger 7-seater cabin, the XUV700 is ideal for families who want more SUV for less money.