Diesel engines are adored by many Indian SUV buyers for their peppy low-end torque and great fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, increasingly strict emissions norms in recent years have relegated diesel sales in India, and only a handful of automakers still offer diesel SUVs.

We have compiled a list of the top 10 most fuel-efficient midsize diesel SUVs under Rs 30 lakh, ranked in ascending order. The rankings are based on official ARAI mileage figures, but actual efficiency is subject to vary depending on driving styles and conditions. Many of these diesel SUVs offer both automatic and manual transmissions, so we’ve taken into consideration the highest fuel efficiency figure achieved by their respective powertrain combinations.

10. Mahindra Thar Roxx

Mileage: 15.20kpl

Launched in August 2024, the Mahindra Thar Roxx may just look like the 5-door version of the highly popular Thar off-roader, but it uses a more modern platform that allows for more features and stronger engines. The Thar Roxx can be had with a 152hp, 2.2-litre diesel engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter auto. Both gearbox configurations are matched in terms of their ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency – 15.2kpl. The Thar Roxx diesel price starts at Rs 13.99 lakh, with the top-spec variant coming in at Rs 22.49 lakh.

9. MG Hector/Hector Plus

Mileage: 15.58kpl

MG India refreshed both the Hector and three-row Hector Plus in early 2023, introducing substantial exterior and interior updates to the SUVs. No mechanical changes were made, though; the Hector is still powered by a 170hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine. While the unit is among the more powerful engines in its segment, MG only offers it in 6-speed manual guise, which is good for 15.58kpl. Prices for the Hector and Hector Plus diesel start at Rs 18.57 lakh and Rs 17.49 lakh, respectively, going all the way up to Rs 22.57 lakh and Rs 23.41 lakh, each.

8. Mahindra Scorpio N

Mileage: 15.94kpl

Yet another popular Mahindra SUV, the Scorpio N stands out from its competitors thanks to its ladder-frame construction. Another attractive aspect of the Scorpio N is its 175hp, 2.2-litre diesel powerplant, which churns out 400Nm. Just like the Thar Roxx diesel, Scorpio N buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter auto, with the former eking out a greater mileage. The Scorpio N diesel price starts at Rs 14.39 lakh, and it climbs all the way up to Rs 24.69 lakh for the fully loaded variant.

7. Tata Safari

Mileage: 16.30kpl

The Safari is Tata’s halo diesel SUV, and for good measure. Not only is it the largest SUV in its segment, the Safari is also built on Land Rover’s D8 platform and powered by a 170hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine that can be had with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter. Tata oddly doesn’t offer a petrol powertrain for the Safari at all, but nevertheless, the 16.3kpl fuel efficiency figure achieved by the Safari’s diesel-manual configuration is quite impressive given its immense size. The Safari price range starts at Rs 15.49 lakh and goes up to Rs 26.99 lakh.

6. Tata Harrier

Mileage: 16.80kpl

The second Tata SUV on this list is the Harrier. The current generation of the Harrier has been around since 2019, with the five-seat SUV receiving a comprehensive facelift at the end of 2023. Just like the Safari, the Harrier misses out on a petrol powertrain. The SUV only comes with a 170hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine in 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter guises, with both delivering an equal 16.8kpl. The entry-level Harrier variant costs Rs 14.99 lakh, and the line-up extends all the way up to Rs 26.24 lakh for the top-end variant.

5. Mahindra XUV700

Mileage: 17kpl

Mahindra’s third SUV here is the XUV700, which offers a 185hp, 2.2-litre diesel engine. The XUV700’s diesel mill can be coupled with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter, with the former configuration achieving a claimed 17kpl. The XUV700 is the most powerful SUV in its segment, but it balances the grunt with very respectable fuel efficiency. As far as price goes, the XUV700 diesel price starts at Rs 13.99 lakh, and the range tops out at Rs 25.74 lakh.

4. Jeep Compass

Mileage: 17.30kpl

Jeep may not be as ubiquitous a brand in India as the others on this list, but the Compass undeniably performs well in the fuel efficiency rankings. There isn’t a petrol powertrain on offer with the Compass anymore, and the sole 170hp, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine can be mated to a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed torque converter auto. The manual version delivers an impressive 17.3kpl, with the automatic configuration following closely with 16.2kpl. The Compass price starts at Rs 18.99 lakh, with the top-spec variant commanding Rs 26.33 lakh.

3. Hyundai Alcazar

Mileage: 20.40kpl

The Hyundai Alcazar received a facelift in September 2024 that revamped the three-row SUV’s exterior design and added new features. No changes were made to the Alcazar’s 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel unit, though, which is the least powerful engine in this list. However, the Alcazar diesel makes up for the power disadvantage with its excellent 20.4kpl fuel economy; consistent across both its 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter auto transmissions. The Alcazar diesel price starts at Rs 15.99 lakh and extends to Rs 21.69 lakh.

2. Kia Seltos

Mileage: 20.70kpl

The Kia Seltos is a fan-favourite SUV in India thanks to its svelte looks, packed equipment list and frugal diesel engine. It’s the same 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel unit found in the Alcazar, but the smaller size helps it eke out 0.3kpl more with the 6-speed manual. The 6-speed torque converter, meanwhile, is good for 19.1kpl. The Seltos diesel is among the most affordable SUVs on this list too, starting at Rs 12.71 lakh and topping out at Rs 20.51 lakh.

1. Hyundai Creta

Mileage: 21.80kpl

Securing first place on this list is the venerable Creta, which shares its platform with the Seltos. While the Creta expectedly shares the 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine with the Seltos, the Hyundai SUV takes a substantial 1.1kpl lead in the fuel efficiency department when paired with the 6-speed manual gearbox. When it comes to the automatic variant’s mileage, though, the Creta and Seltos are evenly matched. The Creta diesel price starts at Rs 12.68 lakh, extending to Rs 20.41 lakh for the top-spec model.

(all prices ex-showroom, Mumbai)

Also see:

Most fuel efficient diesel compact SUVs ranked

Top 10 most affordable diesel cars in India