Best SUVs in India 2020 Edition

As we inch closer towards the end of this not-so-normal fiscal year, the question comes along once again; which SUV makes it to the top as far as 2020 is concerned? Only a few months back, we made a list of the top 5 SUVs in the country under the 50-lakh price bracket. However, with new launches coming hot and steady over these months, it’s time to revise the list.

This, however, would carry forward as the final list for 2020, as we’re very close to the end – of the year, not the world per se. So, without much of a further-a-do, let’s begin with the final list of the best SUVs in the Indian market.

Kia Sonet
The Hyundai Venue – which is also the ICOTY 2020 – was our pick of the range in the sub-4m compact SUV space the last time around. This time around, however, it’s the Kia Sonet that takes the lead in the same segment. Being a relatively newer model, the Kia Sonet is comparatively more feature-packed in comparison to the Venue, which was already the most packed car in this segment as of last year.

Like, for instance, the top-spec trim of the Sonet will feature a 10-speaker BOSE audio system combined with a 10.25-inch infotainment system, ventilated front seats, sound mood lighting, full-LED headlamps, and so on. Plus, factor in the multitude of engine and gearbox options, ranging from petrol-manual, petrol-iMT to diesel-automatic, there will be a Sonet for everyone. Moreover, if the Seltos is anything to go by, we expect the Sonet to feature class-leading materials for the interior and better dynamic capabilities than its cousin.

Hyundai Creta
Where the Kia Seltos took the pride of being the best SUV in the mid-size department a few months back, it’s the Creta that takes the crown today. Now, I know what some of you might think, the Creta’s overly design is not as pleasing as the Seltos. Neither it is dynamically sound as its cousin sibling. However, being the more modern of the two, the Creta does get some significant advantages over its siblings, such as a smoother gearbox and a better ride quality. Moreover, the Creta’s black-and-greige interior looks better than its sibling by a fair margin. Sure, the Creta’s design isn’t everyone’s piece of cake, but it sure grows on you. And if not, the design is supposed to be a subjective matter at the end of the day, right?

Also, another reason for crowing the Creta as the best mid-size SUV of 2020 is its diverse engine and gearbox combinations. Sure, it does not get the option of a manual gearbox with the turbocharged petrol engine, but it covers on other fronts equally well. In our opinion, if turbocharged petrol isn’t something you’re shopping for, then it’s better to pick the Creta. Otherwise, the Seltos should be on top of your list.

Jeep Compass
Even though the Jeep Compass is only marginally bigger than the Hyundai Creta, its price puts it in a different league altogether. And since it does lose out on the value-for-money quotient, the Compass impresses with its striking design, build quality, and, of course, Jeep’s vast experience for making SUVs.

If not the Compass, you can also pick the newly updated Hyundai Tucson. It’s a bigger car and comes from Hyundai cars stable. But, as for us, the pick of this range remains to be the Compass.

Ford Endeavour
The Ford Endeavour remains to be our pick in this segment since the Fortuner doesn’t come close to the Endy’s dynamic prowess by a solid margin. Even though the Endeavour now gets a smaller 2.0-liter heart, it hasn’t lost the punch and tractability. Moreover, it is still a decently-kitted SUV, as it is the only car in the segment to feature an active noise cancellation system. The addition of better headlamps and the SYNC3 touchscreen infotainment system makes the Endy a rather compelling package. And, of course, it’s a great set of feels for the occasional off-roading too!

So, there it is. The list of non-luxury SUVs, selected in order of their price and size. After all, India is a price-sensitive market with the main quotient being value-for-money. To read more like this, be sure to head over to autoX.