Planning To Buy ₹15 Lakh SUV? Don’t Miss This! » MotorOctane

We have seen some exciting launches into the mid-size SUV segment in 2026. And if you’re planning to buy one but are on a budget, here is your guide to choosing the best one. Let’s discuss the best SUV one can get under Rs 15 lakh- 
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1.  Renault Duster- 

The return of the legend! Renault Duster has made its long-awaited comeback, and most of us want to get our hands on it, but the top trim, priced at Rs 22 lakh, could be out of reach for those on a budget. Don’t be sad just yet! If your budget is under Rs 15 lakh, here is what Renault has to offer- The Duster Evolution Trim. The design remains pretty much identical to other variants of the Duster, and it also features 17-inch alloy wheels, which are missing from most lower trims of modern SUVs in this segment.

Inside the cabin, this SUV features two screens, including a 10.1-inch infotainment screen and a 7-inch driver’s display. Additional features include automatic climate control, push-button start and much more. Safety features include 6 airbags, TPMS, and, for driver assistance, a rear parking camera. 

Under the hood, this variant comes equipped with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 99bhp and 166Nm of torque paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. While the official mileage figures are yet to be revealed, based on the strong mileage figures from the other engines, it is expected to be between 17.5 kmpl and 19 kmpl. The Duster Evolution with the above spec is priced at Rs 13.82 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). 

2.  Tata Sierra-

One of the most popular products in the mid-size SUV space is the Tata Sierra. Tata surprised everyone with the attractive starting price of Rs 11.49 lakh. But with the time and taxation, only one variant remains within the Rs 15 lakh price bracket: the Sierra Smart+ variant. You might think that, being the base variant, Tata must have gone all basic with it. Well, that’s not completely true. On the outside, except for the wheels, most of the car is pretty much the same as the other variants, and it also offers the popular connected DRL and taillamp.

Once you step inside the cabin, you can feel the difference; this one misses out on the infotainment screen and features only a small 4-inch driver’s display. Other features include automatic climate control, push-button start, keyless entry, and a C-type charging port for the front passengers. The major highlight here is the 5-star safety rating from the Bharat NCAP, along with various real-world incidents that demonstrate the Sierra’s safety. 

Under Rs 15 lakh, Sierra offers the 1.5-litre NA petrol engine, producing 104bhp and 145Nm torque. This engine comes with the 6-speed manual transmission. The Sierra Smart+ is priced at Rs 13.58 lakhs (on-road, Mumbai). 

3.  Kia Seltos- 

Over time, the Kia Seltos has improved a lot, and with this update, it seems to tick all the boxes. But is it the same case for the lower trims as well? Kia offers two models in the Rs 15 lakh price bracket, and the one offering the best value for money is the Seltos HTE(O). The biggest plus of the Seltos HTE(O) is the sunroof. On the exterior, it might be identical to other variants but lacks the alloy wheels.

Interior features include an 8-inch infotainment screen, a 4.2-inch driver’s display and much more. Another highlight is the recently secured 5-star safety rating from the Bharat NCAP, making it the safest ICE car, with 6 airbags and TPMS. 

Powertrain features a 1.5-litre NA petrol engine with 113bhp and 144Nm torque, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. This variant of the Kia Seltos is priced at Rs 14.36 lakh(on-road, Mumbai). 

4.  Skoda Kushaq- 

Skoda gave the Kushaq a much-needed midlife facelift in January 2026, but the price was revealed last month. Another SUV offering a sunroof under Rs 15 lakh is the Skoda Kushaq Classic Plus. Not just the sunroof; it also comes with 16-inch alloy wheels and LED lighting identical to those on the other variants of the Kushaq.

As mentioned earlier, this one do features a sunroof, but it is a single-panel electric sunroof. The feature list also includes a 7-inch infotainment screen with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, automatic climate control and much more. Kushaq facelift comes with a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, with safety aids including 6 airbags. 

The 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (114bhp and 178Nm) comes with the new 8-speed TC gearbox. With this new gearbox, the brand claims fuel efficiency of about 19.09 kmpl, which is impressive. With that said, the new Kushaq Facelift Classic Plus variant is priced just below Rs 15 lakh, at Rs 14.99 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). 

Which One Should You Buy? 

Having seen all the cars and what they have to offer, the one that stands out is the all-new Renault Duster Evolution variant. With a price tag of Rs 13.82 lakh (on-road, Mumbai), this is the money-value-for-money mid-size SUV you can get. The features and powertrain it offers make it a practical choice for city use, as well as for tackling highways and some rough patches along the way.

Read More: 3 Practical 7-Seaters Launching This Month!