Those looking to upgrade from an entry-level car usually look first toward the Mid-size SUV segment. Only if it doesn't fit their budget do they consider "compact" (sub-4 meter) SUVs. The mid-size SUV category has now become the most attractive segment for everyone.

With an average length of 4.3 meters, these 5-seater vehicles offer the most options in the current car market. The competition features heavyweights like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Victoris, Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Tata Sierra, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Honda Elevate, and MG Astor. Additionally, the Renault Duster and its Nissan counterpart, the Tekton, are set to arrive this year.

This segment offers everything from Petrol, Diesel, and CNG to Hybrid and Electric options. Most buyers view this as a natural upgrade from sub-4 meter cars and hatchbacks. With showroom prices ranging from approximately ₹10.5 lakh to ₹22 lakh, there are plenty of variants to suit different budgets and feature preferences. It is also worth noting that some models from the segment above are available within this price bracket.

Price and Technical Specifications at a Glance:

HYUNDAI - KIA

Hyundai and Kia are sister companies, so the engine and gearbox options for the Creta and Seltos are identical. While the Creta Turbo Petrol only offers a Dual-Clutch Automatic (DCT), the Seltos also offers an iMT (clutchless manual) option. The new Seltos is slightly longer than the Creta by a few centimeters. Notably, only the Creta, Seltos, and Tata Sierra offer Diesel engine options in this segment.

* Creta: * 1.5L Petrol (115 hp, 144 Nm) [M, A]: ₹10.79 L – ₹18.97 L

   * 1.5L Turbo Petrol (160 hp, 253 Nm) [A]: ₹19.49 L – ₹20.09 L

   * 1.5L Diesel (116 hp, 250 Nm) [M, A]: ₹12.40 L – ₹20.20 L

* Seltos: * Petrol [M, A]: ₹10.99 L – ₹19.49 L

   * Turbo Petrol [iMT, A]: ₹12.89 L – ₹19.99 L

   * Diesel [M, A]: ₹12.59 L – ₹19.99 L

MARUTI SUZUKI - TOYOTA

The Maruti Victoris, Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder are developed under the Suzuki-Toyota partnership. They share the same platform and features.

* Engine Specs: 1.5L Petrol (103 hp, 139 Nm) | Petrol-CNG (87 hp) | 1.5L Strong Hybrid (92.5 hp, 122 Nm).

* Victoris: Petrol (M, A, 4WD): ₹10.49 L – ₹19.37 L | CNG (M): ₹11.49 L – ₹14.72 L | Hybrid (A): ₹16.38 L – ₹19.99 L.

* Grand Vitara: Petrol (M, A, 4WD): ₹10.77 L – ₹18.73 L | CNG (M): ₹13 L – ₹14.75 L | Hybrid (A): ₹16.63 L – ₹19.72 L.

* Hyryder: Petrol (M, A, 4WD): ₹10.95 L – ₹18.48 L | CNG (M): ₹13.33 L – ₹15.29 L | Hybrid (A): ₹16.46 L – ₹19.76 L.

TATA MOTORS

The Tata Sierra has created massive market hype with soaring bookings. Deliveries have just begun.

* Specs: 1.5L Petrol (106 hp), 1.5L Turbo Petrol (160 hp), 1.5L Diesel (118 hp).

* Price: Petrol: ₹11.49 L – ₹17.99 L | Turbo Petrol: ₹18 L – ₹21 L | Diesel: ₹13 L – ₹21.29 L.

VOLKSWAGEN - SKODA

The Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq are siblings, differing mainly in branding and cosmetic details.

* Engines: 1L Turbo Petrol (115 hp) and 1.5L Turbo Petrol (150 hp).

* Taigun: ₹10.58 L – ₹19.19 L.

* Kushaq: Updated model launched in January; prices are yet to be announced.

HONDA  

Elevate: 1.5L Petrol (121 hp) [M, A]: ₹11.60 L – ₹16.16 L

MG

Astor: 1.5L Petrol (110 hp) [M, A]: ₹9.79 L – ₹15.30 L.

RENAULT - NISSAN

Pre-bookings for the Renault Duster have opened. Prices will be announced in March, followed by deliveries. The Nissan version, the Tecton, will follow shortly.

Duster and Tekton will offer a 1L Turbo (100 HP 160 Nm, 6-speed manual), a 1.3L Turbo (163 HP 280 Nm, 6-speed manual, 6-speed Dual Clutch Auto), and a 1.8L Strong Hybrid (160 hp 172Nm. 8-speed Automatic). The hybrid version competes directly with the Maruti-Toyota hybrids. 

Note: All prices mentioned are ex-showroom. Insurance, road tax, and registration charges are extra.