Recently, we covered the best cars to buy under ₹10 lakh in 2025, but with the growing economy, the preferred buying range has also shifted to ₹10-15 lakh. So, we have put together a list of the top 5 best cars to buy under ₹15 lakh in 2025. This carefully curated selection picks the best options from a slew of choices, ensuring that every need or purpose (whether practicality, performance, or features) is well accounted for in this budget.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has been a topper in the Indian MPV segment since its launch in 2012, offering practicality, space, and affordability in one package. It competes with models like the Kia Carens and Mahindra Marazzo but continues to dominate the segment thanks to Maruti's strong brand presence and unbeatable reliability. 

On the exterior, the Ertiga features a Chrome-finished Grille, Projector Headlamp with LED DRLs, and stylish dual-tone 15’ Alloy wheels. The rear gets LED Taillights—which resemble the Vlovo XC90’s Tail lamp— giving it a premium MPV look. Inside, it offers an immensely spacious cabin with Beige Fabric interiors, a 7’ SmartPlay Pro Infotainment screen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Automatic Climate Control, and rear AC vents. The Ertiga also comes with features like Cruise Control, a push-button Start, and a Height-adjustable driver’s seat. 

Under the hood, the Ertiga comes with a 1.5L K15C Naturally Aspirated Petrol engine producing 103 hp and 137 Nm torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. It also has a CNG variant, which delivers 88 hp and 121.5 Nm torque, making it an economical choice for buyers. The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is priced from ₹8.84 lakh ex-showroom. 

Mahindra Thar Roxx

The Mahindra Thar Roxx is an exciting addition to the Thar lineup, bringing a desi wrangler, off-road-ready variant of India’s most loved 4x4 SUV. It rivals the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Force Gurkha but stands out with its rugged design and factory-fitted off-road mechanicals. The Thar Roxx is unique because it offers extreme off-road capability with a normal car-like comfort straight from the showroom, without the need for aftermarket modifications— something that was being demanded for a long time on the Thar 3-door.

The exterior gets an aggressive look with a matte-black Grille, auxiliary LED lights, and off-road Bumpers. It sits on large all-terrain tires wrapped around Diamond-cut 19’ Alloy wheels. The interior retains the robust layout of the standard Thar but adds premium features such as a 10.25' Infotainment screen, a 10.25’ Instrument Cluster, an Automatic Climate Control, Steering-mounted controls, and Washable Cabin materials. It also gets dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and ESP for safety. Earlier, the Thar Roxx was offered with pitch White-colored interiors, but now, an option of Mocha Brown Interiors is available, limited to Diesel variants only. 

The Thar Roxx is powered by the same powertrains as other Mahindra SUVs— 2.0L turbo-petrol engine producing 152 hp and 320 Nm torque, and a 2.2L diesel engine that makes 130 hp and 300 Nm torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. Mahindra has priced the Thar Roxx at ₹12.99 lakh ex-showroom.

Tata Punch.ev

The Tata Punch.ev was the first Born-EV from an Indian brand in the Indian EV space, offering an affordable electric SUV with advanced technology. It competes with the Citroen eC3 and the MG Comet EV, the Punch.ev stands out with its Punch ICE selling traits, like the SUV stance, space, and premium features. As we mentioned before, it was the first Tata EV based on the new Acti.ev platform, which enhances efficiency and performance.

On the exterior, it gets a futuristic front fascia with LED DRLs, a Closed-off grille, and aero-efficient 16’ Alloy wheels. The interior is well-equipped with a 10.25' Infotainment screen, a 10.25' Instrument Cluster, ventilated front seats, a Wireless charger, and a 6-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Other features include Automatic Climate Control, Cruise Control, and a 360-degree camera. Moreover, the design of the Punch.ev will be carried over to the upcoming 2025 Punch ICE facelift. 

The Punch.ev comes with two battery options: a 25 kWh battery producing 82 hp and 114 Nm torque, and a larger 35 kWh battery generating 122 hp and 190 Nm torque. Both variants offer fast-charging capabilities. Overall, it can achieve a real-world Driving range of 200-250 km. The Tata Punch.ev is priced from ₹9.99 lakh ex-showroom.

Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos has been a kick-ass-looking SUV in the mid-size SUV segment since its launch in 2019. It rivals the Hyundai Creta (upon which it is also based), Maruti Grand Vitara, and Skoda Kushaq but continues to lead in terms of design, features, material quality, and performance. The 2025 facelift has made the Seltos even more appealing with updated styling and more tech-loaded features.

On the outside, the Seltos gets Kia’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, sleek LED DRLs, Projector LED headlamp, and newly designed 18’ Alloy wheels. The GT Line and X-Line variants add sportier touches with Matte finishes. Inside, it offers a dual-screen layout with a 10.25' Instrument cluster and a 10.25' Infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features include a Panoramic sunroof, Dual-zone Climate Control, Ventilated seats, a Bose premium sound system, and ADAS Level 2 safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane-keeping assist.

The Kia Seltos comes with three engine options— a 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol engine that produces 115 hp and 144 Nm torque, a 1.5L turbo-petrol that chucks out 160 hp and 253 Nm torque, and a 1.5L diesel that produces 116 hp and 250 Nm torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual, CVT, 6-speed iMT, and 7-speed DCT, depending on the variant. Kia has priced the Seltos from ₹11.13 lakh ex-showroom.

Mahindra Scorpio N

The Mahindra Scorpio N is the daddy of all SUVs under ₹15 lakh, offering a perfect blend of power, space, and road presence. It rivals the Tata Harrier and Hyundai Alcazar but remains a favorite due to its body-on-frame construction and badass road presence. The Scorpio N proves to be a “Bhaukaal” SUV for the Urban Jungle with its stance, luxurious cabin, and feature-packed interior, making it an all-rounder in its price bracket.

On the exterior, the Scorpio N boasts a bold Chrome Grille with vertical Slats, full-LED Projector headlamps, LED fog lamps, and muscular arches. The rear profile gets dynamic LED Tail lamps and a side-opening Tailgate. Inside, the SUV offers a premium dual-tone cabin with soft-touch materials, a large 8' Infotainment screen with AdrenoX connected car technology, a 12-speaker Sony 3D surround sound system, dual-zone Climate Control, and a Digital-Analogue Instrument Cluster. Other premium features include Ventilated front seats, Wireless charging, a Sunroof, and a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

Powering the Scorpio N are two engine options— a 2.0L Turbo-Petrol engine producing 203 hp and 380 Nm torque, and a 2.2L diesel engine available in two states of tune: 132 hp/300 Nm for the base variants and 175 hp/400 Nm for the higher variants. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic, with the diesel variants also offering a 4x4 system. Mahindra has priced the Scorpio N from ₹13.99 lakh ex-showroom.