New or used petrol AWD SUV for under Rs 15 lakh: Options?

Hardcore 4x4 isn't an absolute must, can also consider a good diesel option.

BHPian aviator1101 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Will be the third car in the garage for those drives where you want to take that one further step in adventure but the capabilities of your ride holds you back.

• A five-seater is preferred.
• Comfort and space are important
• Though no major hassles in buying a diesel car, petrol is preferred.
• Hardcore 4x4 is not a requirement.
• A used car in good condition is also an option.
• The budget is slightly stretchable, but not much.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

A pre-owned Compass will be best for you. Since you drive an EcoSport, the solid build quality + mature suspension will meet/exceed your expectations. The turbo-diesel is a beautiful motor. Other alternatives = late model XUV500 AWD (space advantage), late model Hexa and Duster AWD (still among the best suspensions <50 lakhs). 4x4s like the Thar, old Scorpio, Fortuner etc. are way too bumpy for your requirements.

New cars = Hyryder AWD, while the 4-door Thar & 4-door Gurkha might be worth waiting for, as it's the 3rd car of the house and these offroaders give you a different kind of "kick".

Here's what BHPian Samba had to say on the matter:

A preowned Compass AWD or Duster AWD will suffice your needs. You can get a Duster from 2019/20 within Rs 10L. A 2017/18 Compass AWD will cost you roughly Rs 15L or a bit less.

Pick any one of these two with lesser odo reading, full-service history and preferably from the 1st owner.

I am using a 2018 Duster AWD, and am happy with it. I was thinking of trading it for a Jimny or Thar petrol, but refrained from doing so, and decided to enjoy the Duster for longer. Spare parts availability is not an issue too.

The same applies to the Compass.

Both cars will tick all your boxes.

• Even if the NGT ban comes into the picture, you can comfortably use either of these two for the next 5 years.
• Diesel, so lesser running cost.
• BS4, so no headache for DPF issues.
• Comfortable.
• Very competent on the highways. Decently fast with good handling.
• Enough cabin plus boot space for long holiday drives with 4 people.
• The AWD is quite capable. I have comfortably been to places like Sandakphu, or Winter Spiti in my Duster AWD. A Compass will be equally capable off the road, and even better on the road!

I do not think you will need something more capable than this for touring!

The other options can be the Scorpio S11 4WD from 2015-2018, or the Toyota Fortuner from 2013 to 2015. A good Ford Endeavour will be tough to find within Rs 15L. Plus am not sure about the spare parts availability of the Endeavour.

Here's what BHPian HTC had to say on the matter:

You can look for well maintained Suzuki Grand Vitara. Interiors if taken good care will put even the new generation car interiors to shame.

Spacious 5-seater. Petrol. Has full-time 4wd along with 4H and 4L. 235/70 R16 means big tyres and decent ground clearance. Departure angles are well-designed for mild off-roading. Bulletproof engine.

The only downside is below 10 FE and expensive spares.

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