SUVs under Rs 50L: AWD, fun & safe options to replace my Skoda Rapid

Our top choice is the Kodiaq, but also considered the Hilux, Gloster, used GLC and a Meridian

BHPian CarEnthusiast24 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Me and my dad own a Soda Rapid diesel DSG and we love it, but the car is now very old and we have decided that it's time for an upgrade. We are planning to buy an SUV under 50 lacs since Gurgaon roads are not well suited to sedans.

Our requirements are:

• AWD/4x4 (Must have mild off-road capability)
• Under 50 lakh
• At least 4 star NCAP Rating
• Must be fun

Cars we considered:

1. Skoda Kodiaq: Our top choice so far, since we found the interior to be amazing and we love the way the exterior looks. My dad also enjoys the way it drives. However, there is a new model on the horizon.
2. Jeep Meridian: Has great off-road capability and decent interiors. However, my dad found it very underpowered compared to the Kodiaq and the car is not very comfortable (especially in the back).
3. Toyota Hilux: Extremely fun to be in as it has a very high driving position and you can take it literally anywhere. Very reliable. Looks awesome but is hopelessly impractical as its way too long to use in crowded cities. Also bad ride quality and comfort in the rear due to leaf springs and cramped rear seat.
4. Used GLC: Nothing inherently bad about it, but lacks any kind of fun. Boring exterior, boring interior. Basically not as good as the Kodiaq but more expensive.
5. MG Gloster: Feature-packed and very spacious. But my dad does not like the idea of spending 50 lakh on an unproven MG. And we aren't sure about the build quality.
6. Scorpio N: Great Value and great at off-roading but uncomfortable and lacks many features compared to other cars we are considering. Also very long waiting period.
7. Used Audi Q3: Inferior to Kodiaq in every way. Only considering if we get a very good price.

Cars we are not considering:

1. VW Tiguan: Absolutely horrendous ride quality and uninspiring interiors. Not considering it anymore.
2. Thar: Great at off-roading but rubbish at everything else.
3. Hyundai Tucson: Good to drive and has many features but a 3-star safety rating put us off.
4. Jimny: Again, 3 star NCAP Rating.
5. Fortuner/Legender: Extremely overpriced, not as fun as the Hilux and lacks many features compared to Kodiaq and Meridian. Also uncomfortable seats.
6. XUV 700: Tried and failed to get a test drive. Also not sure about reliability as we have seen many horror stories on team BHP.
7. Used BMW X3: Overpriced and lacks important features.

So the Kodiaq and Hilux are top choices right now, but do we wait for the new Kodiaq or get the current one? Also, is the Hilux practical for daily use?

Please help us make a decision BHPians! We are stumped.

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

There are many many threads already on the forum discussing this very dilemma of the very sought-after price bracket these days.

The Skoda Kodiaq wins hands down. The new model coming up is slimmer and shorter, and would probably be priced around 60 large. Unless you're willing to wait for another year and happy to spend 10 big ones more on an almost identical car with a 'big' touch screen, there's no reason left to not buy the current-gen Kodiaq.

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

The Kodiaq is the best option you can get considering your requirements, It has almost all your requirements covered and is an excellent car overall, The next best option would be the Hyundai Tucson AWD, it scored 5 stars in the Euro NCAP in November 2021, but scored just 3 stars in the Latin NCAP tests in 2022, so not sure which one to go for, but regardless, it is an excellent package as well. But considering the fact that you are unwilling to compromise on safety, the Kodiaq would be the de-facto choice.

Waiting for the facelift which will launch sometime in 2024, may be an option as well, but remember, it will come at a premium over the outgoing model.

Here's what BHPian aseem23 had to say on the matter:

Hey if you are fine with Petrol, then Skoda Kodiaq is the best option. However, be mindful of the fuel efficiency as in city traffic don't expect more than 6-7km/l and anywhere near 12-13 km/l on the highways. Also, a newer version of the Kodiaq is due in the next 6 months I guess.

With Diesel, nothing beats Hyundai Tucson in this segment, and price range. Powerful smooth engine, best-in-class features, reliability, safety, comfort, and Fuel efficiency. Expect the B2B city average to be around 10-11km/l, and 17-18km/l on the highways. Also, there is absolutely ZERO service cost till 30,000kms as Hyundai has got it covered.

Regarding Tucson safety, don't go by the misleading headlines, go through the finer details to understand why and where Tucson got a 3-star safety rating. The devil is in the details, and the Indian version will easily get 5-star safety even with updated protocols. The car sold in Latin America is not the same as the one sold in Europe which is not the same as the one sold in India

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