5 best petrol-automatic mid-size SUVs on sale in India

The mid-size SUV segment is fiercely competitive and petrol-automatic models are becoming more and more popular. There’s quite a selection of models available too in this arena today. Read on to know which petrol-automatic mid-size SUV makes it to our top 5 list and why.

Hyundai Creta 9/10

The second-gen Hyundai Creta builds on its predecessor’s strengths in terms of comfort, features and driveability. The 1.5 petrol-CVT option is great for the city slicker, while the Creta 1.4 turbo-petrol with the dual-clutch auto is for the more spirited. The 2020 Creta is a great all-rounder that delivers on every front.

Hyundai Creta automatic fact file

Engine	1497cc, 4 cyl, petrol	1353cc, 4 cyl, turbo-petrol
Power	115hp	140hp
Torque	144Nm	242Nm
Gearbox type	CVT	7-speed dual-clutch
ARAI mileage	16.9kpl	16.8kpl
Price (ex-showroom, India)	Rs 14.94-16.15 lakh	Rs 16.16-17.20 lakh

Kia Seltos 9/10

We realised from our comparison of the Seltos and the Creta that the latter noses ahead of its cousin on a few fronts – ride quality, rear-seat comfort and a larger sunroof. However, the Kia Seltos is more fun to drive, especially when specced with the 1.4 turbo-petrol-DCT combo – our in-depth Seltos road test showed it took 9.72secs to 100kph. The Seltos 1.5 petrol-CVT is more than decent too. Kia’s mid-size SUV is a very close runner-up for the top spot.

Kia Seltos automatic fact file

Engine	1497cc, 4 cyl, petrol	1353cc, 4 cyl, turbo-petrol
Power	115hp	140hp
Torque	144Nm	242Nm
Gearbox type	CVT	7-speed dual-clutch
ARAI mileage	16.8kpl	16.5kpl
Price (ex-showroom, India)	Rs 14.35 lakh	Rs 17.29 lakh

Renault Duster 8/10

Its tough and rugged looks, ability to flatten the poorest road surfaces, new 156hp turbo-petrol engine, and an attractive price tag are the main reasons why the Renault Duster is a good mid-size SUV. Our Duster Turbo CVT review showed that it was quite quick too, and decent to drive in the city. It does, however, feel a bit dated in comparison to its rivals, particularly in terms of features and tech.

Renault Duster automatic fact file

Engine	1330cc, 4 cyl, turbo-petrol
Power	156hp
Torque	254Nm
Gearbox type	CVT
ARAI mileage	-
Price (ex-showroom, India)	Rs 12.99-13.59 lakh

Nissan Kicks 8/10

The Nissan Kicks SUV feels rugged and overcomes bad roads with aplomb. The Kicks’ new 156hp direct-injection turbo unit (which comes with a CVT auto) is shared with the Duster, and offers more than respectable performance. While it is a practical and spacious SUV with interiors that are solidly built, the Kicks does have some ergonomic issues, though.

Nissan Kicks automatic fact file

Engine	1330cc, 4 cyl, turbo-petrol
Power	156hp
Torque	254Nm
Gearbox type	CVT
ARAI mileage	15.8kpl (approx)
Price (ex-showroom, India)	Rs 13.45-14.15 lakh

Maruti Suzuki S-Cross 7/10

As a value proposition, the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross rates high – you get mid-size SUV space for compact SUV money. However, its crossover looks aren’t what Indian buyers look for in an SUV. The S-Cross is the only one here with a mild-hybrid setup, which helps make it quite frugal. However, our S-Cross petrol review did reveal just how slow the 4-speed auto unit feels compared to its rivals.

Maruti SuzukiS-Cross automatic fact file

Engine	1462cc, 4 cyl, petrol
Power	105hp
Torque	138Nm
Gearbox type	4-speed torque convertor
ARAI mileage	18.43kpl
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi)	Rs 10.83-12.39 lakh