Best 5 diesel automatic SUVs that are available in India

While deciding for a big SUV, most of the buyers consider automatics. They also prefer a diesel engine as it significantly affects the fuel economy despite the big size of the car. According to Hyundai, the recently launched 2020 Creta received over 50% of the bookings for a diesel variant. This confirms that people prefer a diesel car when it comes to SUVs.

Automotive manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki and Renault have discontinued the production of diesel engines but some manufacturers are still offering them while complying with the stricter emission regulations.

Also read: Nissan Kicks Turbo Petrol: Full Features list

 We have compiled 5 diesel SUVs that are offering an automatic transmission:

Hyundai Creta

The previous generation of Creta was one of the highest selling mid-size SUV on the Indian markets. Once the competition gets stiff  Hyundai decided to finally launch the second generation of  Creta. This new generation shares its parts, engine and platform with Kia Seltos. By equipping even the base variant of Creta with a lot of features Hyundai ensured good sales. However, the highlight of the Creta is a panoramic sunroof. The 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 113 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. The engine comes with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission which has been calibrated better than the one on the Seltos and is smooth shifting. Hyundai Creta SX Diesel AT starts from Rs. 15.99 lakhs ex-showroom.

Kia Seltos

Kia has established itself on the Indian markets with the sales that the Seltos was able to achieve. Kia has loaded the SUV with best in segment features such as a blind-view monitor, 360-degree camera, well ventilated front seats and front parking sensors. The SUV is even featured with an electric sunroof, Bose sound system and connected car features. It is powered by the same engine as the Creta due to which it produces 113 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. It is mated to the 6-speed torque converted found on the Creta. However, in Seltos it is not well calibrated as compared to  Creta. This makes the driving little jerky at slow speed but it is quite smooth when driven at higher speeds.  Most of the people should not have a problem with the gearbox.  When we consider the price, the Seltos seems value for money. Kia Seltos HTK Plus AT D has been priced at Rs. 13.54 lakhs ex-showroom.

Tata Harrier

Recently updated Harrier is now offered with a Hyundai sourced 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, panoramic sunroof and the engine also now produces more power. The SUV also gets 6-way electric adjust for driver seat, automatic IRVM and driving modes. The 2.0-litre Kyrotec diesel engine produces 170 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. The automatic transmission is smooth to use and the SUV is very stable at triple digits on those highway duties. The engine is now refined than before and is more responsive. Tata Harrier XMA will cost  Rs. 16.25 lakhs ex-showroom.

Jeep Compass

Jeep Compass is the most affordable 4×4 automatic diesel SUV  on this list. Compass is known for its interior build with premium quality and soft-touch materials. It comes with dual-zone climate control, touch-screen infotainment system, rear AC vents, cruise control and much more. The Compass is one of the most sophisticated driving characteristics SUV. The Multijet 2.0-litre diesel engine has been derived from the Trailhawk and it produces 173 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 9-speed torque converter gearbox. The gearbox is smooth and shifts timely but they are not as responsive as a DCT. The engine stays relaxed on the highways and can handle bad patches of the road quite well. The Jeep Compass 2.0 Longitude AT starts from Rs. 21.96 lakhs ex-showroom which is quite good for a 4×4 premium SUV.

Toyota Fortuner

The current generation of Toyota Fortuner has been on sale in India for quite some time and is due for a facelift now. The cabin feels posh due to some wooden inserts, leather upholstery and silver highlights. Fortuner has been known for its ruggedness, durability and Toyota’s reliability. The SUV gets LEDs for its projector headlamps, fog lamps, DRLs and tail lamps, automatic climate control, electric adjust for driver seat and much more. The rear seat occupants get AC vents and recline adjustment for their seats. The 2.8-litre diesel engine produces 177 PS and 450 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed torque converter gearbox. The engine and gearbox combo feels smooth and responsive because the turbo-lag is very well contained. Toyota Fortuner 2.8 2WD AT is priced at Rs. 32.05 lakhs ex-showroom. You can also get a 4×4 variant with the automatic transmission.

Ford Endeavour

Ford recently updated its flagship SUV in India with some styling tweaks such as new headlamps, new engine and gearbox combo. The Endeavour gets HID headlamps with LED DRLs, automatic wipers and headlamps, dual-zone climate control, parking assist, hands-free boot and active noise cancelling for the cabin. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and is connected to a 10-speaker sound system. The new 2.0-litre diesel engine produces 170 bhp and 420 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. It comes with Ford’s Select Shift technology which allows the gearbox to drop several gears at a time using clever algorithms. The gearbox can even skip some gears so that the engine always stays in its meat of the rev-band. Ford Endeavour Titanium 4×2 AT is priced at just Rs. 29.55 lakhs ex-showroom and a 4×4 variant is also available…..price??.

Driving big bulky SUVs can be quite intimidating in heavy traffic.  Automatic gearbox relieves the driver of that pressure. Whereas, the diesel engines ensure that the frugality is not lost. With more and more people attracted to SUVs, diesel and automatic gearbox combo make more sense.

Also read: BS6 Tata Nexon AMT Compact SUV delivers an ARAI certified mileage of 22.4 Kmpl