Mahindra leads the pack with models like the Bolero, Scorpio N and XUV700, while Tata makes the list with its Safari.
Diesel has seen its market share shrink in recent years with stricter emission norms, but some Indian carmakers still offer family SUVs powered by the fuel, known for their strong torque delivery. When you look at the top 5 cheapest diesel 7-seater SUVs in India, Mahindra takes the lead, followed by Tata. Below, we have listed these models ranked from highest to lowest priced. It should be noted that the Tata and Mahindra SUV prices mentioned below are estimated and consider the revised GST rates.
5. Tata Safari
Tata Safari price range: Rs 14.66 lakh-25.15 lakh
Standing out as the only non-Mahindra model on this list is the Tata Safarithe homegrown brand’s combustion-run flagship SUV. Arranged from base to top, the seven-seater variants of the Safari are: Smart, Smart (O), Pure, Pure (O), Pure+, Pure+ S, Adventure, Adventure+, Accomplished, Accomplished+, Pure X, Adventure X+, Accomplished X and Accomplished X+. Under the hood, the Safari has a 170hp, 350Nm 2.0-litre diesel engine, which can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission (MT) or a 6-speed automatic (AT) gearbox.
4. Mahindra XUV700
Mahindra XUV700 diesel price range: Rs 14.18 lakh-23.78 lakh
The Mahindra XUV700 is now sold only in 7-seater guise, after the discontinuation of its 5-seater trims in May 2025. Mahindra sells its ICE SUV flagship in the following trims – MX, AX5 Select, AX5, AX7 and AX7L. While front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, the latter two trims can be had with an all-wheel drive (AWD) setup as well. XUV700’s 2.2-litre diesel engine makes 155hp, 360Nm (FWD) and 185hp, 420Nm-450Nm (AWD). Both 6MT and 6AT options are available, but the XUV700 AWD trims come exclusively with the automatic gearbox.
3. Mahindra Scorpio N
Mahindra Scorpio N diesel price range: Rs 13.71 lakh-24.24 lakh
Next in line is the Mahindra Scorpio Nwhich has a slightly more affordable entry point than the XUV700 and Safari. Scorpio N diesel variants are – Z2, Z4, Z6, Z8 Select, Z8, Z8T and Z8L. Opposed to the standard FWD setup of the XUV700, RWD is standard on the Scorpio N. Also, the Z4, Z8, and Z8 L variants can be had with a 4WD system. The Scorpio N is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine, generating 132hp, 300Nm (RWD) and 175hp, 400Nm (4WD). Transmission options include a 6MT and a 6AT.
2. Mahindra Scorpio Classic
Mahindra Scorpio Classic price range: Rs 13.03 lakh-16.76 lakh
Another popular model from the Indian SUV specialist is the Mahindra Scorpio Classic. Mahindra currently sells its Scorpio Classic in S and S11 variants. The Scorpio uses a 132hp, 300Nm 2.2-litre diesel engine mated to a 6MT. Unlike the SUVs above it, no AT option is on offer here.
1. Mahindra Bolero, Bolero Neo
Mahindra Bolero Price Range: Rs 9.28 Lakh-10.34 Lakh
Mahindra Bolero Neo Price Range: Rs 9.43 Lakh-11.52 Lakh
Mahindra Bolero.
At number one, the Mahindra bolero and Bolero Neo siblings are the cheapest diesel 7-seater SUVs in India. The standard Bolero, offered in B4, B6 and B6(O) variants, comes with a 76hp, 210Nm 1.5-litre diesel engine mated to a 5MT. Whereas, the more modern and premium Mahindra Bolero Neowhich is available in N4, N8, N10 and N10(O) variants, is run by a more powerful 100hp, 260Nm, 1.5-litre diesel engine married to a 5MT unit.
Black editions and dual-tone variants are not considered in this list.
Also see:
Every diesel SUV under Rs 30 lakh in India
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