In recent years, diesel cars have become increasingly popular in India but at the same time options for diesel are also declining rapidly due to the emission norms in India. However diesel engines offer the perfect blend of power, fuel efficiency, and ease of driving. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV, a stylish sedan, or a compact car, the availability of diesel variants within a budget of ₹20 Lakhs is quite limited. These cars not only provide excellent mileage but also offer a smoother driving experience, especially for long-distance journeys and city commutes.
In this blog, we will explore the best diesel cars under 20 Lakhs in India for 2025, considering factors like performance, comfort, features, and overall value for money. So, whether you’re upgrading your ride or purchasing your first diesel car, read on to discover the top models that should be on your radar. Let us now look into the options that are available in Indian market in 2025.
1. Hyundai Creta Diesel
Hyundai Creta has been one of the most popular model amongst it’s competitors like Grand Vitara, Elevate and others. The blend of features, technology and performance that is provided by Hyundai is commendable and hence it is so much liked by the customers. additionally it comes with diesel options which they call CRDi which is also shared with it’s sister Brand KIA Seltos. This engine has been phenomenally responsive and provides great performance with fuel efficiency and that is one of the main reason why the Creta Diesel is loved so much. Let us see the engine variants and specifications that
Hyundai offers-
Hyundai is offering Petrol, Diesel and EV in Creta but since today we are concerned about the Diesel variants, let us dig into that,
Engine Specifications–
- Engine Type: Diesel
- Engine Displacement: 1493 cc
- Number of Cylinders: 4-cylinders inline
- Maximum Power Output: 113 bhp @ 4000 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
- Transmissions– Manual and Automatic (Torque Converter)
- Emission Standard: BS6
- Mileage– 16-20 KMPL
2. Scorpio N Z8 Select
Scorpio N Z8 Select has been one of the most value for money variant in the complete Scorpio N line-up for the budget buyers since the release of the variant. This variant is mainly launched considering the budget buyers who can compromise some of the good to have features and at the same time enjoy the ride quality of an SUV like Scorpio N within a tight budget. Scorpio is offering a full size mHawk diesel engine which is also shared with the Thar. Now let us see what are the engine specifications available in the diesel variant of the Scorpio N-
Engine Specifications–
- Engine Type: Diesel
- Engine Displacement: 2184 cc
- Number of Cylinders: 4-cylinders inline
- Maximum Power Output: 172 bhp @ 3500 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 400 Nm @ 1750-2750 rpm
- Transmissions– Manual and Automatic (Torque Converter)
- Emission Standard: BS6
- Mileage– 10-14 KMPL
3. Mahindra Thar
Mahindra Thar is present in the Indian Market for a very long time and Indians have loved the Thar throughout. Although after the major facelift in 2020, the sales of Thar has significantly increased and after the launch of Thar 5 door in 2024, the hype has now exceeded it’s limit. Thar is made for it’s off-road capabilities and Indians accepted the presence and capabilities of the same in a very positive way. Now let us see what are the Engine specifications we get in Diesel Thar.
Engine Specifications–
- Engine Type: Diesel
- Engine Displacement: 2184 cc mHawk 130
- Number of Cylinders: 4-cylinders inline
- Maximum Power Output: 130 bhp @ 3750 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 300 Nm @ 1600-2800 rpm
- Transmissions– Manual and Automatic (Torque Converter)
- Emission Standard: BS6
- Mileage– 13-17 KMPL
4. Kia Syros
Kia Syros is a recently launched model from Kia in India. It is a car made with mix of all major requirements on a car by the Indian customers. Yes, you heard it right!, Kia made the Syros with a great ground clearance along with all features available in the segment like ADAS level 2, Panoramic Sunroof and many more. Fortunately Kia has introduced a Diesel option in the all-new Syros. Let us see what are the Engine Specs we get in the Kia Syros Diesel.
Engine Specifications–
- Engine Type: Diesel
- Engine Displacement: 1493 cc 4 Cylinders Inline, DOHC
- Number of Cylinders: 4-cylinders inline
- Maximum Power Output: 114 bhp @ 4000 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
- Transmissions– Manual and Automatic (Torque Converter)
- Emission Standard: BS6
- Mileage– 13-17 KMPL
5. Tata Safari
The Tata Safari is a popular mid-size SUV from the Indian automaker Tata Motors. Known for its bold and rugged design, it has been a significant player in the Indian SUV market. The first generation of the Safari was launched in 1998, and it quickly became a favorite due to its size, comfort, and off-road capabilities. With updated features and technology in the new Tata Safari, it has become a more wholesome package in a car. Let us see the engine specifications available in the Diesel Safari 2025.
Engine Specifications–
- Engine Type: Diesel
- Engine Displacement: 1956 cc 4 Cylinders Inline, DOHC, Kryotec 2.0L
- Number of Cylinders: 4-cylinders inline
- Maximum Power Output: 168 bhp @ 3750 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 350 Nm @ 1750 rpm
- Transmissions– Manual and Automatic (Torque Converter)
- Emission Standard: BS6
- Mileage– 8-12 KMPL
Conclusion
Many manufacturers are shifting towards only Petrol and EV cars and stopped manufacturing diesel cars due to the emission norms in different countries, however we know that how a diesel car excels in performance and mileage. Since the mileage of the car is an important factor for many customers because of their high average daily running and at the same time customers who doesn’t prefer EVs yet, diesel is a demanded engine in the market still now.
