Diesel cars remain the preferred choice for Indian buyers who cover high daily mileage or embark on frequent long-distance journeys. The fuel's superior thermal efficiency translates to lower per-kilometre running costs — a significant advantage for buyers in metros as well as in cities like Nagpur, Bhopal, Patna, and Kochi where long commutes are common. Under Rs. 20 lakh, several well-equipped diesel SUVs offer strong torque output, good highway mileage, and modern safety features. Top picks include the Mahindra Scorpio N diesel, Tata Harrier diesel, Hyundai Creta diesel, Mahindra XUV700 diesel, and Kia Seltos diesel — each delivering a different combination of space, performance, and technology within this budget.
A car loan from Bajaj Finance helps spread the cost of your diesel car purchase into easy monthly instalments. With up to 100% on-road financing available, your new diesel car is well within reach.
Want to avoid delays in your purchase? Check your pre-approved new car loan offer and move closer to owning your new car.
List of the best diesel cars under Rs. 20 lakh
| Model name | Ex-showroom price (starting at)* |
| Mahindra Scorpio N Diesel | Rs. 13,99,000 |
| Tata Harrier Diesel | Rs. 13,99,990 |
| Hyundai Creta Diesel | Rs. 12,40,000 |
| Mahindra XUV 7XO Diesel | Rs. 14,96,000 |
| Kia Seltos Diesel | Rs. 12,59,000 |
*Prices are ex-showroom, Delhi. Prices may vary by city, variant, and dealer.
Planning to buy one of these cars but unsure about your financing range? Check your new car loan eligibility and find out how much you can borrow before making your decision.
Let us explore each of these cars and see what makes them stand out. We will also see how you can finance them with a new car loan from Bajaj Finance.
Mahindra Scorpio N Diesel
The Mahindra Scorpio N diesel offers a proven mHawk engine with 15.94 kmpl mileage and strong torque for confident overtaking. Available in six and seven-seat configurations, it suits large families who want an assertive and capable diesel SUV.
Tata Harrier Diesel
The Tata Harrier diesel features a refined Kryotec diesel engine offering 16.35 kmpl and strong performance across city and highway conditions. Multiple drive modes, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced safety systems make it an excellent premium-feeling diesel SUV.
Hyundai Creta Diesel
The Hyundai Creta diesel packs a capable 1.5-litre CRDi engine that delivers up to 21.4 kmpl in its manual form. It combines strong performance with good fuel economy and Hyundai's trusted reliability for both city and highway driving.
Mahindra XUV700 Diesel
The Mahindra XUV700 diesel offers class-leading features, space, and a 2.2-litre engine producing 450 Nm torque. Loaded with ADAS, a dual-screen system, and a spacious seven-seat cabin, it is one of the best-value diesel SUVs available under Rs. 20 lakh.
Kia Seltos Diesel
The Kia Seltos diesel offers a smooth and efficient 1.5-litre CRDi engine with a refined ride quality. It delivers 18.3 kmpl in manual form and suits buyers who want diesel efficiency in a stylish, feature-loaded compact SUV body.
Planning to buy one of these cars but unsure if it fits your monthly budget? Check your new car loan eligibility and understand your financing options clearly before booking.
Why choose Bajaj Mall for your car purchase
Bajaj Mall offers a dedicated and convenient way to discover the best diesel cars within your budget. You can search by fuel type, brand, price, and seating capacity to find options that meet your requirements precisely. Detailed variant-level information allows you to make an informed decision before contacting a dealer.
Fund your diesel car purchase with the Bajaj Finserv New Car Loan. It offers:
- Up to 100% on-road price funding
- Attractive car loan interest rates
- Flexible repayment tenure options
- Minimal documentation and quick approval
Use the car loan EMI calculator to set a monthly instalment that works comfortably within your household budget.
Ready to move ahead? Check your pre-approved new car loan offer and bring home your new car with ease.