Rear-wheel drive vehicles are uncommon in mainstream market categories because front-engine, front-wheel-drive variants are less expensive and easier to manufacture. Still, there are a few mass-market RWD cars and SUVs on sale in India, and we've compiled a list of the ten most affordable models with the drive arrangement.
10. Toyota Fortuner
From Rs 35.37 lakh
The Toyota Fortuner, priced at Rs 35.37 lakh, just about makes the list. The Fortuner is available in 2WD with petrol and diesel engine options, with the petrol version having just an automatic transmission and the diesels having both manual and automatic options. Regardless of whether the Fortuner is RWD or 4WD, it has a robust build, a gruff look, and big interiors, albeit the cabin does not feel particularly distinctive.
| Toyota Fortuner 4x2 factfile | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.7-litre petrol/2.8-litre diesel |
| Transmission | AT/MT & AT |
| Variants | P 4x2 AT, D 4x2 MT, D 4x2 AT, Legender D 4x2 AT |
| Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 35.57-44.11 |
9. Mahindra XEV 9e
From Rs 21.90 lakh
The Mahindra XEV 9e is the first of the Indian brand's two new EVs, and it comes with two battery pack configurations, the largest of which has a MIDC range of up to 656 kilometers. Both battery options include rear-wheel drive as standard, and the coupe-SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in a claimed 6.8 seconds when powered by the bigger battery and 286hp motor. Our XEV 9e review discovered that the dazzling array of technology is a major lure, and the EV is a pleasure to drive. However, the limited vision out the back is a significant ergonomic problem.
| Mahindra XEV 9e factfile | |
|---|---|
| Battery | 59kWh/79kWh |
| Range | 542km/656km |
| Variants | Pack One, Pack Two, Pack Three Select, Pack Three |
| Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 21.90-30.50 |
8. Isuzu D-Max
From Rs 21.50 lakh onwards
The Isuzu D-Max pickup truck is designed to move cargo across most terrains, but it also serves as a lifestyle vehicle. The D-Max, available in Hi-Lander and V-Cross trims (both in double cab form), is a tough-as-nails model, though it feels its size in the city and is pricey. Nonetheless, the pickup is one of the most economical automobiles on the market with a rear-wheel-drive configuration; the more costly V Cross also has a 4WD option, but only with manual gearbox.
| Isuzu D-Max factfile | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hi-Lander | V-Cross 4x2 | |
| Engine | 1.9-litre diesel | 1.9-litre diesel |
| Transmission | MT | AT |
| Variants | Standard, Premium | Standard, Premium |
| Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 21.49-21.79 | 25.99-25.29 |
7. Toyota Innova Crysta
From Rs 19.99 lakh
The Toyota Innova Crysta may be geared more toward the fleet market following the introduction of the Hycross, but the MPV continues to sell well. The MPV is available in 7- and 8-seat configurations, offers good capacity and practicality, and provides a worry-free ownership experience; nevertheless, the steering wheel is on the heavier side.
| Toyota Innova Crysta factfile | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4-litre diesel |
| Transmission | MT |
| Variants | GX (7S), GX (8S), GX+ (7S), GX+ (8S), VX (7S), VX (8S), ZX (7S) |
| Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 19.99-26.82 |
6. Mahindra BE 6
From Rs 18.90 lakh onwards
The Mahindra BE 6 shares battery and powertrain options with the XEV 9e, and because it is smaller and lighter, it is somewhat faster and has a longer range. It competes with the Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Curvv EV, and MG ZS EV and is packed with features and technology. It delivers impressive performance, particularly in Pack Three, where it has a 79kWh battery and a 286hp rear axle-mounted engine. On the other side, the BE 6's cabin ergonomics are not ideal, and the infotainment system can be difficult to use.
| Mahindra BE 6 factfile | |
|---|---|
| Battery | 59kWh/79kWh |
| Range | 556km/682km |
| Variants | Pack One, Pack One Above, Pack Two, Pack Three Select, Pack Three |
| Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 18.90-26.90 |
5. Mahindra Scorpio range
From Rs 13.62 lakh onwards
The Mahindra Scorpio Classic and Scorpio N do not share a platform, according to the brand, but they both provide a similar proposition: a large, rugged 7-seater with smooth and strong engines. The Scorpio N's third row seating and boot space aren't the best constructed, and the Classic's feature list is outdated in this day and age. Unlike the Classic, the Scorpio N offers an AWD option on diesel-powered vehicles. This month, there are discounts of up to Rs 1.25 lakh on the Scorpio series, and waiting periods have been extended to two and a half months.
| Mahindra Scorpio factfile | ||
|---|---|---|
| Scorpio Classic | Scorpio N 4x2 | |
| Engine | 2.2-litre diesel | 2.0-litre turbo-petrol/2.2-litre diesel |
| Transmission | MT | MT & AT |
| Variants | S, S11 | Z2, Z4, Z6, Z8 S, Z8, Z8 L |
| Price (in Rs, lakh) | Rs 13.62-17.50 | 13.99-22.76 |
4. Mahindra Thar range
From Rs 11.50 lakh onwards
The Mahindra Thar 3-door and Thar Roxx 5-door SUVs are available in RWD and 4x4 configurations, however only the 3-door model receives the smaller 1.5-litre diesel engine; the 2.2-litre diesel engine in the Thar is only available in 4x4 configuration. Both are rugged lifestyle cars, with the Roxx providing more practicality and room, as well as powerful engines and true off-road capability. However, top-spec Thar variants are expensive, and the 3-door vehicle has a bumpy ride quality, and the Roxx is less user-friendly than monocoque SUV competitors.
| Mahindra Thar, Thar Roxx factfile | ||
|---|---|---|
| Thar 4x2 | Roxx 4x2 | |
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbo-petrol/1.5-litre diesel | 2.0-litre turbo-petrol/2.2-litre diesel |
| Transmission | AT/MT | MT & AT |
| Variants | AX OPT, LX | MX1, MX3, AX3 L, MX5, AX5 L, AX7 L |
| Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 11.50-14.25 | 12.99-20.99 |
3. Mahindra Bolero range
From Rs 9.79 lakh onwards
Mahindra's workhorse, the Bolero, and the renamed TUV300, now known as the Bolero Neo, are only available in RWD configurations. Both sub-4-metre 7-seaters come with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel engine and a manual gearbox. While both vehicles appear to be tough and made to last, the Neo lacks amenities found on many compact SUVs today, and the Bolero appears to be out of date. Bolero and Bolero Neo discounts total Rs 1.4 lakh in March.
| Mahindra Bolero factfile | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bolero | Bolero Neo | |
| Engine | 1.5-litre diesel | 1.5-litre diesel |
| Transmission | MT | MT |
| Variants | B4, B6, B6 OPT | N4, N8, N10 R, N10 OPT |
| Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 9.79-10.91 | 9.95-12.15 |
2. MG Comet
From Rs 7 lakh onwards
The tiny, maneuverable two-door EV takes advantage of its tall-boy form to maximize inside space, and its cabin feels upscale. On the other hand, the MG Comet lacks maturity and has a rough ride. The Comet's rear axle-mounted 42hp powertrain allows it to go quickly about town, but it will feel overwhelmed on the highway. MG Motor India has announced the all-black Comet Blackstorm, priced at Rs 9.81 lakh.
| MG Comet factfile | |
|---|---|
| Battery | 17.3kWh |
| Range | 230km |
| Variants | Executive, Excite, Exclusive, Blackstorm |
| Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 7.00-9.84 |
1. Maruti Eeco
From Rs 5.44 lakh onwards
Despite its simplicity and image as a taxi or fleet vehicle, Maruti Suzuki's van continues to dominate sales rankings. Nonetheless, the Maruti Eeco, which is now the most affordable RWD car in India, succeeds at providing low running costs and more than adequate baggage room. Interestingly, the Eeco has the same 1.2-litre petrol engine as the Ignis and Wagon R, but it is placed longitudinally rather than transversely.
| Maruti Eeco factfile | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2-litre petrol |
| Transmission | MT |
| Variants | 5-seat STD, 7-seat STD, 5-seat AC, 7-seat AC CNG |
| Price range (in Rs, lakh) | 5.44-6.70 |
