Top five most affordable automatic SUVs: Tata Punch, Exter facelift & more

Automatic SUVs have become more accessible, with carmakers offering automatic gearboxes in smaller and more affordable models. This shift has made them a practical option for buyers, particularly in urban traffic conditions. Entry-level and compact SUVs now combine convenience with usable features, space and ground clearance for daily use. Buyers can choose from different transmission types, including AMT, CVT and other options, with models available across a wider price range. In this article, let’s take a look at the top five most affordable SUVs with an automatic gearbox.

Nissan Magnite AMT

The first SUV in the list is the Nissan Magnite AMT, priced from Rs 6.2 lakh (ex-showroom). The AMT gearbox-equipped Magnite is powered by a 1.0-litre NA petrol with 72hp of power 96Nm torque. There’s also a more powerful 1.0-litre turbo petrol with 100hp of power and 160Nm torque. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard across both; the turbo-petrol engine gets a CVT option.

In terms of features, the top-spec Magnite gets LED headlights, DRLs, fog lamps, LED tail lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rear AC vents, automatic climate control, 360-degree camera, wireless charger, 7.0-inch digital instrument, auto dimming IRVM, Type-C charging ports and more. Safety-wise, it gets six airbags, ESC, three-point seatbelts and seatbelt reminders for all seats, as standard.



Hyundai Exter facelift

Next is the recently launched Hyundai Exter facelift, priced from Rs 6.9 lakh (ex-showroom) for the HX3 AMT. The Exter AMT is powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 83 hp of power and 114 nm of torque. A CNG variant with a dual-cylinder setup is also available, now with an underbody-mounted spare wheel as standard, offering 225 litres of boot space.

The 2026 Hyundai Exter gets exterior updates, including a wider front fascia, revised bumper and a new black radiator grille. It also features new 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. At the rear, the SUV receives a redesigned tailgate, updated C-pillar garnish and a wing-type spoiler as part of the styling changes. Moving inside, the overall layout remains the same, but now it features a dual-tone navy and grey cabin theme and a 3D carbon-pattern dashboard finish. It also adds a D-cut steering wheel, metal pedals, new seat upholstery and a folding driver armrest. Driver seat height adjustment and adjustable rear headrests are now standard across variants. Petrol versions continue to offer 391 litres of boot space.

Renault Kiger

Next SUV on the list is Magnite’s cousin, Renault Kiger AMT, priced from Rs 6.95 lakh for the Evolution AMT trim. The AMT gearbox-equipped Kiger is powered by a 1.0-litre NA petrol engine with 72hp of power 96Nm torque. There’s also a more powerful 1.0-litre turbo petrol with 100hp of power and 160Nm torque. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard across both; the turbo-petrol engine gets a CVT option.

The top-spec Kiger gets features such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rear AC vents, leatherette seats, ventilated front seats, digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, multi-view camera, wireless charger, cruise control, automatic LED headlamps with wipers, three drive modes with variable steering weight, Improved overall NVH levels, 6-speaker audio system with 3D Arkamys surround sound and more. Safety features include six airbags, ESP, a tyre pressure monitor, hill start assist, ISOFIX mounts, 3-point seatbelts and more.

Tata Punch facelift

Next is the recently launched Tata Punch facelift, priced from Rs 7.55 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Pure plus AMT trim. The Punch AMT is powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 88 PS and 115 Nm of torque. There’s also a new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 120 PS of power and 170 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual.

Features-wise, it gets a free-standing 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a two-spoke steering wheel with illuminated elements. Below this are touch-based air-conditioning controls, with toggles to adjust fan speed and temperature. Other features include a digital instrument cluster, single-pane sunroof, automatic climate control, premium sound system, cruise control, push-button start/stop, and more. On the safety front, the 2026 Tata Punch gets six airbags, ESC, ABS, TPMS, a 360-degree camera, reverse parking sensors, and more.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx AMT

The fifth SUV on the list is the Maruti Suzuki Fronx AMT, priced from Rs 8.2 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Delta AMT trim. The Fronx AMT is powered by a 1.2-litre NA petrol engine with 89 bhp of power and 113 Nm of torque. There’s also a 1.0-litre booster jet turbocharged petrol engine with 100 bhp of power and 148 Nm of torque. Gearbox options include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic.

Features include a free-standing 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Other features include automatic LED headlamps with DRLs, wireless charging, automatic climate control, connected car tech, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Arkamys-tuned sound system, cruise control, height-adjustable driver’s seat, rear AC vents, auto-dimming IRVM, HUD display, 360-degree camera, up to 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, and ESP with hill-hold assist.