Jeep Meridian
₹29.90 L - ₹37.48 L
Best SUVs in India: larger family and touring choices
This guide focuses on larger SUVs for family space, longer journeys and more substantial vehicle requirements: Meridian, Fortuner, Safari and similar choices. Smaller city-focused models such as the Punch, Brezza, Venue and Sonet have their own compact-SUV guide. Size, seating and body construction are separate questions; no SUV badge guarantees four-wheel drive or off-road ability.
By the Maxabout editorial team · Evidence reviewed · 8 eligible shortlist models
Looking for smaller SUVs such as Brezza, Punch and Venue? Read the compact SUV guide.
Larger SUVs for family and touring needs
A curated research shortlist across budgets and vehicle sizes, not a popularity ranking. Use the table and exact-variant details to decide what suits your own journeys.
Compare larger SUVs by use case and specification
| Model | Best suited to | Engine / gearbox | Qualifying price | Seating / boot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Meridian | Larger-family touring | 1956 cc · 6-Speed Manual | ₹29,90,000 | 7 seats · 170 litres |
| Toyota Fortuner | Larger SUV practicality | 2755 cc · 6-Speed Automatic | ₹39,01,000 | 7 seats · 296 litres |
| Mahindra Scorpio-N | Larger SUV practicality | 1997 cc · 6-Speed Manual | ₹13,85,200 | 7 seats |
| Mahindra XUV700 | Larger-family requirements | 1999 cc · 6-Speed Manual | ₹13,99,000 | 5 seats |
| Tata Safari | Three-row family research | 1956 cc · 6-Speed Manual | ₹16,69,000 | 7 seats · 420 litres |
| Tata Harrier | Larger two-row family choice | 1956 cc · 6-Speed Manual | ₹15,99,000 | 5 seats · 445 litres |
| MG Gloster | Large-SUV space priorities | 1996 cc · 8-Speed Automatic | ₹43,15,800 | 6 (2+2+2) seats · 343 litres |
| Skoda Kodiaq | Larger family crossover | 1984 cc · 7-Speed DSG with Tiptronic Manual Gear Changing | ₹43,76,400 | 7 seats · 270 litres |
Prices are current recorded Delhi ex-showroom amounts for the named qualifying variants. Model-wide price ranges can cover other trims. Specification fields belong to the qualifying variant; a missing value is never filled from another engine or trim.
Choose a larger SUV for your actual journeys
City use and first-car ownership
Prioritise visibility, parking dimensions, low-speed gearbox behaviour and ease of access. Try a compact option before paying for a larger footprint. Compare the exact safety equipment rather than relying on the SUV label.
Family and luggage
Check the rear seat with your regular passengers, child seats and the front seats adjusted normally. Bring representative luggage and test boot access; a listed boot volume cannot describe every usable shape.
Frequent highway driving
Match the engine and gearbox to your usual load and routes. Inspect overtaking response in a safe test drive, cruising comfort, braking and service coverage. Fuel efficiency claims require a stated measurement basis.
More seats or electric power
Check the exact seat count and room left for luggage when all rows are occupied. For an EV, confirm home charging and a realistic range reserve before comparing energy cost against petrol or diesel.
Model-by-model SUV research notes
Why consider it: Compare the Meridian when passenger space and longer family journeys matter. The exact seating, engine and gearbox below identify the available variant being discussed.
What to check: Test third-row access and luggage room with all your passengers. Confirm the selected drivetrain; a model-level four-wheel-drive option does not apply to every trim.
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Engine
- 1956 cc
- Gearbox
- 6-Speed Manual
- Seats
- 7
- Boot space
- 170 litres
- Length
- 4769 mm
- Ground clearance
- 203 mm
Source: Maxabout exact-variant catalogue record, checked 16 October 2026. Catalogue facts are distinct from an independent road test or manufacturer certification.
Why consider it: Include the Fortuner when comparing larger SUVs for passenger access, luggage and demanding journeys. Use the priced variant rather than assuming all versions share the same drivetrain.
What to check: Check step-in height, parking dimensions, ride comfort and the precise 2WD or 4WD specification. Size and styling alone do not establish off-road capability.
- Fuel
- Diesel
- Engine
- 2755 cc
- Gearbox
- 6-Speed Automatic
- Seats
- 7
- Boot space
- 296 litres
- Length
- 4795 mm
- Drivetrain
- 2WD
- Ground clearance
- 225 mm
Source: Maxabout exact-variant catalogue record, checked 16 October 2026. Catalogue facts are distinct from an independent road test or manufacturer certification.
Why consider it: Consider the Scorpio-N in the larger-SUV part of the shortlist. Compare the precise seating, drivetrain and transmission entries against your intended use.
What to check: A high seating position and SUV appearance do not establish four-wheel drive. Check the selected variant, step-in height, parking and running costs.
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Engine
- 1997 cc
- Gearbox
- 6-Speed Manual
- Seats
- 7
- Length
- 4662 mm
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Ground clearance
- 187 mm
Source: Maxabout exact-variant catalogue record, checked 16 October 2026. Catalogue facts are distinct from an independent road test or manufacturer certification.
Why consider it: Include the XUV700 when comparing a larger vehicle with compact and midsize alternatives. Check the seating entry of this actual variant instead of assuming every version has a third row.
What to check: If an occasional third row matters, test access, adult comfort and remaining luggage capacity. Also check parking width and everyday manoeuvrability.
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Engine
- 1999 cc
- Gearbox
- 6-Speed Manual
- Seats
- 5
- Length
- 4695 mm
Source: Maxabout exact-variant catalogue record, checked 16 October 2026. Catalogue facts are distinct from an independent road test or manufacturer certification.
Why consider it: Compare the Safari when additional seats and family luggage shape your purchase. Check the exact seat count and transmission of the listed variant before comparing quotations.
What to check: Try every seating row with your normal passengers and luggage. Confirm equipment on this trim rather than transferring features from the highest specification.
- Fuel
- Diesel
- Engine
- 1956 cc
- Gearbox
- 6-Speed Manual
- Seats
- 7
- Boot space
- 420 litres
- Length
- 4668 mm
Source: Maxabout exact-variant catalogue record, checked 16 October 2026. Catalogue facts are distinct from an independent road test or manufacturer certification.
Why consider it: Include the Harrier when comparing larger vehicles without assuming that a larger footprint brings an extra seating row. Use the actual seating and boot entries below.
What to check: Compare rear-seat comfort, parking and the precise safety equipment. Check the engine and gearbox against your daily traffic as well as highway needs.
- Fuel
- Diesel
- Engine
- 1956 cc
- Gearbox
- 6-Speed Manual
- Seats
- 5
- Boot space
- 445 litres
- Length
- 4605 mm
Source: Maxabout exact-variant catalogue record, checked 16 October 2026. Catalogue facts are distinct from an independent road test or manufacturer certification.
Why consider it: Compare the Gloster when cabin access and a larger family vehicle are priorities. Keep seating, engine, transmission and drivetrain tied to the available variant in this guide.
What to check: Test low-speed manoeuvrability, third-row comfort and remaining luggage space. Confirm the exact drivetrain and equipment with the itemised quotation.
- Fuel
- Diesel
- Engine
- 1996 cc
- Gearbox
- 8-Speed Automatic
- Seats
- 6 (2+2+2)
- Boot space
- 343 litres
- Length
- 4985 mm
- Drivetrain
- 4WD with Terrain Selection
- Ground clearance
- 210 mm
Source: Maxabout exact-variant catalogue record, checked 16 October 2026. Catalogue facts are distinct from an independent road test or manufacturer certification.
Why consider it: Include the Kodiaq as a larger family crossover alongside the other SUVs here. Different vehicle construction and drivetrain choices deserve an exact-variant comparison rather than a single SUV label.
What to check: Check the usable third row, parking dimensions and ownership quotation. An all-wheel-drive specification does not by itself establish suitability for every off-road route.
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Engine
- 1984 cc
- Gearbox
- 7-Speed DSG with Tiptronic Manual Gear Changing
- Seats
- 7
- Boot space
- 270 litres
- Length
- 4699 mm
- Drivetrain
- 4x4
- Ground clearance
- 192 mm
Source: Maxabout exact-variant catalogue record, checked 16 October 2026. Catalogue facts are distinct from an independent road test or manufacturer certification.
How we choose
This is a bounded editorial research shortlist, not an exhaustive market ranking or a road-test score. Candidate identities are checked against visible available models and variants, section-specific body and fuel evidence and current positive Delhi prices. The larger-SUV scope covers a different size and usage shortlist; compact crossovers have their own guide. Specifications are loaded for the named qualifying variant. Missing records withhold a recommendation rather than borrowing evidence from another trim.
Larger-SUV buying questions
Which SUV should I buy for a family?
Begin with the passengers and luggage you carry routinely. Compare rear-seat access, child-seat installation, boot use and the exact seating layout. Test a larger vehicle with all seats occupied before paying for space you rarely use.
Is a compact SUV enough for highway trips?
Size alone does not determine highway suitability. Check the exact engine, gearbox, braking and safety equipment, then test the car at your normal legal speeds with the expected load.
Should I choose petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric?
Estimate annual kilometres and typical trip length. Compare the exact purchase premium, servicing and your local fuel or electricity costs. An EV additionally needs dependable charging and a range buffer for your regular routes.
Do SUV styling and ground clearance prove safety or off-road ability?
No. Review a dated crash-test result for the relevant model/version and the safety equipment of the exact variant. Off-road capability also depends on the drivetrain, tyres, geometry and intended use; an SUV badge is not proof of four-wheel drive.