KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- This list includes SUVs under Rs 20 lakh, both in the combustion and electric segments.
- The MG Comet is the smallest, most affordable rear-wheel drive car in this list.
- The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is NOT the only petrol option in this list!
Rear-wheel drive cars have a charm of their own; with a good amount of skill and luck, you will not have much trouble in making them dance sideways. Unfortunately, while the Indian market does not comprise of RWD sedans or hatchbacks under Rs 20 lakh, there are plenty of SUVs that you can consider, and these include both combustion and EVs.
Let's take a look at some of the most affordable rear-wheel drive cars in India, but before going further, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
Also read: Tata Harrier EV Scores 5 Stars At The Bharat NCAP!
Most Affordable Rear-Wheel Drive Cars In India
MG Comet
Yup, believe it or not, the MG Comet features in this list, and it is the smallest, most affordable car in this list. The Comet is available inboth conventional pricing, as well as on a 'Battery As A Service' model. Under BaAS, the price comes down Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom), plus a nominal running fee of Rs 2.9 per km. In conventional pricing, the Comet's prices range between Rs 7.35 lakh to Rs 9.83 lakh, excluding the Special Edition models.
The Comet features an electric motor on the rear axle, producing 41.4bhp and 110Nm of torque, while backed by a 17.3kWh battery pack with a claimed range of 230km on a single charge. With a 3.3kW charger, the battery takes a claimed time of 7 hours for a full charge.
Maruti Suzuki Eeco
The Maruti Suzuki Eeco is a rather unconventional car in this list. A 6/7-seater van with a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine, a 5-speed manual transmission, sending power to the rear wheels. The Eeco has recently received a fresh lease of life, with a new upgrade giving it six airbags and captain chairs in the six-seater variants.
The Eeco can be had in 5-seater and 6-seater variants, excluding the commercial and ambulance ones, and there is a CNG option as well. Prices range between Rs 5.69 lakh to Rs 6.95 lakh (ex-showroom).
Mahindra Bolero
The OG Bolero has been around for so long, but with the next-gen model being tested, one can't help but wonder how long does the Bolero have left? Either way, that's something we will learn later. With prices ranging, between Rs 9.81 lakh to Rs 10.92 lakh, the Bolero continues to be a popular option in lower-tier cities, rural areas, and particularly the mountains, where it is loved for its ruggedness and no-nonsense appeal.
Meanwhile, the Bolero Neo comes in as a slightly more upmarket option for those who want all the traits of the Bolero, but in a slightly more modern and refined package. Interestingly, it happens to be the only compact SUV with a rear-wheel drive configuration. Could be yours between Rs 9.97 lakh to Rs 12.18 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is quite honestly one of our favourites, and not too long, we dived into why it is such a special car. With prices ranging between Rs 12.75 lakh to Rs 14.80 lakh (ex-showroom), the Jimny isn't exactly value-for-money, but it is still a very competent mountain goat, and if used just right, it is also a very usable daily car given its compact dimensions.
The Jimny, unlike most Maruti cars that have moved on to the new K15C powertrain, it carries on with the K15B 1.5-litre petrol engine, tuned for more torque in trickier conditions. Its heavier steering, limited space in the rear, the rubbery manual gearshift dampens the experience for many people and it isn't suitable on a daily basis. However, this car deserves being known on a deeper level; you must check out the video on our YouTube channek to know why.
Mahindra Scorpio / Scorpio N
The Scorpio Classic and the Scorpio N continue to co-exist together, and in similar to the Bolero, the Scorpio Classic still continues to be very popular in rural areas and hilly regions. Prices for the Scorpio Classic range between Rs 13.76 lakh to Rs 17.71 lakh (ex-showroom), and it is available only with the 2.2-litre, mHawk diesel engine, producing 130bhp and 300Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. Those looking for an automatic option need to look elsewhere.
Meanwhile the Scorpio N has proven to be a rather well-rounded car, offering more sophistication and premiumness to an otherwise rugged package. It also offers more in terms of powertrain options and features. However, while the prices of the Scorpio N begin from Rs 13.99 lakh, there are certain variants of this car that cost upwards of Rs 20 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).
Mahindra Thar / Thar Roxx
The Thar and the Thar Roxx need absolutely no introduction. Both cars have proven to be immensely successful, and while the Thar proved to be quite the step up from its predecessor, the Thar Roxx takes it a step further in terms of refinement. However, there is a certain bounciness in terms of the ride quality in both cars, and while they are packed with a lot of features, you will need to spend upwards of Rs 20 lakh for the higher variants.
The Thar 3-door is expected to receive a facelift sometime in 2026, and its test mules are already doing the rounds. At present, it is available between Rs 11.51 lakh to Rs 17.62 lakh (ex-showroom). Meanwhile, a few higher variants of the Thar Roxx cost upwards of Rs 20 lakh, the last most accessible being the AX7L D MT 2WD costing Rs 19.79 lakh, but the range begins from Rs 12.99 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). Bear in mind, the petrol engine does not 4x4.
Force Gurkha
Yet another off-roader in this list, the Force Gurkha has been around for a very long time, and not too long ago, it got a new 5-door version, while also adding some upgrades to the regular 3-door version, including major changes to its 2.6-litre diesel engine which now produces more power than before.
Even though the upgrades have improved the performance and the on-road manners of the Gurkha to a certain level, the interiors unfortunately still feel like they come from a time that has gone. However, to its credit, the 3-door Gurkha is far more easier to sit in when compared to the 3-door Thar. The Gurkha 3-door comes in at Rs 16.75 lakh, while the 5-door can be had for Rs 18.00 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).
Mahindra BE 6
The Mahindra BE 6 took the Indian audience by quite a storm when it was showcase for the first time, and since then it has found quite many takers. It's got sharp looks, the interiors are genuinely funky and feature-loaded, and its performance figures draw a lot of attention as well. The BE 6 also drew a lot of attention for the news of its naming clash with Indigo Airlines, a matter that has been long resolved.
The BE 6 is available in various battery packs, but for the sake of this list, we are concerned with Pack One with the 59kWh battery pack. The base variant with a home charger is priced at Rs 18.90 lakh, followed by the 7.2kW charger variant at Rs 19.40 lakh, and the 11.2kW AC charger variant at Rs 19.65 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).
Verdict
These are some rear-wheel drive cars that are available in the Indian market for less than Rs 20 lakh. With a huge list of options, it all depends on whether you want a true off-roader, a city commuter, or an outrageous EV.
