When Indian buyers invest in a family SUV, one of their first questions isn’t about horsepower or connected tech—it’s “Kitna deti hai?” While brochures flaunt ARAI mileage numbers, real-world driving conditions often paint a very different picture. In this analysis, we conducted city vs. highway mileage tests of India’s top midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, and Skoda Kushaq.
Backed by consistent test methodology and real-world data, this article dives into how these family-focused SUVs perform in Indian cities and on highways—giving buyers a more grounded understanding of everyday fuel efficiency.
Why Real-World Mileage Testing Matters More Than Ever
The ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) certified mileage figures are achieved under ideal lab conditions—constant speeds, flat roads, and no traffic stress. But Indian roads tell a different story:
- Stop-and-go traffic
- Frequent gear changes
- Extended idling at traffic lights
- Varied elevation and road conditions
In metro cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, average driving speeds can drop below 20 km/h during peak hours. This makes city mileage significantly lower than claimed figures. Conversely, highway mileage benefits from smoother cruising, but still varies based on terrain, load, and acceleration patterns.
The Test Procedure: Fair, Controlled, and Repeatable
To ensure apples-to-apples comparisons, the following standardised testing process was followed:
- Tested SUVs: Petrol-only variants of:
- Hyundai Creta 1.5 NA MT
- Kia Seltos 1.5 NA CVT
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 Mild Hybrid MT
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder 1.5 Mild Hybrid
- Honda Elevate 1.5 NA MT
- Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI MT
- Test Load: 2 passengers, a cabin luggage bag, AC set to 22°C
- City Route: 40 km within Pune, including 28 signals, uphill flyovers, and traffic congestion (avg speed ~22 km/h)
- Highway Route: 100 km on NH48 with speeds maintained at 80–100 km/h
- Methodology: Tank-to-tank fuel measurement, cross-verified by onboard trip meters
Real-World Mileage Results (City vs. Highway)
| SUV Model | ARAI Mileage (kmpl) | City Mileage (kmpl) | Highway Mileage (kmpl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Creta 1.5 NA MT | 17.4 | 11.8 | 16.2 |
| Kia Seltos 1.5 NA CVT | 17.7 | 12.1 | 16.5 |
| Maruti Grand Vitara 1.5 MH | 21.1 | 15.2 | 20.4 |
| Toyota Hyryder 1.5 MH | 21.1 | 15.0 | 20.1 |
| Honda Elevate 1.5 NA MT | 16.7 | 10.9 | 15.8 |
| Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI MT | 19.76 | 11.3 | 17.5 |
Mileage results may vary with driving behavior, tyre pressure, gradient, and ambient temperature.
What the Numbers Reveal
1. Mild-Hybrids Outperform in City Traffic
The Grand Vitara and Hyryder impressed in urban conditions, thanks to their start-stop systems and electric motor assist. During bumper-to-bumper driving, the motor takes over low-speed movement, improving city mileage dramatically compared to ICE-only rivals.
Personal Observation: Their silent take-offs at signals and fewer gear shifts make them ideal for urban families, especially those driving daily in Tier-1 cities.
2. Creta and Seltos: Reliable Workhorses
Both Hyundai and Kia deliver consistently respectable mileage on both terrains. Their 1.5-litre NA engines may not top the charts, but offer predictable efficiency and lower learning curves for first-time SUV owners. Their city mileage figures hover around 12 kmpl, while highway runs can push them past 16 kmpl without strain.
3. Kushaq Turbo Shines on the Open Road
The 1.0-litre TSI engine in the Skoda Kushaq may feel slightly thirstier in traffic, but once on highways, its strong mid-range torque and tall sixth gear deliver nearly 17.5 kmpl. Plus, the engine remains lively even with full load and AC.
4. Elevate Lags in Congestion
Despite its Honda pedigree, the Elevate’s i-VTEC engine isn’t optimised for frequent stop-and-go situations. Its higher rev demand and gear changes affect city mileage. However, on open roads, it performs decently, closing in on 16 kmpl.
Segment-Wise Snapshot: Mileage Winners
🏆 City Driving (Top Performers)
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara – 15.2 kmpl
- Toyota Hyryder – 15.0 kmpl
- Kia Seltos – 12.1 kmpl
🏆 Highway Cruising (Top Performers)
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara – 20.4 kmpl
- Toyota Hyryder – 20.1 kmpl
- Skoda Kushaq – 17.5 kmpl
Who Should Choose What?
👉 For Urban Commuters:
- Choose mild-hybrid options like the Grand Vitara or Hyryder. They reduce petrol costs and are smoother to drive in congested traffic.
👉 For Mixed Usage:
- Creta or Seltos strike a solid balance—perfect for families juggling office commutes and weekend getaways.
👉 For Highway Junkies:
- Skoda Kushaq’s turbo-petrol shines on expressways. It’s the best bet for long-distance travellers who prioritize torque and fuel economy.
👉 For Conservative Buyers:
- Honda Elevate will appeal to those loyal to the Honda brand, but it may fall short on cost-efficiency in dense metro traffic.
Final Words
In a country where daily fuel expenses can shape monthly budgets, relying on real-world mileage data—not just ARAI brochures—is crucial. This detailed city vs. highway mileage test offers honest insights into India’s most sought-after family SUVs.
If your driving is primarily urban, hybrid tech is the future, offering both fuel efficiency and smoother city drivability. But for those mixing highways with daily commutes, naturally aspirated petrols still hold their ground—provided expectations are realistic.
Fuel economy isn’t everything, but knowing where each SUV shines helps make smarter buying decisions in 2025’s crowded SUV market.
