Top 5 Compact SUVs in April 2025: Features, Prices & Performance

Published On: May 14, 2025

The sub-4m SUV segment remains highly competitive in India, with consumers favouring feature-rich, fuel-efficient models that blend practicality and style. In April 2025, Maruti Suzuki’s new-generation Brezza reclaimed the lead in sales, closely followed by Tata’s updated Nexon and Hyundai’s Venue. Kia’s Sonet and Mahindra’s new XUV 3XO (a subcompact SUV) also posted substantial numbers, cementing their spots among the top sellers. Below, we review each of these five compact SUVs, highlighting key features, powertrains, mileage, and pricing, before comparing them side by side in a specification table and ranking them by April 2025 sales volumes.

Table of Contents

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti’s Vitara Brezza (launched Sept 2022) is the latest all-petrol generation of its popular sub-4m SUV. It sports a bold new front grille with dual chrome slats, full LED headlamps and DRLs, and a dual-tone paint scheme for a fresh look. Inside, the Brezza boasts a modern cabin with a 9‑inch touchscreen (with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay), wireless charging, a head-up display, and an electric sunroof – features that mark a big step up from its predecessor. The Brezza also offers ample space and a comfortable ride, making it a practical family SUV.

Under the hood, the Brezza uses Maruti’s K15C 1.5‑litre petrol engine (no diesel variant), which produces about 102 PS and 137 Nm of torque. It comes with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. This updated engine delivers improved refinement and slightly better fuel economy than the old 1.3L unit. The Brezza returns around 19.8–20.1 kmpl (ARAI-rated) in petrol manual form (about 19.8 kmpl with the automatic).

The Brezza is well-equipped for its class, including features like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-hold control, and optional ESP stability control. It has earned a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating. Pricing for the Brezza ranges roughly from ₹8.9–14.4 lakh (ex-showroom) across its trim levels, making it a strong value proposition given its equipment list and brand backing.

Tata Nexon

The Tata Nexon is a mature and rugged subcompact SUV known for its safety and strong build. It received a facelift in 2023 with updated front and rear styling, new LED lighting elements, and an optional 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. It offers a roomy cabin with a floating 10.25-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats, and an electric sunroof (on higher trims). Tata has also equipped the Nexon with Level-1 ADAS features (like blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert) on newer variants, enhancing convenience and safety.

The Nexon has two main powertrains: a 1.2‑litre turbocharged petrol engine (with a mild-hybrid system) and a 1.5‑litre diesel engine. The 1.2L turbo petrol makes about 120 PS and 170 Nm of torque, while the 1.5L diesel produces around 113 PS and 260 Nm (though diesel variants are being phased out in 2025). Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed AMT automatic. The petrol Nexon delivers roughly 16–17 kmpl (ARAI-rated) with the manual gearbox, whereas the diesel could achieve up to 24 kmpl.

Regarding pricing, the Nexon ranges from roughly ₹8.4–15.6 lakh (ex-showroom) for its broad variant lineup. It has a 5-star Global NCAP rating for adult occupancy, reflecting its strong safety structure and multiple airbags. Its peppy performance (especially the turbo petrol version), ample features (connected infotainment, cruise control, etc.), and robust safety credentials make it a perennial top-seller in the compact SUV class.

Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue is a tech-savvy compact SUV that balances practicality with urban flair. It received a facelift mid-2022 featuring a larger cascading grille, split LED DRLs, and revised bumpers. The interior offers a clean, contemporary design with a 10.25-inch touchscreen audio system, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a digital driver display (10.25-inch on top variants), and rear AC vents – a nice touch in this segment. The Venue’s overall build quality is solid, including ventilated front seats and a Bose premium sound system for higher trims.

The Venue is available with three engines: a 1.2‑litre naturally aspirated petrol (around 83 PS, 115 Nm), a 1.0‑litre turbo petrol (around 118 PS, 172 Nm), and a 1.5‑litre diesel (about 115 PS, 250 Nm). The turbo petrol and diesel come with a 6-speed or torque-converter auto, while the 1.2L petrol uses a 5-speed manual or CVT. The most popular engine is the 1.0L turbo petrol, which provides brisk acceleration. Its fuel economy is roughly 18–20 kmpl (ARAI), while the diesel variant can do about 23–24 kmpl.

Price-wise, the Venue is listed from about ₹7.9–13.6 lakh (ex-showroom). It scores well on refinement and ride comfort, with a compliant city and highway driving suspension. Safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP stability control, and ISOFIX child-seat mounts; the Venue has a 4-star Global NCAP rating. In April 2025, around 7,953 units of the Venue were sold, reflecting steady demand despite new competitors.

Kia Sonet

The Kia Sonet is a sporty mini-SUV (sister model to the Hyundai Venue) that has been updated with a mid-cycle refresh in 2022. Its distinctive “tiger face” grille and LED headlamps give it a bold road presence. Inside, the Sonet offers a modern cabin with features such as an 8-inch touchscreen (or up to 10.25-inch in higher trims), digital instrument cluster (10.25-inch), ventilated front seats, and a single-pane panoramic sunroof – class-leading equipment. Kia’s inclusion of Level-2 ADAS (like lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking) on top variants also sets it apart in this segment.

The Sonet’s engine options mirror those of the Venue: a 1.2L NA petrol (about 83 PS, 115 Nm), a 1.0L turbo petrol (about 120 PS, 172 Nm), and a 1.5L diesel (115 PS, 250 Nm). Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque-converter auto (CVT for 1.2L petrol). The turbo petrol Sonet is peppy and returns around 18–19 kmpl, while the (now-discontinued) diesel is more frugal at about 23–24 kmpl.

Sonet’s prices range roughly ₹8.0–15.6 lakh (ex-showroom) across its lineup. In April 2025, Kia sold about 8,068 Sonets, making it one of the top five in its category. The Sonet is lauded for its blend of style, rich feature list (including wireless charging and connected car tech), and overall refinement. Its compact dimensions and responsive handling also appeal to urban buyers.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is Mahindra’s latest entrant in the subcompact SUV market, essentially a beefed-up version of the XUV300 (re-engineered and rebranded). Launched in early 2024, it features a sporty exterior with a broad “twist-blade” grille, full LED lighting, and muscular fenders. The XUV 3XO offers a class-first panoramic sunroof, Level-2 ADAS (forward collision warning, adaptive cruise, etc.), and an extensive touchscreen infotainment system. The cabin is spacious for five and earns points for its soft-touch dashboard and generous legroom.

Powering the XUV 3XO is a 1.2‑litre turbo petrol engine (Mahindra’s mStallion), producing 130 PS and 230 Nm – the most powerful in the sub-4m segment. A 1.5‑litre diesel (117 PS, 300 Nm) is also available. Transmissions include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque-converter automatic (for the petrol). Performance is brisk, with the turbo petrol making quick work of city traffic and highways. Fuel economy is in the 18–20 kmpl range for the petrol engine (manual) and slightly higher for diesel.

Priced from about ₹7.99–15.56 lakh (ex-showroom), the XUV 3XO offers excellent value given its features. In April 2025, it sold around 7,568 units, signaling a strong market entry. Its pros include top-tier active safety tech, potent performance, and a panoramic roof, making it an attractive choice for buyers seeking a tech-loaded, performance-oriented compact SUV.

Comparison of Key Specs

Model	Engine (Fuel)	Power / Torque	Mileage (ARAI)	Price Range (₹ lakh)
Maruti Brezza	1.5L petrol	102 PS / 137 Nm	~20 kmpl	8.8 – 14.4
Tata Nexon	1.2L turbo petrol	120 PS / 170 Nm	~17 kmpl (petrol)	8.4 – 15.6
	1.5L diesel	113 PS / 260 Nm	~24 kmpl (diesel)
Hyundai Venue	1.0L turbo petrol	118 PS / 172 Nm	~18 kmpl (petrol)	7.9 – 13.6
	1.2L NA petrol	83 PS / 115 Nm	~18 kmpl
	1.5L diesel	115 PS / 250 Nm	~23 kmpl
Kia Sonet	1.0L turbo petrol	120 PS / 172 Nm	~18 kmpl (petrol)	8.0 – 15.6
	1.2L NA petrol	83 PS / 115 Nm	~18 kmpl
	1.5L diesel	115 PS / 250 Nm	~24 kmpl
Mahindra XUV 3XO	1.2L turbo petrol	130 PS / 230 Nm	~18 kmpl (petrol)	7.99 – 15.56
	1.5L diesel	117 PS / 300 Nm	~20 kmpl

Specifications are approximate. Mileage is the certified ARAI figure (combined cycle). Prices are ex-showroom ranges.

April 2025 Sales Ranking

Based on industry sales data for April 2025 in the Indian market, the ranking of these five compact SUVs is:

Rank	Model	April 2025 Sales
1	Maruti Brezza	16,971 units
2	Tata Nexon (incl. EV)	15,457 units
3	Kia Sonet	8,068 units
4	Hyundai Venue	7,953 units
5	Mahindra XUV 3XO	7,568 units

These figures show the Brezza and Nexon comfortably ahead in volumes, while the Sonet and Venue are neck-and-neck in the mid-pack, followed closely by the new XUV 3XO. (Nexon’s figure includes both petrol and Nexon EV combined.)

Conclusion

For April 2025, buyers in India’s compact SUV segment have strong choices. The Maruti Brezza leads with its all-new design, efficiency, and proven Maruti service network. The Tata Nexon offers an unbeatable safety and feature package, especially with its potent turbo petrol and mild-hybrid drivetrain. The Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet deliver sophisticated styling and tech features (like high-resolution displays and ADAS) at competitive prices. The Venue focuses on the fuel economy, and the Sonet focuses on premium touches. Mahindra’s XUV 3XO shakes up the segment with class-leading performance (130 PS) and luxury-like features (panoramic roof, ADAS) at a value price.

Overall, fuel economy for these petrol-based subcompact SUVs hovers around 17–20 kmpl, making them relatively thrifty for city and highway driving. Buyers should consider priorities: if safety and space are top of mind, the Nexon or XUV 3XO stand out; for technology and comfort, the Sonet and Brezza shine; and for an all-rounder package, the Venue remains a solid pick. Regardless of choice, the April 2025 sales rankings confirm that these five models are at the forefront of India’s compact SUV market, reflecting strong buyer demand for their features, performance, and value mix.

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