SUVs are ruling Indian roads, and everyone dreams of owning one! But have you ever wondered how much salary you actually need to comfortably buy and maintain your dream SUV? In this article, we’ll break down the top 5 best-selling SUVs in India, their prices, EMI calculations, and the ideal monthly income required to own them stress-free. Let’s dive in!
Tata Nexon – India’s Favourite Compact SUV
India’s best-selling SUV that has won millions of hearts. But behind that stylish grille and powerful performance, there’s a cost. The on-road price of the Nexon ranges between ₹10 to ₹18.5 lakh, depending on the variant. If you go for a standard 5-year loan, your EMI could fall anywhere between ₹16,000 to ₹29,000. And to manage that EMI without cutting corners on your monthly expenses, your salary should ideally be in the range of ₹55,000 to ₹1 lakh. Yes, even the “common man’s SUV” demands an uncommon income!
Price: ₹8.15 – ₹15.80 lakh (ex-showroom)
Average On-Road Price: ₹10 – ₹18.5 lakh
EMI (5 years, 9% interest): ₹15,500 – ₹28,000/month
Ideal Monthly Salary Required: ₹50,000 – ₹95,000
Hyundai Creta – The Mid-Size SUV King
The Hyundai Creta is a dream for many, but dreams come at a price. With an on-road cost starting from ₹13 lakh and going up to ₹23 lakh, the EMI on this SUV can reach ₹37,500 for top variants. Want the turbo-petrol or diesel auto? Make sure you’re earning at least ₹1.2 lakh/month, or else your bank balance will suffer more than your fuel economy.
Price: ₹10.99 – ₹19.99 lakh (ex-showroom)
Average On-Road Price: ₹13 – ₹23 lakh
EMI (5 years, 9% interest): ₹20,500 – ₹37,500/month
Ideal Monthly Salary Required: ₹65,000 – ₹1.2 lakh
With its bold looks and premium feel, the Hyundai Creta is one of India’s best-selling SUVs. If you’re aiming for the top-end diesel or turbo-petrol variants, make sure your monthly income is on the higher side.
Maruti Brezza – The Budget-Friendly Urban SUV
Then comes the Maruti Brezza – the SUV people often call “budget-friendly”. But is it really? Its on-road price touches ₹16.5 lakh for the top model, and with EMI around ₹27,000, you’ll need a salary upwards of ₹85,000 to manage comfortably. For the mid variant too, a ₹60,000 salary is the bare minimum if you don’t want to struggle every month.
Price: ₹8.34 – ₹14.14 lakh (ex-showroom)
Average On-Road Price: ₹9.5 – ₹16.5 lakh
EMI (5 years, 9% interest): ₹14,800 – ₹27,500/month
Ideal Monthly Salary Required: ₹48,000 – ₹90,000
Maruti Brezza offers reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It’s a perfect choice for first-time SUV buyers. A salary above ₹50,000 will help you own it without financial strain.
Mahindra Scorpio-N – Rugged Power Meets Premium Comfort
Next up is the mighty Mahindra Scorpio-N. It looks like a beast and drives like one, but don’t forget – this beast eats your salary too. With a starting on-road price of ₹16 lakh and top-end going beyond ₹28.5 lakh, the EMI can touch ₹46,000/month. That means if your salary is anything less than ₹90,000, think again before you make this booking.
Price: ₹13.85 – ₹24.54 lakh (ex-showroom)
Average On-Road Price: ₹16 – ₹28.5 lakh
EMI (5 years, 9% interest): ₹25,000 – ₹46,500/month
Ideal Monthly Salary Required: ₹85,000 – ₹1.5 lakh
The Scorpio-N isn’t just a car – it’s a statement. With 4×4 capability, strong build, and a powerful engine, it demands both respect and a decent bank balance. A 6-digit monthly salary is ideal if you’re eyeing higher variants.
5. Kia Seltos – Stylish, Feature-Packed, and Desirable
And then we have the stylish Kia Seltos – premium, tech-loaded, and a favorite among the youth. But with EMI ranging between ₹19,000 to ₹39,000, you’ll need a monthly income between ₹65,000 and ₹1.3 lakh to drive it home without regret. The fancier the variant, the higher your financial stress.
Price: ₹10.90 – ₹20.35 lakh (ex-showroom)
Average On-Road Price: ₹12.5 – ₹23.5 lakh
EMI (5 years, 9% interest): ₹19,800 – ₹39,000/month
Ideal Monthly Salary Required: ₹65,000 – ₹1.3 lakh
Kia Seltos is loaded with tech and sporty looks. It’s a favourite among urban buyers who want both flair and functionality. To maintain it comfortably, make sure your income supports EMIs without affecting your lifestyle.
Pro Tip: Follow the 20/4/10 Rule
Now let’s talk about the most ignored reality: the 10% rule. Financial experts always say that your car EMI shouldn’t be more than 10% of your monthly income. But here in India, most middle-class buyers stretch this to 20%, even 30%, just to live that SUV dream. Add to that fuel, service, insurance, and your EMI turns into a monthly monster.
Conclusion: Can You Afford Your Dream SUV?
So here’s the hard truth – these SUVs may be popular, but they’re not for everyone. If your salary doesn’t match the EMI, you’ll either compromise on lifestyle or pile on debt. So before you rush to the showroom, ask yourself: Can my salary actually handle this dream? Or am I chasing something that’ll become a burden?