Top five most affordable automatic SUVs: Tata Punch, Exeter facelift and more

Automatic SUVs have become more accessible, with carmakers offering automatic gearboxes in smaller and more affordable models. This change has made them a practical choice for buyers, especially in urban traffic situations. Entry-level and compact SUVs now combine convenience with usable features, space and ground clearance for daily use. Buyers can choose from a variety of transmission types including AMT, CVT and other options, with models available in a wide price range. In this article, let’s take a look at the top five most affordable SUVs with automatic gearbox. Nissan Magnite AMT The first SUV on the list is the Nissan Magnite AMT, which is priced at Rs 6.2 lakh (ex-showroom). Equipped with an AMT gearbox, the Magnite is powered by a 1.0-litre NA petrol with 72hp of power and 96Nm of torque. There is also a more powerful 1.0-litre turbo petrol with 100hp of power and 160Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard on both; The turbo-petrol engine gets a CVT option. In terms of features, the top-spec Magnite gets LED headlights, DRL, fog lamps, LED tail lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rear AC vents, automatic climate control, 360-degree camera, wireless charger, 7.0-inch digital instrument, auto dimming. It gets IRVM, Type-C charging port and more. In terms of safety, it gets six airbags for all seats, ESC, three-point seatbelts and seatbelt reminder as standard. Hyundai Exeter Facelift Next is the recently launched Hyundai Xcent facelift, which is priced at Rs 6.9 lakh (ex-showroom) for the HX3 AMT. The Exeter AMT is powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 83 hp of power and 114 Nm of torque. A CNG version with a dual-cylinder setup is also available, now offering 225 liters of boot space, with an underbody-mounted spare wheel as standard.The 2026 Hyundai Exeter gets exterior updates, including a wider front facia, revised bumper and a new black radiator grille. It also gets new 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. At the rear, the SUV gets a redesigned tailgate, updated C-pillar garnish and a wing-type spoiler as part of the styling changes. Moving inside, the overall layout remains the same, but it now gets a dual-tone navy and gray cabin theme and 3D carbon-pattern dashboard finish. It also includes a D-cut steering wheel, metal pedals, new seat upholstery and a folding driver armrest. Driver seat height adjustment and adjustable rear headrests are now standard across all variants. The petrol version continues to offer 391 liters of boot space.renault kiger The next SUV on the list is the Magnite’s cousin, the Renault Kiger AMT, which is priced at Rs 6.95 lakh for the Evolution AMT trim. Equipped with an AMT gearbox, the Kiger is powered by a 1.0-litre NA petrol engine with 72hp of power and 96Nm of torque. There is also a more powerful 1.0-litre turbo petrol with 100hp of power and 160Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard on both; The turbo-petrol engine gets a CVT option. The top-spec Kiger gets an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rear AC vents, leatherette seats, ventilated front seats, digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, multi-view camera, wireless charger, cruise control, automatic LED headlamps with wipers, three drive modes with variable steering weight, better overall NVH levels, 3D ArcGIS Surround Along with sound, features like 6-speaker audio system are available. More. Safety features include six airbags, ESP, a tire pressure monitor, hill start assist, ISOFIX mounts, 3-point seatbelts and more.tata punch facelift Next up is the recently launched Tata Punch facelift, which is priced at Rs 7.55 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Pure Plus AMT trim. The Punch AMT is powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 88 PS and 115 Nm of torque. There is also a new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 120 PS of power and 170 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual.Talking about the features, it gets a free-standing 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a two-spoke steering wheel with illuminated elements. Below this are touch-based air conditioning controls with toggles to adjust fan speed and temperature. Other features include digital instrument cluster, single-pane sunroof, automatic climate control, premium sound system, cruise control, push-button start/stop and more. On the safety front, the 2026 Tata Punch gets six airbags, ESC, ABS, TPMS, a 360-degree camera, reverse parking sensors and more.Maruti Suzuki Fronx AMT The fifth SUV on the list is the Maruti Suzuki Fronx AMT, priced at Rs 8.2 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Delta AMT trim. The FrontX AMT is powered by a 1.2-litre NA petrol engine that produces 89 bhp of power and 113 Nm of torque. It also has a 1.0-litre Booster Jet turbocharged petrol engine which produces 100 bhp power and 148 Nm torque. Gearbox options include 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic.Features include a free-standing 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Other features include automatic LED headlamps with DRL, wireless charging, automatic climate control, connected car technology, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, ArcGIS-tuned sound system, cruise control, height-adjustable driver’s seat, rear AC vents, auto-dimming IRVM, HUD display, 360-degree camera, up to 6 airbags, ABS with EBD and hill-hold assist. Also includes ESP.