Buying a car under ₹10 lakh in 2026 has become easier than ever. Carmakers in India are offering more features, better mileage, modern tech and stronger safety even in the budget segment. If you’re planning to buy a car that fits your family, handles daily city driving, and still stays within budget, this list will help you pick the best one.

Here are the Top 5 Cars Under ₹10 Lakh that offer great value, reliability and comfort.

1. Tata Punch

Approx. Ex-Showroom Price: ₹5.99 lakh onwards

Tata Punch has become one of the most popular micro-SUVs in India. It offers a tall stance, SUV-like road presence and a compact design that is perfect for crowded cities.
Its cabin feels solid, the driving position is comfortable and the build quality is impressive for the price.

Why It’s a Good Choice:

1. Perfect for city driving and beginners

    

2. Good ground clearance

3. Solid build and reliability

4. Easy to park and affordable to maintain

Ideal For: First-time buyers, small families, and daily office commuters.

2. Hyundai Exter

Approx. Ex-Showroom Price: ₹6.12 lakh onwards

Hyundai Exter is a feature-rich compact SUV packed with modern design, comfort and convenience. It offers a smooth driving experience, a stylish interior and several segment-first features that make it feel more premium than its price suggests.

Why It’s a Good Choice:

1. Smooth and comfortable ride

    

2. Stylish design with a lot of features

3. Great for both city and weekend trips

4. Strong brand reliability

Ideal For: Young professionals and families looking for a tech-loaded compact SUV.

3. Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Approx. Ex-Showroom Price: ₹7.51 lakh onwards

Maruti Fronx blends modern styling with practicality and trusted reliability. It offers a crossover design, efficient engines and a comfortable cabin that suits both short and long trips. Maruti’s strong service network also makes ownership simple and budget-friendly.

Why It’s a Good Choice:

1. Excellent fuel efficiency

    

2. Smooth driving and good cabin comfort

3. Reliable brand with strong resale value

4. Stylish crossover look

Ideal For: Families looking for a practical, fuel-efficient and long-term dependable car.

4. Kia Sonet

Approx. Ex-Showroom Price: ₹7.99 lakh onwards

Kia Sonet brings a premium feel to the budget SUV segment. Even in the lower variants, it offers good build quality, a comfortable interior and a modern design. If you want an SUV that looks stylish and offers strong road presence, the Sonet is a great fit.

Why It’s a Good Choice:

1. Premium cabin feel

    

2. Strong design and presence

3. Comfortable seating and good ride quality

4. Feature-loaded compared to rivals

Ideal For: Buyers wanting a slightly premium SUV experience without crossing the ₹10 lakh mark.

5. Mahindra XUV 3XO

Approx. Ex-Showroom Price: ₹7.28 lakh onwards

Mahindra XUV 3XO stands out as one of the most affordable compact SUVs in 2026. It offers a sturdy build, comfortable seats and a spacious cabin while maintaining Mahindra’s rugged SUV DNA. It’s a great choice for those who want more space and a solid feel on the road.

Why It’s a Good Choice:

1. Strong build quality

    

2. Spacious interior and comfortable seating

3. Suitable for rough roads and long drives

4. Great value for an SUV

Ideal For: Buyers who want durability, space and true SUV character on a budget.

Which Car Should You Choose? – Quick Guide

Final Thoughts

The under-₹10 lakh segment in 2026 is full of strong performers. Whether you want a city-friendly car, a feature-loaded SUV or a reliable family vehicle, the options listed above offer a perfect mix of performance, comfort and value for money.

Choosing the right one depends on your needs — budget, daily usage, family size and preferred features. But no matter which one you pick from this list, you’re getting a modern, safe and dependable car for Indian roads.