The Indian car market has always had a space for seven-seater vehicles, even if the segment hasn’t seen explosive demand. But with the rise of larger families and the love for road trips, seven-seaters continue to be a smart pick for many buyers. If you’re looking for a spacious SUV or MUV without spending more than Rs. 15 lakh, you’re in the right place.
Here are our top five picks for 2025 that combine space, value, and versatility—perfect for large families or anyone who wants the flexibility of extra seating.
Aircross
The Citroen Aircross is primarily known as a compact five-seater SUV. But what makes it stand out is its flexible third-row setup. It features a flexi-pro seating layout, meaning you can add or remove the third row depending on your needs.
This makes it a practical choice for both city commutes and weekend getaways. The added bonus? It also comes with a turbo-petrol engine and an automatic transmission option, which are rare to find under Rs. 15 lakh in this segment. Plus, it doesn’t look like a typical MPV—it’s stylish and practical at the same time.
Bolero
The Mahindra Bolero has been a staple in rural and semi-urban India for years. It’s tough, functional, and delivers value for money. While its interiors are basic, it handles bad roads with ease and is powered by a reliable torquey diesel engine.
Alongside it, the Bolero Neo offers a more modern take on the same formula. It’s better looking, has improved cabin quality, and comes with more equipment. Both versions include a third-row setup, but do note that these are side-facing jump seats accessible via the tailgate. They’re not the most comfortable for long trips but work in a pinch.
Scorpio Classic
The Mahindra Scorpio Classic is known for its old-school SUV appeal. And while top trims might go over the Rs. 15 lakh mark, the base variants are priced well within this budget. You still get rugged looks and a solid diesel engine.
However, like the Bolero, the Scorpio Classic also uses side-facing jump seats in the third row. It’s more about utility than comfort. If that works for you, it remains a reliable and muscular choice.
Scorpio N
A step above the Scorpio Classic is the Scorpio N, especially in its entry-level petrol variants. The good news? Some of these variants start under Rs. 15 lakh ex-showroom. And what you get is significantly better than the older Scorpio—modern design, refined interiors, better ride comfort, and updated tech.
Just be mindful that the lower trims might skip out on some of the premium features. Still, the core package—space, power, and road presence—is impressive for the price.
XUV700
If you thought the feature-rich XUV700 is out of reach under Rs. 15 lakh, think again. Mahindra has priced some of the entry-level petrol variants under this mark, at least on paper. Of course, these variants lack the bells and whistles of the higher trims, but they still offer great value for anyone seeking a modern, three-row SUV.
The XUV700 stands out with its sharp styling and road manners. And if you’re flexible with features or willing to look into dealer discounts, you might even snag a better variant within your budget.
| Car Model | Type | Starting Price (Ex-showroom) | Third-Row Seating Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citroen Aircross | Compact SUV | Under Rs. 15 lakh | Removable / flexible seats |
| Mahindra Bolero / Neo | MUV | Under Rs. 10-13 lakh | Side-facing jump seats |
| Mahindra Scorpio Classic | SUV | Around Rs. 13-14 lakh | Side-facing jump seats |
| Mahindra Scorpio N | SUV | Starts under Rs. 15 lakh | Front-facing (lower variants) |
| Mahindra XUV700 | SUV | Starts under Rs. 15 lakh | Front-facing (lower variants) |
All these cars bring their own strengths to the table. While some focus on utility and durability, others are all about comfort, features, and style. If your needs include space for seven and a price tag under Rs. 15 lakh, these options offer something for everyone. And with deals and discounts often available at dealerships, it’s worth visiting and negotiating to get the best possible version within your budget.
FAQs
Which is the best seven-seater under Rs. 15 lakh?
The Scorpio N and XUV700 offer the best mix of modern features and space.
Are Bolero jump seats comfortable for long drives?
Not really. They’re best for short trips or kids.
Does the Citroen Aircross have a full third row?
It offers removable third-row seats, good for flexible use.
Can I get an automatic SUV under Rs. 15 lakh?
Yes, the Citroen Aircross offers an automatic turbo-petrol variant.
Do dealer discounts help get higher variants?
Yes, ongoing discounts might help you get better variants under budget.
