If you are planning to buy an SUV that looks stylish, offers good features, and most importantly, keeps you and your family safe then this article is for you. Today, many car buyers in India are focusing more on safety ratings, and that’s a smart move! In this article, we bring you a list of budget-friendly SUVs under ₹8 lakh that have received 5-star safety ratings from Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP. These SUVs give you peace of mind, along with good design and features.
Why Safety Ratings Matter?
Before we jump into the list, let’s understand why 5-star safety is important.
When a car crashes, a higher safety rating means better protection for the driver and passengers. 5-star rated cars are tested in crash labs for both front and side impacts. This rating tells us how well the car can protect people inside during an accident. So, a 5-star rated SUV is always a smart and safe choice — especially for families.
Top 5-Star Rated SUVs Under ₹8 Lakh in India
Here are the most affordable and safest SUVs in India in 2025:
1. Tata Punch
- Safety Rating: 5 Stars (Global NCAP)
- Price Range: ₹6.13 lakh – ₹9.60 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Engine: 1.2L petrol
- Mileage: Around 18.8 km/l
Why It’s Great:
Tata Punch is India’s most affordable SUV with a full 5-star safety rating. It has a strong body structure and offers dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and more even in the base model. It looks sporty and is perfect for both city and village roads.
2. Hyundai Exter
- Safety Rating: 5 Stars (Bharat NCAP)
- Price Range: ₹6.13 lakh – ₹10.28 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Engine: 1.2L petrol / CNG option available
- Mileage: 19.4 km/l (petrol), 27.1 km/kg (CNG)
Why It’s Great:
Launched recently, the Exter is Hyundai’s most budget-friendly SUV. It comes with 6 airbags as standard even in the base model! The design is bold and youthful, and you also get features like a touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and a sunroof in higher variants.
3. Tata Nexon (Base Variant)
- Safety Rating: 5 Stars (Global NCAP)
- Price Range: Starts at ₹8 lakh (base variant may come within ₹8 lakh in some cities with offers)
- Engine: 1.2L Turbo Petrol / 1.5L Diesel
- Mileage: 17 – 24 km/l
Why It’s Great:
Tata Nexon is a compact SUV known for its strong build quality and stylish design. The base variant comes with safety features like dual airbags, ABS, and ESC. It’s slightly above ₹8 lakh in most cities, but with festive discounts or rural offers, you might grab it under ₹8 lakh.
4. Mahindra XUV300 (W2 Base Variant)
- Safety Rating: 5 Stars (Global NCAP)
- Price Range: ₹7.99 lakh – ₹14.76 lakh
- Engine: 1.2L Turbo Petrol / 1.5L Diesel
- Mileage: 17 – 20 km/l
Why It’s Great:
XUV300 scored well in both adult and child safety. The base model offers good safety and a solid build. It’s a great choice if you want a powerful SUV with high ground clearance and comfort. The W2 base variant just fits under ₹8 lakh in most cities.5. Renault Kiger (RXE Variant)
- Safety Rating: 4 Stars (Global NCAP) (Not 5-Star, but still worth mentioning)
- Price Range: ₹6.00 lakh – ₹11.23 lakh
- Engine: 1.0L Petrol / Turbo Petrol
- Mileage: 19 – 20 km/l
Why It’s Great:
Even though the Kiger has a 4-star rating, it deserves a spot for its attractive pricing and stylish look. It comes with essential safety features like dual airbags, ABS, and rear parking sensors. The design is sporty, and it offers a big boot and high ground clearance.
Overview Table
| SUV Name | Safety Rating | Starting Price | Mileage | Engine Type |
| Tata Punch | 5 Stars | ₹6.13 Lakh | 18.8 km/l | 1.2L Petrol |
| Hyundai Exter | 5 Stars | ₹6.13 Lakh | 19.4 km/l | 1.2L Petrol / CNG |
| Tata Nexon | 5 Stars | ₹8.00 Lakh | 17–24 km/l | Petrol / Diesel |
| Mahindra XUV300 | 5 Stars | ₹7.99 Lakh | 17–20 km/l | Petrol / Diesel |
| Renault Kiger | 4 Stars | ₹6.00 Lakh | 19–20 km/l | 1.0L Petrol |
Key Features You Can Expect
- Dual Airbags: Comes as standard in most models
- ABS with EBD: For better braking control
- Rear Parking Sensors: Safer reversing
- Strong Body Structure: Helps absorb crash impact
- Touchscreen & Android Auto (in higher variants)
Final Thoughts
Buying a car is not just about looks or mileage safety is most important, especially for families. Luckily, Indian carmakers are now making affordable SUVs that also protect you during accidents. Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter are great examples of that.