While front-wheel-drive cars dominate the mass market, a handful of RWD models offer exciting performance and practicality at accessible prices. Here are the 10 most affordable RWD cars in India.
RWD Cars in India: A Rare but Exciting Breed
Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) cars are becoming increasingly rare in the mass market due to the affordability and efficiency of front-wheel-drive (FWD) platforms. However, RWD still has advantages in weight distribution, improved handling, and enhanced driving dynamics. While most RWD cars are expensive and performance-oriented, there are still some affordable options available in India.
Here’s a look at the 10 most budget-friendly RWD cars and SUVs you can buy today.
Some of the few available rear-wheel-drive vehicles are the bargain basement exciting models: entering performance stables in terms of affordability, here are the top 10 most affordable RWD automobiles in India.
RWD Cars in India: Rare yet Hotblooded
Increasingly, RWD cars are going extinct from a mass-market perspective, becoming far more affordable and efficient than a front-wheel-driving (FWD) platform.
However it does still have some advantages; tighter weight distribution, better handling, and driving dynamics. Certain other cars in India are not cheap and performance-oriented, but most of them fall into the pricey category.
Here is a list of the 10 cheapest RWD cars and SUVs you can buy today.
10. The Toyota Fortuner (Price from ₹35.37 lakh)
One of India's most rugged and strong SUVs, the Fortuner comes in petrol and diesel engine variants, the latter offering both manual and automatic transmissions. Known to have a spacious interior and a well-built exterior, the Fortuner finds its feet in a premium bracket and is still among popular choices.
9. Mahindra XEV 9e (From ₹25 lakh, estimated)
This is how Mahindra's latest XEV 9e is: an electric SUV with RWD as standard. Bridging the gap and leaving two battery pack options (59kWh and 79kWh) allows as much as 656 km MIDC range, making it a nifty EV with the best performance and driving range.
8. Isuzu D-Max (Start From ₹21.49 lakh)
The Isuzu D-Max is a rugged lifestyle pick-up that blends off-road capability with city terrain practicality. This comes in Hi-Lander and V-Cross types. This is one of the very few pickup trucks available in India with an RWD option. However, city driving becomes a headache because of its great dimensions.
7. Toyota Innova Crysta (Starting at ₹19.99 lakh)
For years now, the Indian MPV of choice has been the Toyota Innova Crysta because of its spacious cabin, powerful diesel engine, and great reliability. While it is now marketed mostly as a fleet vehicle, it remains a great favourite among larger families for their travel needs.
6. The Mahindra BE 6 (From ₹18.90 lakh, estimated)
An electric coupe SUV, the Mahindra BE 6 is RWD as standard. It shares battery and powertrain information with the XEV 9e, offering a claimed range of 682 km. Competing against the likes of the Hyundai Creta EV and Tata Curvv, it is a fusion of tech, style, and performance.
5. Mahindra Scorpio Range (Starting From ₹13.62 Lakh)
The Mahindra Scorpio Classic and Scorpio N build rugged bodies with powerful engines and practical seven-seater design. The Scorpio N adds modernism and optional knobby tyress for adventurers, while the Classic is more basic.
4. Mahindra Thar (At ₹11.50 lakh)
The Mahindra Thar 3-door and 5-door Roxx are the quintessential off-road SUVs. Thar comes in RWD and 4WD versions, of which, from an affordability perspective and city driving considerations, Thar RWD should suffice for most customers.
The 3-door model promises a bouncy ride, whereas the Roxx caters to space optimization and practicality.
3. Mahindra Bolero & Bolero Neo Starting Price of ₹9.79 Lakh
What is more transparent about the two Mahindra Boleros-the Bolero and the Bolero Neo-is that they come with workhorse characteristics and have traditionally been more known and accepted in rural and semi-urban areas.
Both of the SUVs are powered by 1.5-litre diesel powertrains producing 300Nm torque.
2. MG Comet EV From 7 Lakh
The MG Comet EV is marketed as the smallest yet most affordable electric car with RWD in the Indian market, powered by a rear-axle-mounted 42hp motor that allows quick manoeuvring through congested streets but is barely adequate for use on open highways. The quirky exteriors and a premium cabin finish define the Comet EV.
1. Maruti Suzuki Eeco From 5.44 Lakh
The Maruti Eeco is the cheapest RWD car in the Indian market. Very basic yet practically useful, it has gained popularity amongst fleet operators. It runs a 1.2-litre petrol mill, is very economical to run, has a huge amount of cargo space, and is void of any current modern gadgetry.
Are RWDs Worth Buying?
While FWDs cover the mainstream due to extra cost and practicality, RWDs boast superior capability in terms of driving dynamics, durability and excellent off-road characteristics. Whether you want a compact MPV, an electric SUV or an off-road beast, this list has something for you.
If performance and handling are at the top of your list when making a decision, then a rear-wheel-drive car may be worth considering in this FWD-dominated market of India.
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