India, Feb. 23 -- With a Rs.10 lakh hard cap, buying a compact SUV today means picking carefully. This list picks options that hit that budget while offering the engines, features, and drivability buyers actually use every day. I've researched the exact variant, engine and price for each car so you know what you'd get for your money, and why that particular trim made the cut. Listed below are five options I would consider:

The Citroen Aircross in its X Plus trim, priced at Rs.9.97 lakh (ex-showroom), is the one I'd pick for space and comfort. It runs a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 80 bhp and 115 Nm, paired with a manual gearbox. The real strength lies in the cabin. It's a seven-seater with a suspension tuned for ...