In India, medium-duty trucks, MDTs, contribute immensely to transportation logistics. Such trucks typically fall within a range of 7.5 to 16 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW) and constitute the most commonly employed vehicles with varied usages such as goods transfers, intracity distributions, and building projects. 

Keep reading to learn more about the best medium-duty trucks in India. At the same time, consider opting for a well-rounded truck insurance plan for maximum safety.

1. Mahindra Bolero Maxi Truck Plus┃Starting ₹7.49 Lakhs

With the availability of 4 variants, the Mahindra Bolero Maxi Truck Plus is a two-seater pickup truck that has two engine options. The basic model is the Bolero Maxi Truck Plus CBC PS 1.2, and the most expensive is the Mahindra Bolero Maxi Truck Plus CNG PS. 

Key Specifications:

• Engine: 2523 cc, 65.03 bhp, BS6, 4-cylinder diesel engine and CNG engine 
• Maximum Torque: 195 Nm at 1400 to 2200 rpm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 45 Litres 
• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 2700 kg 
• Wheelbase: 3150 mm
• Payload Capacity: 1200 kg
• Suspension: Front, Rigid leaf spring suspension; Rear, Rigid leaf spring suspension 
• Transmission: Manual transmission along with 5-speed gears

2. Ashok Leyland Bada Dost┃Starting ₹8.15 Lakhs

Ashok Leyland Bada Dost is a 4-wheeled commercial truck that offers a 3-year warranty. It is a trendy vehicle in India that works like magic in cities. The truck is 5025 mm long with a single plate dry clutch. Apart from this, it has a synchromesh gearbox. 

Key Specifications:

• Engine: 1478 cc, 80 hp, 3-cylinder diesel engine 
• Maximum Torque: 190 Nm at 1600 to 2400 rpm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 Litres 
• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 3490 kg
• Wheelbase: 2590 mm 
• Payload Capacity: 1860 kg
• Suspension: Front, Parabolic suspension (with double acting shock absorber: 2 leaf); Rear, Parabolic leaf suspension (with double acting shock absorber 2 main + helper) 
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual

3. Mahindra Bolero Camper┃Starting ₹9.27 lakhs

According to some people, the engine of Bolero provides an amazing amount of torque and power for off-road ventures. However, owing to their older engine technology, driving on highways may feel a bit difficult. 

Key Specifications:

• Engine: 2523 cc, 4-cylinder, 75 hp, turbocharged diesel engine 
• Maximum Torque: 200 Nm at 1400 to 2200 rpm 
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 Litres 
• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 2735 kg 
• Wheelbase: 3014 mm
• Payload Capacity: 1000 kg
• Suspension: Front, Coil springs; Rear, Rigid axle with leaf spring 
• Transmission: 5-speed manual

4. Isuzu IS12TE┃Starting ₹12.5 Lakhs

Owing to its fuel efficiency, the Isuzu IS12T is able to handle cargo very easily. They are highly durable and are used for market loads and construction work. The Axle Configuration is 4 X 2, along with a ground clearance of 300 mm.

Key Specifications:

• Engine: 4HK-1XS OHC DI water-cooled engine, turbocharger with intercooler
• Maximum Torque: 396 Nm at 1500 to 2000 rpm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 180 Litres 
• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 12,565 kg
• Wheelbase: 4500 mm 
• Payload Capacity: 7715 kg
• Suspension: Front, Heavy-duty semi-elliptical leaf springs (with hydraulic double-acting telescopic shock absorbers); Rear, Heavy-duty semi-elliptical leaf springs (with hydraulic double-acting telescopic shock absorbers) 
• Transmission: Manual; 6-forward and one reverse

5. Eicher Pro 3019 | Starting ₹21.90 Lakhs

Eicher Pro 3019 covers approximately 6.5km per litre and is suitable for distant destinations. The vehicle has better fuel efficiency. A truck with a robust suspension for smooth rides, an auxiliary brake for additional safety, and a spacious cab that fits long trips.

Key Specifications:

• Engine: E494, 4V CRS, 4-cylinder, BS6
• Maximum Torque: 600 Nm @ 1200-1800 rpm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 190 Litres
• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 18500 kg
• Wheelbase: 4490 mm, 5490 mm, and 6690 mm
• Payload Capacity: 11000 kg
• Suspension: Front, Parabolic; Rear, Semi Elliptic 
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual

6. Tata LPT 1918 COWL | Starting ₹23.37 Lakhs

Tata LPT 1918 Cowl boasts a new value feature pack that has improved fuel economy, productivity, better serviceability, high safety standards, and more driving comfort. It is designed to be a multi-purpose vehicle with fully built options for specific applications.

Key Specifications:

• Engine: Cummins ISBe 5.6 L BS6
• Maximum torque: 850 Nm @ 1000 - 1600 r/min
• Fuel tank capacity: 365 Litres
• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 18500 kg
• Wheelbase: 4255 mm
• Payload Capacity: 12500 kg
• Suspension: Front, Semi-elliptical leaf springs; Rear, Semi-elliptical leaf springs
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual

7. Ashok Leyland 1920 | Starting ₹23.92 Lakhs

Ashok Leyland's 1920s manual transmission and chassis design give this vehicle excellent turning capability and make it perfect for light-duty work. It is equipped with a powerful engine and highly durable build quality.

Key Specifications:

• Engine: 5660 cc H series CRS, iGen-6 technology
• Maximum Torque: 700 Nm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 375 Litres
• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 18500 kg
• Wheelbase: 4750 mm
• Payload Capacity: 10500 kg
• Suspension: Front, Semi elliptic multi-leaf, (Optional) - parabolic springs; Rear, Semi elliptic multi-leaf (helper spring - Parabolic)
• Transmission: Manual

8. Tata Ultra 1918 T | Starting ₹26.35 Lakhs

It offers a more modern and elegant design that differentiates it from most other trucks in the medium range. It provides more payload in this class and has a larger cargo body suitable for bulky goods. The Tata Ultra 1918 T contains modernised functions that include electronic anti-fuel theft and remote telematic tracking of potential fuel fraud. 

Key Specifications:

• Engine: 5.0L Turbotron BS6 engine
• Maximum Torque: 700 Nm @ 1000-1700 rpm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 225 Litres
• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 18500 kg
• Wheelbase: 4200 mm, 4530 mm, 4920 mm, 5300 mm, 5600 mm, 6750 mm. 
• Payload Capacity: 12500 kg
• Suspension: Semi-elliptical leaf springs
• Transmission: 6-speed (6F+1R) Manual

9. BharatBenz 1917R | Starting ₹28.55 Lakhs

The BharatBenz 1917R is perfect for longer journeys. In terms of serviceability, the truck is the best as there are commonalities in parts between trims for ease of fixing or replacement. The 1917R truck model is recognised as one of the world’s best fuel-friendly cargo trucks currently being manufactured in India.

Key Specifications:

• Engine: 7200 cc
• Maximum Torque: 1120 Nm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 215 Litres
• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 18,500 kg
• Wheelbase: 5500 mm
• Payload Capacity: 10886 kg
• Suspension: Front, Multi-leaf spring; Rear, Multi-leaf spring
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual

10. Toyota Hilux┃Starting ₹30.40 Lakhs

Along with its two transmission options, the Toyota Hilux is a 5-seater MUV that is available in the market in 3 variants. It is quite popular due to its reliability, durability, and high-end performance. It has a mileage of 10 to 12 kmpl. 

Key Specifications:

• Engine: 2.8 litre, 201.15 bhp, 4-cylinder, 2755 cc diesel engine 
• Maximum Torque: 420 N-m at 1400 to 3400 rpm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 Litres 
• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 2910 kg 
• Wheelbase: 3085 mm 
• Payload Capacity: 470 kg
• Suspension: Front, Double wishbone; Rear, Leaf spring 
• Transmission: Manual and Automatic 

When you consider buying the best medium-duty truck for your specific needs, it is essential to consider factors like:

• Payload: Payload refers to the weight of the goods, passengers, and things a vehicle can carry. The payload will guide you in determining the cab, chassis, body type, and engine horsepower of the vehicle on an excellent truck-performance delivery.
• Towing Safety and Capacity: The safety of a towing system in a medium-duty truck should be considered if you plan on buying it.
• Fuel: You must choose a medium-duty commercial truck with high fuel efficiency. Fuel significantly impacts your operation cost and influences mileage, operating time between services, operating environment, and cost budget.
• Operating Environment: Consider the environment when choosing a commercial truck. For narrow roads with many stops, go for a medium-duty truck with better manoeuvrability. Use a truck with a longer wheelbase for better operating efficiency for highway cruising.
• Cargo: Depending on the nature of the cargo, one can decide what kind of medium-duty truck is the best. Dry freight and cube bodies are ideal choices if you haul goods in boxes, including consumer electronics goods and baking goodies. 

It is necessary to have a trustworthy fleet of medium-duty trucks for effective transport logistics. Fleet managers looking for an expansion opportunity can use this inventory, comprising some of India's best medium-duty trucks. This list will thus help you if you are looking to buy one.

Also, note that having third-party commercial vehicle insurance is mandatory in India.