I have a budget of ₹15 lakh, which I can stretch up to ₹20 lakh, for a quality automatic SUV (preferably a torque-converter AT, but I’m open to CVT). I initially preferred Japanese brands, but I’ve heard Japanese SUVs have lost their mojo — is that true? If so, what other reliable options require low maintenance and won’t create high ownership overhead?

Japanese SUVs haven't lost their mojo; it's just that there are far more options in the market now, many of which are more appealing or interesting. For example, the Honda Elevate is a great, no-nonsense Japanese SUV in your budget that's reliable and quite fun to drive too. However, you should also consider the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, which offer better features, more upmarket interiors and more powertrain options with similar reliability and maintenance costs.