If you want to upgrade to an SUV in 2026 and are looking for new electrifying alternatives to complement the existing possibilities, you’ve come to the correct spot. A slew of new SUVs will be released in 2026 at a variety of pricing ranges, enticing Indian shoppers to make the long-awaited upgrade. There’s no better time to be alive for SUV enthusiasts than now, with Maruti’s first electric car and Renault’s renowned Duster returning.
1). Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara
The Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara was officially unveiled and priced in India on December 2, 2025, with sales and deliveries beginning in January 2026. It is Maruti’s entry into the mainstream EV market with a mid-size electric SUV featuring two battery options (49kWh/61kWh), up to 543 km range, Level 2 ADAS, AWD, and strong safety (5-star Bharat NCAP) under the Nexa brand, targeting rivals such as the Tata Curvv EV and BYD Atto 3.
Launch Details:
- Unveil & Pricing: December 2, 2025, in Gurugram.
- Sales Start: January 2026.
- Booking: Opened post-launch.
Key Specifications & Features:
- Platform: Built on the Heartect-e platform, co-developed with Toyota.
- Variants: Delta, Zeta, Alpha.
- Battery Options: 49 kWh (smaller) and 61 kWh (larger).
- Range: Up to 543 km (ARAI certified for 61 kWh).
- Motor Specs (Expected): 49 kWh with ~142 bhp; 61 kWh with ~172 bhp.
- Drivetrain: First India-spec EV under ₹25 Lakh with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) option.
- Safety: 7 airbags, ESP, Level 2 ADAS (15+ features), 360° camera, Blind Spot Monitor, Bharat NCAP 5-star rating.
- Infotainment: 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Comfort: Glass roof, leatherette upholstery, electronic parking brake, dual digital screens.
- Charging: Supports DC fast charging; BaaS (Battery-as-a-Service) & buyback options available.
- Color Options: Available in 10 colors (e.g., Arctic White, Opulent Red, Nexa Blue).
Key Highlights:
- India-Focused: Tuned for Indian conditions, offering a strong service network.
- Aggressive Pricing: Aimed at challenging established players like Tata & MG.
- Premium Experience: Sold via Nexa, offering a blend of features and Maruti’s reliability.
2). Tata Sierra EV
The Tata Sierra EV is expected to launch in India in early 2026 and will feature modern technology such as dual screens, Level 2 ADAS, a large panoramic sunroof, and potential 4×4/AWD, with (65-75kWh) battery packs expected range of 450-500+ kms, positioning it as a premium lifestyle SUV.
Key Specifications & Features (Expected)
- Platform: Acti.ev platform.
- Battery: 65kWh or 75kWh options, similar to Harrier EV.
- Range: 450-500+ km (expected).
- Drivetrain: Potential for Dual-motor AWD setup.
- Suspension: Multi-link rear suspension for better ride.
- Interior: Triple-screen dashboard (driver, infotainment, passenger), ventilated seats, large panoramic sunroof (PanoraMax).
- Technology: Level 2 ADAS, 360° camera, pop-out door handles, full-width DRLs.
Price
- Expected to be priced between ₹20-25 Lakh (ex-showroom).
3). Mahindra XUV 7XO
The Mahindra XUV 7XO, the facelifted and renamed XUV700, will have its world premiere on January 5, 2026. It will feature refreshed styling, a new triple-screen interior, and advanced tech while retaining its powerful petrol/diesel engines. The expected pricing is around ₹15-26 Lakhs, and pre-bookings are already open.
Launch & Booking
- World Premiere: January 5, 2026.
- Pre-bookings: Already open for a ₹21,000 token amount.
- Test Drives: Expected shortly after the premiere.
Key Features & Updates
- Exterior: New grille, updated LED lighting, chunkier bumpers, and sharper lines.
- Interior: A large triple-screen setup (instrument cluster, infotainment, co-passenger screen), premium ambient lighting, and potentially massaging front seats.
- Tech: Level 2 ADAS, Harman Kardon audio system (expected).
Engine & Performance (Expected)
- Powertrains: Retains 2.0L Turbo Petrol & 2.2L Diesel engines.
- Transmission: 6-speed manual & automatic options.
- Drivetrain: FWD standard, AWD possible on select diesel variants.
Variants & Price (Expected)
- New AX9 L variant likely.
- Price range: ₹15 Lakh – ₹26 Lakh (ex-showroom).
Why “7XO”?
- It’s the next evolution of the popular XUV700, following the XUV 3XO naming convention, with significant upgrades.
4). Renault Duster
The 2026 Renault Duster will make its India debut on January 26, 2026, with India-specific design tweaks such as connected taillights, strong engines (1.3L Turbo Petrol, possibly 1.0L Turbo), and a future strong-hybrid option, bringing back iconic 4×4 capability with tech such as a 10.1-inch screen, 360-degree camera, and ADAS to compete with rivals such as the Creta, and priced competitively in the crowded mid-size SUV segment.
Key Specs & Features
- Platform: CMF-B platform, shared with its Nissan sibling (Tekton).
- Design: India-spec gets unique front/rear styling, including connected LED taillights, different from the global Duster.
- Engine Options:
- 3L Turbo Petrol (130-156 PS) with manual/auto.
- 0L Turbo Petrol (uptuned Kiger engine) for lower variants.
- Future Strong-Hybrid (similar to global 1.6L).
- CNG/LPG options also anticipated.
- Drivetrain: Return of All-Wheel Drive (4×4) capability.
- Interior: 10.1″ touchscreen, 7″ digital cluster, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof.
- Safety: 6 airbags, 360° camera, blind-spot monitor, ADAS expected.
India Launch Details
- Debut: January 26, 2026.
- Market Position: Strong competitor to Creta, Seltos, Grand Vitara in the 4.3-4.5m segment.
- Manufacturing: Built at the Alliance plant near Chennai for India & exports.
5). Second-generation Kia Seltos
The second-generation Kia Seltos (2026 model) features a bolder design on a new K3 platform, a larger cabin, dual 12.3-inch displays, Level 2 ADAS, and a panoramic sunroof, as well as the familiar 1.5L NA petrol, 1.5L Turbo petrol (with 6iMT/7DCT), and 1.5L Diesel (with 6MT/6AT) engines, with the Indian model keeping the diesel option but differing slightly from global specs. Flush door handles, Star Map lighting, ventilated seats, BOSE audio, and improved safety features have been added to make it bigger, bolder, and more technologically advanced, giving it a premium feel.
Key Upgrades & Design
- Platform: Built on Kia’s new K3 platform, allowing for increased size.
- Dimensions: Longer (4,460mm) and wider wheelbase (2,690mm) for more space.
- Exterior: Bold new look with wider grille, Star Map lighting, flush door handles, and connected tail lamps.
- Interior: “Trinity Panoramic Display” (dual 12.3-inch screens), BOSE sound, 64-color ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, and dual-zone climate control.
- Safety: Standard 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Level 2 ADAS with features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.
Powertrain Options (India-Spec)
- 5L NA Petrol: 115 PS/144 Nm with 6-speed Manual (MT) or CVT.
- 5L Turbo Petrol: 160 PS/253 Nm with 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual) or 7-speed DCT.
- 5L Diesel: 116 PS/250 Nm with 6-speed Manual (MT) or 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic (AT).
Technology & Convenience
- Infotainment: Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Kia Connect 2.0.
- Comfort: Ventilated front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, wireless charging.
- More Features: 360-degree camera, all-wheel disc brakes, electric parking brake with auto-hold.
Variants & Looks
- Trims: Available in GT-Line (sporty) and X-Line (rugged) trims.
- Colors: New options include Iceberg Green, Gravity Gray, and matte Magma Red.
