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| Toyota Land Cruiser FJ: 2028 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ compact SUV in rugged off-road setting. |
The Indian car buyer's heart beats for the SUV. It's a love affair that has completely reshaped our roads, with these commanding vehicles now claiming over half of all new cars sold. The roar of a powerful engine, the confidence of a high driving position, and the promise of family adventures have made the SUV the undisputed king of the Indian automobile market. And the best is yet to come! The next three years promise a revolution on wheels, as global giants and homegrown heroes prepare to unleash a wave of breathtaking new SUVs. From rugged electric off-roaders to luxurious family haulers, this is your ultimate insider's guide to the future of driving in India.
1. The Icon's Progeny: Toyota Land Cruiser FJ
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| Mahindra Thar EV: Mahindra Thar.e electric SUV concept in adventurous desert landscape. |
Get ready for a legend to be reborn.Slated for a grand entrance during the 2028 festive season, the "baby" Land Cruiser FJ is poised to fill the crucial gap between the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and the mighty Fortuner. Toyota is betting big on a green future for hardcore SUVs, as this off-roader will reportedly come with strong hybrid and plug-in-hybrid powertrains, leaving diesel behind. Prepare for an epic showdown with the Mahindra Scorpio N, with an expected price tag starting at a competitive ₹18-20 lakh (ex-showroom).
Source: Toyota global product roadmap analysis and industry reports from Autocar India.
2. The Silent Adventurer: Mahindra Thar EV
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| Mahindra Thar EV: Mahindra Thar.e electric SUV concept in adventurous desert landscape. |
The Thar,a symbol of raw, untamed freedom, is going electric, and the excitement is palpable. Evolving from the thrilling Thar.e concept and the more refined Vision T showcase, the production-ready Thar EV is set to redefine eco-friendly exploration. Built on Mahindra’s cutting-edge INGLO platform, it’s expected to offer multiple battery packs and a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system, ensuring that its electric heart loses none of its adventurous soul.
Source: Mahindra's official concept unveilings in South Africa (2023) and India (2025).
3. The Compact Powerhouse: Mahindra Vision S
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| Mahindra Vision S: Mahindra Vision S compact SUV spy shot with panoramic sunroof visible. |
Mahindra is set to shake up the hotly contested compact SUV segment with the Vision S.This sub-4-meter stunner, previewed as a concept, is essentially a smaller, more agile version of the beloved Scorpio. Recent spy shots have sent enthusiasts into a frenzy, confirming a sleek panoramic sunroof. Based on the innovative NU_IQ platform, the Vision S will be a formidable companion to the XUV 3XO, packing a big punch in a compact footprint.
Source: Spy images and analysis from automotive media like MotorOctane.
4. The Family's Green Champion: Hyundai 7-Seater Hybrid SUV
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| Hyundai 7-Seater Hybrid: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid previewing the new 7-seater SUV design. |
Codenamed‘Ni1i’, Hyundai’s answer to the growing demand for spacious, fuel-efficient family cars is a game-changer. This new 7-seater hybrid SUV, which will be longer than the Tucson, is scheduled for a mid-2027 debut and will be proudly manufactured at Hyundai’s Talegaon plant in Maharashtra. By utilizing a hybridized 1.5-litre petrol engine, it promises to offer the space families need without the guilt of high fuel bills, creating a perfect sibling for the Alcazar.
Source: Hyundai's manufacturing and product strategy announcements.
5. The Futuristic Honda: Honda 0 Alpha EV
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| Honda EV: Honda 0 Alpha all-electric SUV concept at auto show. |
Honda has unveiled a stunning vision for its electric future in India with the 0 Alpha SUV concept from the Japan Mobility Show 2025.This futuristic EV, with its upright stance and massive windscreens, is scheduled for production in late 2026 at Honda's Tapukara plant. It’s being developed not just for India, but for the world, and will directly challenge the likes of the Hyundai Creta EV and Maruti e-Vitara, marking a bold new chapter for the brand.
Source: Official unveiling at the Japan Mobility Show 2025.
6. The Legend Returns: Renault Duster
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| Renault Duster: New-generation Renault Duster SUV on a scenic mountain road. |
Source: Official confirmation from Renault India.
7. The Greek Architect: Nissan Tekton
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| Nissan Tekton: Nissan Tekton SUV with bold LED headlights and sleek design. |
Nissan is ready to craft a new legacy with the Tekton,a name inspired by the Greek word for "architect." This all-new C-segment SUV, launching around mid-2026, boasts a bold design language and will share its core platform and engines with the new Renault Duster. Built locally in Chennai, the Tekton is designed to make a strong, architectural statement on Indian roads.
Source: Global Nissan naming strategy and shared platform information with Renault.
8. The Retro-Modern Icon: Tata Sierra
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| Tata Sierra: Reborn Tata Sierra SUV modern retro design exterior. |
The wait is almost over!The iconic Tata Sierra, reimagined for the modern era, is set to make its grand entrance on November 25th. Positioned to take on the Hyundai Creta and Maruti Grand Vitara, the Sierra is expected to be a feature-packed marvel. Enthusiasts are dreaming of a triple-screen dashboard, Level 2 ADAS, and powerful new engines, including a 1.5L turbo-petrol. This is more than a car; it’s a nostalgic passion project brought to life.
Source: Official teaser from Tata Motors and reveals at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Global Expo.
9. The German Sophisticate: Volkswagen Tayron
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| Volkswagen Tayron: Volkswagen Tayron 7-seater premium SUV front profile. |
Volkswagen’s much-anticipated 7-seater,the Tayron, was spotted undisguised on Indian roads, and its launch is imminent. While it missed a Diwali 2025 debut, it’s expected to arrive in the coming weeks, offering German build quality and sophistication. Likely to be powered by a robust 2.0L turbo-petrol engine, the Tayron will create a compelling new option for families looking for a premium, spacious SUV.
Source: Multiple undisguised spy sightings and VW's India production plans.
10. The Evolved Favorite: Next-Gen Kia Seltos
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| Kia Seltos: Next-generation Kia Seltos SUV spy image during road testing. |
By mid-2026,the beloved Kia Seltos is getting a complete generational upgrade. Spy shots hint at a radical new design and a cabin that will push the boundaries of tech and luxury. The biggest whisper in the industry is that the new Seltos could be the vehicle to debut Kia's hybrid technology in India, complementing its existing range of petrol and diesel engines. It’s an evolution designed to keep its rivals on high alert.
Source: Industry reports from leading outlets like Economic Times Auto.
The Indian SUV landscape is on the cusp of an incredible transformation. Whether you dream of silent electric trails, luxurious family road trips, or rugged off-road exploits, the next three years have a dream SUV waiting just for you. The future of driving has never looked more exciting.