The mid-sized SUV segment is currently ruled by Korean automakers – Hyundai and Kia. While the Hyundai Creta is the top-selling model in its category, the Kia Seltos stood second in the list. However, things could change in near future as most of the brands are now developing mid-sized SUVs for the Indian market. Here is a list of top 7 new mid-sized SUVs to be launched in the Indian market in the near future.
MG Astor
MG Motors will launch the petrol derivative of the ZS EV in the second half of 2021. Rumoured to be called the MG Astor, the new mid-sized sedan will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. The MG Astor could be the first model in its category to offer ADAS. The SUV is likely to be offered in petrol version only. It is expected to come in two engine options – a 120bhp, 1.5-litre 4-cylinder NA petrol and a 163bhp, 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer.trol.
Volkswagen Taigun
Volkswagen will launch the Taigun mid-sized SUV in August-September 2021. It is the second model based on the VW Group’s MQB AO IN platform, which also underpins the Skoda Kushaq. The SUV will share the features and the engine-gearbox combination with the Kushaq. It will come with two engine options – a 113bhp, 1.0L turbocharged petrol with 6MT & 6AT, and a 147bhp, 1.5L turbocharged petrol with 6MT & 7-speed DSG.
Next-gen Renault Duster
Renault will discontinue the current generation Duster SUV from the Indian market before the end of 2021. The company will replace the current SUV with the next-gen Duster, which is currently under development. The third-gen Duster will be based on the CMF-B platform, which will also underpin the next-gen Nissan Kicks and the Renault Captur. It is expected to be launched in 2023-24.
Next Mahindra XUV500
Mahindra will replace the existing XUV500 with an all-new 7-seater SUV, called the Mahindra XUV700. The XUV500 nameplate will return as a 5-seater mid-sized SUV, which will measure around 4.3 meters in length. It will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. Likely to be launched by 2025, the new SUV is likely to receive hybrid powertrain as well as electric.
Honda Elevate
Japanese automaker, Honda will enter into the mid-sized SUV segment of India by 2023. The company has already trademarked the Elevate name, which could be the name for the upcoming mid-sized SUV. It will be based on the City platform, which will allow Honda to achieve higher levels of localisation. The SUV could be offered in two seating configurations – 5-seater and 7-seater. It is likely to share the 1.5L petrol and diesel engines with the manual and CVT automatic gearbox with the City sedan.
Tata Blackbird
Tata Motors is also developing a new mid-sized SUV for the Indian market. The new SUV could be based on the new ALFA modular platform, which currently underpins the Altroz. Internally called the Blackbird, the new SUV could receive a turbocharged petrol and diesel engine options. Details about the new model are yet to be revealed.
Maruti-Toyota Mid-sized SUV
Maruti Suzuki and Toyota JV is jointly developing a new mid-sized SUV, which will be launched in India in 2022-23. The new model is rumoured to be based on the Toyota’s low-cost DNGA (Daihatsu New Generation Architecture), which currently underpins the Toyota Raize and the Daihatsu Rocky. The SUV will be produced at the Toyota’s production plant in Bidadi, and will use Yaris production line.
