Car manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, Nissan, Renault and Citroen are lining up new models in the hottest 7-seater SUV segment. The upcoming 7-seater family SUVs will be enough spacious and practical for day-to-day commuting purposes. Here we bring the list of what to expect from the upcoming family cars, which are slated to launch in 2023 and 2024.
Citroen C3 Aircross
The French automaker has been testing the new Citroen C3 Aircross SUV for a while in the country. If reports are to be believed, the model will be offered in two seating configurations – 5 and 7-seats. It will be based the C3 hatchback and share its platform, powertrains and features with its donor sibling. The new Citroen SUV will measure around 4.3 metres in length, thus making it as big as the Hyundai Creta. Its 7-seater version will surely be longer and take on the cars like Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki XL6. For power, the new Citroen SUV is likely to use 1.2L turbo petrol engine delivering 110bhp and 190Nm. The C3 Aircross SUV is expected to go on sale towards the end of 2023. More details here…
Maruti 7-Seater SUV
Maruti Suzuki will foray into the 7-seater SUV space sometime next year. It will essentially be the longer version of the Grand Vitara that comes with a 1.5L K15C petrol mild hybrid and a 1.5L Atkinson cycle strong hybrid powertrains. While the former makes a top power of 103bhp with a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox, the latter delivers 79bhp with 141Nm when paired to an e-CVT transmission. The same engine-gearbox combinations are likely to be offered on the upcoming 7-seater family SUV from the Indo-Japanese automaker. Its interior layout and most of features will be similar to the Grand Vitara. More details here…
New Renault Duster
The third-generation Renault Duster is ready to make its way to India in the next couple of years. This time around, the carmaker will introduce the SUV in two seating layouts – 5 and 7-seats. The new Duster will be built on the new CMF-B modular platform that meets the global emission and safety standards. With the generation change, the SUV might also receive electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain. It will be bigger than the previous generation Duster. The model is likely to share some of its design elements and body panels with the Dacia Bigster concept. More details here…
Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota Kirloskar Motor is also reported to introduce a three-row SUV based on the globally sold Corolla Cross. In terms of pricing, the model will take on multiple models including the Hyundai Alcazar, Jeep Meridian, Mahindra XUV700 and Hyundai Tucson. The new Toyota 7-seater SUV will underpin the TNGA-C platform borrowed from the Innova Hycross. It could have an electrically operated tailgate, a completely foldable rear seats, longer rear doors, larger glasshouse area and differently designed C and D pillars. The upcoming 7-seater family SUV from Toyota might come with the 172bhp, 2.0L NA petrol and 186bhp, 2.0L petrol with Toyota’s strong hybrid tech powertrain options. More details here…
New Toyota Fortuner
The new-generation Toyota Fortuner is reported to debut towards the end of this year and its India launch is expected sometime in 2024. It’s surely one of the much-awaited upcoming new 7-seater family SUV in the country. The all-new Fortuner will ditch its existing IMV platform for the TNGA-F architecture. It’s the same platform that underpin the Innova Hycross. Under the hood, the new 2023 Toyota Fortuner might feature a 1GD-FTV 2.8L diesel engine with mild hybrid tech and ISG (integrated starter generator). Besides a new powertrain, the Fortuner might receive ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) suite, vehicle stability control and electric steering wheel. Noticeable changes are expected to be made to its design as well. More details here…
Nissan X-Trail
Nissan has started testing the X-Trail SUV on the Indian roads. Its market launch is likely to happen before or near around 2023 festive season. Here, the SUV will come as low-volume CBU route and challenge the Toyota Fortuner. The Nissan X-Trail will be the brand’s first vehicle in India to come with Nissan e-Power hybrid tech. In global markets, the SUV is sold with a 1.5L turbo petrol mild hybrid and a 1.5L turbo petrol with e-Power strong hybrid setup. The AWD drivetrain is available with strong hybrid version only. Similar to the global model, the India-spec version could be offered with the ADAS along with a bunch of advanced features. More details here…
Force Gurkha 5-Door
Force Gurkha 5-Door is likely to witness a market launch in coming months. The SUV is reported to be offered in four seating layout options – 6,7, 9 and 13-seats. The model will solve both off-road and daily commuting purposes. Its 7-seater version will have bench-type seats in the middle row and captain seats in the third row. Powering the 5-door Gurkha will be the same 2.6L turbo diesel engine that powers its 3-door model. The oil burner makes a top power of 91bhp and 250Nm of torque. It will come with the 4X4 drivetrain system with the mechanically lockable front and rear differentials. More details here…
