Seeing the growing demand for 3-row SUVs, Maruti Suzuki and Renault-Nissan alliance are planning to launch new 7-seater SUVs in the Indian market. Maruti Suzuki has recently introduced the Grand Vitara midsize SUV, which has received positive response from buyers. Adding to it, the company is gearing up for the launch of the new Fronx crossover and the Jimny off-roader in the country by mid-2023.
Renault-Nissan alliance has also confirmed that the third-gen Duster is under development and will be launched in our market by 2024-25. The new model will be designed and developed on alliance’s CMF-B modular platform, which will be modified to accommodate India-specific products. Nissan will also launch a new midsize SUV based on this platform. Both SUVs will challenge the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, Maruti Grand Vitara and others.
Maruti Suzuki is also preparing a new 7-seater SUV, internally codenamed Y17. This 7-seater SUV is reportedly to be based on Suzuki’s Global-C platform that underpins the Grand Vitara. The wheelbase will be increased to accommodate an extra row of seat and offer more cabin space. This 3-row SUV will look different from the Grand Vitara and might share powertrain with the 5-seater sibling. We expect Maruti to share the bigger 2.0L petrol hybrid powertrain with the Toyota Innova Hycross.
It is also reported that Toyota is also developing a new 7-seater SUV, which will be based on Toyota’s TNGA-C platform. This platform underpins the Innova Hycross. It will be a 7-seater version of the Corolla Cross SUV and will be positioned against the Jeep Meridian, Mahindra XUV700 and the Tata Safari. It is likely to be powered by a 2.0L NA petrol and a 2.0L petrol + strong hybrid powertrain.
Similarly, Renault-Nissan alliance has also confirmed that the group will launch new 7-seater SUVs in the Indian market. The new model is likely to be based on the Bigster 3-row SUV concept, which will be launched in global markets in 2025. The new Renault 7-seater SUV will also have a Nissan derivative. Both models will be based on CMF-B platform and will be positioned against Tata Safari and the Mahindra XUV700.
