SUVs have always been favoured for their practicality and spacious cabin among buyers. In the past few years, the SUV segment witnessed tremendous growth in the country. In order to tap the growing market, car manufacturers are ready to expand their SUV model lineup in coming years. Here we have listed the upcoming family cars (large 7-seater SUVs and MPVs), which are slated to arrive in 2022.
Toyota Rumion
The Japanese automaker recently unveiled the Toyota Rumion 7-seater MPV for the South African market. The same nameplate has been trademarked by the company in India. It will be the re-badged version of the Maruti Ertiga that’s reported to launch in the next 2-3 months. Exterior and interior of the new Toyota MPV will exactly similar to the Ertiga. Though, a few cosmetic changes are likely to be made. Under the hood, it will feature the same 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine with SHVS mild hybrid technology.
Maruti XL7
Maruti Suzuki will give a mid-life update to the XL6 MPV in early 2022. Rumour has it that the automaker might also introduce the 7-seater version of the model that’s already on sale in Indonesia as Suzuki XL7. Compared to its 6-seater version, the Maruti XL7 measures 5mm longer and 10mm longer. It has bench seat for the second row occupants. Most of its design elements, features and components are similar to the XL6. For power, the Maruti 7-seater MPV will use the same 1.5L K15B petrol engine making 105bhp and 138Nm.
Kia KY
Kia India has confirmed that its new three-row car will debut on 16th December 2021 and its launch will take place in early 2022. It’s likely to be a 6/7-seater MPV based on the Seltos. Reports suggest that its final model will be named Kia Carens. Features such as longer wheelbase, wider rear quarter glass and overhangs will differentiate it from the Seltos. It could be the first vehicle in its segment to offer access to the third row seats via an electronic button. Powering the upcoming new Kia MPV might be a 159bhp, 2.0L petrol and 115bhp, 1.5L diesel engines.
Hyundai Stargazer
Hyundai has been testing its upcoming 7-seater compact MPV in India for a while now. If reports are to be believed, it will be the Hyundai Stargazer that was recently caught testing in Indonesia and South Korea. The MPV will be designed and developed especially for the Asian market. The model could be equipped with the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) along Hyundai SmartSense feature and sunroof. The new Hyundai MPV (India-spec model) might be powered by the 113bhp, 1.5L turbo diesel engine. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer.
Mahindra Scorpio
The new-generation Mahindra Scorpio is ready to debut in early 2022. The new model will come with more rugged design, upmarket interior and powerful engines. The 2022 Mahindra Scorpio 7-seater will have forward facing third-row seats. It could be offered with a new touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, a 360 degree camera and multiple off-road driving modes. The upcoming new Scorpio will come with the 2.0L mHawk diesel and 2.0L turbo petrol engines making 155bhp with 360Nm and 150bhp with 300Nm respectively. The SUV can be had either with a manual or an automatic gearbox.
Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus
Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus will be a 9-seater SUV that’s reported to launch in coming months. Compared to the standard Bolero Neo, it will be around 400-410mm longer. The third row occupants will have side facing bench-type seats placed in the boot area. No other design and feature changes will be made to the Bolero Neo Plus. The SUV will use the 2.2L diesel engine that will be initially offered with the manual gearbox. Its automatic variant might come at a later stage.
Jeep Meridian
Jeep Meridian 7-seater SUV will be the next big launch from the American automaker in the country. Based on the Compass, the new three-row Jeep SUV will hit roads in early 2022. Its design and styling will share resemblance to its donor sibling. Though, the Meridian will have longer wheelbase and bigger dimensions along with some additional features. Under the hood, the model will employ a 2.0L turbo diesel engine that’s good for 173bhp and 350Nm. The AWD system could be reserved for the higher trims.
Maruti-Toyota MPV
Reports suggest that Suzuki-Toyota joint venture will develop a new C-segment MPV for the Indian market. The model will be designed on the FWD (front-wheel drive) monocoque platform and it will be placed against the upcoming Kia and Hyundai compact MPVs. While there is no official word on the product and its details, the new Maruti-Toyota MPV is likely to come with the 1.5L K15B petrol engine benefited with the mild hybrid technology. It will be retailed via Maruti Suzuki’s Nexa dealerships.
