Hands down, the SUV form factor is the most popular, not just in India, but globally too. The appreciation for SUVs in India stems from the great driving position, practicality and ground clearance they offer, making them an ideal choice for city and long distance use, given the less-than-perfect roads we have. Below is a list of all new SUVs entering our market over the next year, like the new Mahindra Scorpio, Maruti Suzuki Jimny, Audi Q3, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Range Rover.
Audi Q3
The second-gen Q3 has been in the pipeline for India for a long time. The SUV has been on sale overseas since 2018 and a mid-life update is due, and we expect the refreshed model to come to India sometime next year. The Q3 is much bigger inside and out than the first-gen model and has styling that mimics the larger Q8 SUV.
A long list of features is expected to be available on the new Q3 that will include multiple screens and a premium sound system. The SUV in India will come with a 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Rivals include the recently launched GLA, the BMW X1 and the Volvo XC40.
Coming Late 2022
Engines 2.0 P
Expected Price Rs 40 lakh-45 lakh
Audi Q5 facelift
Just like the Q3, the Q5 will make a comeback to Audi’s India line-up. The facelifted model looks more stylish than its predecessor. It gets fresher looks, new front and rear bumpers and newer wheel designs. The list of features and tech will include a 10.1-inch touchscreen, digital dials and connected car tech.
The 245hp 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, which sees duty on the A6, will be the sole engine on offer on the upcoming Q5 for India. This engine will be mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive tech. Rivals include the likes of BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Coming November 23, 2021
Engines 2.0 P
Expected Price Rs 55 lakh-70 lakh
Audi Q7 facelift
The Q7 used to be one of Audi’s most popular SUVs until it was discontinued. Audi will be re-introducing the Q7 in India, though in its facelifted guise. Originally slated to launch this year, the refreshed Q7’s launch has been pushed to 2022.
With the facelift, the Q7 received a new and more aggressive grille, front bumper, headlights with new DRL design, new tail-lights and a reprofiled rear bumper. While these changes might not seem like a lot on paper, they really helped modernise the Q7’s look.
However, it is the interior update that’s more impressive. The dashboard design has been brought in line with newer Audi models, meaning it now gets a twin-touchscreen layout – one for the infotainment system and other for the MMI and climate controls. There is also a full digital instrument cluster. In India, we’ll get the 7-seat configuration, which won’t be hampered by a full-size spare (like the old model); instead we’ll get a space-saver spare tyre under the floor.
Power will come from a sole 340hp, 3.0-litre V6 turbo-petrol unit, as Audi does not have any diesels in its India portfolio anymore.
Coming Early 2022
Engines 3.0 P
Expected Price Rs 75 lakh-90 lakh
BMW X3 and X4 facelifts
BMW has made design tweaks to the X3 and X4 models, which includes a revamped, larger kidney grille and new-look headlights. The headlights are flatter, with full-LED as standard and BMW’s Laser Light system available as an option. The SUVs also gain a new front apron, raised underbody protection, window graphics and roof rails finished in aluminium. The rear styling has been reworked with larger exhaust pipes and narrower rear lights.
Starting with the standard X3 and X4, the interior styling has been revamped with a revised centre console in line with the 4 Series. The centre console continues to be crowned by a new free-standing touchscreen ranging up to 12.3-inches in size with revised control surfaces lower down.
Globally, the X3 and X4 are available with a range of petrol and diesel engines. This includes 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines and 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines – in varying states of tune. The X3 is also offered in plug-in hybrid (30e) and all-electric (iX3) guises, but it’s unlikely that those versions will come to India.
Coming Mid 2022
Engines 2.0 P, 2.0 D, 3.0 P, 3.0 D
Expected Price Rs 55 lakh-80 lakh
Force Gurkha 4-Door
Force Motors is confirmed to be working on a 4-door version of the new Gurkha that is set to launch in 2022. It is expected to use an updated version of the new Gurkha’s ladder frame chassis with an increased wheelbase, in order to accommodate the rear doors. In terms of styling, the Gurkha 4-door will feature the same boxy shape, with a clamshell bonnet, round headlights and cliff-faced sides, and now with the extra set of doors, its resemblance to the Mercedes G-Class will be even more apparent.
On the equipment front, the larger Gurkha is likely to remain the same as the 3-door variant.
Coming Late 2022
Engines 2.6 D
Expected Price Rs 15 lakh
Hyundai Creta facelift
Hyundai has already revealed the Creta facelift for the Indonesian market. This biggest change on the Creta facelift is the heavily redone front-end styling, which is now in line with the design seen on the new Tucson. It now features Hyundai’s 'parametric grille' with new daytime running lights and more squared out headlights. The rear has also been updated with a reprofiled boot lid and bumper. On the features front, Hyundai has equipped the Creta facelift with Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), new BlueLink safety features, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Most of these features are expected to make it to the Indian model, when it is launched sometime in the second-half of 2022.
Coming Late 2022
Engines 1.4P, 1.5P, 1.5D
Expected Price Rs 10 lakh-17 lakh
Hyundai Venue facelift
The Hyundai Venue facelift is expected to be launched in the Indian market by mid-2022, likely before the introduction of the Creta facelift. The refreshed Venue has already been spied testing in South Korea, where it will be launched first. The images of the test mule suggest that the Venue will get a new front end, and much like the new Tucson and upcoming Creta facelift, will also sport the new 'parametric grille' design. Besides this, only a few tweaks to the tail-lights, rear bumper and alloy wheel design are expected, with the rest of the design remaining unchanged. Powering the Venue facelift will be the same 1.2-litre petrol, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine options as the current car.
Coming mid 2022
Engines 1.0P, 1.2P, 1.5D
Expected Price Rs 7 lakh-12 lakh
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The recently revealed new Grand Cherokee will be locally assembled here in India, unlike its predecessor, giving it a competitive positioning in the local market. The contemporary-styled SUV features a few design elements, such as active grille-shutters, air curtains and redesigned rear pillars, that boost aerodynamic efficiency. It is also worth noting that there is a longer (by 294mm) Grand Cherokee L that was unveiled earlier this year and offers three rows of seating.
On the inside, it gets a new 10.1-inch central infotainment screen well integrated in the dashboard, a digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch head-up display, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The India-spec Grand Cherokee will be powered by a 290hp, 3.6-litre petrol V6 and could also get the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine in the 4xe plug-in hybrid variant. It will also be Jeep’s flagship model in India.
Coming Mid 2022
Engines 3.6 P, 2.0 P (PHEV)
Expected Price Rs 65 lakh-75 lakh
Jeep Meridian
Jeep’s Meridian is the long-awaited three-row derivative of the Compass, and it is set to launch in India by mid-2022. It will be built alongside the Compass at Jeep’s Ranjangaon plant.
The new Jeep SUV has been unveiled overseas as the Commander, but will be sold as the Meridian in India. While the influence of the Compass can be seen, there are numerous elements of the more premium Grand Cherokee also visible, like the slim LED headlights and tail-lights, as well as the window-line. Its increased length also becomes apparent when viewed in profile, with the larger rear quarter glass and longer rear overhang compared to the Compass.
Inside, the dashboard follows the same design as the Compass, replete with the free-standing touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It is also expected to get features like cooled seats and a panoramic sunroof. Jeep has used some more premium materials like metallic trim and suede fabric inserts to help the Meridian stand out.
A 2.0-litre turbo-diesel with mild-hybrid tech will be the sole engine on offer on this SUV, and it is expected to produce 200hp. Key rivals include the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and Skoda Kodiaq.
Coming Mid 2022
Engines 2.0 D
Expected Price Rs 35 lakh-50 lakh
Mahindra Scorpio
The all-new Mahindra Scorpio will finally have its market launch early next year and will be one of the biggest changes for the model since its introduction. In addition to moving to an updated ladder-frame chassis that’s currently seen on the second-gen Mahindra Thar, it will also receive completely new styling. That’s not to say it won’t resemble the Scorpio we have all come to know, as the upright and boxy silhouette will be carried over. On the inside, the interiors will also be all new and will come with a much larger touchscreen, vertically placed AC vents, some switchgear shared with the XUV700 and roof-mounted speakers.
In terms of engine options, the new Scorpio gets the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel and the 2.0-litre mStallion petrol, both from the XUV700. 4WD is expected to be offered on select variants and the Scorpio will also have traction modes available. While there will be an overlap with the XUV700, the Scorpio will appeal to those looking for a more rugged alternative.
Coming Early 2022
Engines 2.2 D, 2.0 P
Expected Price Rs 10.5 lakh-18.5 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
While the Jimny is sold as a 3-door model globally, the India-spec Jimny will be a larger 5-door SUV, which will be more suited to the Indian buyer. After numerous delays, the Jimny will be officially revealed only next year. It will be offered with a single engine option – the 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine that is expected to feature a more powerful and robust version of Maruti’s smart-hybrid tech. Unfortunately, Maruti won’t be offering any diesel engine option, something that is typically associated with rugged off-roaders in India. The 5-door Jimny will be sized like a compact SUV in India, measuring 3,850mm in length. With a ground clearance of 210mm, a ladder-frame chassis, four-wheel-drive system, a low-range gearbox and rigid axles at both ends, the Jimny will have all the credentials of a true off-roader, and will be a more upmarket successor to the Gypsy.
Coming Late 2022
Engine 1.5 P
Expected Price Rs 15 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza facelift
While the Vitara Brezza was facelifted in 2020 with some minor styling tweaks and the switch to petrol-only power, Maruti is expected to introduce a more comprehensive update to the Brezza in 2022, and the refreshed model has already been spied testing on Indian roads. The current-gen has been around for nearly six years now and is now due for a replacement, but this thorough update will keep it around for a few more years. In terms of styling, it’s expected to retain its squared-off and upright rugged SUV stance, while also following Maruti Suzuki’s latest design language. The interiors are also going to be refreshed with new styling, more tech and features, though Maruti will build on its strengths. Mechanically, the Brezza is likely to remain unchanged, carrying forward its 105hp, 1.5-litre petrol with both manual and automatic gearbox options.
Coming Mid 2022
Engines 1.5 P
Expected Price Rs 8.5 lakh-11.5 lakh
Maserati Grecale
The Maserati Grecale is being readied as the Italian sportscar maker’s second SUV, and will slot in below the Levante in the company’s line-up. The Grecale is slated for a global reveal later this year. The Porsche Macan rival shares the bulk of its underpinnings with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
Under the hood, the Grecale will feature a range of combustion as well as fully electric powertrains. The range will start with an Alfa-sourced 2.0-litre turbo, with a detuned version of the MC20’s new Nettuno V6 likely being used for the most potent variant. A fully electric version is due to arrive by 2022. Maserati intends to expand its footprint in India and the Grecale will be a good candidate with which to do so.
Coming Mid 2022
Engines 2.0 P, 3.0 P
Expected Price Rs 85 lakh
Range Rover
The fifth-gen Range Rover recently made its global debut in both normal and long-wheelbase form. At first glance, one might not be able to tell that it is a new generation model, but Land Rover has completely redesigned it and it now uses JLR’s new MLA ‘Flex’ architecture. A pure-electric version of the new Range Rover has been confirmed for launch in 2024, and it will be the brand’s first all-electric model.
While the Range Rover’s distinctive silhouette remains fundamentally intact, the carmaker has redesigned it to look modern and much more minimalist than the outgoing model. The interior of the new Range Rover has been completely revamped too. There is a new floating 13.1-inch infotainment screen on the dashboard, accompanied by a new 13.7-inch, high-definition digital instrument cluster, neater interior styling and the use of more premium materials.
Under the hood, the new Range Rover comes with the choice of 3.0-litre Ingenium straight-six engines (two petrol, three diesel), all with 48V mild-hybrid assistance and power outputs ranging from 246hp in the entry-level D250 diesel to 395hp in the P400 petrol. These will be joined by plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options with new floor-mounted 38.2kWh battery packs in the future. The range-topping model uses a BMW sourced 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine making 523hp and 750Nm.
Land Rover is expected to introduce the new Range Rover in our market in late 2022, a few months after the model goes on sale internationally.
Coming Late 2022
Engines 3.0P, 3.0D, 4.4P
Expected Price Rs 75 lakh-2 crore
Skoda Kodiaq facelift
Skoda’s flagship SUV will be re-introduced in our market early next year, after being discontinued in April 2020, when the BS6 norms kicked in. The new Kodiaq ditches the 150hp, 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine in favour of VW group’s ubiquitous 190hp, 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine.
The 7-seater was facelifted globally earlier this year and gets minor styling tweaks by way of a more upright grill, elevated bonnet, re-profiled front and rear bumpers, besides the new LED Matrix headlights. The India-spec Kodiaq is expected to come in the Sportline trim, with the chrome bits and alloy wheels receiving a blacked-out treatment.
Equipment levels for the Kodiaq are also expected to be similar to the older model, meaning there will be features like a digital instrument cluster, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and ambient lighting.
The Kodiaq will rival other monocoque, three-row premium SUVs in our market like the Tiguan Allspace, which is also set to get a facelift soon, and the upcoming Jeep Meridian.
Coming Early 2022
Engines 2.0 P
Expected Price Rs 35 lakh-45 lakh
Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux has for long been under consideration for a launch in India. It will directly rival the Isuzu V-Cross, which has been the only lifestyle pick-up offering on sale in India. Toyota is eyeing a niche set of buyers with this body style. The Hilux is built on the same platform as the Innova and Fortuner, sharing powertrain, four-wheel drive and suspension components.
For our market, Toyota is expected to offer the double cab variant, though it remains to be seen whether it follows a strategy similar to Isuzu by introducing a single cab variant for the commercial vehicle segment.
In order to keep a check on costs, the Hilux will share many interior components with the Innova and Fortuner. Hence, expect the cabin to have a similar layout, switchgear and use the same 8.0-inch touchscreen and instrument cluster as the aforementioned models.
Under the hood, the Hilux is expected to use the Innova’s 150hp, 2.4-litre diesel engine and two-wheel drive in the entry-level variant. The higher versions will likely get the 204hp, 2.8-litre diesel engine seen in the Fortuner, along with manual and automatic gearbox options, and a choice of either two- or four-wheel drive.
Coming Late 2022
Engines 2.4 D, 2.8 D
Expected Price Rs 25 lakh-35 lakh
Volkswagen Tiguan facelift
The Volkswagen Tiguan will make a comeback in India, with the facelifted version going on sale in December. The 5-seat model was discontinued during BS6 implementation, replaced by the Tiguan AllSpace. Now, the standard Tiguan will be coming back, but this time with a 190hp, 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine instead of a diesel. It will get a 7-speed dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive as standard.
The facelifted Tiguan brings new headlights, tail-lights, reprofiled front and rear bumpers, new 18-inch alloy wheels and new chrome inserts to increase its appeal to Indian buyers. As before, it will be locally assembled, but this time VW will aim for a more aggressive price.
Coming December 2021
Engine 2.0 P
Expected Price Rs 25 lakh-30 lakh
(All prices ex-showroom, estimated)
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