3 Popular SUVs to Return India - XUV500, Duster, Sierra

The Indian automobile market will soon witness a nostalgic yet modern revival with the return of three iconic SUVs – Tata Sierra, Renault Duster, and Mahindra XUV500. All these vehicles once ruled Indian roads and are now ready to make a comeback in new avatars. The reason behind their discontinuation was changing market trends and stricter regulations. However, they are now set to cater to a new generation of buyers with comprehensive design updates, high-tech features, and multiple powertrains.

Why were these SUVs discontinued?

The Tata Sierra was discontinued in the early 2000s due to poor demand and changing market dynamics. The Renault Duster was phased out in 2022 due to a lack of updates and the arrival of more advanced competitors in the segment. In 2021, Mahindra & Mahindra discontinued the XUV500 SUV to make way for its successor, the XUV700, aligning with premium aspirations.

How and when will they return to India?

Tata Sierra

Tata Motors has confirmed that the Sierra SUV will debut in 2025 with both ICE (internal combustion engine) and electric powertrain options. The Sierra EV will be based on the Acti.ev architecture (Tata’s Gen2 EV platform), which also underpins the Punch.ev and Curvv.ev. This platform is claimed to have an optimized battery pack design and is capable of delivering ranges between 300 km and 600 km. The Acti.ev platform-based EVs will feature Level 2 ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems).

The Tata Sierra EV is likely to be offered with single-motor and dual-motor options, along with an optional AWD system. Its range is expected to be around 500 km. The Sierra ICE version will be built on the brand’s new ATLAS (Adaptive Tech Forward Lifestyle) platform, which supports multiple body styles, including sedans, MPVs, and SUVs. This architecture is also compatible with a 4X4 drivetrain system. The SUV is expected to come with Tata’s new 1.5L Hyperion turbo petrol engine and 2.0L diesel engine. The all-new Tata Sierra has been showcased in its concept form, followed by leaked patent images and spy pictures.

Renault Duster

The third-generation Renault Duster is scheduled for launch in 2025. This time, the SUV will be offered in two seating configurations – 5 and 7 seats. The new Duster will derive its design inspiration from the Dacia Duster and will feature a more upmarket interior with amenities such as a 10.1-inch free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster, rear AC vents, a circular dial for a 4WD selector, wireless phone charging, an Arkamys 3D sound system, two USB-C ports, a three-spoke steering wheel, and ADAS tech.

Globally, the new Renault Duster will be available with multiple powertrains, including mild hybrid, strong hybrid, and LPG options. However, details of the India-specific version are yet to be revealed. Upon launch, the new Duster will challenge the dominance of the Hyundai Creta in the midsize SUV segment. It will also compete with the Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun.

Mahindra XUV500

When Mahindra discontinued the XUV500 SUV, the company mentioned that it would be “temporarily discontinued.” Later, some media reports suggested that the XUV500 would return in an all-new form to challenge the Hyundai Creta. In Mahindra’s lineup, it will sit between the XUV300 and XUV700, with an expected price range of ₹10 lakh to ₹17 lakh (ex-showroom). Details on the new-generation Mahindra XUV500 are currently unavailable. However, it is expected to be built on a new platform and may draw design inspiration from Mahindra’s latest breed of SUVs.