5 Hybrid SUVs Set to Enter the Indian Market

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are witnessing strong growth in the Indian market, while the battery electric vehicle (BEV) segment is experiencing gradual growth while facing multiple challenges. Considering the huge market demand, carmakers such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Toyota and Kia are planning to introduce new models in the next couple of years. Here’s a brief overview of the upcoming hybrid SUVs in India.
 

Maruti Fronx
 

Maruti Suzuki is all set to bet big on the hybrid vehicles with its own strong hybrid technology. The Fronx will be the first model to feature the brand’s hybrid powertrain, which will be followed by the Baleno and Swift hatchbacks, and a small MPV. Maruti Suzuki’s new hybrid powertrain (codenamed – HEV) will be a series hybrid setup, which is reported to be significantly more affordable than Toyota’s series-parallel hybrid system. The 2025 Maruti Fronx hybrid will come with the new Z12E, a 3-cylinder petrol engine, which will work as a generator to charge a battery pack and drive an electric motor.
 

New-Gen Maruti Grand Vitara
 

The Indo-Japanese automaker will give a generation upgrade to its highly popular Grand Vitara midsize SUV in 2026. A few significant changes are expected to be made inside and out. However, the SUV’s all-new model is likely to retain the existing powertrain setup, which includes a 103bhp, 1.5L K15C petrol mild hybrid and 1.5L, 3-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine with an electric motor (79bhp/141Nm). The transmissions will also be carried forward from the current generation – a 5-speed manual (mild hybrid only), a 6-speed torque convertor (mild hybrid only) and an e-CVT (strong hybrid only).
 

New-Gen Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
 

The Toyota Hyryder, which was introduced in 2022, is now ready to enter in its next generation. It is the first midsize SUV from the Japanese automaker, featuring strong hybrid technology. The SUV comes with a 1.5L TNGA Atkinson Cycle setup and an eCVT gearbox. This system delivers a maximum power of 92bhp and 122Nm of torque. The engine is paired to an electric motor, which offers power worth 79bhp and 141Nm of torque. The combined power output stands at 114bhp. There is a 177.6V lithium-ion battery pack. The SUV’s mild hybrid version is available with a 1.5L K15C engine and a motor offering 103bhp and 137Nm. Both hybrid systems will be available with the new-gen Toyota Hyryder SUV.
 

Next-Gen Kia Seltos
 

The second-generation Kia Seltos is expected to arrive in India towards the end of 2025 or early 2026. The SUV’s new model will derive some design elements from the EV 5 SUV. It will get more angular creases at the front and rear profile along with the sharper headlamps connected via LED element and connected LED taillamps. The all-new Seltos is likely to come with a petrol-hybrid powertrain. While the exact details are yet to be revealed, Kia is likely to introduce 1.2L petrol and 1.5L petrol-electric hybrids in India. The Carens and a new subcompact SUV from Kia might also benefit from the strong hybrid powertrain.
 

Next-Gen Hyundai Creta
 

The third-generation Hyundai Creta launch has been planned for 2027. Codenamed SX3, the midsize SUV will continue to be produced at Hyundai’s Tamil Nadu manufacturing facility. The all-new Creta is likely to retain the existing 115bhp, 1.5L petrol, 160bhp, 1.5L direct injection turbo petrol and 116bhp, 1.5L diesel engines along with the all manual and automatic gearbox options. The big news is that the new-gen Hyundai Creta might also be offered with a strong hybrid powertrain, which will include a 1.5L petrol engine and an electric motor. Comprehensive changes will also be made to its interior and exterior. However, the exact details are not available at this point.

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