6 New Hybrid and Electric 7-Seater SUVs Coming to India

The Indian SUV market is set to get several new 7-seater models over the next 12–15 months. With more buyers looking for spacious family cars, automakers are preparing SUVs with electric and hybrid powertrains. Tata Motors and Renault are working on new three-row SUVs, while Hyundai is reportedly planning two hybrid models. Toyota could also bring a new-generation Fortuner and a possible 7-seater version of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

 

Here is a look at six upcoming 7-seater electric and hybrid SUVs that could launch in India.

 

1. Tata Safari EV

 

The Tata Safari EV has been spotted testing on Indian roads several times. It is expected to launch in early 2027 and will be the electric version of the popular Safari SUV. The new model could use the Acti.ev+ platform, which also underpins the Harrier EV. It may come with 65kWh and 75kWh battery options. Buyers could also get rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions. On the outside, the Safari EV is likely to get a few design changes, including a new front look, updated bumpers and different alloy wheels. Features such as a panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS and connected car technology could also be offered.

 

Also Read: 5 New Tata EVs Coming Soon – Safari EV, Kuno and More

 

2. Next-Gen Toyota Fortuner

 

Toyota is working on a new-generation Fortuner, which has already been spotted testing in Thailand. The SUV is expected to make its global debut soon, followed by an India launch in 2027. The new Fortuner could continue with the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine. It may also get the 48V mild-hybrid system that is already available with the Fortuner Neo Drive in India. The mild-hybrid system helps improve acceleration and fuel efficiency by supporting the engine with electric power. The next-generation model is also expected to get a fresh design, split LED headlamps, updated body panels and a completely new cabin.

 

3. Renault 7-Seater SUV

 

Renault is developing a new 7-seater SUV based on the latest Duster. Test vehicles have been spotted several times, and their longer body and extended rear section suggest that the SUV could get three rows of seats. The new model could take design inspiration from the Renault Boreal sold in international markets. Inside, it may get dual screens, a panoramic sunroof and Level 2 ADAS. Renault could offer two engine options, including a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.8-litre E-Tech full-hybrid system. The new SUV is expected to launch in India in 2027.

 

4. Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder 7-Seater

 

Toyota could also bring a 7-seater version of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder to India. A camouflaged SUV spotted testing in Ladakh had a longer roof and a bigger rear section than the current model. However, there is still some confusion about the identity of this test vehicle. Some reports suggest it could be a Toyota version of the Maruti Suzuki Victoris instead of a larger Hyryder. If Toyota launches a 7-seater Hyryder, it could use the same 1.5-litre strong-hybrid petrol engine as the current model. This engine is paired with an e-CVT gearbox. More details are expected to emerge in the coming months.

 

5. Hyundai Ni1i Hybrid SUV

 

Hyundai is reportedly working on a new 7-seater hybrid SUV with the internal codename Ni1i. It could sit above the Alcazar in the company's India lineup and take on SUVs such as the Tata Safari and Mahindra XUV 7XO. The new SUV is expected to get a petrol-hybrid engine that uses both a petrol motor and an electric motor. It could be offered with six- and seven-seat options and is likely to have more cabin space than the Alcazar. The feature list could include a large digital display, connected technology and driver assistance features. However, Hyundai has not officially confirmed this SUV yet.

 

6. Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

 

Hyundai could also bring its second-generation Palisade to India in 2028. It is a large SUV sold in international markets and could become the brand's premium 7-seater offering in India. The global model gets a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid engine that produces 334hp and 460Nm of torque. It is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Depending on the market, the Palisade is available with seven- and eight-seat layouts. Other features include dual digital screens, a panoramic sunroof and a 14-speaker Bose sound system. Hyundai claims a driving range of up to 1,015km for the international hybrid version. If launched in India, the Palisade Hybrid will sit above the Alcazar and target buyers looking for a large and premium family SUV.

 

Also Read: New Hyundai Creta Cabin Reveals Big Changes