Hyundai to Launch Two New 7-Seat Hybrid SUVs - Fortuner and XUV 7XO on Radar

The Korean automaker, Hyundai has announced its aggressive strategy of introducing 30 models in the Indian market before the end of this financial year. The company has confirmed that it will enter the MPV and off-road SUV category. Moreover, the Hyundai Palisade hybrid is also arriving in our market. Interestingly, Hyundai is reportedly working on an all-new 7-seater SUV which will be positioned between the Alcazar and the Tucson in the portfolio. Both these 7-seater SUVs will take on the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq and the MG Majestor. 

Hyundai Ni1i

Hyundai has started working on an all-new SUV, codenamed Ni1i, which will be produced at the brand’s new Talegaon facility, on the outskirts of Pune. It will be offered with a hybrid powertrain, and is expected to be based on Hyundai Tucson LWB model on sale in the Chinese market. The new 7-seater SUV will directly rival the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Tata Safari.

Kia has also announced to launch the new Sorento based 7-seater hybrid SUV in India. While the Tucson in international markets comes with a 1.6L petrol hybrid engine, the India-spec Hyundai Ni1i is likely to get a new 1.5L strong hybrid engine. This engine will also power the next-gen Hyundai Creta. The company aims to produce around 50,000 units of the C-segment SUV annually. 

Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai has confirmed that the Palisade full-sized SUV will launch in our market by 2028. This is a bold, boxy 3-row SUV that’s positioned between the mass-market SUVs and luxury SUVs from brands like BMW and Mercedes. It will be the brand’s flagship strong hybrid SUV. The global-spec model is available with multiple powertrains, including the 2.5 T-GDI petrol engine and a 2.5L T-GDI hybrid. For the Indian market, the Palisade is expected to feature Hyundai’s new-generation 2.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain. 

The Hyundai Palisade is claimed to offer a fuel efficiency of 14.1kmpl, and offers a 1015km of range on a full tank. It will come with six-speed automatic gearbox, intelligent AWD system with multiple terrain modes - Mud, Snow and Sand. Three drive modes - Eco, Sport and My Drive. This three-row SUV measures 4980mm in length, 1975mm in width and 1750mm in height. The SUV has a long wheelbase of 2900mm, which translates into a spacious cabin to accommodate 7-8 passengers. With all-row rows in position, the 7-seater SUV offers a boot space of around 595-litres which can go up to 2464-litres by folding the rear seats. 

Also See - 6 Big Moves Kia Is Making in India