Top 6 Upcoming Off-Road SUVs In 2025 - Land Cruiser FJ to Thar Facelift

Off-road SUVs have always been admired for their rugged capabilities, 4X4 drivetrain options, high ground clearance and advanced terrain management systems. Currently, we have multiple choices in this segment including the Mahindra Thar, Maruti Jimny, Force Gurkha, Isuzu V-Cross and Toyota Hilux. The competition in its space is going to intensify with the arrival of six new off-road SUVs. Let’s take a closer look at key details of these upcoming SUVs:
 

Mahindra Thar Facelift
 

The new-generation 3-door Mahindra Thar was introduced in 2020 with significant upgrades over its predecessor. In January 2025, this SUV achieved 2 lakh sales milestone. As the model completes over 4 successful years, the carmaker is ready to give it a major midlife update this year. The 2025 Mahindra Thar is likely to borrow some features from the Thar Roxx such as a wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats and more.
 

To enhance its safety levels, the carmaker might equip the updated Thar with a 360 degree camera and Level 2 ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) suite. However, these features could be reserved for the top-end variants. All variants of the 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift might get 6 airbags as a part of standard safety kit. A larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display could also be on offer.
 

Similar to the current model, the updated one will come with the 2.0L, 4-cylinder turbo petrol and 2.2L, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engines, delivering power worth 152bhp with 300Nm and 132bhp with 300Nm, respectively. A 1.5L diesel with 2WD system will also be carried forward to the new model.
 

Tata Sierra
 

The all-new Tata Sierra will also be one the most capable upcoming off-road SUVs. Tata has confirmed that it will roll out the Sierra with electric and ICE powertrain options in the second half of 2025 (possibly near around Diwali season). The petrol and diesel versions of the SUV could be offered with the 1.5L turbo and 2.0L engines, respectively. Both engines are expected to produce power 170 PS. While the petrol engine offers a maximum torque of 280Nm, the diesel unit returns 350Nm. The SUV lineup will come with three transmission options – a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque convertor and a 7-speed DCA automatic. The electric iteration of the Sierra is likely to be offered with multiple battery pack options, delivering a range of over 500km in its higher spec form.
 

Interestingly, the new Tata Sierra will be made available with two seating configurations – 4 and 5-seats. The 4-seater version is likely to offer lounge-like experience with unique seating arrangement. Inside, the SUV will have a floating triple screen and Harrier-sourced two-spoke steering wheel along with a panoramic sunroof, a wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 360 degree camera, rear AC vents, Level 2 ADAS and many more features.
 

MG Gloster Facelift
 

MG Gloster is a premium three-row SUV with great off-road capabilities. It will soon receive a midlife update along with introduction of its new more premium “Majestor” version. Under the hood, the 2025 MG Gloster will continue to feature the existing 2.0L turbo diesel engine. It also comes equipped with the intelligent 4X4 system with multiple terrain modes (snow, sand, mud and rock), high ground clearance and hill descent control.
 

The updated Gloster is likely to come with a revised front grille with multiple square elements in satin black finish, new headlamps and faux air inlets in contrast colour. The SUV will have more cladding across the body along with a revised rear bumper, new taillamps and tailgate with plastic bits.
 

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ
 

Aiming to expand its Land Cruiser lineup, the Japanese automaker will introduce a smaller off-road capable SUV, which is likely to be called Toyota Land Cruiser FJ. Similar to the OG FJ SUVs, this new model will carry retro design language with upright and boxy stance. The official teaser shows it will have C-shaped headlamp signature. Its overall length will be around 4.5 metres, making it longer than the Corolla Cross. The width and height will stand around 1,830 mm and 1,850 mm, respectively. The SUV will underpin the ladder frame chassis and sit on a 2,750 mm long wheelbase.
 

Reports suggest that the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ will be offered with ICE and hybrid powertrain options. A pure electric iteration launch is also on the cards. The SUV’s ICE version could be offered with a 2.7L 2TR-FE petrol engine paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It will come with the AWD setup. In India, the Land Cruiser FJ is likely to be offered with the Fortuner’s 2.0L turbo diesel engine, producing around 200 bhp. A 2.8L petrol hybrid powertrain could also be on offer.
 

Toyota Land Cruiser 250 Prado
 

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is all set to make a comeback in India towards the end of this year. It is a massive off-road machine, measuring 4,920 mm in length, and 1,870 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm. In the European market, the Land Cruiser Prado is available with a 2.8L diesel engine that also does duty in the Fortuner SUV in India. This motor will receive a 48V MHEV mild hybrid technology this year. In select global markets, the SUV comes with a 2.4L petrol with hybrid tech. Specifications of the India-spec version will be revealed near its launch. It will come via CBU (completely built up) route, similar to the LC300.
 

Features such as improved all-terrain system with an upgraded multi terrain monitor interface, increased wheel articulation and improved off-road driving modes add mote its off-road capabilities. This off-road SUV has been designed on the ladder frame architecture, which is claimed to be 50 percent more rigid than its predecessor.
 

New-Gen Toyota Fortuner
 

The third-generation Toyota Fortuner is likely to debut in late 2025, followed by its India launch. With the generational shift, the SUV will witness significant changes inside and out. However, the major upgrade will be made to its powertrain setup. The 2025 Toyota Fortuner is reported to come with the 2.0L turbo petrol engine, which is claimed to be 30 percent more energy efficient. The carmaker might also introduce the new Fortuner with the mild hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.8L diesel engine, a 48V battery and an electric motor generator.
 

The MHEV system adds an extra 16 bhp and 42 Nm to diesel engine. It also claimed to improve fuel efficiency by up to 5 percent. Transmission duties will be performed by a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The new Toyota Fortuner will be based on the TNGA-F platform and come equipped with Toyota Safety Suite – ADAS. Features such as a hydraulic steering system, vehicle stability control, new dual-tone alloy wheels, revised grille, bumpers and headlamps will also be on offer.

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