Upcoming 7-Seater Family Cars - SUVs and MPVs

From ICE to EVs, the coming months will bring an onslaught of large vehicles. While SUVs have had a good run all this while, utility vehicles are seeing an increase in demand. To bank on this opportunity, car manufacturers are betting big on their upcoming four-wheelers. Here is a list of cars with their expected launch date:

New Kia Carnival

Korean car brand Kia will be introducing the fourth-generation Carnival on October 3. Pre-bookings have begun for the three-row MPV and will be brought here via the CBU route. It is expected to be powered by a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine which was available in the model that was discontinued last year. This setup is capable of belting out 200bhp and a peak pull force of 440Nm. Transmission duties will be exclusively handled by an 8-speed 'Sportsmatic' automatic gearbox. 

New Kia EV9

The EV9 will be Kia’s first three-row electric vehicle in India. Underpinned by the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), space is abundant in this SUV because of its flat floorboard and 3,100 mm wheelbase. Overseas, it gets a 99.8kWh cell pack in either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) format. Considering CBU costs, Kia may only bring the RWD variant, producing a maximum torque output of 350 Newton metres. The 149.5kW motor can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 9.4 seconds and has a Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) driving range of up to 563 kilometres.

Mahindra XUV.e8

It is believed that Mahindra's next seven-seater SUV–XUV.e8–is slated to launch by the end of 2024. The EV will be the first model to be based on Mahindra’s INGLO skateboard platform. This architecture is expected to accommodate a large 80kWh battery pack with a maximum range of over 550 km. Its expected ex-showroom pricing is between Rs 30 lakh to Rs 40 lakh.

Renault 7-Seater SUV

Renault is eager to widen its India lineup and will likely bring the next-generation Duster to India by 2026. Based on the CMF-B architecture, the family vehicle will be inspired by the Dacia Bigster C-SUV concept, showcased globally in 2021, and measure around 4.60 metres. While it will get a host of powertrain options after its launch overseas, the India-spec car could come with a 170bhp-1.3 litre turbo petrol engine.

Nissan 7-Seater SUV

Nissan may collaborate with Renault again in India and launch its version inspired by the Renault Duster 7-seater by 2025-end. The upcoming SUV will rival against Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Honda Elevate. It will utilise the same CMF-B modular architecture, which also underpins the third-generation Renault Duster. Besides the platform, the four-wheeler may also share the engine and transmission with the French offering. 

Maruti Grand Vitara 7-Seater

Maruti Suzuki is currently developing an extended version of its Grand Vitara SUV. The car currently on sale also boasts a hybrid setup that is likely to be offered in the upcoming seven-seater slated for launch in 2025. The new 7-seater Maruti Grand Vitara is developed on the same Global C-platform which will be modified to accommodate a longer wheelbase. Powertrain options are likely to include a 1.5-litre K-Series petrol unit and Toyota-sourced 1.5-litre hybrid engine. The new model will be produced at the brand's new Kharkhoda plant in Haryana with a launch expected next year.

Toyota Hyryder 7-Seater 

Another collaboration on this list, the Toyota Hyryder seven-seater is going to be a Maruti Grand Vitara seven-seater derivative. Upon launch, the SUV will boast an advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite as well. It was speculated that Toyota would bring the longer version of the Corolla Cross sold overseas, however, that plan was shelved due to high investment costs. The new 7-seater Toyota Hyryder SUV will be positioned against the likes of the Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar and MG Hector Plus. Its launch is likely in 2025.

Tata Safari EV

After recently launching the Curvv EV, Tata will be rolling out its Safari EV to make the most out of the SUV wave. The EV will be Tata’s third model to be based on the Acti.ev platform after the Curvv and Punch. It is likely to receive a 60kWh to 80kWh battery pack with a front-mounted electric motor. Reports also suggest that the 2025-bound Safari EV will also receive a dual-motor AWD setup, which will likely be offered in higher trims. 

New Skoda Kodiaq

Based on the MQB platform, the next-generation Skoda Kodiaq will be slightly larger than the current model and arrive in 2025’s first half. From the design perspective, Skoda has made significant changes to the exterior–a revised front grille, new LED headlamps and U-shaped LED tail lights. While it gets both petrol and diesel engines in the European market, it will only come with a 188bhp 2.0-litre petrol mill mated to a 7-speed DSG unit.

Kia Carens Facelift

Kia’s sold MPV offering in India is readying for a facelift in 2025. Heavily camouflaged test mules of the 6/7 seater have been spotted multiple times but not much could be deciphered from those. In terms of cabin features, the 2025 Carens MPV could feature a new dual-screen setup, the same as offered in Sonet and Seltos. Other bits may include ventilated front seats, connected car technology and wireless phone charging. Safety could also be prioritised with an ADAS kit packing adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, blind spot monitoring and collision avoidance warning. 

Kia Carens EV

The electrified Carens can come to the Indian shores by the end of 2025 or by 2026. Styling will largely resemble its ICE sibling besides a closed-off front grille, a new headlamp setup and unique alloy wheels. It might also get an ADAS suite for enhanced safety. It is expected to come with a 45-50kWh battery pack with an electric motor mounted on the front axle. With this, it can deliver a maximum range of 400-500 km on a single charge.

Also read - Tata Curvv EV Outshines Nexon EV As Buyers Seek Upgrades