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The rising demand for 7-seater SUVs is clearly evident from the huge success of Mahindra XUV700, Scorpio N and others in the category. Now, Toyota and Maruti Suzuki are also planning to introduce new 7-seater SUVs to rival the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus and others. Moreover, Hyundai, Renault, Nissan and Honda are also developing their respective 7-seater SUVs for the Indian market.

Toyota and Maruti Suzuki will launch 7-seater SUVs based on the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Grand Vitara, respectively. In fact, both SUVs have already been caught testing multiple times on the Indian roads. The new 7-seater SUVs will look largely identical to the existing Hyryder and Grand Vitara with some design changes.

What to Expect?

The new 7-seater SUVs will be designed and developed by Maruti Suzuki at its new production facility in Kharkhoda, Haryana. The new SUVs are likely to receive an updated grille, new lower bumper with revised airdams and slightly tweaked headlamp setup. The length of the SUVs will be increased to accommodate rear passengers in the third row. Other changes could include new alloy wheels, sleek LED tail-lights which are likely to be connected by a full-width LED strip, and new lower bumper.

The new Toyota and Maruti Suzuki 7-seater SUVs are likely to retain the dashboard layout of the 5-seater models. Both SUVs are expected to receive additional features including a larger touchscreen infotainment unit and a digital driver's display. Other features could include ventilated front seats, a wireless phone charger, a head-up display or HUD, a panoramic sunroof, multi-colour ambient lighting and many more.

Moreover, the new 7-seater SUVs are expected to be equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite. The ADAS features could include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, auto high beam, lane assist and others. Other safety features will likely include six airbags as standard, a 360-degree surround view camera, TPMS, electronic parking brake with auto hold, and front and rear parking sensors.

New 7-Seater Maruti and Toyota SUVs - Hybrid Powertrain

The new 7-seater Grand Vitara and 7-seater Hyryder will be the only SUVs in its category to offer a hybrid powertrain. Both are likely to get Toyota-sourced 1.5L, 3-cylinder TNGA petrol engine with a strong hybrid tech. The combined power and torque output stands at 116PS and 141Nm, respectively. Power will be transmitted to the front wheels via an e-CVT (single-speed gearbox).

Adding to it, the SUVs are also expected to get a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine with mild hybrid tech. Both FWD and AWD versions are likely on offer. This engine produces 103PS and 137Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.

The 5-seater models are also available with CNG option, which could also be offered on the 7-seater versions. The 7-seater SUVs are likely to get a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a factory-fitted CNG kit. In the CNG mode, the powertrain produces 88PS and 121.5Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Expected Launch & Competition

The new Maruti 7-seater SUV is expected to be launched in the second half of 2025, while the 7-seater Hyryder could launch towards the fag end of 2025. The new SUVs will rival the likes of the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, Hyundai Alcazar and MG Hector Plus.

Also See - Renault Bigster 7-Seater SUV for India - Key Details Out