There are more upcoming SUVs other in the Indian market than the ones mentioned here, but they are less likely to launch in early 2025
SUV popularity has been taking over across the world, causing a significant dent in the sales of hatchbacks, sedans and other genres. Even here in India, the famed road conditions and other parameters have led to a massive surge in demand for SUVs. OEMs are diving into this bandwagon too and are lining up SUVs left, right and centre.
2024 was a great year for SUVs in the mainstream segment. However, some SUVs were speculated to launch in 2024, but didn’t. These are the SUVs that are spotted testing and are highly likely to launch in early 2025.
1. Kia Syros
From Kia, new Syros SUV is set to break covers on 19th December and hit the showrooms in early 2025. It will feature a unique design language with side profile reminding us of Hyundai Casper. It features Kia’s new interior design, bits of which we saw in K4 sedan. Size and powertrains of Syros are not known yet. But it will be loaded to the brim with features.
2. MG Gloster
There have been multiple test mule appearances of the new MG Gloster. This large SUV is poised to take on Toyota Fortuner’s supremacy. It looks very similar to Maxus Territory sold globally and will be a true-blue off-roader with three locking diffs, 4X4 transfer case, a ladder-frame chassis and a twin-turbo diesel engine with up to 213 bhp and 478.5 Nm, mated to an 8-speed gearbox.
3. Mahindra XUV3XO EV
With BE 6 and XEV 9e stealing the limelight at the fag end of 2024, the XUV3XO EV is overshadowed. The most recent spy shots suggest that Mahindra could stick with XUV3XO name, but with an EV tag at the end. It will replace the XUV400 and will be sub 4m in length as its ICE counterpart. Probability of it carrying the same battery and motor options as XUV400 is very high.
4. Mahindra XEV 7e
Alongside BE 6 and XEV 9e Electric Origin SUVs, Mahindra was also testing XEV 7e. This is essentially an electrified version of XUV700 underpinned by INGLO platform. As seen with recent leaked pictures, XEV 7e will come equipped with 3rd row seating, captain chair option in 2nd row and the same triple screen dashboard as XEV 9e. XEV 7e will get dual motor setup for 4WD capabilities.
5. Hyundai Creta EV
The electric version of India’s best-selling SUV, Hyundai Creta, is slated to launch around January 2025. It will feature a new interior theme, inspired by Ioniq range. The quad-dots on steering wheel replacing Hyundai logo and steering column mounted gear lever are notable elements. It will feature a single-motor FWD architecture and battery enough for around 500 km (claimed) range on a single charge.
6 and 7. Tata Harrier EV and Safari EV
Tata’s flagship SUVs, Harrier and Safari, are both spawning their electric versions. These vehicles have been spied testing on multiple occasions too. Like other Tata EVs, there won’t be a lot of differences between Harrier EV and Safari EV when compared to their ICE counterparts. Harrier EV has been spied with a rear electric motor suggesting a dual-motor 4WD setup. Finally a Tata vehicle where power is sent to rear wheels after Hexa.
8 and 9. Maruti Suzuki eVitara and Toyota Urban Crossover
The Suzuki and Toyota partnership has extended from ICE vehicles and will now incorporate EVs. This is the first electric vehicle from Suzuki called eVitara and it will spawn a Toyota counterpart that might be called Urban Crossover. Production will commence soon in Maruti’s Gujarat plant. Debut at 2025 Auto Expo and launch in early 2025 are likely. Large battery, dual motor setup are notable attributes.
Apart from these SUVs launching in early 2025, there are many more SUVs incoming and spotted testing in India. However, those are not likely to launch in early 2025. For example, we have the new generation Kia Seltos, new Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano, Nissan Ariya, Renault Kiger EV, Nissan Magnite 7-Seater, Tata Sierra and more.
