10 Upcoming Petrol SUVs In India: All Of Them In Affordable Segments
SUVs enjoy unparalleled acceptance in the Indian market, with the compact and sub-compact SUVs being the strongest sellers. These also have fierce competition within. Despite diesel variants offering good value, petrol-powered models continue to sell well. If you're considering a new petrol SUV, here are 10 options that are expected to launch soon in our market:
Maruti Escudo
Maruti is set to launch a new SUV on September 3, 2025. It will be sold through the arena dealerships and will likely be called the Escudo when launched. Some rumours also say that Maruti Suzuki would name it ‘Victoris’. Time remains before we learn the actual name of the SUV. This product will enter a fiercely competitive segment and battle the likes of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
The Escudo is expected to borrow its powertrains from the outgoing Grand Vitara. It will come powered by the familiar 1.5L K15C naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.5L Atkinson cycle strong hybrid petrol and CNG engines. The SUV will have both manual and automatic transmission options.
There will be a strong focus on occupant comfort and tech. The Escudo is expected to come equipped with the likes of a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, ADAS, 360 camera and even a premium sound system with Dolby Atmos!
Tata Harrier Petrol
Tata Motors is known to be developing an all-new turbocharged petrol engine. This 1.5L TGDi turbo-petrol will find places on multiple SUV models from Tata Motors. The Harrier will be one of the first models to get it. It is expected to produce 170 hp and 280 Nm of torque on the Harrier.
Tata Safari Petrol
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The new petrol engine is likely to make it to the larger Safari as well. It is expected to come with output figures similar to those on the Harrier. We don’t however, know the launch timeline of the petrol Safari.
The introduction of the new engine will widen the appeal of both the Harrier and Safari, which are currently offered as diesel-only products, and lead to increased acceptance in regions like the NCR, where the affinity towards petrol-powered vehicles is very high.
Sierra Petrol
The legendary Sierra nameplate will have both ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and EV forms upon its return later this year. The ICE version will have both petrol and diesel engines on offer.
The diesel engine will be the same Stellantis-sourced 2.0L unit, while the petrol variants will be powered by the newly developed 1.5 TGDI unit. We are yet to learn the exact power outputs of this engine on the Sierra.
Punch Facelift
Another important launch from Tata Motors is the facelifted Punch micro-SUV. With its compact proportions and petrol and CNG powertrains, the Punch remains a popular choice in the Indian market. It was first launched in October 2021 and is now due for a major overhaul. The facelifted Punch will come with major design changes, more features and a cabin that looks and feels more premium than that of the outgoing model.
The array of expected features include a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with slimmer bezels,Tata’s new two-spoke steering wheel with illuminated logo at the centre, and a touch-based HVAC panel as seen in the new Altroz. No changes are expected on the powertrain front. The new models will likely continue with the familiar 1.2L Revotron unit.
Next-Generation Hyundai Venue
Hyundai is set to give the Venue, a strong player in the sub-4 meter SUV space, a major generational update. Expected to be out in October, the next-generation Venue will have a completely new design, and a heavily reworked cabin. These will make it a more rounded package.
The new Venue will have boxier proportions, squared-out split LED headlights, thicker wheel arches, new wheels, connected LED tail lights, and a rectangular grille. The overall design will take inspiration from that of the new Alcazar.
The expected feature list includes dual 12.3-inch screens, a fresh steering wheel design, ventilated front seats, and even a panoramic sunroof. It is unlikely that the carmaker will update the powertrain choices.
Skoda Kushaq Facelift
Skoda has lately been actively testing the mid-cycle update of the Kushaq. The new Kushaq will continue to be based on the India-focused MQB A0 IN platform, but will come with major updates to its design and cabin experience. The front fascia, headlamps and tail lamps, and front and rear bumpers are all expected to be revised on the new SUV.
Inside, the new Kushaq will likely have more features including an improved infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, panoramic sunroof, and even ADAS.
The facelift is expected to come with the same powertrains as the outgoing models- 1.0L TSI petrol and 1.5 TSI petrol, offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. The new SUV is likely to launch during the festive season.
Volkswagen Taigun Facelift
Source: Carwale
Volkswagen is also working on a mid-cycle update to its popular SUV model- the Taigun. The new vehicle is expected to feature similar changes to those offered by the facelifted Kushaq. It will get minor restyling and an improved cabin. It will be powered by the same 1.0TSI and 1.5TSI petrol engines as the current model/ The price is likely to go up slightly when the launch happens later this year.
Escudo’s Toyota Version
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Toyota is likely to launch a rebadged version of the Maruti Escudo in the near future. It will have the same petrol and strong hybrid petrol powertrains as the Maruti SUV. When launched, this product will battle the likes of Kia Seltos and the hot-selling Hyundai Creta, apart from its own Maruti sibling. This, too will be a product of the ongoing joint venture between the two companies. Details about this product are sparse...
Renault Kiger Facelift
Renault is gearing up for its second innings in the Indian market. It plans to bring iconic brands like the Duster back to the Indian soil. Rolling out facelifts of existing models is also part of the gameplan. The company is now working on a facelift of the Kiger SUV. It will be launched on August 24, 2025 and will come with a revised front fascia, better cabin design and more features.
There will be no changes in the powertrains offered. It will be powered by a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated, 3-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol. A manual, AMT and CVT transmissions will be offered on the upcoming SUV as well.