4 New Toyota SUVs Launching Next Year
Toyota enjoys a stellar brand reputation in India. The Jap seems to have a promising set of upcoming products for our market, predominantly SUVs. Proposed launches include ICE, mild hybrids, strong hybrids and all-electric SUV offerings. Here are four new Toyota SUVs launching next year in India.
Hyryder 7 Seater
Toyota is preparing to launch a 7-seater version of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder in 2024, expanding its lineup in the competitive three-row SUV segment. This new model, based on Maruti Suzuki’s upcoming Grand Vitara 7-seater (codenamed Y17), will use the Global C platform but with an extended wheelbase to accommodate a third row of seats.
The 7-seater will offer two powertrain options: a 1.5-liter K15C naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5-liter strong-hybrid setup featuring a 3-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with a 177.6V lithium-ion battery pack. This hybrid aims to deliver better fuel efficiency while providing sufficient power for a family-oriented SUV.
Additionally, Toyota is likely to tweak the design and cabin layout and add new features that will further distinguish it from its 5-seater counterpart and meet the needs of customers seeking a more spacious and versatile SUV.
Fortuner MHEV
Toyota is expected to launch a mild hybrid variant of the Fortuner in India next year. Already available in markets like South Africa, it will feature a 48V mild hybrid system aimed at enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency. This provides additional power during acceleration and would also operate the SUV at low speeds, leading to smoother driving and improved mileage.
The MHEV setup will be based on the familiar 2.8-liter, four-cylinder GD series diesel engine, and is expected to produce around 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Fuel efficiency could reach approximately 13 km/l, a slight bump over the current numbers. This update will only affect the diesel variant, and the petrol model will continue with the 2.7-liter NA engine.
Apart from the hybrid powertrain, the Fortuner MHEV is hoped to bring more features and tech enhancements to justify the expected price increase. While its official launch date is yet to be confirmed, the MHEV aims to offer a greener and more efficient form of Toyota’s most popular SUV in India.
Toyota Electric SUV (Urban Electric)
The carmaker will also launch its first electric vehicle in India next year. It will be a badge-engineered version of the production-spec Maruti eVX, previously showcased in production form at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo. The launch is expected in the second half of 2025, and the EV will have features like a fully digital instrument cluster, a floating touchscreen infotainment system, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
The electric SUV, targeted at urban dwellers, will likely deliver a range of up to 550 km per charge, and be underpinned by the 27PL skateboard platform developed jointly by Toyota and Maruti Suzuki. Reports suggest that two battery options—48 kWh and 60 kWh—will be available.
Land Cruiser Prado (Defender rival)
Toyota used to sell the LC Prado in India. Looks like the SUV is coming back, this time as a strong rival to the Defender. The footfalls to this segment have shot up recently. The new Prado, called Land Cruiser 250 globally (and JC 250 internally) will have a lot of differences compared to the previous generation that was sold here. It will be slightly larger and offer a more comfortable cabin. It will see substantial interior upgrades and come with features like multi-zone climate control, premium leather seats, and a large 12.3-inch infotainment system, enhancing both comfort and technology.
It will have a stiffer, 50% more rigid iteration of the iconic ladder-frame chassis. This will make it suitable for tougher terrains. The India-spec is expected to carry the 2.8-liter diesel engine already seen in the Toyota Fortuner, with international markets also getting an option of a 2.4-litre petrol-hybrid engine.