Hyundai Creta’s Upcoming Rivals In 2026: Nissan Tekton To Honda Elevate Hybrid
The mid-size SUV segment is one of the most competitive in the Indian market, and we have several brands that have their presence here. The Hyundai Creta has been a vehicle that defined this segment and has been ruling it for years now. With every passing year, this segment is also expanding, and here is a list of Creta rivals that are expected to come to the Indian market in 2026.
Nissan Tekton
Nissan has been dormant in the Indian market for quite some time, and now it looks like that is going to change. The upcoming mid-size SUV from Nissan is likely to be called the Tekton and is based on the same platform as the Renault Duster. The Nissan Tekton is expected to be launched in the market by mid-2026.
The exterior design of the Nissan Tekton takes inspiration from the Patrol SUV. The SUV gets a wide grille at the front with the Nissan logo, connecting LED DRLs, and a sleek-looking headlamp design. At the rear, it gets C-shaped LED tail lamps with a connecting LED bar. The whole vehicle gets a muscular design which gives it a distinct look.
Nissan is likely to offer the Tekton with a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. This motor will be capable of producing 154 PS and 250 Nm of torque. A mild-hybrid engine might also be offered, along with CNG on select variants.
Renault Duster
This is another SUV that is expected to be launched in the market later next year. Renault had confirmed that they would be bringing back the Duster SUV to India this year. However, due to various reasons, the launch is getting delayed. As per the latest reports, the Duster will be unveiled during the festive season this year, and the launch will happen early next year.
The Duster has already gone on sale in international markets, and the version that will be launched in India is going to be no different. The third-generation Duster is based on the same CMF-B platform and is expected to come with a decent number of features to compete with its rivals.
Renault is likely to offer the Duster with the same engine and transmission options as the Nissan Tekton.
Honda Elevate Hybrid
Honda is also planning to make changes to their only SUV in the lineup, the Elevate. The Elevate is a good product but doesn’t offer many options in terms of features and engine choices when compared with rivals.
Honda is now planning to introduce a strong hybrid system in the Elevate to make things more interesting. Honda is expected to launch the Elevate Hybrid in the second half of 2026. The new hybrid system, which is currently under development, is expected to integrate lighter and more efficient components with simplified construction.
Honda says it will feature a downsized and more energy-dense motor, a lighter battery, and a smarter transmission setup. All of this will not only make the system cheaper to build but is also expected to be more reliable and easier to maintain.
Tata Sierra
Another SUV that is currently under development is the Sierra. Tata is reintroducing the Sierra brand in the Indian market, but it is going to be an all-new vehicle and won’t have any similarities with the original Sierra.
This mid-size SUV will rival the likes of the Creta in the segment, and it will be offered with all the premium features that we see in most modern-day Tata cars. Tata will be launching the Sierra as both an EV and an ICE car. The EV is expected to be launched in the market first, and the ICE version will follow soon after.
The ICE version is expected to get new 1.5-litre NA petrol and turbocharged diesel engine options, along with iCNG. Apart from the NA petrol, a turbocharged petrol engine is also expected to be offered with the SUV.
VW Taigun Facelift
Volkswagen’s mid-size SUV, the Taigun, has been in the market for quite some time. It is due for a mid-life cycle update, and Volkswagen has been working on the same as well. The Taigun will get minor exterior changes and feature additions like a panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS, and more. Mechanically, it will remain the same as the current version.
Skoda Kushaq Facelift
Just like the Taigun, the Kushaq is also awaiting an update, and the same has been spotted testing. The Kushaq will also see minor design changes with features like a panoramic sunroof and more. The launch is expected to happen next year.