India’s automotive industry is experiencing a significant transformation, with Utility Vehicles (UVs), including SUVs, MPVs, and MUVs, officially surpassing passenger cars in exports for the first time. This historic achievement, recorded in November 2025, signifies India’s strategic repositioning as a global manufacturing hub for higher-value vehicle segments, driven by evolving global consumer preferences and India’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Understanding the Surge: Why India SUV Exports Outpace Cars
In November 2025, India exported 42,993 utility vehicles compared to 40,519 passenger cars. This trend follows a narrowing gap throughout the fiscal year. From April to November 2025, passenger car exports grew from 2.71 lakh units to 3.04 lakh units year-on-year, while UV exports surged from 2.22 lakh units to 2.88 lakh units. Industry analysts project FY2025-26 will be the first fiscal year where utility vehicle exports officially exceed passenger car exports annually.
The compact sub-4-meter SUV segment is the primary driver, accounting for approximately 62% of India’s total UV exports. Leading manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Nissan, Toyota, and Hyundai dominate this segment. This growth indicates India’s increasing capacity to produce versatile, robust, and feature-rich SUVs that meet global demands, shifting its export portfolio from primarily small, entry-level cars to more diversified and value-added vehicles.
The Road Ahead: Upcoming SUV Launches by Indian Companies in 2026
The SUV segment is poised for intensified growth in 2026 with new and updated models from major Indian and India-centric manufacturers, featuring cutting-edge technology, enhanced performance, and refreshed designs.
Mahindra’s Ambitious 2026 SUV Lineup
- Mahindra XUV 7XO (XUV700 Facelift) Launch Date: January 5, 2026 Approximate Price: Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom) Key Features: Triple-screen setup, electric ‘Boss mode,’ panoramic sunroof, customizable ambient lighting, wireless charging, powered co-driver seat, 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, updated ADAS. Retains 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines with manual/automatic transmissions; AWD expected for diesel.
- Mahindra Scorpio N Facelift Launch Date: April 2026 (Tentative) Approximate Price: Rs 13.80 lakh – Rs 24.80 lakh (Estimated) Key Features: Revised front fascia, updated premium interior. Retains current petrol and diesel engines (2WD and 4×4). The 2025 lineup includes a new Z8 T variant; Z8 L trim gets Level 2 ADAS, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), auto-hold, ventilated seats, front parking sensors/camera, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system.
- Mahindra Thar.e Launch Date: March 2026 (Tentative) Approximate Price: Rs 20.00 lakh – Rs 25.00 lakh (Estimated) Key Features: Electric Thar with updated cabin, Level 2 ADAS from Thar Roxx. Exterior modifications include a new grille, redesigned headlamps, revised bumpers, new alloy wheels, and tweaked taillamps.
- Mahindra Bolero 2026 Launch Date: March 18, 2026 (Tentative) Approximate Price: Rs 10.00 lakh – Rs 12.00 lakh (Estimated) Key Features: Next-gen Bolero on a new front-wheel-drive platform, optional AWD. An EV derivative is rumored.
- Mahindra XEV 4e Launch Date: January 2026 (Likely) Approximate Price: Not specified. Key Features: 5-seater electric SUV with ADAS, regenerative braking, 360-degree camera, ABS, ESC, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
Tata Motors’ Vision for 2026 SUVs
- Tata Punch Facelift Launch Date: Early 2026 (possibly January 2026) Approximate Price: Rs 6 lakh to Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom) Key Features: Design and cabin enhancements inspired by Punch EV. New LED light bar, sharper bumper, refreshed alloy wheels, larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, new two-spoke steering wheel, ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera. Continues with 1.2-litre petrol (manual/AMT) and CNG versions.
- Tata Sierra EV Launch Date: Q1 2026 (Some sources indicate March 2026 or the second half of CY2026) Approximate Price: Rs 16 lakh to Rs 25 lakh (Some estimates suggest Rs 25 lakh – Rs 30 lakh) Key Features: Built on the new acti.ev electric platform, offering RWD and AWD. Expected range of 450 km to 600 km. Design includes signature wraparound rear glass, modern five-door layout, and a triple-screen setup.
- Next-Gen Tata Nexon Launch Date: Second half of 2026 or early 2027 Approximate Price: Rs 8 lakh to Rs 17 lakh Key Features: Full generational update with fresh design (inspired by Curvv and Sierra), larger infotainment screen, upgraded materials, advanced safety technology including Level 2 ADAS. Expected petrol and CNG engines; diesel engine future unclear.
- Tata Avinya Launch Date: 2026 (First production model, codenamed P1) Approximate Price: Above Rs 35 lakh (Estimated Rs 30 lakh – Rs 60 lakh) Key Features: Premium EV series with large battery packs, over 500 km range, and ultra-fast charging, targeting the luxury electric vehicle segment.
- Tata Safari EV Launch Date: November 2026 (Tentative) Approximate Price: Rs 26.00 lakh – Rs 30.00 lakh (Estimated) Key Features: Three-row electric SUV on advanced platforms, offering family-sized space with zero-emissions mobility.
Maruti Suzuki’s Electric and Larger SUV Push, Driving India SUV Exports Outpace Cars
- Maruti Suzuki e Vitara Launch Date: March 2026 (in India), after its Japan launch in January 2026. Approximate Price: Rs 20 lakh – Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom) (Estimated Rs 15 lakh – Rs 19 lakh) Key Features: Maruti’s first electric SUV on a dedicated EV platform. Offers two battery options (48.9kWh and 61.1kWh) with a range exceeding 500 km. Features a large touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, all-digital dashboard, ventilated seats, and Level 2 ADAS.
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara 7-Seater Launch Date: Between 2026 and 2027. Some sources mention November 2025. Approximate Price: Rs 13.00 lakh – Rs 22.00 lakh (Estimated) Key Features: Larger model with 1.5L petrol and 1.5L hybrid engines (Toyota collaboration). May use a 2.0L hybrid powertrain. Aims to offer enhanced space, comfort, and luxury.
- Maruti Suzuki Fronx Hybrid Launch Date: Early 2026 Approximate Price: Competitive in its segment. Key Features: Utilizes a 1.2L petrol engine with a strong hybrid system for improved fuel efficiency (over 35 kmpl expected). Likely to receive updates like a sunroof and more interior features.
- Maruti 2026 Brezza Launch Date: May 2026 (Tentative). Some sources mention February 15, 2026. Approximate Price: Rs 8.50 lakh – Rs 14.00 lakh (Estimated) Key Features: Updated Brezza with a new grille, revised body lines, possible underbody CNG tank. Interior may feature a larger infotainment system and instrument cluster, ventilated front seats. Likely to retain 1.5L K15C petrol and CNG engines; potential Level 2 ADAS suite.
Hyundai’s Expanding SUV Portfolio
- Hyundai Exter Facelift Launch Date: Q2 2026 Approximate Price: Rs 6 lakh – Rs 9 lakh Key Features: Redesigned interior with a 12.9-inch touchscreen and a 9.9-inch digital instrument display running Android Automotive OS (AAOS). Exterior styling changes to align with newer models like the Venue. Powertrains likely unchanged.
- Hyundai Palisade Launch Date: March 2026 (Some sources mention May 15, 2026) Approximate Price: Rs 40.00 lakh – Rs 50.00 lakh Key Features: Three-row SUV likely to be offered in India, targeting the premium SUV market.
- Hyundai Bayon Launch Date: Q3 2026 Approximate Price: Rs 8 lakh – Rs 15 lakh Key Features: Expected with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, positioned as a compact and efficient option.
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 Facelift Launch Date: Q2 2026 (Some sources mention January 2026) Approximate Price: Rs 50 lakh (Estimated Rs 36.37 lakh – Rs 46.36 lakh) Key Features: Subtle exterior tweaks (new grille, reshaped bumpers, new wheels). Battery options expected to range between 63-84kWh, enhancing performance and range.
- Hyundai Ioniq 9 Launch Date: March 2026 (Tentative) Approximate Price: Rs 1.20 crore – Rs 1.30 crore (Estimated) Key Features: Full-size SUV, representing Hyundai’s commitment to the premium and large-scale electric vehicle segment.
Conclusion
India’s automotive landscape is transforming, with Utility Vehicles now leading exports and setting new industry benchmarks. The trend of India SUV exports outpace cars is a testament to strategic manufacturing shifts, evolving global consumer demands, and continuous innovation by Indian and India-centric auto manufacturers. The array of new SUV and EV launches slated for 2026 underscores this trajectory, promising a dynamic and robust future for India’s global automotive presence and solidifying its role as a producer of high-value, technologically advanced, and globally competitive vehicles.
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