Joseph 
Hybrid SUVs are gaining strong momentum in India, offering the perfect mix of performance, fuel efficiency, and lower emissions. With claimed mileage figures of up to 30 kmpl, these hybrids can deliver a driving range of over 1,000 km on a single tank. To meet rising demand, brands like Maruti Suzuki, Nissan, Renault, Kia, and Honda are set to launch exciting new hybrid SUVs — including the Maruti Escudo, Nissan’s new SUV, new-gen Renault Duster, new-gen Kia Seltos, and Honda ZR-V — all aiming to redefine value in the SUV space.
Maruti Suzuki Escudo
Expected Launch: Late 2025
Maruti Suzuki is set to launch a new mid-size SUV named ‘Escudo’ by this year after the launch of eVitara. This new SUV will sit between the Brezza and Grand Vitara in the lineup and will be sold via Arena dealerships. Originally planned as a 7-seater, it will now be a 5-seater with more boot space than the Grand Vitara. It will share its platform and engines with the Grand Vitara, offering options like a 1.5 L petrol, hybrid, and CNG, along with the possibility of AWD. Key features may include ADAS, 360° camera, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, and a 9-inch touchscreen.
Honda ZR-V
Expected Launch: Late 2025 – Early 2026
The Honda ZR-V features a sleek, aerodynamic design with a unique front grille, horizontal LED headlamps, and L-shaped LED DRLs. Its sporty rear includes a steeply raked windshield, wraparound LED taillights, and dual exhaust tips. Measuring 4.56 meters long with a 2.65-meter wheelbase, it offers ample space. Inside, a minimalistic dual-tone dashboard houses a 9-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and raised center console with modern drive mode switches. Practical elements like a retractable parcel cover, load partition, and expandable cargo capacity up to 1,291 liters enhance usability. If launched in India, it may arrive via the CKD route, with a hybrid powertrain adding to its appeal
- A 2.0-litre petrol hybrid paired with an electric CVT and all-wheel drive, delivering 179 BHP and 315 NM of torque.
New-Gen Renault Duster
Expected Launch: Early 2026
One of the most anticipated launches is the return of the Renault Duster. Initially planned for 2025, the launch has now been pushed to 2026. The third-generation Duster, which debuted globally last year, will mark the revival of the iconic SUV in India after a four-year hiatus. Production is set to commence by September 2025, with the launch expected in early 2026. Renault will initially launch the SUV in just Petrol only, strong hybrids and CNG variant will be launched within 12 months. Expect the SUV to have features such as front ventilated seats, 10.1-inch Infotainment, ADAS, AWD, and much more
Next-Gen Kia Seltos
Expected Launch: 2026
Kia will soon introduce the next-generation Seltos in India bringing in a whole lot of new design for both the exterior and the interior. It’ll get Kia Telluride [sold internationally] inspired design and interiors that will look similar to the Syros but will have new features such as heated seats, co-driver powered seat, 30-inch Trinity Panoramic display, rear ventilated seats and so much more. More importantly, Kia will introduce a 1.5 L Hybrid Powertrain joining the lists of Toyota Hyryder, and the Maruti Grand Vitara; which will help Kia to achieve higher mileage, lower emissions, which could result in upto 1000 KMs Range.
Kia will also most likely retain the 1.5 L Turbo Petrol and the 1.5 L Diesel Engine with transmission choice being 6 Speed Manual / Automatic / iMT, and the 7 Speed DCT.
New Nissan Midsize SUV
Expected Launch: 2026
Nissan is set to launch an all-new C-segment SUV in India by 2026. This upcoming SUV will be a sibling to the next-generation Renault Duster and will be manufactured at the Renault-Nissan Alliance plant near Chennai. It will cater not only to the Indian market but also be exported to global markets. The revealed images showcase a silhouette closely resembling the third-gen Duster, but with a refreshed front fascia and a slightly more aggressive, muscular profile. Notable design elements include large alloy wheels, pillar-mounted ORVMs, and a sloping rear roofline that adds a sporty character. While interior details and powertrain specs haven’t been officially disclosed, the SUV is likely to share its engine options and feature list with the new Duster. This means Nissan’s version could offer similar petrol and hybrid setups when it debuts.
