Over the next 8 months, the Indian SUV market is set to see a wave of new launches across various segments. Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Skoda are preparing to introduce brand-new compact SUVs aimed at strengthening their presence in the mid-size segment. Meanwhile, Kia and Hyundai are gearing up to launch fresh sub-compact SUVs that will target budget-conscious buyers looking for feature-rich, city-friendly options.
Hyundai has been spotted testing the next-generation Venue in India and in South Korea. The new Venue will undergo full redesign for both the exterior and the interiors with inspiration from the Palisade (sold internationally) while also borrowing equipments from the Creta like the Quad-Beam Headlamps. The new Venue however will retain its 3 Engine Options – 1.2 L NA Petrol, 1.0 L Turbo Petrol, and 1.5 L Diesel with transmission choice being 6 Speed Manual / Automatic, and 7 Speed DCT.
Features-wise it’ll get ventilated seats, electronic parking brake, upgraded Level 2 ADAS, possibly Panoramic Sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, 360 Surround View Camera, and much more.
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.
Kia at the start of the year launched the Syros SUV in ICE version with features so crazy that some of them you won’t even find them in Compact SUVs like Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, MG Astor, etc. The EV counterpart is expected to launch later this year with some minor tweaks in the exterior and interior. The Syros EV battery specifications is under wraps, but we expect Kia to offer a 30 kWh and 42 kWh battery pack with range between 350 – 450 KM. Expect new features like co-driver powered seat, heads-up display (HUD), Dual-zone Climate Control, etc.
Tata will be launching the Sierra SUV in both the ICE and EV forms, with the EV version launching first by the festive season with ICE version by end of this year. Tata showcased the pre-production model at the auto expo showing the bold rugged look the SUV once it goes into production. The EV won’t differ much, but could get new bumper design same as Harrier.ev, new alloy wheels, ev bits styling, etc. Interiors will see 12.3-inch triple screen setup, more legroom in the rear row, and more premium interiors over other Tata models. Powertrain for ICE will come with the 1.5 L Turbo Petrol and 2.0 L Diesel engine with 6 Speed MT, and DCT Choices. Battery pack choices for the EV version could be the 55 kWh from the Curvv and the 65 kWh that debuted with the Harrier.ev.
The 2025 Skoda Kushaq Facelift has been spied testing with heavy camouflage, revealing changes to the grille and headlamp setup—likely inspired by the new Kodiaq—with repositioned DRLs, revised bumpers, and expected new 18-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, connected tail-lamps could be introduced. Inside, updates may include a floating infotainment system, fully digital instrument cluster, new steering wheel with Skoda lettering, dual-tone cabin theme, and a panoramic sunroof. Powertrain options remain unchanged with the 1.0L TSI (114 BHP, 178 Nm) and 1.5L TSI (147.5 BHP, 250 Nm) turbo petrol engines, mated to MT, AT, and DSG gearboxes.
The Skoda Kushaq petrol mileage ranges from 18.09 to 19.76 kmpl, and the ground clearance of Kushaq stands at 188 mm. Expected new features include dual-zone climate control, powered tailgate, drive and traction modes, while safety enhancements may add Level 2 ADAS, 360° camera, blind spot monitor, electronic parking brake with auto hold, and hill descent control.
