8 Upcoming SUV Cars in India in 2026

You can sum up the best SUVs in three words- rugged, zippy, and bold. However, a diverse range of SUVs in the market can often confuse prospective buyers. So, why not check out the upcoming SUVs in India and then make a choice?

Therefore, we present a list of the upcoming SUV cars in India in the coming months. 

Also, it is crucial to know that having car insurance is mandatory if you plan to buy a car in India, as per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. It offers financial protection against accidents, traffic fines, theft, and damage, thus safeguarding your investment.

Let’s get started!

1. Hyundai Tucson Facelift | Expected Launch Date: January 2026

Source: hyundai.news

This latest launch from Hyundai is sure to turn heads on the roads. With a starting price of just ₹29 lakh, this car is an affordable option for those in search of a luxurious car. 

The facelifted Hyundai Tucson will showcase refreshed styling elements, with new LED headlamps, a new grille, and modern alloy wheels. The interior will feature upgraded infotainment, premium upholstery, and enhanced connectivity options, offering more convenience and comfort for daily commutes.

  Key Specifications: 

• Ex-showroom price: Starting ₹29 Lakh
• Engine Displacement: 1999 cc
• Mileage: Not yet revealed
• Seating Capacity: Not yet revealed
• Transmission: Manual
• Fuel: Petrol
• Body type: SUV
• Safety feature: Not yet revealed

2. Skoda Elroq | Expected Launch Date: February 2026

Source: skoda-auto.com

The Skoda Elroq has a modern and aggressive design, like the Kodiaq, but with a sleeker touch. It will come with three battery pack options globally—55 kWh, 63 kWh, and 82 kWh—and a maximum range of up to 560 km. 

With its futuristic appeal, electric powertrain and range, Elroq is expected to make a splash in India’s EV market when it arrives this year. The Skoda Elroq will offer fast-charging capabilities, allowing drivers to gain a significant range in under an hour. Its cabin is expected to feature a fully digital dashboard, connected car tech, and spacious seating with high-quality materials, providing a comfortable and futuristic driving experience.

Key Specifications: 

• Ex-showroom Price: Starting ₹50 Lakhs
• Battery Capacity: 52-82 kWh 
• Range: 367 km - 560 km
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Transmission: Automatic
• Fuel Type: Electric
• Body Type: SUV
• Airbags: 9 
• Safety Features: Full suite of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS)

3. Volkswagen Tera | Expected Launch Date: March 2026

Source: volkswagen.com

The Volkswagen Tera is poised to redefine the SUV segment with its bold design and cutting-edge technology. Crafted for modern drivers, it promises a seamless blend of sophistication, performance, and innovation. 

The Tera embodies Volkswagen’s commitment to excellence. Its sleek yet rugged aesthetic appeals to adventure seekers and urban explorers. 

With an emphasis on comfort and an engaging driving experience, this upcoming SUV is expected to make a powerful statement on the roads. Designed for the future, the Volkswagen Tera is a glimpse into the next era of driving excellence.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom Price: Starting ₹9 Lakhs
• Engine Displacement: 998 cc (1.0L TSI petrol engine)
• Mileage: N/A
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Transmission: Manual
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Body Type: SUV
• Airbags: 6-8
• Safety Features: ABS with EBD, traction control programme, ESP, and ISOFIX child seat mounting points.

4. Hyundai Palisade | Expected Launch Date: March 2026

Source: hyundai.com

Hyundai Palisade delivers an unbeatable driving experience with its amazing features: wireless phone charging, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with BlueLink-connected car technology, numerous USB charging ports in all rows, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument. 

It boasts a 3.8-litre engine that delivers 291 PS and 355Nm and is equipped with an automatic transmission. The Hyundai Palisade will come with safety equipment like multiple airbags, a 360-degree camera system, and blind-spot monitoring. Passengers will appreciate multi-zone climate control, plenty of space in the seating for all three rows and premium sound systems to get an elevated driving experience.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: Starting ₹40 Lakh
• Engine Displacement: 3800 cc
• Mileage: 13 kmpl
• Seating Capacity: 7
• Transmission: Automatic
• Fuel: Diesel
• Body type: SUV
• Safety features: ABS and disc brakes on all four wheels, tyre pressure monitoring system, traction control, vehicle stability management, and 7 airbags.

5. Hyundai Inster | Expected Launch Date: June 2026

Source: hyundai.com

The Hyundai Inster is Hyundai’s upcoming compact SUV, designed to appeal to young urban families. It features a bold front grille, LED projector headlamps, a sporty stance with high ground clearance, good enough for city roads as well as tackling off-road occasionally.

Inside, the Inster will offer a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, semi-digital instrument cluster and premium upholstery. Hyundai will offer petrol, hybrid and electric versions to cater for a variety of customer choices.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom Price: Starting ₹12 Lakhs
• Engine Displacement: 998-1499 cc (Petrol/Hybrid options)
• Mileage: 18-22 kmpl (Petrol), Electric range N/A
  
• Seating Capacity: 5
  
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic
  
• Fuel Type: Petrol/Hybrid
  
• Body Type: SUV
  
• Airbags: 6
  
• Safety Features: ABS with EBD, ESP, traction control, ISOFIX mounts

6. Hyundai Santa Fe | Expected Launch Date: July 2026

Source: hyundai.com

The Hyundai Santa Fe is Hyundai's newest launch. It is equipped with a 1998 cc engine and runs on petrol. This car is available with both manual and automatic transmissions, and its maximum speed is 195 kmph.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is expected to feature advanced driver assistance technologies, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. It will also give a premium cabin with ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, and an intuitive infotainment system.

Key Specifications: 

• Ex-showroom price: Starting ₹45 Lakhs
• Engine Displacement: 1998 cc
• Mileage: 13.01-14.74 kmpl
• Seating Capacity: 7
• Transmission: Automatic
• Fuel: Diesel
• Body type: SUV
• Safety feature: Not Yet Announced 

7. Jeep Avenger | Expected Launch Date: December 2026

Source: jeep.co.uk

The Avenger, Jeep's smallest SUV, now gets an offroad edition. An AWD hybrid powertrain powers the Jeep Avenger 4xe, the top compact SUV. The seven-box grille, multi-spoke alloy wheels, and square taillights are the brand's hallmark features and will be included.

The electric Jeep Avenger can travel 400 kilometres on a single charge. Nonetheless, the ICE-powered version will likely receive the same 1.2-litre petrol engine seen in the C3, whether a non-advanced or turbo variant.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom Price: Starting ₹8 Lakhs
• Engine Displacement: Not yet revealed
• Mileage: Not yet revealed
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Transmission: Automatic
• Fuel: Hybrid(Petrol+ Electric)
• Body Type: SUV 
• Safety Feature:  Not Yet Announced

8. Kia EV5 | Expected Launch Date: December 2026

Source: kia.com

The KIA EV5 may start with RWD and AWD. It will include sleek LED headlights and taillights, contrast-coloured skid plates, flush-fitting door handles, hefty alloy wheels, roof rails, a shark-fin antenna, and a panoramic sunroof.

This SUV will have a dual-tone interior, a four-spoke multifunction steering wheel, ambient lighting, first-row bench seats, and folding rear seats. The Kia EV5 will feature ultra-fast charging and also various drive modes for city-driving and highway-cruising. Inside, it features a high-tech infotainment system with navigation, wireless smartphone integration, and comfortable seating with adjustable lumbar support for all five occupants.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom Price: Starting ₹30 Lakhs
• Range: 720 km
• Battery Capacity: 88 kWh
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Transmission: Automatic
• Fuel: Electric
• Body Type: SUV
• Safety Features: Not yet revealed