The Indian market is set to see the launch of several mass-market seven-seater SUVs and MPVs in the next few years. Many of these are expected to arrive this year, while others are still some time away. Here is a list of upcoming seven-seater SUVs and MPVs that you should keep an eye on.
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The BMW Concept Skytop has an incredibly distinctive and exotic look.
Next-gen Kia Carnival
The fourth-gen Kia Carnival is expected to arrive in India by this festive season. The MPV was recently spied testing under wraps, which revealed that it has more modern and sharp styling than the previous-gen version. The interior will likely be similar to the global-spec model, and will feature two 12.3-inch displays, rotary drive selector, and multiple seating layouts. The 2.2-litre diesel engine will likely be retained.
Skoda Elroq: Skoda’s electric Karoq has been replaced by the Elroq.
Hyundai Alcazar facelift
After giving the Creta a mid-life makeover earlier this year, Hyundai is now working on a facelift for its three-row sibling. Recent spy shots revealed that the Alcazar facelift will have slightly different styling compared to the Creta. While no mechanical updates are expected, it will come equipped with ADAS safety features. The Alcazar facelift is likely to be launched by October this year.
Kia EV3: The new Kia EV3, a small electric SUV.
MG Gloster Facelift
The Toyota Fortuner rival MG Gloster has been around since 2020, and is now set to get a mid-life makeover. We had revealed in January that the Gloster facelift will be launched in India by the end of this year. Expect changes like new headlamps, a larger grille, new tail-lamps, updated bumpers, and some additional features over the current model.
Mahindra XUV 3XO: Cost, appearance, available engines option, and more
Kia EV9
We had reported in July last year that the Kia EV9 will be launched in India in 2024 as a part of the Kia 2.0 transformation strategy for the country. The flagship electric SUV will sit above the EV6 in the carmaker’s portfolio, and will be sold as a full import in limited numbers. It could be priced around Rs 1 crore, taking on the BMW iX.
Jeep Meridian facelift
The Jeep Meridian is set to get a mid-life update later this year. The updated SUV was spotted testing wearing camouflage a few days ago, confirming only minor styling changes. Cosmetic changes are likely to include updated bumpers and a revised grille, however, the biggest change will be the ADAS suite. The Meridian facelift will retain the 170hp, 350Nm, 2.0-litre diesel engine.
Creta Hybrid: The company may launch a mid-size hybrid SUV like the Creta
Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder seven-seater
A three-row version of the Maruti Grand Vitara (codenamed Y17) is in the works. Expected to get petrol, hybrid and CNG powertrains when launched, the seven-seater SUV will directly rival the Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector and Tata Safari. Toyota will also offer a three-row version of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder , which will share its underpinnings with the seven-seat Grand Vitara.
Kia Carens EV
Last month, Kia confirmed that the Carens-based EV (codenamed KY-EV) will be launched in 2025. The Carens EV could become the most affordable electric MPV when it arrives. While no specifications are available yet, the Carens EV could offer a range of around 400-500 km. The Carens EV will be positioned above the ICE version, hence, its starting price is expected to be around Rs 20-22 lakh.
