The full-size, three-row utility vehicles are quite popular among Indian car buyers, thanks to their practicality, spacious cabin and cargo, advanced tech, commendable road presence and efficient powertrain. Toyota Fortuner has been dominating the full-size SUV segment ever since its launch, and Kia’s Carnival is performing well in the premium MPV space. If you’re looking for a premium utility vehicle (SUV/MPV) with 7-seats configuration, there will be four new products coming your way this year. Let’s take a close look at key details of the upcoming 7-seater SUVs/MPVs.
Nissan X-Trail
The Japanese automaker is gearing up to enter into the full-size, 7-seater SUV segment with the X-Trail that’s slated to go on sale in coming months. Here, it will be brought via the CBU route and sold in limited numbers. Under the hood, the Nissan X-Trail SUV will feature a 1.5L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine making 204bhp and 305Nm. Transmission duties will be done by a CVT gearbox. There will be no diesel and hybrid powertrains on offer.
MG Gloster Facelift
Launched in 2020, the MG Gloster is now ready for a mid-life update that’s likely to happen near around 2024 festive season. Minimal changes will be made to its design and interior. The front fascia will be revised comprehensively with a large hexagonal grille with red highlights and new split headlamp setup. It will also get the new LED taillights connected via a light bar, more rugged cladding, newly-designed 18-inch alloy wheels. No changes are likely to be made under the bonnet. The 2024 MG Gloster facelift is likely to use the same 2.0L diesel engine with 4X2 and 4X4 drivetrain system.
Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 will arrive in India towards the end of 2024. Based on the e-GMP (electric global modular platform), the electric SUV is offered with the 76.1kWh, single-motor RWD and 99.8kWh, dual-motor RWD variants, offering claimed range of 358km and 541km, respectively. It will come with both fixed and portable charging options. Being the flagship EV offering, the Kia EV9 will be packed with advanced tech such as Level 3 ADAS suite, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity and navigation, a 12.3-inch driver display, OTA updates, a 14-speaker Meridian sound system, etc.
New-Gen Kia Carnival
The new-generation Kia Carnival is reported to launch by September or October 2024. Similar to its predecessor, the MPV’s new model will come in 7-seater, 9-seater and 11-seater versions. All variants will be powered by the 2.2L, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine paired to an automatic gearbox. The Carnival will grow in terms of length, while its width and height will remain unchanged. Inside, the new 2024 Kia Carnival will get a dual screen setup with 12.3-inch units, revised audio and AC controls, an updated digital key, HUD, and many more features.
