Hybrid vehicles are gaining significant traction in the Indian automobile industry. In 2024, hybrid and electric vehicles accounted a combined market share of 9.87 percent. Currently, there are limited options in the hybrid SUV segment including Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. However, this will soon change as OEMs like Maruti, Hyundai, Kia and Mahindra are planning to introduce hybrid versions of their popular SUVs. Let’s delve into key details of these upcoming hybrid SUVs.
Upcoming Hybrid SUVs in India
Maruti Fronx
The Indo-Japanese automaker is working on its own strong hybrid technology, which will debut with the Fronx compact crossover by mid-2025. The updated Fronx will come with the 1.2L, 3-cylinder Z12E petrol engine paired to the strong hybrid tech. This is the same petrol motor that powers the Swift hatchback. The Maruti Fronx hybrid is reported to offer a fuel efficiency of over 30kmpl. The existing 1.2L K-Series petrol engine will also be on offer.
Hyundai Creta
Hyundai’s top-selling Creta midsize SUV will go hybrid with the generation change in 2027. Internally known as SX3, the all-new Hyundai Creta is expected to come with the 1.5L petrol engine paired to an electric motor and strong hybrid tech. The South Korean automaker plans to introduce hybrid vehicles with the increasing market demand and upcoming BS7 emission norms. Details of the new Hyundai Creta hybrid are still under the wraps.
Kia seltos
Hyundai’s sister brand, Kia will also introduce the Seltos hybrid sometime next year. It will be the first hybrid offering from the South Korean carmaker in India. The next-generation Kia Seltos is likely to receive 1.6L hybrid powertrain with the AWD system. Significant changes are also expected to be made inside and out. The SUV might come with the new seat upholstery, new steering wheel, ambient lighting system, revised dashboard, door trims and headrests.
Mahindra XUV 3XO
Mahindra is all set to roll out its first petrol-hybrid SUV in 2026 – the XUV 3XO. The Mahindra XUV 3XO hybrid (internally known as S226), the compact SUV might come with the 1.2L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine benefited with the hybrid tech. The overall design and interior are likely to remain unchanged. The indigenous carmaker is also considering range extender hybrids for its born-electric SUVs.
