The Indian automobile industry has been witnessing a gradual shift towards fully electric vehicles, while the hybrid cars have seen steady growth. This year will mark the debut of several strong hybrid vehicles, especially in the SUV segment, from India’s top OEMs including Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra and Honda. Here’s a brief of the top 8 upcoming strong hybrid SUVs in India.
Upcoming Hybrid SUVs In India
Maruti Fronx Hybrid
Maruti Suzuki’s in-house strong hybrid powertrain will debut with the Fronx compact crossover in the coming months. However, its official launch date is yet to be announced. The Maruti Fronx hybrid will be offered with a 1.2L, 3-cylinder Z12E petrol engine, borrowed from the Swift. This gasoline motor will be paired to Maruti’s new series-hybrid system, which will be significantly more cost effective than Toyota’s Atkinson cycle.
7-Seater Maruti Grand Vitara/ Toyota Hyryder
Maruti Suzuki and Toyota Kirloskar Motor are gearing up to launch the 7-seater versions of their popular midsize SUVs (Grand Vitara and Hyryder, respectively) in second half of 2025. Both these upcoming strong hybrid SUVs will source the 1.5L, 3-cylinder TNGA Atkinson Cycle engine, paired to an eCVT gearbox. This setup has an electric motor, pushing out 79bhp with 141Nm. Its combined power stands at 114bhp. These upcoming strong hybrid SUVs will also share their platforms, design elements, interior and features with their regular ICE counterparts.
Honda ZR-V
Honda is considering the ZR-V hybrid SUV for the Indian market. Reports suggest that the SUV might hit showrooms towards the end of 2025. In global markets, the Honda ZR-V comes with a 2.0L e:HEV hybrid petrol engine, delivering 184bhp with the FWD system and eCVT gearbox. The same setup is likely to be offered on the India-spec ZRV. In India, this new Honda hybrid SUV will be brought as a CBU (completely built unit), indicating a premium pricing and positioning.
New-Gen Kia Seltos
The next-generation Kia Seltoswith comprehensive design changes and feature upgrades, is likely to arrive in 2026. Interestingly, the midsize SUV might also receive a 1.6L hybrid powertrain with an AWD system. This strong hybrid setup includes a 1.6L turbocharged inline-four petrol engine, an electric motor, offering a maximum power of 227bhp. This powertrain is claimed to offer high fuel efficiency and performance, while reducing emission levels.
Mahindra XUV 3XO Hybrid
Considering the growing popularity of hybrid vehicles, Mahindra & Mahindra is planning to introduce its own strong hybrid powertrain in 2026. The XUV 3XO subcompact SUV could be the first model to feature it. Codenamed S226, the Mahindra XUV 3XO strong hybrid is likely to come with a 1.2L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine, paired to a hybrid setup. The home-grown automaker is also exploring range extender hybrid for its born-electric SUVs.
New-Gen Hyundai Creta
The Hyundai Creta will also witness a generational shift in 2027. Media reports hint that the SUV’s all-new model could be offered with a 1.5L petrol engine, paired to an electric motor and a strong hybrid setup. With the introduction of hybrid powertrain, the Creta might lose the diesel engine due to the upcoming BS7 emission norms.
7-Seater Hyundai SUV
The South Korean automaker plans to introduce a new 7-seater premium SUV in India. This new model will sit between the Alcazar and Tucson SUVs in the company’s product lineup. Interestingly, it will be the first Hyundai model in India to come with the petrol hybrid powertrain. Its official launch timeline is yet to be revealed; however, it’s reported to hit roads by 2027. It will be produced at Hyundai’s Talegaon manufacturing facility.
Rendering Image: Source
