The Indian 7-seater SUV segment has been witnessing strong demand, with Mahindra & Mahindra currently leading the market. If you are also planning to buy a new three-row SUV, waiting a little longer would prove worthwhile, as several new models are set to hit roads in 2026-2027. Interestingly, the upcoming lineup will be available with multiple powertrain options including petrol, diesel, electric and hybrid. Let’s take a quick look at the top 10 upcoming 7-seater SUVs.
7-Seater Maruti & Toyota SUVs
Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to launch a new three-row premium SUV by the end of this year. The model is likely to be based on the Grand Vitara, sharing its design, features, platform and powertrain options. Similarly, Toyota Kirloskar Motor is testing the 7-seater version of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, which is expected to arrive in late 2026.
Both SUVs will be longer and more spacious than their 5-seater counterparts. Engine options are likely to include a 103bhp, 1.5L K15C petrol mild hybrid and 115bhp, 1.5L Atkinson cycle strong hybrid.
MG Starlight 560
JSW MG Motor India has confirmed the launch of a new plug-in hybrid SUV around this year’s Diwali season. The upcoming PHEV (plug-in hybrid vehicle) is likely to be based on the Wuling Starlight 560 sold in China. Globally, the SUV is available with a 1.5L petrol engine, paired with a 20.5kWh battery pack. The carmaker might also introduce the all-electric version of the Starlight 560, featuring a 56.7kWh battery pack paired with a front-mounted electric motor.
Hyundai Ni1i
Codenamed Hyundai Ni1i, the brand’s upcoming three-row premium SUV will sit between the Alcazar and Tucson in the product lineup. Details of the new Hyundai 7-seater SUV are scanty at the moment. It’s expected to be based on the long-wheelbase version of the Tucson, which is currently on sale in China. The model is likely to share its powertrains with the new-gen Creta, including both ICE and hybrid options.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento could be the brand’s first strong hybrid offering in India, followed by the new Seltos hybrid in 2027. While the global-spec model features a powerful 1.6L TGDi petrol hybrid powertrain with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, the India-bound model is likely to be offered with an all-new hybrid system based on the existing 1.5L petrol engine.
Tata Safari EV
Internally codenamed ‘Tayrona’, the new Tata Safari EV will enter production in the next couple of months with its launch slated for the 2026 Diwali season. The electric SUV is expected to share its powertrain with the Harrier EV, which is currently available with 65kWh and 75kWh battery pack options. It will get an AWD (referred as QWD by Tata Motors) system with dual motor setup in higher trims.
New-Gen Toyota Fortuner
The next-generation Toyota Fortuner is expected to make global debut in late 2026, followed by its India launch. According to reports, the new SUV lineup could be offered with an ADAS suite and features such as a new touchscreen, a fully digital instrument cluster, and more. Its design will be heavily inspired by the new Toyota Hilux. Under the hood, the 2026 Toyota Fortuner is likely to feature the existing 2.7L petrol and 2.8L diesel engines.
Renault & Nissan 7-Seater
Renault India will introduce the 7-seater Duster sometime in 2027. The overall design and styling of the SUV will be inspired by the Dacia Bigster, which measures 4,570mm in length, 1,810mm in width and 1,710mm in height. It’s likely to borrow the 1.0L turbo petrol, 1.3L turbo petrol and 1.8L petrol hybrid powertrains from the Duster. The new Renault 7-seater SUV will be longer and more spacious than its 5-seater sibling.
Nissan’s re-badged version of the 7-seater Renault Duster is also expected to arrive in 2027. Similar to the upcoming Nissan Tekton, it’s design language could be heavily inspired by the Nissan Patrol SUV.