5 New Sub-4 Meter Hybrid SUVs: Maruti Fronx To Renault Bridger
Apart from electric mobility, the second most sustainable mode of mobility is hybrid, and a lot of manufacturers are now shifting their focus towards hybrid cars. Currently, there are not many affordable hybrid cars. However, in the coming period, we will be seeing 5 new sub-4 metre hybrid SUVs. So, if you are planning to buy a compact SUV, it might be worth waiting. Here are all the details of the upcoming hybrid SUVs in India.
Let’s start with the most important hybrid vehicle that will be launched in India. We are talking about the Maruti Fronx series hybrid. Over the last few months, we have been seeing multiple test mules of the Fronx hybrid on Indian roads. A lot of them have been seen without camouflage and had a “Hybrid” badge, along with roof-mounted sensors and even a LiDAR unit.
Now, coming to the main highlight, this SUV will use a series hybrid system, which is very different from the strong hybrids which we currently know. In this setup, the electric motor drives the wheels, while the petrol engine only acts as a generator. It will use the 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Z12E petrol engine, which currently makes 81 bhp and 108 Nm.
This motor will only be used to charge the battery pack of the vehicle. The Fronx series hybrid is expected to deliver over 35 kmpl, which will make it the most fuel-efficient car in India. Apart from this, it will also get Level 2 ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and more. There are also reports of an AWD system, similar to the one seen in the Grand Vitara. As for the launch, it is expected to arrive by late 2026 or early 2027.
Based on the same powertrain and underpinnings, Maruti Suzuki’s strategic partner, Toyota, will also be launching its own version of the Fronx series hybrid, which will be the Urban Cruiser Taisor series hybrid. This SUV will use the same Z12E-based 1.2-litre petrol engine with the series hybrid setup.
Compared to the regular Taisor, this version could get slight design changes to differentiate between the two. Its launch is expected shortly after the Fronx hybrid, most likely in 2027. Both the Fronx and the Taisor hybrids are expected to be priced in the range of Rs 10-15 lakh.
Mahindra is also planning something big for the compact SUV segment. The Vision S, which has been in the news lately as a lot of its test mules are being spotted, could become the first strong hybrid offering from Mahindra Automotive. This SUV will be based on Mahindra’s new NU_IQ platform, which will support petrol, diesel, hybrid, and even electric powertrains.
The hybrid version is expected to use a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with hybrid assistance. The launch is expected around 2027, with the production model likely to be revealed by the end of 2026. In terms of design, it will have a boxy and rugged look, with a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, upright stance, and high ground clearance of around 227 mm.
It is believed that the strong hybrid version will also feature an AWD system. In terms of features, it is expected to boast a dual-screen setup, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, Level 2 ADAS, and a 360-degree camera, along with others. Its pricing is expected to start from under Rs 11 lakh to make it very competitive.
The French automaker, Renault, is also planning to enter the sub-4m SUV segment with a bang. For this, it is planning to launch its recently showcased Bridger concept. This SUV will be based on the RGMP (Renault Global Modular Platform), which will support petrol, hybrid, and electric powertrains. This SUV is expected to go into production by 2027.
Presently, the exact details of the hybrid system have not been revealed yet. The Bridger's design will be one of its biggest highlights. It will be a boxy SUV with a rugged stance, flared wheel arches, short overhangs, and a ground clearance of around 200 mm. Pricing is expected to be very aggressive, around Rs 10 to Rs 15 lakh, which could make it one of the most affordable hybrid SUVs in the country.
Based on the Renault Bridger, Nissan is also expected to launch its own version of this SUV in India. It will share the same RGMP platform and will also get hybrid powertrain options. In terms of design, it is expected to take inspiration from the Nissan Patrol.
We can expect split LED headlamps, C-shaped DRLs, a bold grille with “NISSAN” branding, and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel. The launch timeline will be similar to the Bridger, which is around 2027