5 Affordable Strong Hybrid Cars Launching This Year: Nissan Tekton To MG Starlight
As the government of India is making it harder for diesel cars to be on the road, automakers have now started betting big on hybrid cars. Today, there are a number of hybrid options in the country. However, if you are someone who is looking for a hybrid, particularly in SUV form, then we suggest you wait for a bit. This is because five new hybrid SUVs will be making their debut in the coming period, and here are the details of them all.
The new generation Renault Duster’s E-Tech hybrid version has managed to achieve a lot of hype in the Indian market. In fact, even before the official pricing announcement, the entire 2026 production has already been sold out. As a result of this, the company temporarily stopped taking any more bookings for it. Deliveries of this SUV are expected to begin around the Diwali 2026 festive season.
It has been reported that Renault will reopen bookings for the 2027 allocation after the commencement of deliveries. Currently, the standard Duster starts at Rs 10.49 lakh, and the hybrid variant is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 16–20 lakh.
Powering the hybrid Duster is a strong hybrid E-Tech system, which is one of the most advanced in this segment. The 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine will come with two electric motors, a 1.4 kWh battery pack, and a hybrid starter generator (HSG). Its combined output will be 160 bhp and 172 Nm torque.
This makes it more powerful than rivals like Grand Vitara and Hyryder hybrids, which produce around 116 bhp. It will also come offered with a multi-mode automatic transmission, dedicated EV mode, 18-inch alloy wheels, four-disc brakes, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument gauge cluster, a panoramic sunroof, and many others.
Based on the same CMF-B architecture as the new Renault Duster, the Nissan Tekton mid-size SUV will also be getting a hybrid version. Design-wise, the Tekton will take its inspiration from the flagship Nissan SUV, the Patrol. The Tekton hybrid is expected to make its official debut early next year. As for the expected pricing, it will be in the range of Rs 11 to 19 lakh.
The strong hybrid version of the Tekton is expected to use a similar setup as the Duster. It will get the same 1.8-litre petrol engine, two electric motors, and a 1.4 kWh battery pack. Combined, it will make 160 bhp and 172 Nm torque. Also, the Tekton will be a feature-loaded SUV offering a 10.1-inch infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital driver display, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, and a 6-speaker Arkamys sound system.
Other notable highlights will include a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate controls, a powered tailgate, and an electronic parking brake. On the outside, it will feature C-shaped LED DRLs, connected LED tail lamps, a muscular bonnet, and chunky cladding with 18-inch alloy wheels.
After gathering a lot of feedback, Honda will finally be bringing the strong hybrid version of the Elevate to India. As per the reports, the Elevate hybrid is expected to be launched in India by mid to the second half of 2026. Most likely, Honda will be pricing the Elevate around Rs 18 to 22 lakh, which is similar to its rivals such as the Duster, Tekton, Grand Vitara, Victoris, and Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
Powering the Honda Elevate hybrid will be the same powertrain as the Honda City e:HEV. It will be a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with two electric motors making around 126 bhp. Its key highlights will include EV-only driving at low speeds, an easy switch between EV and petrol modes, regenerative braking, and a claimed mileage of around 26 kmpl.
JSW MG Motor is preparing to launch India's first affordable plug-in hybrid SUV based on the Wuling Starlight 560. Internally, it has been codenamed Project 520, and this SUV is expected to arrive in India by October 2026. Pricing of this SUV is expected to be around Rs 20 to 25 lakh, which will make it a very strong rival to the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Tata Safari, along with others.
The main highlight of this SUV is its plug-in hybrid system. It will come equipped with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a single electric motor, and a large 20.5 kWh battery pack. In total, it will make around 197 bhp and 230 Nm torque. Also, despite being a heavy SUV, it will be able to perform a sprint of 0 to 100 kmph in just 9.7 seconds.
Its top speed will be around 170 kmph, and the combined range of this SUV will be 1100 km. It will also offer a 100 km pure EV driving range. The MG Starlight 520 will measure 4,745 mm in length, offer a 2,810 mm wheelbase, and will be available in 5- and 7-seater configurations. It will be equally loaded with features on the inside as well.
Last on the list is the 7-seater version of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Over the last few months, it has been spotted testing multiple times. This SUV will be an extended version of the current Hyryder, which has been designed to target buyers looking for a bigger family SUV. The launch is expected in the second half of 2026 or early 2027, and the expected pricing range is Rs 15 to 22 lakh.
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder 7-seater will retain the same engines as the 5-seater version, including the 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol (103 bhp) and the 1.5-litre strong hybrid (116 bhp). It will also continue to offer the e-CVT gearbox with the strong hybrid powertrain, along with excellent fuel efficiency of 27+ kmpl. The Hyryder 7-seater will also be offered with an AWD option as well.