4 Hyundai Hybrid SUVs Lined Up For The Indian Market
Hyundai has long been enjoying a strong foothold in the Indian market. Recently, aggressive moves from brands like Tata Motors and Mahindra have put it under great pressure. The Korean carmaker seems to have a strong fightback plan and hybrids are an important part of it. Hyundai is also betting big on the SUV bodystyle. Here are four hybrid SUVs that we expect the carmaker to launch in the coming years.
Hyundai is reportedly developing a new three-row mid-size SUV to challenge the likes of Tata Safari and Mahindra XUV 7XO. The vehicle is internally codenamed Ni1i and will sit above the Alcazar and take the place of the now-discontinued Tucson. It will be the company’s first hybrid product for India and will enter production in late 2026 or early 2027. It will belong to the 4.7-metre category ( which in fact, is longer than the Tucson) and will come with a roomy, technology-rich cabin. Both six and seven-seater versions will be available.
It will be powered by a newly-developed 1.5L strong hybrid powertrain that combines a petrol engine with an electric motor and a small battery pack. Output figures, though unconfirmed, could fall in the range of 150–155 hp and 250 Nm. More powertrain choices may be offered upon launch. This SUV will be manufactured at the carmaker’s Talegaon factory.
What looks like the test mule of this SUV was recently spied in Korea. Pictures show vertically oriented LED DRLs and headlamps, SUV-like silhouette, vertical rear lamps, large wheels and a few other details.
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The Creta is one of the most important products for the Korean carmaker. The version on sale currently is the facelifted second-generation Creta. Hyundai is now working on the third-generation SUV. Codenamed SX3, it is expected to be out in 2027. It will be produced at the carmaker’s Tamil Nadu plant.
While detailed specifications are still under wraps, the third generation is expected to retain its current powertrain lineup- 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol engine, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, and 1.5-litre diesel. Transmission options are also likely to be carried forward- both manual and automatic units will be available.
Image source: Shortscar
In addition to these, the new Creta is also expected to get a new strong hybrid powertrain, likely the 1.5L setup mentioned above. Pricing (of the hybrid) could fall between Rs 18 lakh and Rs 22 lakh, placing it directly against strong hybrid rivals like the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.
The next-generation Creta is also expected to get more features and safety equipment. Even the outgoing model is tech-heavy. More importantly, the upcoming SUV will be underpinned by the third-generation K3 platform. This will enable a more comprehensive list of ADAS functions and related features.
This update will help the Creta stay competitive in the mid-size SUV space that’s being populated with models like the new Tata Sierra, second-generation Seltos and the new Duster. The hybrid space is relatively less crowded. For now, we have just the Grand Vitara, Victoris, and Hyryder there. Soon, the Duster will also get a strong hybrid powertrain.
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The new 1.5L strong hybrid powertrain is expected to make its way to the Alcazar as well. This makes sense considering Alcazar is based on the Creta and would be positioned below the Ni1i SUV when the latter launches. The introduction of this engine is expected to bring about significant improvements in fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. We expect the Alcazar hybrid to launch in 2027, shortly after the Creta hybrid. Ex-showroom prices of hybrid variants could fall in the Rs 20-24 lakh bracket.
At the top of the lineup, Hyundai could introduce the Palisade Hybrid as a halo product. This flagship SUV was recently showcased globally and features a bold, modern design.
It is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with two electric motors, with a combined system output of 329 bhp and 459 Nm. The carmaker claims a driving range of up to 1,000 km on a full tank. The Palisade could have a premium pricing when launched in India.
Clearly, there is a visible shift in strategy. Hybrids are the going to be the next big thing here, and Hyundai intends to have an edge with this product offensive. If things go as planned, it will have one of the most diverse hybrid SUV portfolios in the country.