5 Upcoming Hyundai SUVs: New Creta To Palisade
Hyundai is plotting an aggressive product push in India as competition from Tata Motors and Mahindra intensifies. The Korean giant is betting big on SUVs and plans to introduce new models into multiple segments.
The next-generation Creta is under development. Expected to be out in late 2026 or early 2027, this SUV will undergo a major design overhaul. It will likely draw design inspirations from the IONIQ 5 and will come with a fresh front fascia. Inside, it will get a new cabin layout, colours and possibly even new features. A lot of its features will also be shared with the outgoing model.
The new-generation Creta will be underpinned by the third-generation K3 platform. It will come with the same three engine options as the outgoing model- 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5L turbocharged petrol and 1.5L diesel. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be available.
In addition to these, a new strong hybrid powertrain will also be introduced on the SUV in the near term. In the Indian market, it will compete with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Victoris, Tata Sierra, Renault Duster, Kia Seltos, and more.
Hyundai is working on an all-new three-row SUV, internally codenamed Ni1i. This model will effectively replace the Tucson in its Indian lineup. It will compete with the likes of Tata Safari and Mahindra XUV 7XO when launched. We expect it to enter production in late 2026 or early 2027.
The Ni1i will be a roomy, technology-rich, three-row SUV spanning 4.7 metres in length. It will come in both six and seven-seater versions. Spy sightings have hinted at the design being bold with vertically-stacked LED lighting elements, large wheels and more. It will have a strong road presence.
It will come with a newly-developed 1.5L strong hybrid powertrain. This setup mates a 1.5L petrol engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. Though the exact power and torque outputs of this setup aren’t known yet, it will reportedly be able to make around 150hp and 250Nm. More powertrain choices are also likely to be offered and the SUV will be manufactured at the carmaker’s Talegaon factory.
In the future, the new 1.5L hybrid petrol powertrain is expected to be introduced on the Alcazar as well. The hybrid Alcazar will be positioned above the Creta and below the upcoming Ni1i. Going hybrid will bring about major improvements in its fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. We expect the hybrid Alcazar to launch in 2027.
Hyundai also plans to launch a small electric SUV based on the Inster sold abroad. This, when launched in India, will compete with the Citroen e-C3 and the facelifted Tata Punch.EV. It will be based on the E-GMP (K) platform and will likely come with two battery packs- 42 kWh and 49 kWh. Hyundai will give it an EV-like design with an upright stance and practical dimensions. Like other Hyundai SUVs, this EV will come well-kitted.
Finally, the carmaker plans to launch a new halo SUV in India- the Palisade. It will be a Fortuner rival, powered by a 2.5-litre hybrid petrol powertrain. This setup consists of a petrol engine with two electric motors and a battery pack. The combined system output will be around 329 bhp and 459 Nm. The SUV will have a driving range of up to 1000 km on a full tank.
The current generation Palisade has a stylish design. It is large and has an imposing road presence. Key styling cues include vertically slatted LED headlamps and tail lamps, chunky body cladding and wide front grille. Clean body lines and smooth surfaces are also characteristic features of this design. The Palisade will also have a tech-heavy cabin.