7 Upcoming MPVs For Large Families: Maruti Ertiga Facelift To Kia Carnival Hybrid
MPVs continue to be practical choices for large families. Even in 2026, they haven’t lost their relevance. While the segment has shrunk slightly over the years, it is far from dead. Here are seven MPVs expected to arrive in India soon.
The Ertiga is still one of the most popular affordable MPVs in India. The current generation has been around for a while and the next is at least a couple of years away. So, Maruti Suzuki will likely launch a facelift sometime this year to keep the model relevant in the market. Details of this update are sparse.
We expect it to come with minor styling changes, a better-kitted cabin and maybe even an underbody CNG tank. It will be powered by the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as the current model. Mated to it will be a manual and an automatic transmission. The generational update might give the Ertiga a strong hybrid powertrain.
The Rumion is Toyota’s version of the Ertiga- a product of the ongoing joint venture between the two Japanese manufacturers. Sometime after Maruti Suzuki launches the facelifted Ertiga here, Toyota could follow suit and launch a corresponding facelift on the Rumion.
Maruti Suzuki has launched its first electric vehicle in India- the eVitara. The second EV from the brand will be an electric MPV. Currently codenamed YMC, it will be based on the same Heartect-e platform as the eVitara. This skateboard architecture was co-developed by Toyota, Suzuki, and Daihatsu.
Due to the skateboard platform, the YMC MPV will have a flat floor and a good amount of cabin space. It will also have a wider stance and improved weight distribution. The e-MPV is expected to come with similar battery packs as the eVitara- 40 kWh and 60 kWh. The larger of these will likely have a real world range of around 450 km per charge.
The YMC’s production version will have rear wheel drive (RWD) and will be out around September of this year. The ex-showroom prices are likely to fall in the range of Rs 22 lakh. The design hasn’t been revealed officially yet. We expect it to come with Y-shaped LED DRLs, closed-off grille and aero-optimized alloy wheels.
Toyota will likely launch its version of the YMC MPV, sometime in the future. It will also be based on the Heartect-e platform and borrow the same battery packs- 40kWh and 60kWh. It is expected to feature a different exterior design and possibly a different interior colour palette and digital interface.
The Toyota Innova Hycross, launched in 2022, is awaiting a facelift. In addition to minor cosmetic changes, the updated MPV will get more features like a larger touchscreen and an improved instrument cluster. The overall ride quality and cabin experience will improve. Expected to be out in late 2026, the facelift will use the same set of engines as the outgoing Hycross- 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre strong hybrid petrol.
Another launch will be the lower-spec Hycross hybrid variants. These variants will eventually replace the diesel-powered Innova Crysta. The Crysta will be phased out as the CAFE III norms kick in, likely around March next year. The strong hybrid powertrain ( based on a 2.0L engine and with a combined output of 182hp) of Hycross is known for its fuel efficiency.
The lower-spec hybrid variants will omit some of the standard hybrid Hycross’ features. The new variants will be aimed primarily at the fleet segment. Their rollout will also help Toyota in bringing down the entry point to the hybrid Hycross lineup. Both the facelift and the lower-spec variants will all continue to be based on the TNGA-C platform.
Hyundai reportedly has plans to launch an MPV in India in the coming years. Speculations suggest that it could be the Staria. The MPV that shares its underpinnings with the Kia Carnival, was previously showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The show-car had a 3.5L V6 engine, producing 272hp and 331Nm.
In late 2025, Hyundai reportedly said the upcoming MPV will allow it to get a larger share of the high-volume family segment. This makes us rethink if Staria would actually be the upcoming MPV we’re talking about, as it is likely to be positioned in the premium segment.
Kia launched the outgoing Carnival premium MPV in India in 2024. It is now available with just a 2.2L turbocharged diesel engine, capable of making 197 hp and 440 Nm. It comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It is expected to get a new strong hybrid petrol engine in the near term.
In international markets, the Carnival is sold with a 1.6-litre strong hybrid powertrain which makes 272 hp and 367 Nm. In India, the Carnival competes primarily with the Toyota Vellfire. It already has a price advantage. The addition of a hybrid powertrain will make it even more competitive.