
Car manufacturers are slowly moving towards petrol engines as emission norms are becoming much stricter than ever before. Despite being less efficient, brands are now focusing on petrol engines in SUVs, as they are less polluting compared to diesel versions. Here is a list of SUVs with petrol engines that are expected to be launched in the market next year.

Toyota is said to be testing a 7-seater version of the Hyryder SUV. Leaked images show the side profile of an SUV that looks similar to the Hyryder but slightly longer. It is expected to be powered by the same 1.5-litre mild-hybrid and strong-hybrid engine options. The list of features is also expected to remain similar, along with an additional row of seats.

Mahindra showcased the Vision S concept last year, and we have also seen its test mules on our roads multiple times. It is a boxy-looking SUV which, like most Mahindra SUVs, will be offered with both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol version is expected to be powered by a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, which also powers the XUV 3XO. It generates 130 PS and 230 Nm of peak torque.

Hyundai is working on the next-generation Creta, which is expected to be launched early next year. The SUV will grow in size and come with more features than the current version. It will continue to be offered with 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines. We may also see Hyundai’s strong hybrid technology introduced in the next-generation Creta.

Hyundai is also working on a compact SUV, internally known as BC4i. It is expected to be based on the Bayon but will feature a more SUV-like design. This model could be the first Hyundai in India to get a new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which will sit between the 1.0-litre turbo and the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines.

Just like the Boreal, Nissan will also introduce a 7-seater version of the Tekton. It is likely to feature a similar design and will be powered by the same 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, generating around 163 PS and 280 Nm of torque.

Renault has expressed interest in entering the highly competitive sub-4-metre segment. The Bridger concept is its answer to that. It is a boxy-looking SUV developed in India for global markets. It is expected to come with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine derived from the 1.3-litre unit, along with 1.0-litre turbo and 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine options. Renault aims to launch the Bridger by the festive season next year.

Once Renault launches the Bridger, Nissan is expected to introduce its own version with a different exterior design. It will likely come with the same set of engine options as the Renault model.

The Tayron R-Line is currently Volkswagen’s flagship SUV in India. While the current version is performance-focused, the brand also plans to introduce a lower-spec, non-R-Line variant. This version will be more affordable, produce slightly less power, and skip some premium features.

After the success of the Skoda Kylaq, Volkswagen is planning to enter the sub-4-metre segment. The SUV will be based on the same platform and take design inspiration from the Tera SUV. It will be powered by a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with manual and 8-speed automatic transmission options.

MG is reportedly working on a replacement for the Astor, which has not performed strongly in India. The new model will be based on SAIC’s SIGMA (SAIC Intelligent Global Modular Architecture) platform, which also underpins models like the MG One SUV.

To stay relevant in the Indian market, Jeep is exploring the use of Tata’s newly developed 1.5-litre Hyperion turbo-petrol engine. This engine is expected to generate around 170 PS and 280 Nm of torque, similar to the Harrier and Safari.

Following the Compass, the 7-seater Jeep Meridian is also expected to receive the same engine. Currently available only with a diesel engine, this update will add a petrol option to the lineup.